THE SECRET PLACE

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-6

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

 The secret place of the Most High is the place of prayer. Prayer is an intimate conversation between you and your Father the living God of heaven and earth. It is a place of interaction and bonding with God. It is a sure way of spending time with God and a means to abide under the Shadow of his protection (v1).

OBTAIN A GOOD REPORT

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-16

 “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:7 (KJV)

The bible recognizes that in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and earth, some to honour and others to dishonour (2 Timothy 2:20). This implies that, although many come to church and profess to love and serve God, their actions may not please God or bring glory to him. This is why it goes on to warn that everyone who names the name of the Lord should depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).

LIVE RIGHT

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 (NLT)

 We live in a society where nothing seems to be evil anymore. Perverse behaviours and actions that were unthinkable in the past are permitted and celebrated in the world. There is a high level of compromise even in the body of Christ. We must refuse to condone these or allow them corrupt and influence our thinking or perspective.

ENGAGE YOUR GIFT

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

 “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” 1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV)

There is absolutely no one in life that does not have a gift put in him by God. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that many do not realize that they have been given a gift. Others, on the other hand, neglect to put theirs to use. A gift that has not been discovered and put to use cannot benefit you or others.

HEART OF THE MATTER

Scripture: Proverbs 4:21-27

 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

There is something really special about the heart of man. The prophet Samuel revealed that God does not evaluate people by outward appearance, but he looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The heart can also be blind thus apostle Paul prayed for the saints that "the eyes of your heart may be enlightened" (Ephesians 1:18).

PRESENT YOUR CASE

Scripture: Numbers 27:1-11

 “Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case...” Isaiah 43:26 (NLT)

Feedback: How refreshing was your study of the word of God?

God can play any role we desire him to in our lives. We can relate with him as Creator, King, Father, Lord, Provider, Healer and more. However, we sometimes forget that he can also be a righteous Judge (Psalm 97:2). It is this role that ensures that the upright receives justice and eternal blessing. As Christians, we miss out on a lot when we fail to relate to God as our righteous Judge.

THE GOOD FOUNDATION

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-21

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:21 (NLT )

 The world’s advice for people who wish for financial freedom and stability is to ensure a portfolio of savings and investments that enables them to take care of present and future needs. Sometimes, in the quest to secure this good life, you can compromise to the standards of the world and rob yourself of the opportunity for true riches that comes from doing what really counts to God.