bible study, scripture search, bible scholar, heaven dew, bible school

Friday, December 28, 2012

Stubbornness Punished by Pastor Kumuyi

Stubbornness Punished
TEXT: LAMENTATION 2:1-10

Key verse: “The LORD was as an enemy: He hath swallowed up Israel, He swallowed up her palaces; He hath destroyed his strongholds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation” (Lamentation 2:5).

Stubbornness is being unreasonably  determined to persevere in a course against good advice. When a man decides to stand in his stubbornness against God and shuns His warning and entreaties, this stand-off will result in his undoing. Though God sincerely loves his soul, will stand against him, for His wrath  is consuming as His love is endearing.
    For many years, God  sent His word through His prophets to Judah that they repent and turn to Him. Yet,  the people resisted not only the prophets but also the entreaties from God. In our text, God’s justified wrath is come upon the land. All the inhabitants of Judah, men, women, children, princes and rulers languished as the invading enemy army plowed through the land with the sword and their instruments of war to destroy the cities because of their obstinacy against God. The former beauty, glory and pride of Judah suddenly became eclipsed by a cloud of gloom that spread over the whole land. The cities were destroyed; stately-built mansions of the rulers, the palaces, fortresses and defense towers were all pulled down, while the king, the princes and the inhabitants of the land were taken captives by their enemies. Disobedience to the Word of God is stubbornness that have grave consequences.
    Stubbornness begins when we say. “I will only believe if I receive a miracle” or “I will yield my heart but not now” or “I have a particular goal I want to achieve first”. When we know what God wants and refuse to do it, we show we are stubborn and rebellious. If we continue to harden our hearts, if we refuse to move or change our ways, we develop a hardened resistance to God and will incur His severe judgment upon us.
    Stubbornness will keep you from doing what is best for your soul, and thus, in the end evoke unmitigated disaster. Therefore, when God’s message comes to you, there is but one thing to do: just obey.

Thought for the day: Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Send XMAS best Wishes to all Your People..............Season's Greetings

Send Best XMAS Wishes To Your Friends And Family,lovers In Any Part of the world


It's Christmas again ! Love, fellowship and togetherness make the Christmas season all the more special. Christmas also means spreading the warmth of our heart into the lives of others and bringing in joy and cheers. So this Christmas, let these special Christmas sms messages show how much you cherish the presence of your loved ones in your life. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us ! Latest New Christmas SMS Text



Love sms If one night a big fat

Love sms If one night a big fat man jumps in at your window grabs you and puts you in a sack don't worry I told Santa I wanted you for CHRISTMAS Merry CHRISTMAS.


May the joy and peace of Christmas

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year. Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above.love Happy Christmas.


May the good times and treasures of the present

May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness. MARRY CHRISTMAS


May your world be filled with warmth

May your world be filled with warmth and good chear this Holy season, and throughout the year.Wish your christmas be filled with peace and love. Merry X-mas


I am dreaming of white Christmas

I am dreaming of white Christmas , with every christmas card i write, May your days be merry and bright, and May all your christmases be white.. Happy Christmas


Hey Friends!

I hope you have a wonderful christmas
I hope you have a wonderful christmas . have a great new year ! Hopefully santa will be extra good to you . enjoy your holidays ! Happy Christmas


if one night you wake up and a big fat

if one night you wake up and a big fat male is trying to put you in a sack please don't be afraid because i told santa all i want for christmas is you. . Merry Xmas


your as big boned as father christmas claus

your as big boned as father christmas claus, your as stupid as a donkey, your as shit in bed as a camal, but your still the right person for me! Happy Christmas


Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new

Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new,Lets cherish each moment it beholds, Lets celebrate this blissful New year.
Merry X-mas


New is the year

New is the year, new are the hopes and the aspirations, new is the resolution, new are the spirits and forever my warm wishes are for u.Have a promising and fulfilling new year Happy Xmas


Hey friends

Hey friends, This is the first day of the new month and it can be a new start of your life also. Take a long breath and start going ahead towards your destination. Best Of Luck Happy New Month!


Christmas is a time for magic and dreams come true.

Christmas is a time for magic and dreams come true. Hope yours is filled with lots of fun and sparkle too! Merry Christmas to you


May God fill your life with all His blessings.

May God fill your life with all His blessings. My prayers are with you always.
Happy Christmas


Last sun of this month is going to set,

Christmas may be many things or it may be a few. For you, the joy is each new toy; for me; its watching U. Merry Xmas


Two things upon this changing earth

Two things upon this changing earth can neither change nor end; the splendor of Christ's humble birth, the love of friend for friend. Merry Christmas


Ur friendship is a glowing ember

Ur friendship is a glowing ember through the yr n< each december frm its warm n livin spark v kindle flame against da dark n with its shining radiance light our tree of faith on Christmas night.Happy Christmas


May all the sweet magic

May all the sweet magic Of Christmas conspire To gladden your hearts And fill every desire.


New Month Text Message

New Month Text Message Wishes The Last monthhas gone Let the dead past bury its own dead,The New Month has taken possession of the clock of time, All hail the duties in possibilities of da coming 30 Days Happy New month

Roses 4 u...

()"""() ,* ( 'o' ) ,*** =(,,)=("')<- data-blogger-escaped-4="4" data-blogger-escaped-christmas="christmas" data-blogger-escaped-merry="merry" data-blogger-escaped-opyright="opyright" data-blogger-escaped-roses="roses" data-blogger-escaped-td="td" data-blogger-escaped-to="to" data-blogger-escaped-u...="u..." data-blogger-escaped-www.lovelysms.com="www.lovelysms.com">

Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new,Lets cherish each moment it beholds, Lets celebrate this blissful New year. Merry X-mas


Can I have your picture,

Can I have your picture, so Santa Claus knows exactly what to give me. Happy Christmas.


Chritmas ka yeh pyara tyohaar

Chritmas ka yeh pyara tyohaar jeevan mein laye khushiyan apaar, santa clause aaye aapke dwar, subhkamna hamari kare sweekar. Merry Christmas.



If one night a big fat man jumps in at your window

If one night a big fat man jumps in at your window, grabs you and puts you in a sack don't worry I told Santa I wanted you for CHRISTMAS.


Have an ideal Christmas;

Have an ideal Christmas; an occasion that is celebrated as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.


Heap on the wood!

Heap on the wood!-the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We'll keep our Christmas merry still.


Christmas waves a magic wand over this world

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.


May all your weaknesses turn into your strengths

May all your weaknesses turn into your strengths, May all your problems be solved. May each day of coming month bring many reasons of celebrations for you. Happy new month


Jingle bells Jingle bells

Jingle bells Jingle bells what fun it is to wish our friends a very merry christmas.

Bells are ringing the wishes of christmas

Bells are ringing the wishes of christmas day the flying snowflakes send my most sincere blessings to you merry christmas.


Faith makes all things possible

Faith makes all things possible,Hope makes all things work,Love makes all things beautiful,May you have all the three for this Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Somehow, not only for Christmas

Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing, Returns to you glad.


Short New Month SMS

Joy resounds in the hearts of those who believe in the miracle of Christmas! Wishing you all the peace, joy, and love of the season! Season's Greetings!


There is no ideal Christmas

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.


Christmas is not a time nor a season

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.


Bless us Lord, this Christmas

Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.


Don't expect too much of Christmas Day

Don't expect too much of Christmas Day. You can't crowd into it any arrears of unselfishness and kindliness that may have accrued during the past twelve months.


Christmas is the season

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.


A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small.


Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new

Lets welcome the year which is fresh and new,Lets cherish each moment it beholds, Lets celebrate this blissful New year. Merry X-mas.


From Home to home, and heart to heart

From Home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.


Every sunset gives us one day less to live!

Every sunset gives us one day less to live!But every sunrise give us\, one more to hope!So, hope for the best.Good afternoon&good luck for our luv and our coming examinations..... Happy New Month


If one night a big fat man

If one night a big fat man jumps in at your window grabs you and puts you in a sack don't worry I told Santa I wanted you for CHRISTMAS.


Christmas is a time when everybody

Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered. What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.


It was always said of him

It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God Bless Us, Every One!


If one night you wake up and a big

If one night you wake up and a big fat male is trying to put you in a sack please don't be afraid because i told santa all i want for christmas is you. .


A silent night, a star above

A silent night, a star above, a blessed gift of hope and love. A blessed Christmas to you!


I hope you have a wonderful christmas

I hope you have a wonderful christmas . have a great new year ! Hopefully santa will be extra good to you . enjoy your holidays !


I am dreaming of white Christmas

I am dreaming of white Christmas , with every christmas card i write, May your days be merry and bright, and May all your christmases be white.Marry Christmas.


Love sms If one night a big fat man

Love sms If one night a big fat man jumps in at your window grabs you and puts you in a sack don't worry I told Santa I wanted you for CHRISTMAS....


May the joy and peace of Christmas

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year. Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above. Happy Christmas.....New year in Advance


May the good times and treasures

May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness....Merry Xmas


May your world be filled with warmth

May your world be filled with warmth and good chear this Holy season, and throughout the year.Wish your christmas be filled with peace and love. Merry X-mas.


Life ends when you stop dreaming

Life ends when you stop dreaming, hope ends when you stop believing and love ends when you stop caring. So dream hope and love...Makes Life Beautiful. Happy Christmas


Time will always fly

Time will always fly, but our love will never die. Keep in touch and remeber me Love sms When You give your heart. Merry Xmas


When time comes for u to give ur heart to someone

When time comes for u to give ur heart to someone, make sure u select someone who will never break ur heart, cuz broken hearts has never spare parts.. Happy Xmas


When time comes for u to give ur heart to someone

I m going to write on all the bricks I MISS U and i wish that one falls on ur head,so that u knows how it hurts when u miss someone special like u... happy New Month


If 10 people care 4 u

If 10 people care 4 u, one of them is me, if 1 person cares 4 u that would be me again, if no 1 cares 4 u that means i m not in this world.... happy Xmas


I m feeling so happy

I m feeling so happy, do u know why? cuz i m so lucky, do u know how? cuz God loves me.Do u know how? cuz he gave me a gift. Do u know what? its YOU my love..... Merry Christmas


1st time i saw u i was scared 2 touch u

1st time i saw u i was scared 2 touch u.1st time i touched u i was scared 2 kiss u.1st time i kiss u i was scared to luv u.but now dat i luv u im scared 2 lose u!..... CHRISTMAS


If i were a tear in ur eye

If i were a tear in ur eye i wood roll down onto ur lips.But if u were a tear in my eye i wood never cry as i wood be afraid 2 lose u!..... hAPPY xMAS


It only takes a minute to get a crush

It only takes a minute to get a crush on someone an hour to like someone a day to love someone but it takes a lifetime to forget someone..... xMAS


Remember me and bare in mind

Remember me and bare in mind A faithful girl is hard to find This is always good and true So dont go changing old for new!.... mERRY xMAS


What is the diff between pleasure

What is the diff between pleasure and torture? Pleasure is thinking of u torture is thinking of u 2 much. Love sms If you see some one without a smile.... Happy Christmas


If you see some one without a smile

If you see some one without a smile,give him one of yours ,because you are among a few good people who can shine others lives by just walking with him a few miles. Love sms.... Happy Christmas


9 lessons in life:

9 lessons in life: Learn 2 care, learn 2 smile, learn 2 cry, learn 2 give, learn 2 forgive, learn to share, learn to trust, learn 2 love learn 2 SMS me DAILY...!!!.... Christmas


If i were to describe true love than

If i were to describe true love than i wud describe it as what a snow man did to a snow woman, he gave her a warm hug and they both melted in each others arms....... Happy Xmas


sum ppl say happiness is lyf

sum ppl say happiness is lyf. others say it's freedom. sum say it's money... but happiness 4me is just having da opportunity 2know u!!..... Happy Christmas


May the good times and treasures

May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness. MARRY CHRISTMAS<>/b


May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year. Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above. Happy Christmas


Talk 2 me wen Im Bored

Talk 2 me wen Im Bored, B with me wen im Sad, Hug me wen i Cry, Care 4 me wen im Sick, Dont ever cry 4 me wen I die! Just treasure me wen Im ALIVE..... Happy Christmas


Please remind me 2 remind

Please remind me 2 remind U about reminding me to send U this reminder that reminds me of reminding U that U never have to remind me 2 remember U, I ALWAYS DO!... Happy Xmas


Love smsIt feels nice when some1 misses u

Love smsIt feels nice when some1 misses u It feels nice when some1 misses u, feels good when some1 loves u. feels better when some1's with u. But it feels the best when some1 never 4gets u.. Christmas


SMILE

SMILE: S: Sets u free, M: Makes u special, I: Increases ur face value, L: Lifts up ur spirits, E: Erases all ur tensions, So, please keep smiling. .


Love sms 7 Glances= 1 Smile

Love sms 7 Glances= 1 Smile 7 Glances= 1 Smile 7 smiles =1 meeting 7meetings= 1 kiss 7 kisses= 1 proposal 7 Proposals=1 marriage and that bloody marriage has 777777 problems. . Happy Christmas


Love sms When we sigh about our problems,

Love sms When we sigh about our problems, When we sigh about our problems, they grow D_O_U_B_L_E. But when we laugh about them... they become BuBBLes! Have a bubbly life!. . Happy great New Month


Love sms Our friendship has become our HABIT

Love sms Our friendship has become our HABIT Our friendship has become our HABIT even if U take out H-ABIT remains.Take out A ,still BIT remains ,Finally take out B,still IT remains..... .


Love smsYou know your 1 smile can cause 100 people die

Love smsYou know your 1 smile can cause 100 people die Do you know your 1 smile can make 100 peoples die, so u can decrease this over population, so baby, please keep on smiling... . Have a wonderful Celebration


Love sms It is scientifically proved

Love sms It is scientifically proved It is scientifically proved that suger can dissolve in water,so please dont go outside when it is raining, cuz u r the sweetest in the whole world... . Happy Xmas


Love sms I think U r very careless!!

Love sms I think U r very careless!! I think U r very careless!!!U come & leave things behind!!!! See now what u have left??U just came in my mind & left a smile on my face...... .


Love sms Only the open heart receives

Love sms Only the open heart receives Only the open heart receives LOVE Only the open mind receives WISDOM Only the open hand receives GIFTS and... Only the CUTE 1's receive MESSAGES From ME! .... .


Love sms Nice people are blessed people,

Love sms Nice people are blessed people, Nice people are blessed people,ever friendly, always smiling,forgive easily, hold no grudges and keep no malice. Send thisto a nice person. .... .


I just did

Love sms Smile in pleasure & in pain, Smile in pleasure & in pain, Smile when trouble pours like a rain, Smile when some1 hurts u, Smile bcoz some1 still wants 2 c u SMILING !!.... .


Love sms Those 'midnight teas',Those 'bday bumps'.

Love sms Those 'midnight teas',Those 'bday bumps'. Those 'midnight teas',Those 'bday bumps'... 'Old torn jeans', Those 'late night walks', 'long chats'... 'pinches & slaps'.. 'crushes on pals' & tat fight 4em', 'frying nuts'..making rowses bunking classes,calculating attendance percentage, copying tests and ass.:) gettin kicked out of class.. 'struggle 4marks', 'writin on desks', 'fight wit teachers', 'tears 4love', those B-grade movies... Jst evritin... "Tatz college life" v cal it "HEAVEN".... . Happy Xmas

The Christmas Story of the Birth of Jesus

This Christmas story gives a biblical account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas story is paraphrased from the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.

References:

Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20.

The Conception of Jesus Foretold

Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus.
At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior.
Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus:

While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning.
Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us.
When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father.
Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)
At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Probably due to the census, the inn was too crowded, and Mary gave birth in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger.

The Shepherd's Worship the Savior:

Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.
There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world.

The Magi Bring Gifts:

After Jesus' birth, Herod was king of Judea. At this time wise men (Magi) from the east saw a star, they came in search, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, "In Bethlehem in Judea," referring to Micah 5:2. Herod secretly met with the Magi and asked them to report back after they had found the child. Herod told the Magi that he too wanted to go and worship the babe. But secretly Herod was plotting to kill the child. So the wise men continued to follow the star in search of the new born king and found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem. (Most likely Jesus was already two years of age by this time.) They bowed and worshipped him, offering treasures of gold, incense, and myrrh. When they left, they did not return to Herod. They had been warned in a dream of his plot to destroy the child.

Reward Of the Faithful TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 2:1-7

Key verse: “So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelites, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, in every man with his household and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron”

(2 Samuel 2:2,3).

David, after bitter trials and anguish occasioned by King Saul’s hatred and hostility against him, now arrived at a very important point in the history of his life. In our text, David receives divine authorization to go to Hebron where he was later anointed King over the tribe of Judah, an event that seemed to foretell his coming reign over the whole land of Israel.
    David in exile settled in the cities of Hebron, a land well-watered and renowned for its exquisite green pastures, vines, grains, honey and fruits. It was one of the choicest regions of Canaan. “Eyes hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. ( 2 Corinthians 2:9).
    David also never forgot to commend the kindness of the people of Jabesh-Gilead in giving the body of the slain king Saul a proper burial. David’s sense of appreciation is exemplary and his reward-giving disposition should excite our hope in the promise of eternal reward which Christ has left for those who serve Him faithfully to the end.
    No doubt, there are trials, temptations, rejection, persecution and pains that come with living our lives for Christ. Yet, it behooves us to despise shame and pains in this life and serve the LORD Jesus Christ who was rejected and DESPISED by Kings and rulers of the world. When He returns as King of kings and Lord of Lords, He will richly reward us for all we have done for Him, as He promised. “Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father halt appointed unto me” (Luke 22:28, 29).

Thought for the day: He triumphs valiantly who endures till the end.

Index Of Faith

Key verse: “By Faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed and he went out not knowing wither he went” (Hebrews 11:8).

The Town Council needed two appointees from the Christian community to join the welfare board. Two Christians were invited for interview in the Mayor’s office. While  waiting at the reception to be shown the Mayor’s office, a council official came in and requested that one of the invited men come out to remove his car as it was packed in a reserved zone. The man retorted with anger and strong emotions. He considered the instruction an insult and disrespect to his person. He felt it would be humiliating for him to remove his car for somebody else’s car to be parked. Everybody in the room resisted him as they felt otherwise.
    At this juncture, the Mayor’s personal assistant sent to call in the Christians who were waiting to see the Mayor. The errand man came to the reception and found a tumult, but also saw a gentleman quietly giving out a tract. He beckoned on him to come in. He assumed there must be only him, so he shut the door. When asked of the other man, he said there was no other man in that room that has the demeanor of a true Christian. Faith must be identified by its works or fruits..
    In our reading for today, we recognise faith by actions of obedience. Noah believed that God was able to bring down flood upon the earth as He hath said, though there was no visible sign of a cloud in the skies. He nevertheless moved out with fear to prepare an ark to escape the predicted deluge. This reverential fear and obedience to God’s word is the proof of Noah’s faith in Him. Abraham was called by God to go out of the well known native place to an unknown, uncertain future. Having confidence in God that He is good, he went out as called, not doubting. Abraham’s act of unquestioning obedience marks him out as a man of great faith. His action proved that he knew God and had faith in Him. Good deeds, edifying words and a holy lifestyle are proofs of living faith.

Thought for the day: Prove your faith by the life you live.

An Example In Prayer

Key verse: “And it came to pass, when the ark set forward that Moses said, Rise up, LORD and let thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel” (Numbers 10:35,36).

A leader should leave behind him assets and legacy for those who follow after him. In this regard, Moses qualifies to be given high tribute for his character and great leadership style. He left for us an example in corporate human management (Exodus 18:25-26). An orderly society regulated by laws and commandments is a legacy also left us by the distant hands of this great man of God (John 1:17a)
    Moses led the children of Israel from Egypt towards Canaan, journeying largely through an untraveled wilderness. His success was founded, among other things, on his whole-hearted obedience to the guidance and instruction given by God, and his powerful intercession for the people.
    In the passage under consideration, Moses interceded again for the people. This time, for a safe passage to the Promised Land. As the journey commenced each day, Moses prayed to God to arise and scatter enemy forces that would rise along the way to trouble his train of unarmed but redeemed ex-slaves. When they stopped to take their rest at sunset, Moses prayed to God to abide with them as a protective wall around His people.
    As believers, we must accept the fact that our Journey towards heaven must be with fighting the good fight of faith. There is temptation and opposition of Satan to overcome; there is the flesh we must put to death, doubts and fear to expel and self to subdue. Like Moses, we must discern the challenge and needs of different periods and chapters of our Christian life and according to those diverse needs, pray earnestly to win the race.

Thought for the day: The wise seeks to run prayerfully till the end

No Failure With God TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:12-24

Key verse: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

A 17-year old girl lay dying in New York, in the United States. Sustained by an oxygen tank with one lung completely dead and the other half-gone, this young Christian was told by her physician that tuberculosis had set in. The doctor, who is also a Christian told her the reason she must return home, “so that you can spend your remaining days with your family”. The girl and her mother were helpless and left hospital for home.
    In bed at home, the girl read the Bible, turning to 1 Peter 2:24: “Who His own Self bare our sins in His own Body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.” Stopping at this point, she started to praise God for saving her and for assuring her of eternity in heaven. When she went back to reading the Bible she concluded the verse:” By Whose stripes ye were healed”.
    At this point she declared: “Lord I just finished praising You for that first part, now I am giving You praise for the second part. You have already healed me. Jesus, I am sorry I won’t be seeing you right now. I plan on staying around here awhile”. She stayed. She got married and had four children. God had taken away her tuberculosis and given her new lungs.
    The Lord was faithful to His promise that when we call upon Him in faith for help over the challenges that come our way He will answer us. The girl believed the promise of healing in 1 Peter 2:24, claimed it and God honored her faith. “For all the promises in Him (Jesus Christ) are yea and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Every theme of Scripture breathes with promises that the Almighty is ever on our side as we face more perilous times now. They are available for the sinner who asks for repentance and for the believer who asks for more grace to continue to the end.

Thought for the day: God never fails.

Fiery Punishment

Key verse: “But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof” (Amos 1:10).

Prophet Amos’ message announces   that God has absolute control over the entire universe. He watches over all the nations, whether it is Israel which He chose as His people or such heathen lands as Moab, Edom or Tyrus. God judges these heathen as well as the backsliding Israel. Amos thus began by denouncing the countries that were neighbors of Israel. After opening with Damascus, Amos attacked Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon and Moab.
    Their transgressions included wickedness (Damascus), human trafficking (Gaza and Tyrus), vindictiveness (Edom), greed (Ammon) and bitter dislike of other people. These nations assumed that the God of Israel had no business stepping into the affairs of people outside the confines of Israeli territory. But from the prophecy delivered to Amos and revelation of other parts of scriptures, we learn that this is fatal fallacy.
    God expects righteous living from every man or woman. He has one law for all in every place because He created all things. When man fell He made a plan of salvation, a once-and-for-all propitiation according to Hebrews 9:22. Everyone who desires to have pardon and make peace with God is urged to take advantage of that substitutionary death of our Lord Jesus. Only then can one escape the judgment of God.
    Amos warns in our text today that punishment by fire awaits those nations cited above who went about their way without reckoning that God was watching over all the lands He created. God said that as they were fiery in their passion for iniquity, heaven would release a greater fire that would consume them. The same fate awaits  unrepentant sinners and backsliders who are as stubborn in  wickedness and rebellion. It is a punishment that would also fall upon the careless believer who handles Biblical warning with levity.

Thought for the day: God’s laws applies to both the redeemed and the sinner.

Oppressive Power! TEXT: PSALM 52:1-9

Key verse: “Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever” (Psalm 52:3,8).

Ancient Macedonian leader Alexander the Great had overrun much of the known world by the time he was 32 years old. From his base in the Greek city-state, this young adventurer pushed inward into Europe and Persia and captured territory after territory to list among the subjects of the vast Greek Empire. He was in Africa, easily conquered Egypt, and crossing the Euphrates and rampaging Babylon. Alexander planned to move into the premises of India and later added Carthage, Italy and Spain to his spoils.
    Alas, his successes turned his head. He commanded his subjects to pay him divine honors. Furiously drunk, he killed a man who had saved his life. He commanded that all those who entered his presence should bend the knee to him and kiss his feet. Alexander died of fever on 323 BC.
    His story is a sad recurring narrative of boastful man who does not recognize God as the Sovereign Lord behind any power. 739 years before Alexander, another man King Saul of Israel with Doeg his Edomite aide had constituted himself into a force that did not reckon with the infinitely greater power of God. Saul sought to kill David who was on the run. Doeg reported an encounter with David and the priests at Nob to Saul who promptly killed those servants of God.
    In today’s reading, the Psalmist, David says we who believe in God as the Supreme Lord of the universe should not be afraid of  power-drunk men. We should remember what our Lord Jesus says in Matthew 28:18 that “all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”. And in Isaiah 52:12,  God asks: “who art thou that shouldest be afraid of man that shall die and of the son of man which shall be made as grass”. Who, then, is that strong man, bothering your life? Report him to God who promised to punish oppressor.

Thought for the day: Remember Pharaoh in the Red Sea!

He Rewards the Faithful

TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 1: 8-18
Key verse: “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me” (2 Timothy 1:16,17).

Writing from Rome as he approached execution at the hands of Nero, Apostle Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to dwell on the indispensability of steadfast endurance during the believer’s race to heaven. The epistle is addressed to young Timothy, the beloved apostle’s trusted co-laborer in the Lord’s vineyard. He expects Timothy to impart the teachings in this second epistle to the brethren in the Church at Ephesus, where Timothy has been ordained a Bishop.
    The topic of a consistent righteous living comes in handy for Paul who himself has had abundant grace from the Lord to endure the afflictions that have been his lot since he was saved. The prospect of death around the corner does not send him into a state of panic. He cheerfully declares: “For I am now ready to be offered (executed) and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
    Paul encourages Timothy and the Ephesian believers as well as all believers in Jesus Christ to follow  his footsteps by refusing to be lured by the gilded attractions of the world, which made some old companions (including Demas) to turn away from the faith.
    Onesiphorus did not turn away from Christ. He was not scared or discouraged by Paul’s predicament. He earnestly looked for the apostle in Rome and refreshed him, with a grateful Paul offering this prayer: “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day” (2 Timothy 1:16,18). May God reward your faithfulness as He did for Onesiphorus.

Thought for the day: The Lord rewards acts of mercy to the saints and the needy.

Monday, December 24, 2012

GOD IS TO BE WORSHIP AND PRAISE

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5: 18



The greatest fellowship we can have with God is to worship him. Believers are not to worry about anything, but to give thanks about everything. God does not want His children to be anxious or worried about the past, present or future events, but to give thanks. The Lord deserves our appreciations, especially gratitude coming from his children who are saved and sanctified. He is worthy to be praised. He is the only one we should adore all the time. Learn to say, “Thank You” to God every day of your life.

 

Popular Posts

Recent Posts