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

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Victory Over Satan

Key verse: “These shall make war with the lamb, and the lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

The rash of unyielding problems all over the world clearly indicates the imminence of the end of this world and the revelation of Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The shed-blood at Calvary assures us of enduring victory.
The battle lines are drawn, and the greatest confrontation in the history of the world is about to begin. The Antichrist and false prophets have   gathered armies to wage war against Christ and His saints. In their pride and self-will, they prepare to fight against their creator. This shows how rebellious and perverted their thinking is.
Victory was won on the cross when Jesus Christ died for our sin. Although the Bible presents the world as estranged from God and seized by Satan, Christians must wage continual warfare against him and his cohorts. One of Christ’s purposes for coming to the earth was to bind Satan and set at liberty those enslaved by him. Christians have dominion over evil powers because Christ has given us His power and authority to cast out devils; “they shall speak with new tongues, and they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17,18). We too can experience all round victory through faith in Christ.
As Christians, we should be confident that God won the final victory and He is in control of everything. The final blow has been given on the cross where Christ proclaimed, “It is finished”. He has triumphed over sin, Satan, affliction, oppression, sickness and poverty. It has all been accomplished on the cross. As you believe today, Victory is sure and you shall continue to live a victorious Christian life by abiding continually in the Lord and His word.
Thought for today: Christ in you is greater than Satan in the world.

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CONTENTMENT IN EVERYTHING

"I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content"      (Philippians 4:11)

Apostle Paul before his conversion had everything at his beck and call. He had fame, influence and power. As a well trained lawyer, he had great prospects in the Jewish establishment. After his conversion, he took to tent-making alongside his evangelistic ministry so as to provide himself with basic necessities of life. He spoke in the passage above about his life of self-denial and contentment.

            As a young person, you can face a lot of challenging situations. All you need to do is to have a relationship with Christ. And you can do this by repenting of your sins and surrendering your life to Christ, if you have not done so. Remember also that God has promises for his children in all situations of life. Believe in God’s promises that proffer solutions to your present predicaments. The Lord is willing to save and deliver you from every unpleasant condition. You must therefore rise and claim God’s promises for your life.

Challenge:       Learn to be satisfied with what God has given you.

Prayer:             God, give me the spirit of contentment.

Further reading: 1 Timothy 6:3-12

Quote:      God has promises for His children.

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BEES AND BUTTERFLIES

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain...."    (Proverbs 31: 30)

Butterflies and bees share some features in common. For instance, they are both flying insects, always looking for nectar from flowers. However, there are some sharp contrasts between the two creatures. Butterflies are usually flamboyant in appearance with admirable colours. Bees are ugly and not so favoured. Butterflies are casual and impatient in search of nectar from flowers to flowers, but also helps in spreading pollens from one plant to the other. Bees are, however painstaking at getting the best materials to produce honey for mankind.

            You are fearfully and wonderfully made as a youth. You are unique before God and man. However, some of you are not making God happy. While some of you are involved in truancy, noise-making, lateness, laziness and lawlessness in the school; others are known for dutifulness, diligence, discipline and dependability. You should not be busy seeking beauty and favour instead of studying for success. Your future depends on the seed of success you sow today.

Challenge:       Be prepared to reap what you sow!

Prayer:             Oh Lord, help me to be diligent.

Further reading: Psalm 50:1-5

Quote:      You are favoured and unique before God

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A PORTION AT A TIME

"Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase" (Job 8:7)

A century is a period of hundred years in a dating system. A decade is period of ten years. Each of the years consists of 365 or366 days. A century can be accomplished a day at a time. You can break up your work into small parts that you can finish at a time. Never despise the day of small beginning. Let your work be done little by little, and you will rejoice at the end with a good achievement.

            Great tasks can be accomplished bit by bit, a day at a time. An ancient maxim states: A step after another, the longest journey is ended. You as a young person should not be afraid of big or difficult tasks given to you at home or at school. Learn to carry out your work, a small portion at a time. A textbook with 300 pages can be thoroughly studied in a month if you attempt ten pages per day. Start reading your books well before examination comes. You will pass with flying colours if you prepare well, and pray to God for assistance.

Challenge:       Take one step at a time.

Prayer:             O God, help me to do my work systematically.

Further reading: Isaiah 28:9-13

Quote:       Tasks can be accomplished bit by bit

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DEVOTION IN SPITE OF DECREES

"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he ...prayed ... as he did aforetime."    (Daniel 6:10)

Prince Daniel was of a royal lineage from Judah, but he was also a rebel with cause. He was pious, principled, and plucky. No one dare intimidate nor scare him with any draconian decree.  King Nebuchadnezzar has just issued an anti-God-of-Israel decree forbidding the worship of any other god besides his man-made idol. Brother Daniel still continued to worship his God in defiance of decree outlawing religious freedom. Daniel’s life of doggedness leaves no room for compromise.

            As a young individual, before you can have fellowship with God, you must acknowledge your sins, forsake them, believe and accept Jesus as your saviour. After you have been born again, you can now live a life of devotion and discipline. Supposing there is no religious freedom in your school? Like Daniel, you have to remain resolute and dare anyone who wants you to deny Christ.

Challenge:  No quiet time, no breakfast

Prayer:        Help me Lord, to be consistent in my devotions.

Further reading: Psalm 55:16, 17

Quote:       You can live a life of devotion.

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OPEN OPPORTUNITIES

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith"   (Galatians 6: 10)

Sam graduated with honours in History. When he could not find a job, he took to washing private vehicles in the premises of an international establishment, to enable him feed himself. One day, he was washing a car for a top female executives in the organisation. In a brief exchange with Sam, she discovered that Sam was a History graduate. Right away, she requested for Sam's curriculum vitae, and thereafter, offered him a good employment. Sam broke the jinx of joblessness.

            Opportunities abound for youngsters who are observant enough to see them; even create them, like Sam did. Opportunities are ingredients for success. When your Mathematics teacher suddenly leaves your school. Will you drop the subject? No. You can organise a small group where you can exchange knowledge until a new Math teacher is found. Even, when you experience a setback in an exam, it is an indication that you need to fine-tune your way of doing things, and then put in more efforts. In this instance, hard work and prayer will see you through in Jesus' name.

Challenge:       Opportunities are stepping stones to success

Prayer:             Help me to make use of every opportunity.

Further reading: Romans 12: 9-21

Quote:       Opportunities creates room for success.

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