Psalm 1: 1 - Sitting With Mockers

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Exposition

Yesterday just as we assessed whether we are sleeping spiritually, today we assess, who do I sit with? Do I sit with mockers or at the feet of Jesus to learn and talk to Him?

Our text contrasts the path of the righteous man with that of the “unrighteous”. The righteous do not walk or receive counsel from the ungodly, nor does he mingle with sinners and he does not sit with mockers. The result is that he is blessed which means he is happy and fully contented with his life.

It is really a simple question. Who do you associate with? Do you sit down where God and the things of God are not sacred? It is agreed that presently in most countries, there is freedom of speech and association modern day, where men are free to do as they please.

Mockers are those who treat the Almighty God with contempt and derision. God, His servants and those who revere and worship Him are regarded as fools. They criticize, pour scorn and ridicule God. Such people do not see or regard what the Bible states as sin to be such. They gladly partake and believe while here on earth it is better to enjoy now because man does not know tomorrow. The concept of heaven and hell are not regarded as real.

It is understood that you might have been like this before you found Jesus Christ and you still have friends in such a group. Therefore you still meet up occasionally and when the subject of your faith comes up, you try to argue with them or at best you stay silent. Please understand that sitting with such people will cause you to be identified as being a part of them. If you read the rest of the chapter, you will find out what their end will be like.

For those who do not sit with mockers but find it difficult to sit down at the feet of Jesus to learn either because our personal life is so busy or chaotic, Jesus says in Luke 10:41-42 that it is better to spend time in His presence listening to Him than being bogged down in other things. I also encourage you, create the time and you’ll be better for it. An additional benefit is the promise of God in Psalm 110:1 which says The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

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

Prayer

Help me ,Father, to choose my friends carefully. Help me understand that loyalty to you is beneficial to me than my loyalty to friends. Order my steps Lord so I do not end up where you are being mocked.

I also ask that you help me to order my priorities at all times so I create time to spend with you every day. Let your name be glorified in Jesus name.

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

Day 46

Exodus 20-21

Ruth 1

Psalm 5

Jeremiah 46

Luke 2

2 Corinthians 2

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

Psalm 71:21 - Increase my Greatness

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Exposition

This Psalm is a call for help from God against enemies that seem to surround one on every side. The writer shows confidence and hope that God always comes good for His own.

Verse 21 – our text today lets you know that despite the challenges around you, your greatness will be increased. This is because all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Every situation in front of you is a stepping stone to the great future that has being ordained for you. The Almighty knows the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end.

The “increase in Greatness” confirms that there is inherent greatness in every child of God for if it wasn’t there; there will be nothing to increase!!

There is a guarantee of comfort not only where there is trouble and danger but on every side. The angels of God are available to turn weeping into joy, replace gladness for mourning and strength for fear in Jesus name.

Prayer

Increase my greatness O Lord. Let every word you have spoken come to pass in Jesus name. Order my steps towards my greatness every day. Let every contrary from my adversary come to nothing in Jesus name. Let me enjoy your everlasting arms of comfort all round me this day and forevermore in Jesus name. Amen

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

Day 4

Pentateuch - Genesis 4

History – Joshua 4

Poetry – Job 4

Wisdom – Proverbs 4

Prophets – Jeremiah 4

Gospels – Matthew 4

Epistles – Romans 4

End Times – Daniel 4

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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Psalm 118:24 - The Day Made by God

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Exposition

This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it – The Psalmist simply lets us know that seeing a new day or in this instance, a New Year is not of our making. There is no skill or intellect involved in being alive to see a New Year. Many must have made plans for this day, but sadly it is not so. We are alive because of the grace and the mercy of God.

That is why our response to the benevolence of God is rejoicing and gladness. It is a day of joy and rest. It is also a day that a decision can be made to decide to follow Jesus for the rest of your life after realising that without Him the situation would be different.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for allowing me to see another year. By your grace I am alive and I am we. Going forward, I ask that You help me in my desire to renew my relationship with You. Lord, my tomorrow is in your hands, let this New Year be the best year ever in my life. Protect me from all evil in Jesus name. Amen

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Psalm 103:2 - I Praise You, God

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Exposition

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me – Another translation of this verse says bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits. David wrote this Psalm after going through a very tough time. He nearly died but God in His infinite mercies saw him through.

The year is about to come to an end depending on which part of the world you are based and you made it to the end. Please take a while to reflect on what happened in the past year. You flew from place to place or drove, you arrived safely but some did not. You are aware of the death of many, young and old, but you are alive today. You survived the sicknesses and diseases that you heard killed other people. Many lost homes or investments but you have a roof over your head. Many struggled to feed, but you are healthy by the grace of God. Your marriage or home is intact despite the plan of the devil. Your children have made progress, you received promotion in many areas while many were losing their jobs or going bankrupt.

Please read through the whole chapter (Psalm 103) as it would help you in remembering things that you might have forgotten. David called on his soul to bless God. That is to say, all that you are, your soul, spirit and body should burst into song as you praise God for all that He did for you in the year that is coming to an end.

Prayer

My Father and my God, the Almighty God, my protector, my protection, my strong tower and my deliverer, I thank You for seeing me through the year. With my whole being, I appreciate and honour You for the loving kindness that You extended to me and my family. You provided for me and I was able to meet my obligations. Shame did not enter into my household, glory and honour to Your holy name.

I come to You with my hands lifted up and my heart filled with praise. I come with thanksgiving. I bless You, my King.

The New Year is in Your capable hands. I know You have already gone ahead and You will see me through in Jesus name. Amen.

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Psalm 62:11 - All Power Belongs to God

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Exposition

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this; that power belongs to God – God spoke the world into existence then and He still speaks today. Nothing or no one can reverse what God says. Whatever God says always happens because God cannot lie. Whatever God speaks will always happen because He has the power to make it happen.  

Some have been led to believe that the devil is powerful but it does not have salvation. This is contrary to this beautiful scripture that tells us that power belongs to God. Children of God now live in fear because they are on the lookout for when satan will strike. Scriptures calling satan the ruler of this world or prince of the air, for example, indicate the capabilities of satan. We see that in the many religions and ideas that are under satan’s control. You must not misinterpret scripture.

You must never forget that the Almighty God is the Sovereign King. God has allowed satan to operate within boundaries, unbelievers might operate within parameters set by satan but satan has no power over children of God.

Among other things, the unlimited power of God appeared from the creation of something out of nothing. That power put the government of the world on the shoulders of Jesus Christ. It is that power that has translated the people out of darkness into the marvelous light. It is this same power through grace which touches the hearts of the hard-hearted by the Holy Spirit, it is the power that delivers us from the hands of our enemies and that same power destroys our enemies too.

Do remember that everything can fail but the power of God can never fail. It is time to start trusting God the more and asking for the power to work for you and in you.

Prayer

Help me, Father, to recognise when you are speaking to me. Let me hear my revelation, let me dream dreams and see through visions too in Jesus name. You are the power. Let your power move mountains away for me. By your power let things that have been difficult suddenly become easy in Jesus name. Amen

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Psalm 85:6 - Revive Us Again

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Exposition

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – This Psalm was written after the people returned from exile. They met a fallen Temple and there was all round discouragement as they were surrounded by enemies who were jealous of their relationship to their God.

In our world today the battle between the spirit (Church) and the flesh (world) has taken a new dimension. Rather than going out to preach Christ and His gift of salvation, the Church is imbibing the ways of the world in a bid to stay relevant.  If you cannot beat them, join them seems to be the order of the day. The fear of God does not mean anything and impunity is the order of the day. The world has wondered away from God, we are dead in our sin and there is a need for a quickening of our spirits. This can only happen by the grace of God.

We can join hands together and call on God to breathe again upon the nations. Men cannot revive themselves for only God can revive a dying man. As men turn away from sin and they turn to Jesus Christ, there will be rejoicing in heaven and on earth too. The lethargy in the nation will be lifted and there will be singing and dancing in Jesus name.

Prayer

I pray for Ministers of God all over the world that they be renewed. I include Elders and Church members too. Let revival start with me O God. Have mercy on me my Father. Let my heart be aligned again with yours. Let there be an urgency within me to see your power move again. Come down and let your name be glorified in Jesus name. Let our nation turn to you again. Let joy fill our hearts in Jesus name. Amen.

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Psalm 51:11 - Enjoying God's Presence

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Exposition

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me - David had sinned and he expected God to punish him by casting him away from His presence. God’s presence did different things to different people in the Bible. For example Adam and Eve enjoyed intimate relationship with God before sin drove them to hide from his presence. Jonah tried to run away from God’s presence in Jonah 1: 3 and Isaiah sinfulness was exposed by God’s holiness in Isaiah 6: 3.

Would you miss God’s presence? That would depend on the reality or the impact of God in your life. I would say that if your experience of Him is shown in the abundance of grace towards you, then the absence of that grace would indicate that something is the matter!!   

What are the benefits of His presence? Joshua 1:5 and 9 shows that His presence provides comfort and strength in times of trouble. Our prayers are answered in His presence. His presence is also where blessings are dished out to those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. When you are in His presence you experience joy as Psalm 16: 11 tells us. You have access to God’s presence as you can approach His throne room with confidence because of what Christ did on the cross of Calvary. 2 Chronicles 7: 14 also tells us if we come with humble hearts, He will hear us and forgive us of all sins.

Today we have a better covenant than David had for we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Our heavenly Father wants us to live holy lives and dwell in His presence at all times. Where we fall into sin we must hurry to repent and confess so that the abundant grace can continue to abound towards us. Satan is an expert in condemnation; do not fall for his tricks. Rise up no matter the situation for your Father has promised never to leave you nor forsake you.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the many blessings you have given unto me. You have caused me to sing a new song at all times. I have enjoyed your protection as you neither sleep nor slumber. Thank you for the wall of fire that has protected me from the fiery darts from satan. I ask that you stir me up whenever I fall into sin so that I can repent and confess quickly. I do not want to ever step out of your presence. Help me O Lord in Jesus name. Amen.

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Psalm 51:10 - A New Heart

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Exposition

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me – David had acknowledged his sin and with a repentant heart, he asked that he be cleansed because his sin had soiled his heart. The Almighty who created man is the only One who can exchange the dirty heart and replace it with a clean one. The cleansing agent is the blood of Jesus Christ which He shed on the cross for the sins of the world.

David asked for a right spirit which would be firm and would not yield to temptation. He wanted to go back to where he was before he sinned. This was fine, but I encourage you to ask for a clean heart for another reason today.

The person that wants to yield to God’s request for intercessors requires a clean heart. Intercession requires giving yourself up for God. It is a complete denial of self. It is total surrender to God. Your prayer for a clean heart is because you want the Holy Spirit to take over your life.

You can ask that anything that will impede your prayer life be removed by your Maker. Ask God to help you deal with any issues that can stop you praying for anyone. The intercessor is humble; ask God to take away completely every form of pride because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Many of us struggle with unforgiveness and this becomes an impediment to prayer. Some go to the extent of saying I can forgive but I will not forget so as not to be hurt again. The person on God’s assignment will be ready to pray for anyone as directed by the Holy Spirit.

You can do it. Make that decision today.

Prayer

Let there be an exchange today. Give me a new heart that will be yielded to you completely in Jesus name. I give my consent for spiritual surgery. Let there be complete separation between me and everything that will not allow me to serve you in prayer. Release an abundance of grace over me now in Jesus name. Amen

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Psalm 6:8-9 - God Hears Prayer

Exposition

Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer - Reading this Psalm from the beginning before our text tells us that the writer must have been in great physical pain. He also believed that his suffering was a result of God’s displeasure with him. Despite his thinking that his situation was a result of punishment by God, he still turned to God for the solution.

You will always have a choice of who to turn to when the inevitable challenges arrive at your doorstep. It is your responsibility to make the right choice. In affliction the writer turned to God as his helper in the time of distress. God is our ever present help in times of trouble. When we are wounded, He cures, when we are down, He is the lifter up of our head. Looking elsewhere is a waste of time as no one has the capacity to solve problems completely except the Almighty God because with Him all things are possible.

The writer groaned and he cried. You should understand that you can go to God without hiding your feelings. It is alright to cry to your Maker. He promises to turn sorrow into joy. Be certain that Jesus Christ is interceding on your behalf and God will not turn away from His Son.

Be convinced that God hears your petitions and He sees what you are going through. The bible says the fervent prayer of the righteous avails much – makes a difference and your prayers will always be heard in Jesus name. The Holy Spirit in you will always help you pray in a manner that will cause God to answer speedily. Isaiah 65:24 says, and it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Hold on to this promise. It is well with you in Jesus name.

Prayer

Jehovah, I call on you this day, heal my hurts. So many things bring tears to my eyes, let my tears have a voice, wipe away my tears and let your name be glorified. I know my righteousness is as filthy rags before you, let the righteousness of Christ wash me clean today and always in Jesus name.

You have said while I am yet speaking, you will hear me. Let it be so in Jesus mighty name. Amen

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