YEARN FOR THE KINGDOM

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-52

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

In many of Jesus’ teachings, the kingdom of God is compared to everyday events - activities and things we can relate to. A consistent theme across these illustrations is the truth that every believer has a part to play to enjoy the kingdom of God. The discovered treasure hidden in a field,

BE CONTENT

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:3-10

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

 Feedback: Did you visit and encouraged someone this past week?

When we switch on our televisions, surf the internet or walk out into the streets, we are bombarded with advertising gimmicks from sellers to buy the next trinket or electronic gadget, attend the most exciting programme or send our children to the best school or programme in town.

GIVE THANKS

Scripture: Matthew 15:32-39

 “And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave them to his disciples and the disciples to the multitude” Matthew 15:36 (KJV)

Thanksgiving is a very powerful tool in the arsenal of Ta Christian. A heart of profound gratitude to God for what he has done and will do creates an atmosphere for answers to prayers (Phillipians 4:6b).

Jesus demonstrated the power of thanksgiving when he fed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and some fish.

FOLLOW CHRIST COMPLETELY

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-28

“The Jesus said to His disciples, “if anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross…” Matthew 16:24 (AMP

 What does it mean to be a Christian - a true follower of Christ? Many people can only be identified as Christians when you check up their bio-data on forms, other official documents or simply by their routine attendance of church services on Sundays.

UNFORGIVENESS: A TRAP

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

 “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)

When we keep a diary of the events that occur in our lives, there is a tendency to also keep a record of our hurt. We bury the pain deep in our hearts refusing to let go especially when it is caused by the ones we love and hold close to us.

Our scripture today recounts the incident of a servant who failed to pay his debt but was forgiven by the creditor when he pleaded for pardon.

UNDER CRITICISM

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19

We played the pipe for you and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” Matthew 11:17 (NIV)

 Success has many friends but can also buy you a lot of enemies. There will be people who will criticize and speak ill of you and your efforts no matter how good your intentions are or how well you perform. Your first thought may be to fight back but this is not always the best option
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Jesus experienced verbal attacks and more during his ministry on earth.

FIRMLY ROOTED

Scripture: Matthew 16:5-12

 “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived.” Luke 21:8 (KJV)

A believer who is not firmly rooted in the knowledge of God and his word will become easily deceived. This is because the devil is always on the move in search of those to destroy. A scripture starved believer can easily fall prey to the deceptive schemes and teachings