HOW GOD GUIDES PART 4

MEMORY VERSE: Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established. Proverbs 15:22

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 33-34

There are some very important points I will like to remind you of. Firstly, guidance springs out of our relationship with God. He has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Before you look up to Him for guidance on any issue, first of all check your walk with Him. Secondly, His guidance is always in line with scriptures. He will not guide one to do something contrary to scriptures. As mentioned yesterday, one of the ways God speaks is through prophets. We find examples of this both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (e.g. Agabus- Acts 11:27-28). He also speaks through pastors. Several months back I had a serious challenge at work. With the way things were back then, it was obvious that I was on my way out so I reported the matter to God. One evening I sat back to watch a live program over the internet. Whilst the man of God was preaching, he quoted Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Then he said, “God says I will help you, I will strengthen you and uphold you with my right hand.” Immediately he made that statement, something snapped in my spirit. I knew God was speaking to me. Several minutes later he repeated himself and said “God says i should i tell you, I will strengthen you and uphold you with my right hand.” I held onto it and God confirmed the word of His servant. As He promised, He helped me and i didn't lose my job.

He also guides through the counsel of the saints. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.” While seeking advice is very important, we need to remember that ultimately our decisions are between us and God. They are our responsibility. We cannot shift that responsibility onto others or seek to blame them if things go wrong. The ‘counsel of saints’ is part of guidance – but it is not the only part. Sometimes it may be right to go ahead in spite of the ideas of others. If we are faced with a decision where we need advice, whom should we consult? The best advisors are usually godly Christians people with wisdom and experience whom we respect. (It is also wise to seek the advice of parents whom we are to honour, even if we are past the age of being under their authority. Even if they are not Christians, they know us very well and can often have important insights into situations).

The people whom we ask for advice should not be chosen on the basis that they will agree with what we have already planned to do. Sometimes one sees a person consulting countless people in the hope that they will eventually find somebody who will endorse their plans. Such advice has little weight and simply enables the person to say, ‘and I consulted X and he or she agreed.’ We should consult people on the basis of their spiritual authority or their relationship to us, regardless of what we may anticipate their views to be. Another way God guides is through circumstantial signs. God is in ultimate control of events. Sometimes God opens doors (1 Corinthians 16:9) and sometimes He closes them (Acts 16:7). Sometimes God’s guidance seems to come immediately it is asked for (e.g. Genesis 24), but often it takes much longer: sometimes months or even years. Sometimes we hear God correctly, but we get the timing wrong. Sometimes, like Abraham, we try to fulfill God’s plan by our own wrong methods and get it into trouble.

NOTE: God is able to restore you to the years which the swarming locust has eaten (Joel 2:25). He is able to make something good out of whatever is left of our lives – whether it is a short time or a long time- if we will offer what we have to Him and co-operate with His Spirit.

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HOW GOD GUIDES PART 3

MEMORY VERSE: After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 48-50

In Acts 16, Paul and his companions wanted to enter Bithynia to preach the good news but the Holy Spirit would not allow them to. So they went a different way. Verse 7 says, “After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” The Bible did not tell us how exactly the Spirit spoke to them, but it may have been in one of a number of ways. Yesterday, we discussed one of the ways the Spirit speaks to us. He often speaks to us as we pray through a thought coming into our mind. Obviously such thoughts need to be tested (1 John 4:1). Is it in line with the Bible? Does it promote love? If it does not, it cannot come from a God who is love (1 John 4:16). Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? (1 Corinthians 14:3)? When we have made the decision, do we know God’s peace (Colossians 3:15)?

God sometimes speaks to us by giving us a strong desire to do something. Several years back, during one of our mid-week services in church, I had a very strong desire to bless a particular sister financially. Fortunately, I had some money on me (although not much) so I put it in an envelope, gave it to her and left. Several minutes later, my phone rang and I picked it up. It was the sister, crying and thanking me for allowing God to use me. It was then I knew God had just used me to meet her needs. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” As we surrender our wills to God, He works in us and often changes our desires. Sometimes people try to imagine the thing that they would least like to do and then assume that God will ask them to do exactly that. I do not believe God is like that. So don’t be frightened and say, “If i become a Christian, God will make me be a missionary.” If that is what God wants you to do, and your will is surrendered, He will give you a strong desire to do that.

God sometimes guides in more unusual ways. There are many examples in the Bible of God guiding individuals in dramatic ways. He spoke to Samuel as a small boy in a way in which he could hear with his physical ears ( 1 Samuel 3:4-14). He guided Abram (Genesis 18), Joseph (Matthew 2:19), etc, through angels. He often speaks through prophets both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (e.g., Agabus – Acts 11:27-28). He guided through visions. For example, one night God spoke to Paul in a vision. He saw a man in Macedonia standing and begging him, “come over to Macedonia and help us”. Not surprisingly, Paul and his companions took this as guidance that God had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). There are also examples of God guiding through dreams (eg, Matthew 1:20; 2:12-13, 22). When we become Christians we are not called to abandon common sense. Psalm 32:9 says, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” It is true to say God’s promises of guidance were not given so that we could avoid the strain of thinking. Common sense is vital when considering God’s guidance about our jobs, careers, choosing a partner for life and so on.

NOTES: It is common sense to look at at least three very important areas when choosing a partner for life. Are we spiritually compatible? A Christian should only marry another Christian. Secondly, are we personally compatible? Obviously, our marriage partner should be a very good friend and someone with whom there is a great deal in common. Thirdly, are we physically compatible? By this i mean we should be attracted to each other.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me a hearing heart.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

HOW GOD GUIDES PART 2

MEMORY VERSE: After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 1-4

We learnt yesterday that guidance springs out of our relationship with God. He has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” We also learnt that one of the ways God guides us, His children, is through ‘commanding scriptures’. God’s general will for all people, in all places, in all circumstances, is revealed in Scripture.

Another way God guides us is through ‘controlling spirit’. Guidance is very personal. When we become Christians, the Spirit of God comes to live within us. When He does so, He begins to communicate with us. We need to learn to hear His voice. Jesus said that His sheep, His followers, would recognize His voice (John 10:4-5). We recognize a good friend’s voice immediately on the telephone. If we do not know the person so well, it may be harder and take more time. The more we get to know Jesus (through regular study of the Word, praying in the Holy Spirit, spending time with Him in fasting and praying and so on), the easier we will find it to recognize His voice. Paul and co planned to go to Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow them to (Acts 16:7). So they went different ways. The bible did not tell us how exactly the Spirit spoke to them but it could be a number of ways.

Briefly, let us look at some of the ways in which God speaks by His spirit. Firstly, He often speaks to us as we pray. Prayer is a two-way conversation. After praying, tabling our requests or bringing issues to Him, we must take time to listen to what He has to say. One of the common ways He speaks after prayer is through a thought coming into one’s mind. This thought may come as ‘impressions’ or ‘feeling it one’s bones’. To feel something in one’s bone simply means to be certain that something is true or will happen, without having no proof. I remember the weekend before the Monday I was suspended from work several years back. I felt it in my bones, throughout that weekend, that something was about to happen to me but I didn't know what it was. Please know that such thoughts and feelings need to be tested. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Is it in line with the Bible? Does it promote love? If it does not, it cannot come from a God who is love. 1 John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him". Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? 1 Corinthians 14:3 says, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” When we have made the decision, do we know God’s peace? Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” God also speaks to us by giving a strong desire to do something but we will look at that tomorrow if the Lord tarries.

NOTE: As you pray, pay attention to the thoughts that come into your mind. As you lead prayers in a group, pay attention to prayer points, verses of the scripture or thoughts that come into your mind. It is better to also have a pen and paper at hand to jot down things and review them after prayer.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me a hearing heart.

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HOW GOD GUIDES

MEMORY VERSE: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 13-14

One of the basic differences between living things and non living things is that living things make decisions whilst non living things don’t. Even plants make decisions – they bend towards light. This is called Phototropism. (Phototropism is the growth of a plant as response to a stimulus, and Phototropism occurs when a plant responds to light bending in the direction of light). We, human beings, have to make decisions in life. We are faced with small decisions and big decisions. In many cases, it is of the utmost importance that we make the right decisions – for instance in our choice of a marriage partner. To make the right decision we need God’s help.

Guidance springs out of our relationship with God. This is why we must run from anything that could soil our relationship with Him. This is why we must do away with everything called sin. The Most High God has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” God has a plan for each and every one of us. According to Jeremiah 29:11, He plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Not only that, He plans to give us hope and a future. If we are to find God’s plan for our lives, we need to ask Him about them. God guides us when we are prepared to do His will rather than insisting that our own way is right. According to Psalm 25:9, He guides the ‘humble’.

Given that we are willing to do what God wants us to do, in what ways should we expect God to speak to us and guide us? There are various ways in which He guides us. Sometimes God speaks through one of the ways set out below; sometimes it is a combination especially if it is a major decision. The first way He guides is through ‘commanding scripture’. God’s general will for all people, in all places, in all circumstances, is revealed in Scripture. He has told us what He thinks about a whole range of issues. From the bible we know that certain things are wrong. Therefore, we can be quite sure that God will not guide us to do these things. God will not lead any man to leave his wife or any woman to leave her husband to start a new relationship with another man or woman. God has already made His will clear on that when He said “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). In many other areas God has revealed His ‘general will’. We do not need to ask His guidance; He has already given it. If we are not sure, we need to ask someone who knows the bible better than we do whether there is anything on that issue. Once we have discovered what the Bible says, we need search no further. Please note that although God’s general will is found in the Bible, we cannot always find His particular will for our lives there. The Bible tells us that it is His general will for people to get married. Although singleness is a high calling, it is the exception rather than the rule (e.g. 1 Corinthians 7:2). God’s general will is that Christians are only free to marry other Christians. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” God still speaks today through the scriptures. He may speak to us as we read. Psalm 119:24 says, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellers.” That is not to say we find God’s will by opening the Bible anywhere at random and seeing what it says. Rather, as we develop the habit of regular, methodical Bible study we begin to find it quite extraordinary how appropriate each day’s reading seems to be for our own particular circumstances in which we find ourselves.

NOTE: Sometimes a verse seems to almost leap out of the page at us and we sense God speaking through it. This was certainly my experience, for example, when i had a big challenge at work some years back. 'Christ in me the hope of glory', Colossians 1:27, leaped at me in the midst of this challenge and i knew that was God’s word for me. I held unto it and God gave me victory.

QUESTION: Do you still have time for regular bible study? When was the last time you sat before the Lord with your pen and paper, waiting for Him to speak to you through His word?

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

ENDING WELL

MEMORY VERSE: Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 13-14

It is one thing to start (at all); it is another thing to finish. It is one thing to begin a journey; it is another thing to complete the journey. It is one thing to start a course; it is another thing to finish the course. It is one thing to be joined together in Holy Matrimony; it is another thing to die at a ripe old age still married to the same person. It is one thing to become a champion; it is another thing to die as a champion. It is one thing to be zealous for the Lord now; it is another thing to be zealous for the Lord in forty years time or zealous for the Lord until death. It is one thing to be known as a child of God today, it is another thing to be known as a child of God on one’s death bed. It is one thing to be relevant today; it is another to be relevant in fifty years time (if Jesus tarries).

The ‘beginning’ of a thing is immaterial. The fact that you started small does not mean you will end 'small'. Job 8:7 says, “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” Many of the great people, we read about in the bible and in history books, started very small. Take for instance Elijah the prophet. The Jews are  proud of their heritage. When they want to write about a great figure e.g. Jesus, they will start with the family genealogy. This is why we have a lot of genealogies in the bible. When they want to write about people especially influential people or an important personality, they will start by mentioning the person’s name followed by the father’s name (for men) or husband’s name (for women). For instance, the bible introduced Elisha the prophet as Elisha the son of Shaphat (1 Kings 19:19) and Deborah the prophetess as Deborah, the prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth (Judges 4:4). Elijah’s father must have been so poor and insignificant in their community that the author of 1 Kings did not even bother to mention his father’s name. Yet this man ended as one of the greatest prophet in the Old Testament.

Starting big does not guarantee ending 'big'. According to Ecclesiastes 7, it is possible for one to start as a slave and end up as a wealthy prince. It is also possible for for one to start as a wealthy prince and end up as a slave. Verse 7 says, “I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” There is nothing wrong in starting well; actually starting well in life is advantageous. What matters is not how one starts but how one ends his or her race on earth. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” The Most High God is not so much interested in how a brother or a sister starts. He is not so much interested in where you are today, or what you are currently doing in the body of Christ - as of now. What He is interested in is how you end. No wonder He says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). In other words, he that finishes well. It is not unusual to be talented or gifted. There is nothing new in starting well. There is nothing spectacular about being the head at the beginning. Many started very well. Many started shining. Many started very hot for the Lord. Many started as terror to the kingdom of darkness. Many started winning a lot of souls for Christ. Many started operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The truth is this, not many finished ‘well’. Not many finished ‘shining’. Not many finished their race on earth as a terror to the kingdom of darkness. Actually, many who started as terror to the kingdom of darkness ended up as victims because of their carelessness. Not many finished as they started. Many, many champions ended up as ex-champions.

NOTE: To finish well, one must be determined. Secondly, one must be hard working. Thirdly, one must embrace a life of holiness and purity. Lastly, one must ask for the grace of God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to finish well in life.

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CALL TO INFLUENCE

MEMORY VERSE: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 9-12

Christians all other the world, Baptist, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, Pentecostals, etc, are called, by Jesus, to influence the world. Jesus said to His disciples: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).” We are called to be different i.e. to live a radically different lifestyle from the world, so that we may be effective as salt and light in it.

How are we to influence the world? Firstly, by being the salt of the world. There are several uses of salts, but today we will look at the use of salt to prevent decay. Many centuries back before refrigeration was invented salt was used to keep meat wholesome, and to prevent decay. As Christians, we are called to stop society going bad. One way to go about this is by our words. We need to speak out about moral standards, and moral issues. Some of the things that used to be a taboo twenty years ago are now normal today. It used to be a shameful thing several years back to be caught fornicating, or committing adultery, but today people fornicate, or commit adultery and even record it on their mobile phones to share it with their friends. It used to be a shameful thing to go to prison years back. Actually people used to dread prison but now, it is normal. Especially amongst our youths, once you go to prison you become a celebrity. We can also use our influence to bring about God’s standards in society around us. As we play our part as citizens aiming to create better social structures, working for justice, freedom, and dignity for the individual, and by helping to abolish discrimination, we can stop society going bad.

Secondly, by being the light in the world. Jesus calls us to be light – to allow the light of Christ to shine through us. We do this by what Jesus calls ‘your good deeds’ – everything that we do or say because we are Christians. Living out the Christian life is the most appropriate way of passing on the good news to those who live in very close proximity to us. This certainly applies to our family, colleagues at work, and flatmates. If they know we are Christians, that fact alone puts them under a degree of pressure. To be continually speaking about our faith may backfire. They are more likely to be affected by our genuine love, and concern. At work people should notice our consistency, honesty, truthfulness, hard work, reliability, avoidance of gossip, and desire to encourage other people. At home, parents, family and flatmates will be influenced by our service to others, our patience, and our kindness, far more than our words. Being ‘lights in the world’ does not just involve our lifestyle. It also involves our lips. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

QUESTION: Are you promoting decay or preventing decay by your speech, conduct and lifestyle?

PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to be light and salt in this world.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

WISE BUILDERS

MEMORY VERSE: Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 26-31

Proverbs 14:1 says, “Every wise woman.......” The phrase ‘every wise woman’ informs us that there are foolish women, or unwise women. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus talked about five wise virgins, and five foolish virgins. Who is a wise woman? Firstly, she is a builder not a destroyer. Proverbs 14:1 says, “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” A wise woman knows the difference between her needs, and her wants. She knows that a good education for her children is a need, and the latest fashion bags,shoes,Chanel earrings, etc are just wants, and she puts her needs before her wants. A wise woman will not use her children’s tuition fees to buy bags, or shoes. Neither will she use the money meant for her children’s upkeep to buy gold bracelets, or plait hair. A wise woman prioritizes her needs. She knows that just as it is important for her children to get to school early in clean uniforms, so also her children needs to get to Sunday school early. No wise woman promotes division in her household. Luke 11:17 says, “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.” No wise woman will report her husband to her children. Neither will she put down her husband in front of her children, family, friends, etc. Also on the subject of knowing-her-priorities-and-putting-them-in-the-right-order, a wise woman puts her children before her career. In addition, a wise woman puts her family before her ministry. A wise woman knows these three things: building a thing takes time, it involves a lot of work, and patience is required.

Secondly, a wise woman recognizes that God is the main builder. Hebrews 3:4 says, “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” She recognizes that without God she cannot build anything. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Thirdly, a wise woman builds on the Rock which is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Matthew 7:24 says, “therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” Christ is the foundation of her household.  She does not build on emotions or feelings. She builds on the sound doctrines of Christ. Fourthly, a wise woman builds according to God’s  pattern. Hebrews 8:5 says, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” It is unfortunate that many are building their household according to the patterns they see in soap operas, or reality shows on TV. There is a pattern for marriage in the bible. Ephesians 5:22-23 says, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” A wise woman trains up her children. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” She trains them in the fear of God. She trains them up to be diligent, and hardworking. She trains them on how to keep things. She trains them to respect the elderly. She trains them to have integrity.

QUESTION: Are you a builder? Are you a wise builder? Are you building according to God's own pattern?

PRAYER POINT: Father, the Great Builder, help me build my household.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.