Matthew 5:16 - My Light Must Shine

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Exposition

Let your light so shine before men – There is a saying, like father like son. Jesus Christ is the light of the world. You are now His child, you carry the DNA of Christ, and therefore you have His light in you. Like in all things, you have a choice, to allow the light to shine, or to put a covering over the light and allow darkness to continue to reign wherever you are. Your character is the light, your speech is the light, the things you refuse to join show the light. Your conduct honours God.

that they may see your good works – The light you carry inside you is not for private viewing. You are meant to live in the light, you are meant to live by the light. Good works by you will bring heaven on earth. Good works indicate you are an extension of the arm of your father. A milk of kindness continuously flows out of you, the love extended to your fellow man causes the unbeliever and even the believer to pause and say, you are a child of God. You stick out like a sore thumb in the midst of the wickedness that seems to cover the world.

Good works also involve preaching the gospel. You have the solution to the problems of the world around you. Be diligent about it.

and glorify your Father which is in heaven – Your works are not to promote self, rather they will cause men to praise and honour your Father whose kingdom is in heaven.

Those who see your good works will be moved to surrender their lives just as you have done and become a part of the family of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Thank you for moving me out of the kingdom of darkness and transferring me into the kingdom of light.

Help me Lord to carry the light in me at all times.

Let good works be found in me, help me to suppress any bad works that might want to creep in, in Jesus name.

Help me to make a difference wherever I am in Jesus name.

Let your name alone be glorified in Jesus mighty name. Amen

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Matthew 12:36-37 - My Words Will Not Condemn Me

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Exposition

But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken – Did you notice that every man and women too will give an account for every word spoken? Words in the quiet of your room, in the classroom, on the playing fields, in the nightclubs, in Church etc

Some translations call the words empty or idle. Where words are of no benefit to the hearer, they are empty. Words that injure or are not profitable, you will give account. Gossip, hearsay and lies come to mind. Words out of malice and envy are included. Many join in slander just because they want to be a part of the conversation.

It is time to start taking care.

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned - Verse 34 of the same chapter says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What comes out of your mouth shows who you really are.

The words you speak have a major impact on your destiny too. Remember it is those who confess Jesus with their mouths that will be saved.

If you make a decision today that all you will ever speak will be for Christ, if you will show that Christ is in you by the words that you speak, and then the righteousness of Jesus Christ is placed on you, you are acquitted or justified as some translations say.

If on the other hand you decide that it is boring not to curse or you are one of those who speak against Jesus, on the day of judgement you will be condemned.

It is not all doom and gloom. There is a opportunity to confess and repent of all those words spoken in ignorance. Today is your day.

Prayer

I repent of every empty word that I have spoken. You promised that if I confess my sins, you will forgive me. Forgive me now in Jesus name I have prayed.

Lord, I ask that you put a clip on my mouth so that I will not use my mouth to bring condemnation upon myself.

Help me father to think well before I speak at all times in Jesus name. Amen

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Deuteronomy 7:15 - Free of Sickness

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Exposition

And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known – The power of God is evident here. God has power over sickness too. The earlier verses in this chapter make you aware that obedience to the word of God and living a holy life has its rewards.

You can be excluded from epidemic; you can be excluded from sickness and disease. Jesus Christ has taken on all infirmities on your behalf. No matter what is happening out in Egypt ( the world around you), a price has been paid for you. Believe this simple truth, let it work for you and you will be free of sickness and disease.

but will lay them on all those who hate you – The Almighty God has different arsenal in His armoury. He chooses any weapons when fighting on your behalf. Let God and the hosts of heaven do your battles in the way they deem fit.

I encourage you not to become an enemy of God.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the promise of a sickness free life. I understand that I have to obey you, help me Lord to be an obedient child. Help me to take on the righteousness of your son, Jesus Christ daily.

Let sickness and disease be gone in my life from this moment in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

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Proverbs 24:3-4 - I need Wisdom

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Exposition

By wisdom a house is built – Your house could be your home or marriage or family, it could be your business or your ministry. Proverbs 3:19 says God used wisdom in laying the foundations of the earth. King Solomon said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Let the reverential fear of the Lord reign in you from this day. Do not use the wisdom of the world for its path is destruction.

and through understanding it is established – If wisdom is the foundation, then understanding is the structure that is placed on the foundation. Note also that understanding of who you are in Christ brings longevity to every project you embark upon with Him.

Prudent management of your resources ensures that the home being built lasts forever. Concern and love for the inhabitants of the home are the responsibilities of the home builder.

by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasures – what knowledge do you require before riches find their way into your life? An appetite for a deeper relationship opens up areas not available to the ungodly. Learn to enjoy God’s presence, meditate on the word and good success becomes yours.

Proverbs 8:18 says Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. See what Proverbs 3:9-10 says. It says Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Enough said.

Prayer

I ask you my father to bless me this day with the gifts of the Spirit. Three of the nine are wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Help me Jesus to live a life of righteousness. Jesus Christ, come into my life as the foundation of all I am proposing to build.

Help me to manage my resources prudently. Let a life of waste and frivolities come to an end in Jesus name.

Let there be a strong desire to have more of you in my life. Help me Lord to spend time with you daily so as to tap into your wisdom.

I need a heart that will understand that my money and I are owned by you. Therefore I will give of my money as required by you in Jesus name. Amen

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Philippians 4:19 – My God shall Supply My Need

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Exposition

and my God – to enjoy supply, God has to be your God. Can you boldly say it on the rooftop that He is your God?  Paul, a man like you was confident. You have to start living your faith.

shall supply all your need - Decide to start doing good and giving to the needy, especially those who are not in a position to repay. Proverbs 19:17 says helping the poor is lending to the Lord. The creator of heaven and the earth certainly can’t be indebted to man. In return He will supply your need.

Psalm 84:11 also says if you are blameless the Lord will not withhold any good from you.

Position yourself for favour and see the Lord supply all your need.

according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus – Jesus Christ is the vehicle for your supply. Through Jesus you receive everything that pertains to life and godliness. Let there be a shift in your thinking. Make it your life goal to continue to learn from Jesus day by day. The secrets of the Kingdom will become available to you.

Prayer

Thank you for your promise Father to supply all my need.

Make me an extension of your helping hand here on earth. Help me Father to support the gospel in all possible ways in Jesus name.

Help me to position myself to become your favoured child. Let me experience your glory at all times in Jesus name. Amen

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Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things

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Exposition

I can do all things – Yes you can do all things. All things not some things, all things within God’s will for you. You can overcome all challenges, your social status no longer matters neither does your financial status, you can make a positive difference, you can be the game changer in your community.

through Christ – What or who is your confidence? If your confidence is based Christ, then you can do all things. John 15: 5 says "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. The ability to do all things is given by abiding (union) in Christ.

who strengthens me – Whether the battle is in your thoughts or it is physical temptation in any area, Christ provides a way of escape. Many suffer from the fear of the unknown. Rather than focusing on what you think might happen, focus on Christ who will make a way for you.

Prayer

It is not my knowledge or intellect any longer. It is all about you.

With your help I can overcome every challenge. I can speak about the gospel without shame. I can join evangelism outreaches. Yes I can create time in my busy schedule. I can reach out to the weak and lift them up. I can be a blessing to those who are needy.

I can make progress in life. Negative words spoken against me will have no impact on me any longer.

Help me, teach me to abide in you so I can be fruitful in Jesus mighty name. Amen

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1 Timothy 6:6-8 - Godliness and Contentment

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Exposition

But godliness – Living a godly life is off course borne out of relationship with God. You live in surrender to God and you honour Him in every action. Godliness is not switched off and on again. Make the right choice. Ask God to help you.

with contentment is great gain - Here contentment is a life free of whining or complaining. Contentment is being satisfied with what you have. Contentment is not to be mixed with laziness, neither is it a call not to be ambitious. The system of the world is a call to aggression in every area of life, stepping on people and not caring. The godly person works hard and depends on God to see him through. You can be that person. Remember that you are a joint heir with Christ. You have access to everything owned by your father.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out – As you came into the world, so you will go out of the world. Every acquisition stays here on earth. The ungodly lie, steal and kill in other to acquire wealth. Why join the race to nowhere when you know it is for nothing?

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content – Pray that your needs are met by the Provider such as Food, Clothes, Shelter and other necessities of life. Stress is now an acceptable word in every society. Eliminate this word from your dictionary today. Live a godly life.

Prayer

I want to live a godly life. I want every act to be a worship unto you my father. I need your help.

Help me to be contented. Open my eyes to the opportunities that are available for me. Help me to overcome the natural greed in man to acquire for the sake of it.

I am called to provide for my family. Help me to do so with ease as ordered by you in Jesus name.

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Philippians 4:8-9 - Jesus is my Example

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Exposition

The first part of this chapter ends with Paul exhorting the church. In the times we live in today 2016, what is available to read online, in printed matter, Television and Radio and what we process in our hearts and say becomes very important.

The ways of the world and the liberty that is available ensures that you are free to say and do whatever you want, in most cases if it is within the laws of the land.

However these two verses say to the child of God, it is not so. To you today it is about being different, and making a difference.

Finally, brethren – The Church is a family. Start living as such.

whatsoever things are true – say the truth at all times, whether it is convenient or not

whatsoever things are honest – be honest in your actions.

whatsoever things are just – be just when relating  to people. Do not allow status to determine how you relate. You are different.

whatsoever things are pure – Stop being over analytical. Do stuff out of the purity of your heart. Lower your expectations from anybody. Continue to do good.

whatsoever things are lovely – Let your actions be inspired by love.

whatsoever things are of good report – Make a conscious effort that evil is not found in you. The Holy Spirit is available to help you.

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things – if there is anything else to add to the list above, if there is anything worthy to praise God for, meditate on these things and do them

Those things, which ye have both learned – Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. Be humble enough to accept that you do not know everything. Learn from the word of God for it is a book of instructions, learn from your Pastor and you will be good.

and received – what you learn, open your heart to receive. Do not despise people of God.

and heard – if you are not available, how will you hear. The more you hear, the more your faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross will increase.

and seen in me, do – Look up to Jesus Christ. He is the perfect role model. Decide you want to be like Christ. Read, think, Go ahead and start being like your Lord, Father and Friend.

and the God of peace shall be with you – This settles the matter. Not only will you have peace but the fountain, the owner of peace will be with you.

Prayer

Thank you for accepting me the way I was before meeting with you.

Help me to be different. Help me to understand that I am called to portray Christ in my thoughts, words and deeds.

The challenge of not reacting to the actions of people is big. I can only do as you have instructed with your help.

Let my eyes be on Jesus alone, the author and finisher of my faith in Jesus name I have prayed.

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Philippians 4:7 - Peace of God

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Exposition

And the peace of God -  If there is a peace of God, then there must be another type of peace. This other type could be based on bank balances, high gates and security around the house or probably friendship with people in high places or even personal experience.

Unfortunately the “other” of peace is not permanent. It can’t be compared with the peace of God which is received when you decide to stop worrying or anxious about your needs. You have decided to trust God by committing everything into His hands.  John 14:27 puts it clearly - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

The peace of God is packaged through what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross. Command worry to pack out of your life. Receive the peace of God now through Jesus Christ.

which passeth all understanding – The peace of God can’t be understood by the natural mind. The natural man is self-centred while the spiritual mind is Christ centred.

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – the peace of God shall guard or protect your heart ( the seat of your emotions and affections) in a strong place mind ensuring it is not over run by the soldiers of the enemy.

That same peace keeps your mind (conscience, understanding and judgement) through Christ. Jesus paid a price – his blood for your peace. Jesus is called the prince of peace. Do not allow anything to snatch your peace. Ask Jesus to help you guard it jealously today.

Prayer

Call on Jesus, ask Him to make your heart his home. Ask Him to take up permanent residence today.

Cast every burden or trouble upon Jesus. His shoulders are broad enough to take up every situation on your behalf. You do not need to figure how the problem will be solved. Call on the Prince of peace to step in with the hosts of heaven.

Ask God to give you the grace to stay in your new place of peace. Thank the Lord for your new state of mind in Jesus name. Amen

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Philippians 4:6 - Do not Worry

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Exposition

Be anxious about nothing – Instead of anxious, other translations have be careful or don’t worry. There is no doubt that you are expected to provide the necessities of life for your family. Scripture says if you do not, you are worse than an unbeliever.

Your going out daily should be with all possible diligence and trust in God. The “rat race” to acquire goods or financial rewards for status is for “rats” and not for children of God.

Challenges will come but you should have enough faith that God provides for His own such that you do not give in to worry. When you open the door of your heart to worry or anxiety, doubt in the power of God or confidence in God’s ability creeps in. At this point, faith fails and fear now becomes king.

but in everything – The child of God who decides to be dependent on the Master who has a solution at all times. Rather than being overwhelmed with worry, you have a father who is waiting for you to bring every situation to Him. “Everything” should mean “everything” that pertains to your soul, spirit and body. There is nothing that is too small for God to deal with.

by prayer and supplication – You are meant to pray always, whether there is a challenge or not.  To supplicate is to go with humility and desperation to the One who is known as the Way Maker. He is merciful and kind. Never miss the opportunity to pray.

Use His words in prayer, look for what He has said concerning the situation in the bible and present your case.

with thanksgiving – Even in your time of want, there is a reason to be thankful for what God has done before, He will do it again for you. Therefore show gratitude, thank Him for His past deeds and for the future ones especially what you are believing Him for. (Remember the story of the lepers healed by Jesus Christ, the one who can back to say thank you received wholeness)

let your requests be made known to God – God knows everything, that is why He is God. He still wants you to ask before it is given. He wants you to knock on the gates of heaven and seek Him as solution to every problem.

Your requests are to be made to God not to man. Give it a go. Pour out your heart to your father. He is waiting today.

Prayer

Let that tendency to worry come to an end. I put my trust in you. Help me father to provide for my own.

I realise that I should not hide anything from you. You see and You know everything. Let every form of pride in my life die in Jesus name.

I ask for the help of the Holy Spirit in praying. I do not know how to wait on You, Lord. Teach me how to wait on you father.

I bless you for your faithfulness. Thank you for the great and mighty things that you are doing. Help me father in every area of my life in Jesus name. Amen

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Philippians 4: 5 - Gentleness

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Exposition

Let your gentleness – Other translations of ‘gentleness’ are moderation, graciousness, humility, considerate, forbearing spirit and fairness. All these behaviour traits expected of a child of God are quite contrary to what happens anywhere in the world. Greed and lust for power reigns supreme and the biblical injunction for gentleness is nowhere to be seen. ‘I must protect my rights’ is the driving force.

Be reminded that gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that should be evident in your life. You are expected to bear with people and be patient as many times as possible, treating people with kindness and respect no matter their station in life.

be obvious to everyone – Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 that you should let your life light before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven. Your gentleness is not for your loved ones alone. ‘Everyone’ means all who are in your sphere of influence, whether you know them or not. It includes unbelievers, the poor and the rich, the weak and the strong.

 ‘Gentleness’ is not a hat to put on Sunday mornings alone, it is meant to be who you are.

The Lord is near – This is a reminder that our God is everywhere (omnipresent). You do not have a need to avenge yourself . He is near you as He is your ever present help in times of trouble. That harsh word or action is telling God, you’ve got this covered, He doesn’t need to intervene.

No matter the hand that is being dealt to you to test your resolve you can decide you will start being gentle with the help of the Holy Spirit. Afterall Jesus Christ while here on earth was gentle and you want to be like Him.

Prayer

Many people and many situations try my patience. I ask for your help to start reacting with gentleness at all times.

Let the words that I speak come forth with gentleness. Let the rough edges in my character be smoothened by you O Lord.

Help me overcome the desire to react on the basis of past experiences. Rather let me react according to what the Holy Spirit tells me.

Help me to remember that You are nearby and you will also fight my battles in Jesus name I pray. Amen

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