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

2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises Are Sure

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Exposition

For all the promises of God in him – The Almighty God has made lots of promises to all of mankind. These promises are found in the written word – the Bible which is why one must make a conscious effort to study the Bible every day.  You will need to study the Bible so as to be able to appropriate these promises to yourself.

Please note that as this verse tells us, the promises are made through Jesus Christ. This means that without accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, the promises can’t work for you. Some of these promises are that God has promised to be your God and you will be showered with His love, God has promised to be available and present in your life.

God has promised to pardon your sins if you confess and repent of your sins. He has promised to cleanse you and protect you. He has promised to provide all your needs and give you His Spirit. God also says that everything that happens to you will work out for your good. What an awesome God!!

Yes and in Him Amen - This continues to affirm that the promises are affirmed in Jesus as Revelation 3: 14 calls Jesus, the ‘Amen’.

They are yes because it is certain that they will be fulfilled. Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? This verse speaks for itself. Whatever God promises always happens. Amen means true, faithful and certain. May you receive the promises in Jesus name, Amen

to the glory of God through us – When you hold on to the promises of God and you receive them, God is glorified. When you take the step of faith and you preach the gospel, God is also glorified.

Prayer

In this New Year, I ask that You help me to search for your promises to me by studying my bible every day. I say thank you, Lord for all your promises to me. I thank You for those that have come to pass. Let those that are outstanding come to pass speedily in Jesus name. Amen.

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Bible Reading in a Year

Old Testament	New Testament	Psalms & Proverbs

Genesis 1, Genesis 2:1-17

Matthew 1:1-25

Psalm 1:1-6

Isaiah 49:16 - Inscribed on God's Palms

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Exposition

Look, I have inscribed your name on my palms; your walls are constantly before me – The Almighty God is assuring you today that your name is inscribed on His palms. Read this verse aloud and insert your name where it should be, let the implications of this promise sink into your soul.

The Hebrew word translated is ‘chaqaq’. It means to cut in, mark out or to engrave. This is how much you mean to God. If you are engraved on His palms, it means you can’t be wiped out by satan and its lousy band of angels. No matter what your mind is telling you, or what your status is, in the society or your bank balance is, big or small, or your examination results are saying, you are special in the eyes of God.

Your relationship with God is the relationship that matters. He is in charge in the heavens and on earth too. You are dear to God and you are constantly on His mind. God can’t forget you because His eyes are on you. You are sealed in His love. You will succeed in life.

You should decide to stop feeling insignificant or lonely or unloved. Remember He knows your name. This piece is not written to make you happy. It is for you to understand who you are in the hands of the Almighty God. You are not an ordinary footnote of history. You will make history in Jesus name. Amen

Prayer

Thank you, Father for the assurance that you love me and your eyes will always be on me. I am convinced that you will make a way for me in Jesus name. With your help, all I do will bring will glory to your name in Jesus name. Amen

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Exodus 33:9 - Talking to Your Father

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Exposition

And it came to pass – This statement occurs 85 times in the Bible. It can mean that whatever negative situation that enters your life cannot stay forever. You must be sure that then you look back in the future, by God’s special grace you will testify that the situation came and it passed away in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

You can use it as an affirmation that whatever God says always happens. Sometimes it happens later than you anticipated, but remember that it will always come to pass. God is never late.

as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle – The cloudy pillar led the Israelites during the journey from Egypt to the land of promise. It was an evidence of the presence of God. The Ark of Covenant was placed in the Tabernacle. The cloudy pillar descending was interpreted by the Israelites that they were still in God’s favour.

and the LORD talked with Moses – Numbers 12: 8 tells us that God spoke to Moses, mouth to mouth. This makes clear the intimate relationship that God had with Moses. Many of us know about God but we do not know Him because no effort has been put into getting to know him.

As God spoke to Moses, so He still speaks to His children. Unfortunately God does not impose His will on anyone. You can make a choice that you want to develop your relationship with your heavenly Father. You would start to enjoy it as you speak and you wait for a response. God speaks in diverse ways and as you spend more time with Him you will recognise His voice. You will easily start to enjoy your time of fellowship with God and you will no longer want to leave His presence.

Create time out of your busy schedule, you can go the extra mile and have a specific place and time within your home where you concentrate on talking to your Father in heaven.

Prayer

In my life’s journey, I ask for your presence. Help me Lord to create time to meet with you. There are too many questions that need answers, let me not be far away from your presence. I need to hear the voice of caution and the voice of comfort at all times so that I do not miss my way. Thank you my Father in Jesus mighty name. Amen

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1 Kings 17:22 - The LORD listened

And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived.

Prayer

Help me pray confidently knowing that you will listen to me O LORD.

Let my voice be respected in heaven like the voice of Elijah and your son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Luke 10:39 - Sitting at His feet

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

Prayer

Let there be affection in my heart for you O Lord.

Let my heart be humble enough to want to sit at your feet.

When I sit at your feet, let me be still so that I will hear all you are telling me.

Let me be filled in your presence in Jesus name. Amen

Acts 10:2 - The center of my life

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

Prayer

Help me as I want to develop my relationship with you.

I want to hear you, I want to see you and respond to you at all times.

Let there be a reverential fear of you in the hearts of everybody in my household.

I would love to give alms to the needy. Give me a compassionate heart and let me act on the compassion at all times in Jesus name.

Stir my heart towards praying to you always.