1 Samuel 15:35 - God Will Not Reject Me

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Exposition

The LORD had rejected Saul from being King over Israel mainly because of his disobedience. We should continue to pray that God would have no reason to reject us as His children and also from any position that we occupy.

Saul had been anointed King over Israel and told specifically to obey the words of God. His first assignment was to smite the Amalekites and utterly destroy them without sparing any one of them including their animals. The Amalekites had attacked the Israelites when they were leaving Egypt hundreds of years ago. Please note that God does not forget sin.

Saul in his wisdom destroyed the people but he spared King Agag and the best of the animals. We are told he destroyed all that he considered worthless.

Verse 11 says God repented that He had made Saul, king. The repentance of God was the same as grieving at the disobedience of Saul. He feels the same when his children who are made in His image and after His likeness disobey His word. Disobedience is a choice to reject the Almighty God and His word. The other part is the alternative which is to align with satan against the Almighty God.

God gives room for His children to confess their sins and come back to Him in repentance. 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In the case of Saul, when Samuel confronted him, Saul said in Verse 13 that he had performed the commandment of the LORD. On further questioning, Saul said it was the people who spared the animals. He came up with a litany of excuses. Do you always have a reason not to do the right thing? Do you hide behind someone else rather than own up to wrong doing? Saul did not take his chances to repent and he was punished.

Saul said the people kept the animals to use them as sacrifices to Samuel’s God not his own God. He had missed it completely. God is not interested in animal sacrifice. The sacrifices acceptable to God are a heart of repentance and bodies presented as living sacrifices which are holy and acceptable unto Him.

Saul did as he pleased which is an evidence of pride. It has been said that pride always leads to a fall. Is there hidden pride in your heart? It is easy to compare Saul’s relationship with God to David’s. David though not perfect was quick to seek forgiveness whenever he sinned. We can also use this opportunity to assess ourselves by asking, where am I with God? Do I please people rather than please God? Am I humble enough to seek forgiveness when I have done wrong?

Prayer

I ask that you search my heart, remove every form of wickedness in Jesus name. Let your word cleanse every iniquity in me in Jesus name. Let every hidden pride be exposed. Give me a humble heart O God. Let a reverential fear envelope my heart such that I will desire to do the right things at all times in Jesus name.

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

Day 41

Exodus 10-11

Judges 18

Job 41

Jeremiah 41

Mark 13

1 Corinthians 13

Luke 8:21 - Family of Jesus

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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 2:1 - Rid Yourself of Sin

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Exposition

Our text starts with “therefore” which indicates that this verse relates to preceding verses. Chapter 1 is about the “new birth” or being “born again”. Our text has a short list of sins that the newly born again person should be rid off, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Romans 8:13 lets us know that with the Holy Spirit which we received when we became “born again” enables us to be rid of these vices.

In the past, sin was the Master and you lived under its power, but the situation is now meant to be different. Romans 6:12 says you do not allow sin to reign in your body any longer. The difference between “then” and “now” is the choice you now have. In the past, you did not have a choice because “sin” was the master. You are now in Christ and you have the power to obey every instruction given to you by God through the scriptures.

Jesus Christ is now your new Master and He can’t share your ownership with another party – satan through the vehicle of sin. Jesus Christ will not make the choice for you. Go ahead today and respond to this instruction. Let malice and friends know you are under new management. To rid yourself or lay aside implies a complete separation from these things.

At every opportunity, recognise the telltale signs, no matter how sweet it is to cut off the sister or put someone down, for example, lift the person up in prayer, speak good things about your neighbour rather than the opposite. You will be a vehicle of the love of Christ which you received when you became born again.

Prayer

Help me, Lord, to understand that I am a new creature and old things are passed away. Help me, Lord, as I decide that for my benefit I will obey you. Help me Lord to listen to and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I know that in weak moments, I want to go back to my old way of doing things, help me, Lord, not to give in to such promptings in Jesus name. Amen

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

Day 30

Genesis 39-40

Judges 6

Job 30

Proverbs 30

Jeremiah 30

Mark 2

1 Corinthians 2

Revelation 18

1 Peter 1:2 - Sanctified for Obedience

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Exposition

You were chosen or elected according to the foreknowledge of God. It does not mean that God was just aware that you were going to accept Jesus as your Saviour. It means that according to Ephesians 1:4a God had chosen you in Him before the foundation of the world. If you look closely to this beautiful verse, you’ll notice that the Trinity all worked together to bring you to salvation. You were foreknown by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit and sprinkled with the blood of the Son.

To be sanctified is to be set apart. The Holy Spirit convicts a man of sin and then leads the sinner to the Cross where sin is forgiven. As all sin is forgiven, the power of sin is broken and the fruits of the Holy Spirit become available to the “new man”. It is the Holy Spirit Who gives us the assurance that our sins are forgiven and that Jesus Christ is Lord.

There is a one-time sanctification and also a continuous sanctification. The initial sanctification which set you apart from sin is a one- time event. The Holy Spirit continues to work in you all your life to make you more holy. It is important for you to access the word of God at all times. John 17:17 says make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Therefore the key to continuous sanctification is allowing the word of God to work in you.

Peter says to you that the purpose of election is that you might obey Jesus and go on benefiting from his cleansing blood. A genuine, saving faith will always produce obedience and submission to the gospel of Christ. A person who claims faith in Jesus Christ but whose pattern of life is utter disobedience to the word of God is not redeemed and is thus living a lie. See James 2:14 which says what use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus on you does three things. It forms a covenant with Jesus, you are ordained as a Priest and you are cleansed from corruption and sin. All these are patterned after the use of blood in the Old Testament times.

What are privilege and blessing to be chosen by the Almighty God.

Prayer

Once again I thank you for knowing me and choosing me before the beginning of time. I pray that the grip of sin be broken completely and both small and big sins will have no place in me. I thank you for daily sanctification. I pray that I will not forsake the word of God. The word will bring cleansing into my heart in Jesus name. By the grace of God, I will enjoy the benefits of the covenant with Jesus Christ all the days of my Christ. Amen

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

Day 24

Genesis 28-29

Joshua 24

Job 24

Proverbs 24

Jeremiah 24

Matthew 24

Revelation 12

Psalm 119:9-11 - Behaving According to God's Word

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Exposition

Our text today starts with a question, how can a young man or one who is a new born in Christ live a holy life? The question is directed to the young because they are liable to sin and lusts and so on. I would say the old man should be prepared to respond to this question too because sin has no respect for age or status.

Before getting to the answer proffered by the writer of this psalm, one could think that a personal determination to live a pure life should be enough, or a life based on the principles of honesty, integrity and a good reputation can see you through.

All these can fail; the only sure bet is a decision to live according to the word of God.

It is not a coincidence that 2Timothy 3:16 says all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Verse 2 of this chapter says the man who seeks after God with his own heart is blessed. If you are conscious of the fact that your heart might want to seek after God but your flesh is naturally weak, you will join me in asking God for help today.

When you memorize the word of God, your heart will stop you from sinning because your heart will remind you that the word of God is contrary to your plan of action.

Unfortunately, the culture of memorizing anything is becoming redundant as virtually all the gadgets that are in use have so much memory that we no longer feel the need to commit anything to memory.

You should go against the grain because your spiritual discipline is dependent on what you commit to memory. When the devil tempted Jesus Christ, Jesus overcame by responding with Scripture that He had hidden in His heart.

Help yourself, organize competitions with your children and friends to recite scripture. It will come in handy, sooner rather than later.

In conclusion, if you obey the word of God, seek God with your whole heart and memorize the word, then your life will conform to the way of God.

Prayer

Help me to live for you by your word. Help me to keep my way pure. Give me a heart that will long for you, a heart that will always want to please you in Jesus name. Help me to make the right choices at all times. I know committing anything to memory isn’t simple. Please make it simple through the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.

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

Day 13

Pentateuch - Genesis 13

History – Joshua 13

Poetry – Job 13

Wisdom – Proverbs 13

Prophets – Jeremiah 13

Gospels – Matthew 13

Epistles – Romans 13

End Times – Revelation 1

1 Kings 2: 3 - Route to Success

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Exposition

Our prayer text is part of David’s last words to his son, Solomon from 1 Kings 2:1-9.  Most people want to succeed in life and they try all they can, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. Some do not even try because they take whatever life throws at them. Such people are told to believe, what will be, will be. The world has always defined success by its own terms and has prescribed to way to success.

David was described as a man after God’s heart and certainly showed that throughout his life. Thus he was in a position to let his son, Solomon know the secret of his own success.  Basically, David told his son that to prosper, obey God.

Joshua also told the people of Israel that as you enter into the Promised Land in Joshua 1: 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 

If you would take time today to think about the word of God says in Jeremiah 29:11 -For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. If you regard God has the Almighty, and you are convinced that His thoughts for you are all about you succeeding here on earth and making Heaven, then you will be better off doing as He wants you to do. He knows the route, for He is the route, follow Him like your life depends on Him and success is guaranteed. Any other way is a recipe for pain and failure.

Prayer

Help me, Father, to follow you, and you alone. Help me to dedicate time to study your word so I can know what is expected of me. Help me Lord to humble myself to listen to the teachings of the people whom you have set over me too. I want everything I do to prosper; I do not want trial and error any longer. Open the eyes of my heart to see that all I have been looking for all over the place is in you. Thank you, Father, in Jesus name. Amen

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

Day 6

Pentateuch - Genesis 6

History – Joshua 6

Poetry – Job 6

Wisdom – Proverbs 6

Prophets – Jeremiah 6

Gospels – Matthew 6

Epistles – Romans 6

End Times – Daniel 6

Psalm 37: 23 - Order My Steps O Lord

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Exposition

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way – A baby’s first steps are always a joy to behold by the family. Parents sometimes have to hold a toddler’s hands to support and balance before those first steps are made. Eventually, the baby walks unaided by anyone.

As parents hold the hands of little children, so also God holds the hands of His children as they navigate their way through life. Unlike parents who no longer need to hold the hand of a child, God wants to hold our hands forever if He is allowed to.

You’ll understand that God is Almighty and He knows the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end. God has a plan for you, so it makes sense to follow the Master Planner. Just as you know the potential in your children, so the Lord knows your potential too. You support your children in every possible way, so the Lord wants to support you too. He orders our steps through His word – the Bible and He speaks to us directly too. Isaiah 30:21 says whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, this is the way; walk in it.

It is beneficial if you allow God to order your steps for He is delighted when you obey Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”.  Psalm 1:6 tells us that for the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.  If you have been doing your thing and snatched away your hand from the Master’s hands, retrace your steps to where you left Him, the Almighty is waiting for you.

Prayer

Help me Father to study your word. As You speak to me help me to be sensitive.  I want to be an obedient child. I ask that You go the extra mile to keep me in check for my own good. I pray I will be a delight to You all the days of my life in Jesus name.  May I never follow the path of destruction in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading in a Year

Old Testament - Genesis 7, Genesis 8, Genesis 9:1-17

New Testament - Matthew 4:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs - Proverbs 1:1-7

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Luke 5: 5-6 - Master I Hear You

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Exposition

Simon answered, Master – There is no evidence to say that Simon had heard of Jesus yet he responded to Jesus Christ by calling Him, Master. He recognised the authority of Jesus Christ. You have probably heard of Jesus Christ, or you have experienced His power or you have read about Him. Friend, He is still the Master for He is irreplaceable. He is Almighty. He created the heavens and the earth and everything in it. Take your reading this note today as a call from Jesus Christ. He is knocking on the door of your heart and all you have to do is the heed the call and I can assure you, that your life will be changed for the better.

we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything – Simon was the expert fisherman and He assumed Jesus had no clue about his seeming predicament. Simon and his colleagues were a hard working bunch like many today but with little to show for it. Proverbs 13: 5 says good understanding giveth favour, but the way of transgressors is hard. A life of obedience leads to favour from heaven but a life of disobedience which is sin leads to a hard life putting it mildly.

But because you say so, I will let down the nets. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break – Peter went on to obey the command despite his feeling that the possibilities were slim. The result of obedience in this instance was the power of God attracting fish from wherever they were and positioning them into Simon’s nets. If every man could obey Jesus in all situations, the result would be a life of blessing just like Simon encountered. Jesus does not disappoint. Have confidence in Him, obey Him and you’d get every blessing that is available to man from heaven.

Prayer

You are my Father and my Lord. I honour you my Master. Thank you for calling out to me. Help me to continue hearing your voice. I fall in line asking that you lead me day by day. Let me live to enjoy every blessing of obedience in Jesus name. Amen

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