Genesis 5: 24 - Walk With God

Photo credit: https://biblia.com

Exposition

Enoch walked with God despite God not being physically present with Him. We are told in Hebrews 5:11 that he did not die, rather he was translated to heaven just as Prophet Elijah was too.

Enoch lived in times just before the flood that destroyed the earth. The Bible says there was wickedness in the heart of men and men’s thoughts were wicked. The world today is no different from what transpired back then. Enoch’s life is an example of the life we are meant to live in our generation. To walk with God is to agree with God as Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree?

Walking together with God is walking in tandem, step by step with God. Man is meant to align his steps with God and not the other way round.

You will become friendly and close to the person you walk with every day. As you walk, you’ll share stuff that is close to your heart, your joys and challenges will be a matter for conversation. You will be able to stand up for one another. You will get to know the secrets of God because you will be intimate with Him.

We can only become close to God through Jesus Christ, for he came to bridge the gap between man and God. Today the Holy Spirit is the part of the Godhead that is available to man at all times. You can start a determined walk today by setting apart time to get to know Jesus. Read your Bible, meditate on what you read, decide to be obedient and pray. Be determined to be a witness of Jesus Christ. Spread the Good News.

Prayer

Lord, I want to be your friend and I want to know you more. I want to walk with you, talk with you, listen to you and be close to your heartbeat. Help me to share our relationship with the world. Let me be a part of what you are doing in these times. Teach me all it takes to walk with you. Let my life be pleasing to you alone in Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 48

Exodus 24-25

Ruth 3

Psalm 7

Jeremiah 48

Luke 4

2 Corinthians 4

Ephesians 2: 1 - Do Not Be Separate from God

Photo credit: https://listeningfaithfullyblog.com

Exposition

It is clear to both young and the old that death is the opposite of life. The body of the dead person is separated from the soul and spirit. Before Adam and Eve sinned, they were in direct contact with God. Their sin led to separation from God. Psalm 51: 5 says for I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. Therefore the nature of sin was inherited.

Yes, a nature of sin is inborn, continuing a life of sin will contribute to the separation of the man, though alive physically but is spiritually dead. The person who is dead does not have the capacity to love God and obey Him. That person is a lone ranger. Such a person has been described as a “dead man walking”. Romans 2:5 lets us know that people who are dead to God await His wrath in judgment.

Luke 1:79 lets us know that men who are separated from God are in darkness, held captive by satan and are operating in the shadow of death. Men who die separated from God here on earth will continue to be separated in eternity. (Spending eternity in hell must not be an option for any man). This is because the wages of sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. God in His love has provided a way out of the certain death that awaits the sinner. While we were yet sinners God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die in the place of every man, including those who haven’t been born yet.  

John 3:16 says for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Colossians 2:13 asserts that every sin has been forgiven. The key word in John 3:16 is believe. Believe that Jesus has paid the price, job done. Keep it simple, call on Jesus now as Romans 10: 13 says that - for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Tomorrow by God’s grace we’ll pray for the “Sleeping Christian”.

Prayer

I do not want to be separated from you either here on earth or in eternity. The death of Jesus Christ concerning me, will not be in vain. You have said anyone that calls on you will be saved. I call on you now, please bring to my remembrance all my sins. I confess them and I ask that you forgive me. As you have promised, wipe them off and let me become a new man from this moment in Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 44

Exodus 16-17

Judges 20

Psalm 2

Jeremiah 44

Mark 14

1 Corinthians 16

1 Samuel 10:6 - Evidence of a New Heart

Photo credit: http://bendicionescristianaspr.com

Exposition

Verse 1 tells us that Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head because he had been anointed King of Israel by God. The act of oil being poured on a man signifies God’s presence, a setting apart for the work of God and a divine enablement to do the work.

Do you know that you have been anointed for the work of the kingdom? 1 John 2:20 says “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge”. You have what it takes to fulfill your purpose.

Samuel gave Saul three signs to assure him that he had been chosen by God. All those prophecies came to pass. Just as those prophecies came to pass, be assured that every prophecy that has been given to you will come to pass in Jesus name. The third of the signs was that the Spirit of the LORD will come upon him, he would prophesy with a band of prophets, and he shall be turned into another man. 

I am sure that you are aware that every person who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour also receives a new heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. The new heart gives an ability to behave in a manner which is superior to previous habits. Ignorance is replaced with Godly wisdom and spiritual weakness is replaced with spiritual strength.

Please be certain that if you are truly born again, the evidence will be clear in your changed life. Your new life will be noticed by those around you as you lift Jesus up, many will be drawn to Christ. Saul began to prophesy as evidence of his new heart but the change in him wasn’t permanent. If you do not guard your heart, satan will creep in silently and mess you up.

Hebrews 3:12-13 says “take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is {still} called "Today," lest anyone of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin”.

Guard your new heart like your life depends on it, so that sin will not cause you to return to the vomit of your past.

Prayer

I have received a new heart by faith. Help me so I do not live in my past. Help me to understand the voice of the spirit of God. Help me to respond accordingly in Jesus name. I know the devil is out to steal and to destroy me as Saul was eventually destroyed. Help me to make the right choices at all times in Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 39

Exodus 6-7

Judges 16

Job 39

Jeremiah 39

Mark 11

1 Corinthians 11

Luke 8:48 - Increase my Faith

Photo credit: www.polyvore.com

Exposition

Jesus was on his way to the home of Jairus whose daughter was dying. Verse 44 says a woman who’d had an issue of blood for 12 years touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and immediately the flow of blood stopped. This woman had spent all she had on medical bills without a cure.

The 12 years of illness must have been a testing experience for this woman. Apart from the physical impact, she was regarded as being spiritually unclean. Whoever touched her carried the mark of an unclean person as well. She was not allowed to enter the place of worship and practice her religion.

In our own case sin is a barrier to our contact with our Heavenly Father and His Son. Sin leaves a stain on us and we are not in a position to remove the stain, no matter how much we try. Just as this woman approached Jesus, so must we do so because Jesus Christ died on the cross to make us whole.

The woman approached Jesus as her only hope and she was not disappointed. Hebrews 4:15 says for we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus cannot be too busy to hear you out.

Mark 5:27 says the woman had heard about Jesus and she touched his garment. The question is, what have you heard about Jesus? What do you know about Him that will cause you to reach out to Him today? I can assure you that He still heals all manner of disease. He has not changed because He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

She was cured immediately cured as all who come to Christ in faith are cleansed of their sin the instant they confess and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. There was a multitude but this woman was the only one who got cured. She stood out in the crowd.

Jesus knew healing had been drawn from Him and He asked who touched me? She responded by stating why she touched Him and the healing that took place, right there and then. As Jesus told her that her faith had made her whole, the multitude must have left the place with greater faith.

We learn that to access the blessings that are available in Jesus Christ, faith is the key. After all Hebrews 11:6 says “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him”.

Prayer

Help me Lord, to seek you more and more. Help me to increase my faith. Help me to respond to all opportunities in faith. Help me to stand out in the crowd for positive things at all times in Jesus name.

I seek you to encounter the supernatural today in Jesus name. Do something in my life that will bring you glory. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 37

Exodus 2-3

Judges 13

Job 37

Jeremiah 37

Mark 9

1 Corinthians 9

Luke 8:21 - Family of Jesus

Photo credit: www.warrencampdesign.com

Exposition

Jesus Christ heard that his mum and brothers were looking for him and he answered that his mother and brother are those who hear the word and do it. He was not denying his family but he was stating that the spiritual relationship is more important than the natural relationship.

Many say they have given their lives to Christ but there is no evidence of such. They have either not been informed that the decision is the first step in a life time of obedience to Christ or they simply ignore what the Holy Spirit is telling them.

James 1:22 says but be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. It is a shame that some are deceiving themselves.

Many obey when it is convenient to do so and when it is inconvenient there is a catalogue of excuses. The story of Saul and the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 makes clear that partial disobedience is a sin.

1 John 2:29 confirms that If you know that He (Jesus) is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices (as the habit of their life) righteousness is born of Him. It is a very high mark to be a member of the family of God and the only requirement is obeying Him.

Prayer

I want to be a part of the family of Jesus Christ. As I claim to be a joint heir with Christ, help me, Lord, to obey at all times. Sometimes it seems easier to cut corners with half-truths and going on independently of what the Bible says, I ask that you’ll steer my heart to obedience in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 35

Genesis 49-50

Judges 11

Job 35

Jeremiah 35

Mark 7

1 Corinthians 7

1 Peter 1:13-14 - Gird Your Mind

Photo credit: www.primobibleverses.com

Exposition

Another translation of our text today says to gird up the loins of your mind meaning to tuck everything that can cause your mind to fall away into your belt. When you have girded your loins and stayed sober, you will be in a position to hope fully in the grace of God. To be sober minded is not to open the door of your mind to things which might cause you to fall away.

The world today is on the way to legalizing everything that used to be illegal just a short while ago. Advertising is in your face, online, anywhere and everywhere. Pornography and prostitution are available and nakedness is now celebrated. Gambling is now the new normal and everyone is encouraged to play the lottery because a percentage of sales is dedicated to charitable causes. Under aged drinking is encouraged with the production of alcoholic beverages for children. The list is endless. Without you being sober minded, it is too easy to fall to the temptation of any of these societal ills which are designed to mess up your testimony.

Taking special care of your mind is vital as before surrendering your life to Christ, you lived in ignorance. Lust of the things of the world reigned supreme. After your salvation, your spirit is now alive in Christ. You have a new nature, the nature of an obedient Child. The new nature puts things in a new perspective. It sheds light where lust and ignorance used to reign. Galatians 5:17 says the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit lusts against the flesh. The obedient child is called to fill your mind with the truth, which is found in the word of God which is the same as setting your hope fully on grace which is brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ to you.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as the One who died for your sins, please take time now to confess and repent of your sins now, for tomorrow might be too late. Invite him now and become a member of God’s own family.

Prayer

I ask for help from you, my Father that you help me to guard my heart at all times. Ephesians 6:14 says that I should stand, having girded my loins with truth. Let nothing push me off course in Jesus name.  Let the truth become real to me. Help me to be obedient at all times.

Help me to be sober minded at all times so I do not give in to the wiles of the devil. Let me hope fully in the grace of God. I know your grace is more than enough to see me through in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 27

Genesis 33-34

Judges 3

Job 27

Proverbs 27

Jeremiah 27

Matthew 27

Revelation 15

Hebrews 12:2a - Looking unto Jesus

Photo credit: www.dailylifeverse.com

Exposition

Our prayer text is a follow on of Hebrews 12:1 which says you are in a race which has to be run with patience. In running this race there are distractions which if not laid aside will have a negative impact on the satisfactory completion of the race.  

There is a piece of information which is very vital to the finishing of the race. This is looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus Christ is the umpire, better still the starter and it is wise to be focused on the starter so that when the gun goes, you are up and running.

Looking on Jesus is fixing your gaze on Him. To look unto Jesus is to consciously block out every distraction so that you will win the race of your life. Looking unto anything or anyone apart from Jesus is an invitation for disaster. Your eyes will look at where your heart is. If your heart is fixated on worldly things and its enticements, be assured that your vision will be obscured and you will not see Jesus as you should.

The weights are distractions; the sins you left behind are distractions, you do not need to look at them again. Your past successes and failures are not important. Do not look at your ability for in doing so, you are not looking at Jesus. Jesus is the pathway. He has seen it and done it. He is your source and your strength.

To look at Jesus is to know Him intimately and study Him. Studying Jesus informs you of who He is and what He has done. You also know where He is and what He is doing on your behalf. To look at Him is to meditate on His word and pray to Him and expect Him to answer you. It is to be at peace with Him.

Looking at Jesus is a permanent thing. Peter the Disciple looked elsewhere and he got into trouble. Matthew 14:29-30 tells the story of Peter walking towards Jesus on water and as soon as he saw the wind (seeing something else apart from Jesus), he became afraid and began to sink.

Looking at the might of Jesus rather than the size of the problem will provide the required the solution for there is nothing too hard for Him to do.

Prayer

Lord, my mind is always wondering. Help me to be focused on you and you alone. There are challenges, left, right and center. I know you are faithful but sometimes I worry. Help me Father so I can create time to know you. Help me to understand that you’ll always be there to see me through. Oh Lord, let your name be glorified in every area of my life in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 16

Pentateuch - Genesis 16

History – Joshua 16

Poetry – Job 16

Wisdom – Proverbs 16

Prophets – Jeremiah 16

Gospels – Matthew 16

Epistles – Romans 16

End Times – Revelation 4

2 Timothy 1:7 - Faith rather than Fear

Photo credit: www.kingjamesbibleonline.org

Exposition

Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy encouraging him to drop fear and embrace the spirit of power, love and a sound mind that was available to him.

Timothy was the young Pastor of the Church in Ephesus while Nero was an oppressive Emperor on the throne of the Roman Empire who was among other things killing Christians at every opportunity.

There was a climate of fear then, just as there is a climate of fear now, no matter which country you live in. Our lives are filled with all types of fear, doubts and worry. There are financial, and health worries etc. The old people worry whether their children will succeed in life, whether the children will get a good education, jobs, and good marriages and so on. They fear recession, inflation and so on. The young look around in fear whether the economy has left them behind, for example, whether they’d ever save enough to get a mortgage.

Living in fear is like living in prison and it limits the options available. The person who lives in fear is afraid of what he/she thinks will happen and not what has happened.

Fear stops you from trusting God. Jesus Christ came to release you from the spirit of fear. He came to teach you how to replace fear with faith. He asks you to have faith in Him in all our circumstances rather than in the things you fear will happen.

John 8:31 says the key is in believing on Him and continuing in His word. Verse 32 lets us know that ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

Despite the challenges that exist now and those that will surely rear their heads in future, Jesus wants you to believe and trust in His ability to do as He says.

No wonder He has promised and delivered the Holy Spirit of power, love and self-control to all who believe in Him.

I encourage you, make a choice today, which is more fearful? Stepping out in faith and doing the things God asks you to do, or ignoring God and directly disobeying Him.

Prayer

I step out of the prison of fear. I cast away every fear that has stopped me from moving forward in faith. Through the Holy Spirit, I receive power to live in faith; I receive the power to love Jesus Christ with all my soul, spirit and body. I move forward to acknowledge that there is nothing too hard for you to do for me because with you all things are possible in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 12

Pentateuch - Genesis 12

History – Joshua 12

Poetry – Job 12

Wisdom – Proverbs 12

Prophets – Jeremiah 12

Gospels – Matthew 12

Epistles – Romans 12

End Times – Daniel 12