FOLLOW GOD

Scripture: Matthew 10:32-39

“…No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (KJV)

Sometimes, we get so busy with the issues and cares of this world that we lose sight of our purpose on earth. We are caught up with our daily activities and relationships that we relegate what is most important to the background. As a Christian, your first priority should be to follow God.

Following God comes with focus and dedication. Sometimes, it may not be convenient for many

STAND BY YOUR DECISION

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

"... and this is only the beginning of what they will do. Nothing that they have in mind to do will be impossible for them!" Genesis 11:6 (ISV)

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At the beginning of each year, people make new-year resolutions. Some people decide to pursue a more serious relationship with God, pursue a career or work on a project. Some people even take it a step further by writing their decisions down,

DEALING WITH PROVOCATION

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-17 

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

 A s humans, we constantly interact with one another with the view of achieving some predetermined objective which may result in unavoidable conflict or provocation. How we deal with such provocation is of utmost importance to the sustenance of relationships and the attainment of divine objectives even as a church.

Sometimes, when we offend others, we let our ego get in the way and it becomes difficult to apologize.

FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MISSION

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

 “…For I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:13b (KJV)

Jesus’ mission on earth was to save the lost and he acted strategically to accomplish it. He spoke to anyone even those widely considered unrighteous and unclean. His strategy yielded good results as many tax collectors and sinners came to Jesus and his disciples and accepted him as Lord over their lives.

GREAT FAITH

Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Matthew 8:10 (NIV)

 Many believers understand the reality of faith but lack the courage to walk by it. It is impossible to receive anything from God without faith. No wonder Jesus Christ was quick to attribute some of the miracles he performed to the measure of faith demonstrated by the receivers.

A HUMBLE BIRTH

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Romans 12:16 (NIV)

The birth of a king should be one filled with a lot of pomp Tand pageantry but the circumstances surrounding the birth of the King of all kings depicts humility at its best. God could have sent his son Jesus into a royal family where he could have been surrounded by all the riches

A KING IS BORN

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23

 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 (NIV)

In the little town of Bethlehem a King was born that would change the course of the world. Under very unique Icircumstances God introduced his Son to the world to save mankind from peril. A virgin gave birth to a baby who would later be the savior of the world.

God loves man so much that he sacrificed his son for us,

PREACH FEARLESSLY

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-28

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…” Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)

With the overwhelming advancement in modern communication technology, Christians today can easily reach out and preach to hundreds and thousands of souls but many believers fail to do so. Many are afraid that speaking up for Christ may have negative effects on their lives.

JUSTIFIED BY GRACE

Scripture: Romans 5:15-21

“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” Romans 11:6 (NKJV)

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lot of times, we are tempted to think that our righteousness is a function of our ability and perceived Aholiness. Our righteousness, however, is like a filthy rag before God. We are who we are by the grace of God who loved us and gave himself for us.

Paul reminded the Romans of the depth of God’s grace and the free gift of righteousness by contrasting the work of Adam and that of Jesus.

LAW OF TIME

Scripture: Ecclesiastics 3:1-9

“And the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” 1 Chronicles 12:32a (KJV)

 We live in a time bound earth, hence, we are time bound. Time is governed by certain laws. You must understand and master these laws if you must maximise your time. Time is universal for everybody. 24 hours is same in length and quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, as it is in Kiev, Ukraine. Time cannot be reversed or paused.

PRINCIPLE OF SOWING

Scripture: Hosea 10:12-13

 “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 (NLT)

 Biblically, sowing means more than just an agricultural principle. It is a principle of give and take (Gal. 6:7).Those who sow in sin should expect to receive what sin naturally produces which is death. Whoever sows righteousness will reap what righteousness offers which is life.

Sowing is God’s principle.

ACTION SPEAKS

Scripture: 1 John 3:18-21

 Dear Children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” I John 3:18 (NLT)

Practice what you preach” is a common phrase used by many to mean speak and act in unison. When you live “ contrary to what you preach, your words will have no effect. You may be unaware but there are people watching and observing your lifestyle.

 Your complaint or anger at people’s behavior may not change their actions

SERVE WITH YOUR TREASURE

Scripture: Mark 10:17-23

 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

 Serving God with your money and possessions is an indication of a growing or mature Christian. This isimportant because God wants you to depend on him not on our money and possessions

The story of the rich man gives a clear indication of what God expects we do with our treasures. Although, the rich man observed all the laws,

THE JOY OF HOPE

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 (KJV)

Humans are limited by time, space, the senses and knowledge. These limits make us oblivious to other things happening beyond our perception. Therefore, we need to believe and depend on the unlimited God to help us and then hope that things are working for our good (Jer. 29:11).

Hope is the patient anticipation of a favourable outcome.

COLLABORATORS IN CHRIST

Scripture: l Corinthians 3:5-15

 For we are co-workers in God’s service...” 1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

Paul told the Corinthian church that he had done his part by planting and Apollos had also done his part by watering the seeds he had planted, but it is God who ultimately gives the increase (l Cor. 3:6). This implies that we have to do God’s work before he can give the increase.

THE SEED OF SACRIFICE

Scripture: Judges 20:26-37

 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126: 5-6 (KJV)

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After the children of Israel were defeated twice by the tribe of Benjamin, they turned to the Lord for the third time. But this time they went to the Lord with fasting and sacrifices and when they did, they received God’s promise of victory (v28)

GOD’S ASSURANCE OF VICTORY

Scripture: Judges 20:18-28

“…And the LORD said, Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver them into thine hand.” Judges 20:28 (KJV)

The children of Israel went out to war against the tribe of Benjamin because of their atrocity. Even though they sought God’s face before going into battle, they lost twice to the tribe of Benjamin. They, however, refused to become discouraged and they did not relent because they knew they were doing God’s will.

In the same way, you must not give up in spite of the challenges you are going through.

STAND AGAINST EVIL

Scripture: Judges 20:1-14

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” Romans 1:32 (KJV)

Iniquity abounds in the world today. People publicly and blatantly display evil yet many choose to support or stay silent about it. Some give the excuse that they do not wish to judge others and, therefore, fail to expose ungodly actions.

CONSEQUENCE OF DISOBEDIENCE

Scripture: Judges 2:1-5

“Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you, but they shall be thorns on your side, and their God shall be a snare unto you” Judges 2:3 (NKJV)

The Bible says “he who is often reproved but refuses to listen will be destroyed suddenly, without any remedy. (Prov. 29:1). This is the consequence of refusing to obey God. This is because God will not often strive with man and may let go when we refuse to submit to his will.

LET YOUR GIFTS BENEFIT OTHERS

Scripture: Judges 14:19-20

“And He gave...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV)

The Holy Spirit has deposited in every Christian talents and gifts. These gifts only make meaning when they are used to impact others positively. It is crucial to use our good gifts to build and grow the church of Christ.

God, in his infinite wisdom, has distributed varying gifts to us as he sees fit so that together we can bring his kingdom to bear on earth (1 Cor. 12:1).

GOD’S RESTORATION POWER

Scripture: Esther 9:1-14

“For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.” Esther 9:4 (KJV)

The events around which our lives are woven are subject to God’s control. God sometimes permits pain, but he is able to transform the pain into joy as we rely fully on Him

Mordecai endured the loss of relatives and homeland. He had to adopt his cousin Esther and brought her up as his own daughter.

THE GRAND PURIM

Scripture: Esther 9:20-32

 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)

Purim is a Hebrew word meaning to cast lots. It signifies the day Haman had chosen based on the lots to wipe out the Jews. His plans were aborted by God after the Jews had sought the face of God. Their evil plan against God’s children became their personal experience.

BE INFORMED

Scripture: Esther 4:5-14

 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”. Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

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The need for information is very crucial in everything we do in life. Information is the building block for knowledge. With knowledge and understanding comes wisdom which is the principal thing (Prov. 4:7). God rejects those who reject knowledge (Hos. 4:6).

POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYER

Scripture: Esther 4:10-16

 "Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16 (NIV)
Fasting with prayers is a spiritual exercise believers undertake that helps to physically tune the spirit above the flesh. Fasting and prayers engages and empowers the spirit.

Esther risked her life when she came before king Xerxes in his inner court to plead for the lives of Mordecai and the entire Jewish nation.

DO NOT HIDE THE PROBLEM

Scripture: Esther 4:1-4

 Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee.” Proverbs 9:8b (KJV)

Every human being desires to be accepted, loved and respected in their environment. This need for acceptance, most times, drives us into presenting what we believe to be ‘acceptable’ behaviour or attitude. In a bid to display our ‘good’ side, we tend to hide what we consider our ‘bad’ side.

Esther naturally tried to cover up the ‘unacceptable’ appearance of Mordecai by sending him some fresh clothes

DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR IDENTITY

Scripture: Esther 3:1-6 

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” Psalms 95:6-7(NIV)

Mordecai refused to bow down and pay homage to Haman. This is similar to the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who refused to bow to the golden image the king had set up (Dan. 3:1-6). To the Jews, bowing down is a duty owed to God and a form of worship. Therefore, it is a big deal for them to prostrate before any other god or man. Being a Jew, Mordecai held on to this tradition

A BEAUTIFUL ENDING

Scripture: Psalms 139:14-16

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Have you ever seen one of those movies where the main character goes through series of painful ordeals and at the end of the film, all the challenges and struggles result in a happy ending? Everyone goes through seasons of disappointments and hardships. We all have unexpected setbacks.

SEEK TO PLEASE THE KING

Scripture: Esther 2:15-17

“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10 (NLT)

Hegai knew exactly what the king wanted. While the other women were after what they could get, Esther went after what the king wanted. Esther asked for nothing more than what Hegai suggested (v15) This is the role the Holy Spirit plays in our life today.

Esther was able to recognize opportunities. She understood that Hegai should know

YIELD TO THE SPIRIT

Scripture: Esther 2:8-15

 “…and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:3 (KJV)

 In the passage above, when it was the turn of a virgin to go before the king, she was given whatever she wanted and it was hers to keep. All the virgins asked for as much as they could have but Esther’s case was different. She asked for nothing other than what Hegai had recommended (v15).

FAVOUR MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Scripture: Esther 2:12-17

“So shall thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:4 (KJV)

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What is it that makes people select you even when you aren’t the most qualified? It is favour. Though you might have all the connections in the world, it is favour that helps you dig out the treasure that exists in such relationships.