Monday, 2nd March WE DARE NOT DEPART
MORNING Revelation 2:1-7
Good morning. We are reminded today that our Christian journey is an experience that transcends time into eternity. From the moment we confessed the Lordship of Christ over our lives, our contract with Him came into effect and that contract is eternal in nature. This is the reason why the Lord rebuked the Church in Ephesus by saying “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Rev 2:4). It is painful to the Lord when we lose steam or become cold in our love for Him. We must be deliberate about not departing from our first love and seek rather to grow in that love. From this month, our walk with the Lord will grow stronger in Jesus' Name.
Meditate on: Rev 2:4-5
EVENING John 15:5-10
The love we have received from our Saviour is not ordinary: It is covenant-based and as such supernatural. It is the love the Father had for His Son (Jesus) that His Son (Jesus) transferred to us. This love is unending, unfading, unconditional and eternal. We are admonished by the Lord to continue in this love without looking back or slowing down. May the Lord help us more and more..
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today John 16 - 19
Tuesday, 3rd March THIS WORKS
MORNING Psalm 97:1-10
Good morning. Today, we are seeing another interesting side of God's Word. Verse 10 of our text instructs every believer to hate evil. It is presumed that the believer loves God and God, in turn will preserve the believer from harm. The implication of this is, loving the Lord is both a guarantee against evil and a defence from adversity. The Lord will always shield those who love Him from the hand of the wicked. The three Hebrews in Daniel chapter 3 were lovers of God and when the enemy set them up for destruction, the Lord arose and defended them to the astonishment of the king! Our God is a defender of those who love and trust Him. We must therefore ensure that we keep our love walk in place as we grow in loving what the Lord loves and hating what He hates. This principle always works! Have a blessed day.
EVENING 2 Timothy. 4:14-18
Apostle Paul, who could be referred to as the greatest Apostle of the New Testament (using the volume of his letters as a basis), was a lover of God. He was totally sold out to the cause of the gospel, so much so, that he was ready to die for the gospel, as we know. As we just read in today's text, he had to endure the betrayal of some trusted friends with some deserting him when he faced Caesar's court. However, the Lord never forsook him. Rather, he ensured that the preaching of the gospel continued as He strengthened the Apostle. In verse 17, the Apostle was delivered out of the lion's mouth. Why did all these happen? They happened because Apostle Paul's love for the Lord was not in question. Again, we can see that this principle works. Love the Lord in all sincerity and see Him undertake for you!
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today John 20 - 21
Wednesday, 4th March OUR STRONG HOLD
MORNING Nahum 1:1-7
A stronghold is a fortified place. It is a place of security or survival. Life is not a bed of roses as we know. Jesus Christ said, “in this world you shall have tribulation..” (John 16:33). So, challenges are not strange. Actually, life comes with challenges but the believer in Christ is equipped with power to resist the challenges and overcome them ultimately. This is because as we see in verse 7 of this morning's text, “The Lord Himself is our stronghold”. He is our fortress and our place of security and safety. The dangers of life must contend with Him first before they reach us and since He is impenetrable, we are assured of victory in the face of adversity. This being so, our aim should always be that we must never go outside the stronghold. Remember, Jesus Christ Himself is our stronghold.
EVENING Ephesians 6:10-16
In the morning, we saw that the Lord is the stronghold of those who trust Him. We also saw that a stronghold is a fortified place, that is, a place of security and safety. It takes strength, might and ability to secure a place. Incidentally, our God is the God of all strength, might and ability. Verses 11 and 13 of this evening's text highlight the armour of God. The work of the armour is to defend and preserve from harm. Maintaining our place in Christ ensures that our armour is in place and that way our defence cannot be compromised. Of a truth, we are blessed in Christ.
Decision: I make up my mind to remain rooted and grounded in Christ, all my days.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 1 - 4
Thursday, 5th March OUR RESPONSIBILITY
MORNING 2 Timothy 2:1-9
Good morning friends. We thank the Lord for the gift of life. As we walk with the Lord, we cannot but realise that the Kingdom of God is all about responsibility. A responsibility to grow and mature as we learn about the Lord and His ways to the point that we share our faith with others and bring them to the knowledge of Christ. It, however, does not end there. The ones we bring to the knowledge of Christ also have a responsibility to grow and mature in the faith and influence others into Christ till they grow and mature. In other words, it is an unending cycle of producing disciples for the Lord. This responsibility does not end until we say good night on this side of eternity. While in prison, Apostle Paul charged Timothy to commit the truth of the gospel to others who will do the same to others (verses 1-2). This is the way of the Kingdom and we also will do well to act likewise.
EVENING Deuteronomy 6: 1-7
In the morning, we saw the trust the Lord placed on us in ensuring that one generation of saints connects with the next generation in order to perpetuate the gospel and by extension, God's Kingdom on earth. This evening, we see this principle reinforced right from the Old Testament. Moses was commanded by the Lord to teach the people His Word and the people, in turn, were to teach their children such that their descendants would keep the Word of the Lord in their generations - verse 2. This responsibility has not changed. Our Christian convictions, examples, and lifestyles must be shared with the next generation and they also must share same with the generation coming after them.
Question: What legacies of the faith are you bequeathing to the coming generation?
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 5 - 8
Friday, 6th March TIMING MATTERS
MORNING Proverbs 26:1-10
A blessing is desirable any day as it brings satisfaction and joy with it. However, when a blessing comes at a wrong time, then it becomes a problem. Verse 1 of this morning's text drives the point home. Honour is good and pleasurable but when accorded a foolish person, it becomes misplaced. We, therefore, must be careful in understanding the perfect timing for specific actions, utterances and decisions. Snow is good but it only serves its purpose in winter. When it comes in summer, it becomes a problem. Similarly, rain is good as it waters the earth and causes vegetation to grow but when it falls in the harvest season, it hinders productivity. The lesson for us today is that we must know when to act, speak and make decisions. The Holy Spirit is always willing to help us if we involve Him. Have a blessed day!
EVENING Acts 24:22-27
The Jews had accused Apostle Paul of speaking against the law and stirring a division against the ruling Roman authority. In the process of examining the claims by the Apostle and the Jews, both parties stood before Governor Felix. In verse 25 of our text, we see that Governor Felix came under conviction having listened to Paul talk about righteousness, self control and the judgment to come. The Governor, however, despite coming so close to salvation, put it off till a convenient time. Unfortunately, that convenient time never came as he failed to act at the right time. Timing matters in everything we do.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 9 - 12
Saturday, 7th March IT IS HIS CALL
MORNING Matthew 20: 1–15
Our text today tells us the story of the land owner who engaged the services of labourers on his field at the start of day and agreed to pay them a penny for the day's work. He went out later at 9am, 12 noon , 3pm and 5pm and engaged more hands to work in his field. At 6pm, which was closing time, he began to pay their wages and he started with those whom he engaged at 5pm. Curiously, he paid the ones who worked for 1 hour the same amount as those who worked for a full day! This was definitely not logical as logic would say their wages should be pro-rated. Unfortunately, logic ends where grace begins. This story above captures life itself and how God deals with us in His Kingdom. It is His call and His grace which determine what happens. Looking at verse 15, we see the Lord justify His action as a demonstration of His will premised on His goodness! Today and always, may we all enjoy the unquestionable goodness of Jehovah in Jesus' Name.
EVENING 1 Samuel 16:6-13
This story is a familiar one as the average Christian knows it. David was the youngest among his brothers, yet he was the one the Lord chose to be king over the whole of Israel. Not only that, he was the one chosen as a better replacement for Saul! This thing has nothing to do with age, education or physical looks. It is about the grace and favour of God extended to us based on His will. In other words, it is His call. We must realise that the Lord has a plan in place for us at any point in time and ours is to key into that plan as we walk with Him by faith and in obedience. Oh yes, it is His call.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 13 - 16
Sunday, 8th March BETWEEN A SHADOW AND AN IMAGE
MORNING Hebrews 10:1-10
Good morning. As we take a closer look at verse 1 of today's text, it is clear that the writer of Hebrews was doing a comparison between a shadow and an image. A shadow is actually a dark figure that appears when “a body” intercepts the rays of light. In other words, a shadow is not the real body. On the other hand, an image is a visual representation of something. We can therefore say an image is real while a shadow is unreal. Whereas a shadow requires an image to appear, an image needs no shadow to be an image. Bringing these thoughts home, we see right away that the law was a shadow, while the Testament of grace (the gospel of salvation) is the real image. Observing the works of the law (or self righteousness) therefore is tantamount to emptiness but accepting the work of grace through faith is the only way to perfection. What a blessing we have received in the New Testament!
Thought: With the very image (Christ), came perfection!
EVENING: Leviticus 16:29-34
As we saw in the morning, the image is superior to the shadow. It was then, and it is even now. From this evening's text, we are reminded that under the shadow, the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar was the day of atonement-verse 29. This event was to be done annually as it could not put a stop to the power of sin (verse 30). However, when the Image manifested, sin was dealt a final blow just once and since then, justification by the blood of Jesus has become a reality. Of a truth, the Image is superior to the shadow.
Prayer: Thank you Father for making me a part of the superior covenant.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 17 - 20
Monday, 9th March TWO THINGS
MORNING Ephesians 3:2-12
Good morning. This morning, we are reminded that our call to serve the Lord comes with some important privileges. We shall be looking at the privileges of boldness and access specifically this morning. Boldness connotes confidence, the absence of fear and a sense of complete assurance, while access stands for freedom, permission and ability to enter in order to obtain something. In Christ, according to God's Word, these two benefits are ours. As we go through life therefore, we must always carry a consciousness of the complete assurance of our sonship in the Kingdom and the liberty of obtaining grace and every form of help which we require to be victorious in life. Child of God, stop being timid with your faith and start being assertive about your position in grace. March will be different for you. Hallelujah!
Meditation: Ephesians 3:12
EVENING Leviticus 16:1-5
The New Testament indeed is the testament of grace as it affords us the latitude to serve the Lord and come into His presence as we desire. In the Old Testament, Aaron (the High Priest) was instructed by the Lord not to come at all times into the Holy Place (God's presence) otherwise he would die (verse 2). This was because Aaron's sons had earlier offered strange fire to the Lord and lost their lives in the process. Clearly, the boldness and access that we have today under the covenant of grace was not available to them. We must forever remain grateful to Jesus Christ for His blood sacrifice for us.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 21 - 24
Tuesday, 10th March TIT FOR TAT?
MORNING Proverbs 25:20-28
Tit for tat is a noun phrase which simply means to retaliate in kind. It also connotes an equivalent given in return. Hmm. We are quick many times to point out that the Old Testament practice, was- “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” However, our text this morning which is from the Old Testament is saying otherwise . Let us look at verse 21 again. In effect, rather than ignoring your hungry enemy and being happy at his predicament, you are to give him food and if he is thirsty, rather than turning to the other side, you are to give him water. “Tit for tat” is therefore not the way to go. Remember, our faith “walks by love” and not paying those who dislike us back in their coin. This translates to walking in love on our part. Let us choose to live like this. Wisdom here says, always be at peace with everyone (good or not) so that your prayers will be unhindered.
Thought: The person who chooses the way of love is an excellent person.
EVENING 1 Peter 3:8-13
As we saw in the morning, whereas the flesh promotes “tit for tat”, the Spirit desires the opposite. Verse 9 of this evening's text is unambiguous. We are not to render evil for evil or railing for railing, so that we can secure the blessing which is what we have been called unto. The benefits we stand to gain from not paying those who wrong us back in their coin far outweigh the flesh-pleasing temporary feeling of happiness we have when we retaliate. We must be foolish therefore in order to show wisdom. Remember, the eyes of the Lord are upon us always for good and not for evil (verse 12). Have a blessed night.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 25 - 27
Wednesday, 11th March COMPLACENCY DESTROYS
MORNING Proverbs 1:22-32
To be complacent is to have a calm or secure satisfaction with oneself or with one's achievements. It is to have a feeling of self satisfaction. According to verse 32 of our text, being complacent or conceited could be harmful. As God's children, our satisfaction should derive from our confidence in what Christ has done for us and not in what we have achieved by ourselves. The story of the rich fool in Luke 12:18-20 comes to mind. He had become so self satisfied that he did not see the need to push beyond where he was for the sake of others (Remember, we are blessed to be a blessing). All he was thinking about was himself, his comfort and his future having done well for himself. As we know, he lost his soul and all that he had bragged about ended with him.
EVENING Philippians 3:9-13
This evening's text captures the heart and state of mind of the great Apostle Paul. His unwillingness to rest upon his oars and his constant drive towards what was ahead is obvious in the text. He never saw himself as “having arrived” despite all the exploits he had done in the Kingdom. Verse 13 tells us what his one thing was to forget the exploits of the past and to reach unto those things that were ahead. We can see that there was nothing like self satisfaction in his lifestyle. Friends, we are to live exactly like this. We must keep pressing, pushing and reaching forward in all that we do.
Note: There is much more ahead of us than we have behind us.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Acts 1 - 4
MORNING Revelation 2:1-7
Good morning. We are reminded today that our Christian journey is an experience that transcends time into eternity. From the moment we confessed the Lordship of Christ over our lives, our contract with Him came into effect and that contract is eternal in nature. This is the reason why the Lord rebuked the Church in Ephesus by saying “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Rev 2:4). It is painful to the Lord when we lose steam or become cold in our love for Him. We must be deliberate about not departing from our first love and seek rather to grow in that love. From this month, our walk with the Lord will grow stronger in Jesus' Name.
Meditate on: Rev 2:4-5
EVENING John 15:5-10
The love we have received from our Saviour is not ordinary: It is covenant-based and as such supernatural. It is the love the Father had for His Son (Jesus) that His Son (Jesus) transferred to us. This love is unending, unfading, unconditional and eternal. We are admonished by the Lord to continue in this love without looking back or slowing down. May the Lord help us more and more..
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today John 16 - 19
Tuesday, 3rd March THIS WORKS
MORNING Psalm 97:1-10
Good morning. Today, we are seeing another interesting side of God's Word. Verse 10 of our text instructs every believer to hate evil. It is presumed that the believer loves God and God, in turn will preserve the believer from harm. The implication of this is, loving the Lord is both a guarantee against evil and a defence from adversity. The Lord will always shield those who love Him from the hand of the wicked. The three Hebrews in Daniel chapter 3 were lovers of God and when the enemy set them up for destruction, the Lord arose and defended them to the astonishment of the king! Our God is a defender of those who love and trust Him. We must therefore ensure that we keep our love walk in place as we grow in loving what the Lord loves and hating what He hates. This principle always works! Have a blessed day.
EVENING 2 Timothy. 4:14-18
Apostle Paul, who could be referred to as the greatest Apostle of the New Testament (using the volume of his letters as a basis), was a lover of God. He was totally sold out to the cause of the gospel, so much so, that he was ready to die for the gospel, as we know. As we just read in today's text, he had to endure the betrayal of some trusted friends with some deserting him when he faced Caesar's court. However, the Lord never forsook him. Rather, he ensured that the preaching of the gospel continued as He strengthened the Apostle. In verse 17, the Apostle was delivered out of the lion's mouth. Why did all these happen? They happened because Apostle Paul's love for the Lord was not in question. Again, we can see that this principle works. Love the Lord in all sincerity and see Him undertake for you!
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today John 20 - 21
Wednesday, 4th March OUR STRONG HOLD
MORNING Nahum 1:1-7
A stronghold is a fortified place. It is a place of security or survival. Life is not a bed of roses as we know. Jesus Christ said, “in this world you shall have tribulation..” (John 16:33). So, challenges are not strange. Actually, life comes with challenges but the believer in Christ is equipped with power to resist the challenges and overcome them ultimately. This is because as we see in verse 7 of this morning's text, “The Lord Himself is our stronghold”. He is our fortress and our place of security and safety. The dangers of life must contend with Him first before they reach us and since He is impenetrable, we are assured of victory in the face of adversity. This being so, our aim should always be that we must never go outside the stronghold. Remember, Jesus Christ Himself is our stronghold.
EVENING Ephesians 6:10-16
In the morning, we saw that the Lord is the stronghold of those who trust Him. We also saw that a stronghold is a fortified place, that is, a place of security and safety. It takes strength, might and ability to secure a place. Incidentally, our God is the God of all strength, might and ability. Verses 11 and 13 of this evening's text highlight the armour of God. The work of the armour is to defend and preserve from harm. Maintaining our place in Christ ensures that our armour is in place and that way our defence cannot be compromised. Of a truth, we are blessed in Christ.
Decision: I make up my mind to remain rooted and grounded in Christ, all my days.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 1 - 4
Thursday, 5th March OUR RESPONSIBILITY
MORNING 2 Timothy 2:1-9
Good morning friends. We thank the Lord for the gift of life. As we walk with the Lord, we cannot but realise that the Kingdom of God is all about responsibility. A responsibility to grow and mature as we learn about the Lord and His ways to the point that we share our faith with others and bring them to the knowledge of Christ. It, however, does not end there. The ones we bring to the knowledge of Christ also have a responsibility to grow and mature in the faith and influence others into Christ till they grow and mature. In other words, it is an unending cycle of producing disciples for the Lord. This responsibility does not end until we say good night on this side of eternity. While in prison, Apostle Paul charged Timothy to commit the truth of the gospel to others who will do the same to others (verses 1-2). This is the way of the Kingdom and we also will do well to act likewise.
EVENING Deuteronomy 6: 1-7
In the morning, we saw the trust the Lord placed on us in ensuring that one generation of saints connects with the next generation in order to perpetuate the gospel and by extension, God's Kingdom on earth. This evening, we see this principle reinforced right from the Old Testament. Moses was commanded by the Lord to teach the people His Word and the people, in turn, were to teach their children such that their descendants would keep the Word of the Lord in their generations - verse 2. This responsibility has not changed. Our Christian convictions, examples, and lifestyles must be shared with the next generation and they also must share same with the generation coming after them.
Question: What legacies of the faith are you bequeathing to the coming generation?
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 5 - 8
Friday, 6th March TIMING MATTERS
MORNING Proverbs 26:1-10
A blessing is desirable any day as it brings satisfaction and joy with it. However, when a blessing comes at a wrong time, then it becomes a problem. Verse 1 of this morning's text drives the point home. Honour is good and pleasurable but when accorded a foolish person, it becomes misplaced. We, therefore, must be careful in understanding the perfect timing for specific actions, utterances and decisions. Snow is good but it only serves its purpose in winter. When it comes in summer, it becomes a problem. Similarly, rain is good as it waters the earth and causes vegetation to grow but when it falls in the harvest season, it hinders productivity. The lesson for us today is that we must know when to act, speak and make decisions. The Holy Spirit is always willing to help us if we involve Him. Have a blessed day!
EVENING Acts 24:22-27
The Jews had accused Apostle Paul of speaking against the law and stirring a division against the ruling Roman authority. In the process of examining the claims by the Apostle and the Jews, both parties stood before Governor Felix. In verse 25 of our text, we see that Governor Felix came under conviction having listened to Paul talk about righteousness, self control and the judgment to come. The Governor, however, despite coming so close to salvation, put it off till a convenient time. Unfortunately, that convenient time never came as he failed to act at the right time. Timing matters in everything we do.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 9 - 12
Saturday, 7th March IT IS HIS CALL
MORNING Matthew 20: 1–15
Our text today tells us the story of the land owner who engaged the services of labourers on his field at the start of day and agreed to pay them a penny for the day's work. He went out later at 9am, 12 noon , 3pm and 5pm and engaged more hands to work in his field. At 6pm, which was closing time, he began to pay their wages and he started with those whom he engaged at 5pm. Curiously, he paid the ones who worked for 1 hour the same amount as those who worked for a full day! This was definitely not logical as logic would say their wages should be pro-rated. Unfortunately, logic ends where grace begins. This story above captures life itself and how God deals with us in His Kingdom. It is His call and His grace which determine what happens. Looking at verse 15, we see the Lord justify His action as a demonstration of His will premised on His goodness! Today and always, may we all enjoy the unquestionable goodness of Jehovah in Jesus' Name.
EVENING 1 Samuel 16:6-13
This story is a familiar one as the average Christian knows it. David was the youngest among his brothers, yet he was the one the Lord chose to be king over the whole of Israel. Not only that, he was the one chosen as a better replacement for Saul! This thing has nothing to do with age, education or physical looks. It is about the grace and favour of God extended to us based on His will. In other words, it is His call. We must realise that the Lord has a plan in place for us at any point in time and ours is to key into that plan as we walk with Him by faith and in obedience. Oh yes, it is His call.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 13 - 16
Sunday, 8th March BETWEEN A SHADOW AND AN IMAGE
MORNING Hebrews 10:1-10
Good morning. As we take a closer look at verse 1 of today's text, it is clear that the writer of Hebrews was doing a comparison between a shadow and an image. A shadow is actually a dark figure that appears when “a body” intercepts the rays of light. In other words, a shadow is not the real body. On the other hand, an image is a visual representation of something. We can therefore say an image is real while a shadow is unreal. Whereas a shadow requires an image to appear, an image needs no shadow to be an image. Bringing these thoughts home, we see right away that the law was a shadow, while the Testament of grace (the gospel of salvation) is the real image. Observing the works of the law (or self righteousness) therefore is tantamount to emptiness but accepting the work of grace through faith is the only way to perfection. What a blessing we have received in the New Testament!
Thought: With the very image (Christ), came perfection!
EVENING: Leviticus 16:29-34
As we saw in the morning, the image is superior to the shadow. It was then, and it is even now. From this evening's text, we are reminded that under the shadow, the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar was the day of atonement-verse 29. This event was to be done annually as it could not put a stop to the power of sin (verse 30). However, when the Image manifested, sin was dealt a final blow just once and since then, justification by the blood of Jesus has become a reality. Of a truth, the Image is superior to the shadow.
Prayer: Thank you Father for making me a part of the superior covenant.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 17 - 20
Monday, 9th March TWO THINGS
MORNING Ephesians 3:2-12
Good morning. This morning, we are reminded that our call to serve the Lord comes with some important privileges. We shall be looking at the privileges of boldness and access specifically this morning. Boldness connotes confidence, the absence of fear and a sense of complete assurance, while access stands for freedom, permission and ability to enter in order to obtain something. In Christ, according to God's Word, these two benefits are ours. As we go through life therefore, we must always carry a consciousness of the complete assurance of our sonship in the Kingdom and the liberty of obtaining grace and every form of help which we require to be victorious in life. Child of God, stop being timid with your faith and start being assertive about your position in grace. March will be different for you. Hallelujah!
Meditation: Ephesians 3:12
EVENING Leviticus 16:1-5
The New Testament indeed is the testament of grace as it affords us the latitude to serve the Lord and come into His presence as we desire. In the Old Testament, Aaron (the High Priest) was instructed by the Lord not to come at all times into the Holy Place (God's presence) otherwise he would die (verse 2). This was because Aaron's sons had earlier offered strange fire to the Lord and lost their lives in the process. Clearly, the boldness and access that we have today under the covenant of grace was not available to them. We must forever remain grateful to Jesus Christ for His blood sacrifice for us.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 21 - 24
Tuesday, 10th March TIT FOR TAT?
MORNING Proverbs 25:20-28
Tit for tat is a noun phrase which simply means to retaliate in kind. It also connotes an equivalent given in return. Hmm. We are quick many times to point out that the Old Testament practice, was- “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” However, our text this morning which is from the Old Testament is saying otherwise . Let us look at verse 21 again. In effect, rather than ignoring your hungry enemy and being happy at his predicament, you are to give him food and if he is thirsty, rather than turning to the other side, you are to give him water. “Tit for tat” is therefore not the way to go. Remember, our faith “walks by love” and not paying those who dislike us back in their coin. This translates to walking in love on our part. Let us choose to live like this. Wisdom here says, always be at peace with everyone (good or not) so that your prayers will be unhindered.
Thought: The person who chooses the way of love is an excellent person.
EVENING 1 Peter 3:8-13
As we saw in the morning, whereas the flesh promotes “tit for tat”, the Spirit desires the opposite. Verse 9 of this evening's text is unambiguous. We are not to render evil for evil or railing for railing, so that we can secure the blessing which is what we have been called unto. The benefits we stand to gain from not paying those who wrong us back in their coin far outweigh the flesh-pleasing temporary feeling of happiness we have when we retaliate. We must be foolish therefore in order to show wisdom. Remember, the eyes of the Lord are upon us always for good and not for evil (verse 12). Have a blessed night.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Leviticus 25 - 27
Wednesday, 11th March COMPLACENCY DESTROYS
MORNING Proverbs 1:22-32
To be complacent is to have a calm or secure satisfaction with oneself or with one's achievements. It is to have a feeling of self satisfaction. According to verse 32 of our text, being complacent or conceited could be harmful. As God's children, our satisfaction should derive from our confidence in what Christ has done for us and not in what we have achieved by ourselves. The story of the rich fool in Luke 12:18-20 comes to mind. He had become so self satisfied that he did not see the need to push beyond where he was for the sake of others (Remember, we are blessed to be a blessing). All he was thinking about was himself, his comfort and his future having done well for himself. As we know, he lost his soul and all that he had bragged about ended with him.
EVENING Philippians 3:9-13
This evening's text captures the heart and state of mind of the great Apostle Paul. His unwillingness to rest upon his oars and his constant drive towards what was ahead is obvious in the text. He never saw himself as “having arrived” despite all the exploits he had done in the Kingdom. Verse 13 tells us what his one thing was to forget the exploits of the past and to reach unto those things that were ahead. We can see that there was nothing like self satisfaction in his lifestyle. Friends, we are to live exactly like this. We must keep pressing, pushing and reaching forward in all that we do.
Note: There is much more ahead of us than we have behind us.
To Study Through The Bible This Year, Study Today Acts 1 - 4