PLAN AHEAD


Scripture: Genesis 6:13-22
“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he” Genesis 6:22 (KJV)

To achieve success in anything, proper planning is a must. It is very wise to plan ahead and be prepared for every task. By planning ahead, you will be able to spot obstacles before they come, make hay while the sun shines and make the most of every opportunity.

WATCH YOUR STAND


Scripture: Matthew 26:69-75
“Peter answered and said to Him, "even if all are made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble." Matthew 26:33 (NKJV).

It is very important we guard jealously the salvation we have in Christ. The devil is always looking for an opening to spoil our testimony. We may face certain situations that test our faith in God and because of this, we may pull back to protect ourselves from attack or discrimination.

WHOM GOD CLEANSES


Scripture: ACTS 10:5-28
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” Acts10:34 (KJV)

Sometimes, despite giving our lives to Christ, we may still carry along our old belief system, superstitions and norms of the society. That was exactly the case with Peter.

BE INTIMATE WITH GOD


Scripture: MATTHEW 17:1-9

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

 When someone is a close friend, it is easy to confide in them certain matters that would not usually be shared with others. Amongst the disciples of Jesus, Peter had this great privilege when he accompanied Jesus to the mount of transfiguration.

Being intimate with God always gives the individual first class information, God always reveals himself to such available vessel.  He reveals the mysteries of his kingdom to those that constantly have intimate fellowship with him. Peter was just a fisherman, but when he forsook everything to answer God’s call, God used him mightily. Being with Jesus made the difference in his life (Acts 4:13).

BE AVAILABLE

Scripture: LUKE 5:1-4
“And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.” Luke 5:6 (NKJV)

Although resources are abundant on earth, accessing them to meet our everyday needs will require divine assistance.
When Jesus needed a boat so He could reach out to the multitude that followed him, the fishermen made their boat available to Him. After using their boats, Jesus did not leave them empty. He blessed them beyond their imagination. The widow in Zarephath experience the same overflowing blessing after she opened her doors to the man of God, Elijah (1 Kgs. 17:12-15) and obeyed his instructions. Her blessing was evident for all to see.

HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED

Scripture: LUKE 5:1-11

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8 (NKJV)

God is merciful and his love is from everlasting to everlasting. He is not looking for perfect people to use, but for repentant and willing souls that will obey his commandments and do his will.

DOUBT NOT

Scripture: MATHEW 14:22-31

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" James 1:6 (NIV)

Lack of confidence, disbelief and uncertainty about life sometimes deprive us from receiving from God. We have to exercise total faith in God because He is able to do and bring to perfection that which He has started in our lives.

GOD’S COVENANT

Scripture: Gen. 9:8-17
“Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV)

Noah had been in the ark for forty days and forty nights in the midst of a terrible storm. It must have felt like the end of the world, all of them wondering if they would ever see the sky again. God promised that he would never again destroy the world by flood, and the sign of this covenant of peace was a rainbow (Gen. 9:12-15). It certainly was a huge relief for Noah to finally be able to walk on dry land after being confined for long. When we see the rainbow, we are assured of God’s covenant that he will never flood the whole earth again.

REST ASSURED

Scripture: Genesis 5:28-29
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”(Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)

Noah’s name means “rest” or “comfort”.  Lamech, his father must have believed his son would provide “comfort” or “rest” from the labours of farming and give him some relief. Noah ended up providing more than physical rest; he represented righteousness and brought rest and peace to humanity in the midst of God’s judgment. Noah’s life brought rest to the earth from the curse of sin which would have destroyed humanity. He was a preacher of righteousness and God’s agent of peace. He was called by God to build an ark that would save himself,  his family members and enough animals to preserve all species, thereby making it possible for humanity to thrive till today.

SHOWING KINDNESS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-14
“Don’t associate with evil men; don’t long for their favours and gifts. Their kindness is a trick; they want to use you as their pawn…” Proverbs 23: 6-8 (TLB)

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. God expects us to show kindness to one another Ephesians 4:32 (NIV). Some people show kindness for different reasons, however; our reasons for showing kindness must always be pure, selfless and in line with the teaching and person of Jesus before it will ever merit God’s approval.

TAKE CHARGE THROUGH CHRIST

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1-4
“For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” Phil 4:13 (NLT)

Some people who understand true leadership would rather follow than to lead. They believe true leaders have to live by strict principles and high standards as everyone looks up to them. Hence they are criticized and frowned at for the slightest mistakes.

A LIFE THAT GUIDES OTHERS

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22
“...thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God:” Ruth 1:16b (KJV)

Feedback: Share how your relationship with God was strengthened this past week.

The story of Ruth is symbolic of the access that Gentiles would have to God after Christ. Born in the land of Moab, an idolatrous nation full of wantonness and sin, Ruth would later become part of the genealogy of Christ after she willingly followed Naomi.

BE YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:7-15
“But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” 1Timothy 5:8 (NLT)

Our siblings are gifts from God. We are expected to look out for them and care for them in any way we can because they are a part of us. They are our family. Molesting and abandoning our siblings or those placed under our care is wrong. Such actions work to our disadvantage and bring judgment (Prov. 11:29).

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 44-46
“Remove the wicked from the King’s court, and his reign will be made secure by justice.” Proverbs 25:5 (NLT)

The word “established” means sufficiently successful leading to continuation or permanence. When backed up by the word “firm”, the result becomes the position many people seek once they attain success or a certain level in life. Consequently, efforts have to be made in order to ensure that the success is not short-lived, but rather secured and firmly established.

GENUINE FRIENDS

Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1-6
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

We have been created as social beings with the ability and need to interact with one another. As we go through life, we come across different people that we eventually become attached to and grow to become friends. A friend is someone whom you know and with whom you share a bond of mutual understanding. A true friend is reliable, sincere and dependable. That is such friendship that will benefit both parties involved. We all need genuine friends.

PRAISE GOD

Scripture: Acts 16:25-26, Habakkuk 3:17-18

“Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4 (AMP)

Praise is the expression of admiration, approval, appreciation and love for someone. Praising God is not an option for us. It is a command that we must obey (Ps. 100:4). God requires praise from us not just for his own glory and enjoyment, but for our own good. Praising God in and out of season is the key to getting God to listen to our heart’s cry (Jer. 29:12-13).

USEFUL COMMUNICATION

Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:4-7
“There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18 (NASB)

When God created all living things, he put in them the ability to communicate to one another. Even the animals can send signals to communicate how they feel. It is the same for humans. Humans can send messages across to each other in various forms. How we do this, however, is very important because we can gain or lose a lot by how we communicate.

GOD SPEAKS TO EVERYONE

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-5
"And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river." Genesis 41:1 (KJV)

Feedback: Who among your friends encourages and influences you positively.

When God made man, he created him in his own image and likeness (Gen 1:26-27) and he would come regularly to the Garden of Eden to fellowship with him. Today, God wants us to have this same fellowship with him. When we fellowship, we reflect on his majesty and greatness. We draw strength and receive direction from him as we express deep and sincere love and respect for our creator. His protection and guidance also keep us from missing our direction.

VICTIM OF SIN

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:14-27
"For which thing’s sake, the wrath of God is coming…". Colossians 3:6 (KJV)

Many people have become victims of circumstances they had nothing to do with. Some are in prison for crimes they did not commit. Some have lost relationships and loved ones in the process. Sin has consequences and the effect of sin can be overwhelming without the grace of God.

THE DAY OF THE LORD

Scripture: Genesis 7:1-23
“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37 KJV

God sent his son to die for the sins of men, promising that whoever believes and receives him as lord will receive eternal life (Jn. 3:16). Despite this free gift of salvation to man, many choose to remain distracted by the pleasures of life, forgetting that there will be a day of reckoning.

Just like in Noah’s time, a lot of people today are busy enjoying the pleasures of life not concerned that judgment is coming. The general population in Noah’s day refused to honour God and his laws. Noah’s labour on the ark should have been a strong warning to them that there was going to be a flood, but the people could not care less. The same scenario is playing out today: people are hardening their hearts towards the word of God and salvation.

It is folly to think that something will not happen because it has never happened before. This is what worked against the people of Noah’s day who dismissed the idea of the coming flood. Many people today are making the same mistake by not preparing themselves for the Lord’s return. God’s judgment is coming, but he offers reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Jesus described the events that will surround his second coming using the life of Noah as an indicator (Matt. 24:37-39). Do not be caught unprepared and do not harden your heart towards the gospel. Reconcile with God and be at peace with him. He will never reject a contrite heart. He awaits you with loving arms if you will turn your life over to him today.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to be ready for your return, so I will be a partaker on that joyful day in Jesus name.

FAITH BYTE
My heart is open to the word of God; I am at peace with him.

OBEDIENCE THROUGH FAITH

Scripture: Genesis 6:13-22
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not yet seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” Hebrews 11:7 (KJV)

Choosing to obey God always produces positive benefits. It should be the heart desire of every Christian to walk in obedience to God at all times and have faith in him, even in the midst of uncertainty. God’s faithfulness is unceasing when we obey him, (Deut. 7:9) and his protection is sure (Ex. 23:22), therefore, it is necessary to have the kind of faith that leads to obedience and pleases God (Heb. 11:6)

DIVINE GRACE

Scripture: Genesis 9:20-25
“My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2 (KJV)

Everyone faces a constant struggle against sin. Even the best of Christians cannot stand upright except they depend on divine grace. This is because the devil is constantly on a mission to bring believers down. The believer therefore, cannot overcome the devil by their effort or righteousness. The believer needs the grace of God to overcome him.

THE CURSE OF DISHONOR

Scripture: Genesis 9:18-27
“Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” Exodus 20:12 KJV

The law of honoring one’s parents is a commandment with an express reward for compliance. The rewards are long life and prosperity. This is the fifth commandment and the only one that comes with a promise. We bring God’s curse on ourselves and our generation when we disrespect our parents. God has mandated that we should honour our fathers and mothers as long as we live. Many, today, breach this law and as a result are experiencing failures in life.

INTIMACY WITH CHRIST

Scripture: John 13:23-27
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?..." Romans 8:35a (KJV)

John the Apostle, was a disciple described in the scriptures as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. This does not negate the fact that Jesus loved the others as well. What made Apostle John unique was the level of intimacy he had with Jesus.

IN GOOD COMPANY

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-12
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

Feedback: Share how your daily life can help another find Christ

Most people who just attend church without a proper relationship with God live by double standards. They have limited contact with God-fearing people and largely maintain ties with unbelievers. These people feel that believers are not as productive, business-savvy and fun as unbelievers. They see believers as being too religious and boring to keep as company. So, they devise means to live a parallel lifestyle.

ACHIEVING GREATNESS

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45
“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” Mark 10:44 (KJV)

Alot of people, even those in church, desire and seek positions of authority in order to become great and influential. As believers, our hope for power and influence should be accompanied with the desire to make a difference and better the lives of as many people as possible.

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP


Scripture: Luke 7:1-5
"And a certain centurions' servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die...beseeching  him that he would come and heal his servant". Luke 7:2-3 (KJV)

Relationships oil the engine of life. As humans, we cannot afford to isolate ourselves from engaging and interacting with others. The key, to maintaining good relationships is how we treat others. Some have taken to the habit of treating others harshly and without empathy. This does not please God as his desire is that we treat others with care and love because we are all created in his image and likeness.

SHARE THE WORD IN LOVE

Scripture: Luke 9:51-56
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

Speaking to people about Jesus for the first time and getting them to listen can be a terrifying and challenging experience. However, we must not be discouraged by the results we get at the beginning.  Also,we must never hate or condemn those who refuse our attempts to share Christ with them.

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP


Scripture: Luke 7:1-5
"And a certain centurions' servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die...beseeching  him that he would come and heal his servant". Luke 7:2-3 (KJV)

Relationships oil the engine of life. As humans, we cannot afford to isolate ourselves from engaging and interacting with others. The key, to maintaining good relationships is how we treat others. Some have taken to the habit of treating others harshly and without empathy. This does not please God as his desire is that we treat others with care and love because we are all created in his image and likeness.

WORKING IN GOD’S WILL

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17, Jonah 2:1,10
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”  Jonah 2:8 (KJV)

You may have been struggling with a particular challenge in one area or the other in life for a very long time without knowing why. The reason could be a simple one which many of us often fail to see. Are your prayers, intentions and decisions in line with the will of God?

COLONIZE THE EARTH

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
“Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (NASB)

Believers tend to focus on the concept of heaven after death forgetting that this is not the sole purpose for which we have been put on earth to serve God. We have been placed here in this colony called earth so we can replicate what happens in heaven. 

DO NOT FEAR DEATH

Scripture: John 21:17-23
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.”  Psalm 118:17 (KJV)

There is a general consensus that death is an inevitable end for mankind. But the bible records several people who lived much longer than their contemporaries and two people - Enoch and Elijah - who did not die. Death will come when it will, but you do not have to be afraid of dying. You have an assignment to fulfill and you are not permitted to die until your specific mandate is completed.