Romans 12:6-8 NLT
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to -𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗬, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
[7] If your gift is- 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 others, serve them well.
If you are a-𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿, teach well.
[8] If your gift is to -encourage others, be encouraging.
If it is -𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, give generously.
If God has given you -𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 ability, take the responsibility seriously.
And if you have a gift for showing -𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 to others, do it gladly.
CHOOSE GOD'S SIDE
I call heaven and earth to record this day and against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: - (Deuteronomy 30:19)
READ: Exodus 32:19-28
As we see in today's memory verse, God has set before everyone life and death, and blessing and cursing. You may say that you choose life and blessing, but truly, it is your daily actions that will reveal your actual choices.
In life, there are no 'little' decisions or actions. Every action a fellow takes determines whether he or she is choosing life or death. In Genesis 25:29-34, the Bible tells us how Esau returned home hungry and asked Jacob to give him a bowl of food in exchange for his birthright. He didn't know that his action would exclude him and his unborn children from the blessing he should have received. Today, nobody says, "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Esau," because Esau made himself unfit to carry the blessing when he despised his firstborn position in his family. He chose wrongly, and he paid dearly for it.
In Joshua 7:16-26, the Bible tells us how Achan's wrong decision ultimately led to the destruction of his lineage. When God gave the Israelites victory over Jericho, God expressly commanded them not to take anything from Jericho. However, Achan chose to side with greed and ended up dying with every member of his family. I pray that in any area you might have made a wrong decision that has put you and your family in trouble, God's mercy will speak for you and help you retrace your steps, in Jesus' name.
Beloved, for your sake and generations after you that are yet unborn, ensure that you stay on God's side. Don't be hypocritical and pretend to be someone you are not. Be on God's side so that when He blesses you, your lineage will also be blessed. Love God wholeheartedly, not just for your sake, but also your lineage's sake. Psalm 112:1-2 says that if you delight in the Lord, your seed shall be mighty on the earth. This means that your descendants will not be ordinary; rather, they will be distinguished among their peers. Isaac became mighty because Abraham chose to side with God. The Bible described him as 'great' and then 'very great'. At a point, he became mightier than an entire nation, and this made the king to ask him to leave their land (Genesis 26:13-16).
Child of God, whatever or whomever you choose to side with will affect you and your descendants. I urge you to choose life with all your actions so that you and every individual in your lineage will live.
KEY POINT:
Your actions will impact you and your lineage. Choose wisely!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Psalms 104-106
Open Heaven Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye
“Where are we going?” is an assignment entrusted to the man, who is called to provide direction for the family, while the wife and children receive guidance under that vision.
Many men have no vision or purpose for getting married, and where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.
Every thriving organisation is defined by vision and a clear sense of direction. In the same way, a healthy family is sustained by a man who understands where he is leading those entrusted to his care.
#ApostleJoshuaSelman
#RedefiningFatherhood
#RestoringBiblicalFatherhood
#KoinoniaAbuja
#KoinoniaGlobal
There are scholars who say that Romans 8:28 is better read in reverse, as the definition is clearer.
I'm inclined to agree:
“To those who are the called according to His purpose, to those who love God, we know that all things work together for good.”
You’re called.
Love and obey God.
You’ll experience His goodness in all things.
ALWAYS THANK GOD
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: - (Psalm 92:1)
READ: Matthew 15:30-38 (KJV)
Years ago, a very wealthy man came to see me and said that he was having trouble sleeping. He also said he was told that if I prayed for him, the problem would be solved. He added that he would give me 14 houses if I prayed for him, and the problem was solved. Of course, he didn't need to offer me his houses for me to pray for him, but his desperation to be able to sleep made him say so. Being able to sleep is one of the many divine blessings that are often taken for granted until one can no longer sleep or sees people who can't.
Beloved, you have a lot to thank God for, and living a life of thanksgiving makes you quick to recognise God's goodness in your life. Even amid challenges, when you are thankful, you will find many reasons to praise God. You will be quick to acknowledge that God is the reason things are not worse. You will also be confident that God is working things out in your favour (Romans 8:28).
When people thank God, He opens the windows of heaven to pour out His blessings upon them. In today's Bible reading, there were 4,000 hungry men, besides women and children, with Jesus and His disciples. Jesus had compassion on them and wanted to feed them; so, He asked His disciples to tell Him how much food they had. They replied that they had only seven loaves of bread and a few fishes. Despite the obvious inadequacy of the food to feed thousands of people, Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread, and handed them to His disciples to share among the multitude. His first response to the scarcity of resources was to give thanks. Jesus' heart of gratitude opened the windows of heaven for multiplication, and suddenly, the food that was too little to feed the multitude multiplied so much that everyone was filled, and they were left with seven baskets of leftovers.
Beloved, are you facing any difficult situation? Are you in dire need of resources, help, or a change in the circumstances surrounding your life? Do not despair or complain; rather, give God thanks. Despair or complaints will not multiply the little you have; however, thanksgiving will give you access to the miraculous. I pray that the Lord will open your eyes to see His grace at work in every facet of your life and help you to cultivate a heart of genuine gratitude, in Jesus' name.
KEY POINT:
Giving thanks to God releases the miraculous.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Psalms 73-77
Open Heaven Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye
Life is short. Eternity is long.
One day your career, possessions, accomplishments, and earthly pursuits will come to an end. You will stand before God.
Jesus Christ is not one option among many. He is the only Savior, the only Mediator, and the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Turn to Christ. Trust in Him. Follow Him.
Life is short. Jesus is the only way.