SHOW GOD’S KINDNESS

 

RBT: 1 THESSALONIANS 1-5

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 9:1-7; 9-12

HYMN: BH 368: BRETHREN, WE HAVE COME TO WORSHIP

1. Brethren, we have met to worship
And adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power,
While we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit
Of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.

2. Brethren, see poor sinners round you
Slumb'ring on the brink of woe;
Death is coming, hell is moving,
Can you bear to let them go?
See our fathers and our mothers,
And our children sinking down;
Brethren, pray and holy manna
Will be showered all around.

3. Sisters, will you join and help us?
Moses' sister aided him;
Will you help the trembling mourners
Who are struggling hard with sin?
Tell them all about the Savior,
Tell them that He will be found;
Sisters, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.

4. Let us love our God supremely,
Let us love each other, too;
Let us love and pray for sinners,
Till our God makes all things new.
Then He'll call us home to heaven,
At His table we'll sit down;
Christ will gird Himself, and serve us
With sweet manna all around.

 

Golden Text: Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness? 2 Samuel 9:3, NIV

A woman lost her job as a security guard because she was too courteous. Her employer wrote, “Due to your caring and giving nature, you are compromising your position as a security officer. Being caring and giving is not a job requirement, nor is it what you are paid to do”. Imaging getting a job where kindness is a minus rather than a plus in the qualifications! Jonathan’s faithfulness to his side of the covenant cannot go unrewarded.

When God lifted David to become king, he remembered the faithfulness of his friend, Jonathan. “David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Mephibosheth, crippled in both feet, the only surviving son of Jonathan, became the beneficiary David’s kindness. Everything that belonged to the house of Saul was returned to him and he was brought to eat with King David in Jerusalem.

David knew that he got to the throne by God’s kindness. He determined to show the same kindness to any surviving relation of Jonathan. Whatever position you are today is by God’s mercy. You are to show the kindness of God to people around you. Being in a position to show kindness to people is a privilege. Never miss any opportunity to show God’s kindness to all who come your way.

WISDOM: Our world needs God’s kindness.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do you use your position to bring benefits to people?

FOLLOW-UP ACTION: Show kindness to someone today.

PRAYER: O Lord, help me to be kind.

O Lord, I receive your grace to fulfill your purpose for me today.

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DAVID BECOMES KING

 

RBT: PHILIPPIANS 1-4

TOPIC: DAVID BECOMES KING

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 3:1-5; 5:1-5

HYMN: BH 212: LOVE LIFTED ME

Golden Text: Elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David King over Israel. 2 Samuel 5:3, NIV

“Why can’t I have it now”? Was the question a young man asked his father, when the father told him that he has a special parcel for him but that he was not ripe enough to manage it? “Why wait till a particular time when the parcel is already with you dad”? He thought.

After six and half years of ruling over his tribe men of Judah in Hebron, the elders of Israel came over and anointed David King over all Israel. David’s installation as King over Israel was the end of about nineteen years of endurance, trials and temptations. God used the period to train his heart to be more loving and forgiving. Twice he had opportunity to kill Saul, but God prevailed in his heart and he forgave Saul. David’s three levels of endorsement before family (1 Samuel 16:13), tribe (2 Samuel 2:4), and Nation (2 Samuel 5:3) are like Jesus’ three levels of dominion. He conquered in Heaven, on earth and beneath the earth (Philippians 2:9-10).

Adversity is not your enemy, but God’s instrument to prepare you for your throne of destiny. A man is not defined by the position he occupies, but by the obstacles he overcomes to obtain the position. God has a place that He is taking you to. Be patience as you follow His step even if it is painful, difficult and unbearable. Do not be satisfied with being a local champion. Wait for God’s time and He will glorify Himself through your life.

WISDOM: God makes all things beautiful in His time.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Am I prepared for the promotion I believe God for?

FOLLOW-UP ACTION: Do all you need to be ready for God’s visitation.

PRAYER: O Lord, I receive the grace to obtain Your promises.

Father Lord, may I not be missing on Your day of visitation.

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A PLEA FOR MERCY

RBT: EPHESIANS: 4-6

BH 57: THE LORD IS MY SHEPPARD

1 The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know;
I feed in green pastures, safe folded I rest;
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wandering, redeems when oppressed,
Restores me when wandering, redeems when oppressed.

2 Through the valley and shadow of death though I stray,
Since Thou art my guardian, no evil I fear;
Thy rod shall defend me, Thy staff be my stay;
No harm can befall with my Comforter near,
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.

3 In the midst of affliction my table is spread;
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o’er;
With perfume and oil Thou anointest my head;
O what shall I ask of Thy providence more?
O what shall I ask of Thy providence more?

4 Let goodness and mercy, my bountiful God,
Still follow my steps till I meet Thee above.
I seek by the path which my forefathers trod,
Through the land of their sojourn, Thy kingdom of love,
Through the land of their sojourn Thy kingdom of love.

TEXT: MATTHEW 20: 29-34

Golden Text: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.” Matthew 20: 30, NIV.

Sometimes, people find themselves in situations that seem to deft all solutions. At such times, some people resign to fate, others seek help where there is none and some others end their lives. But what should be the believer’s response at such times?

          Jesus Christ healed the two blind men who cried out for help in faith. They regained their sight as a result of not keeping quiet, even when people around them tried to shut them up. Their cry was a cry for mercy. Their continuous plea attracted Jesus’ attention. Jesus stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do?” The blind men replied, “We want to see.” Their request was very clear, and it attracted Jesus’ compassion. He touched them and they could see. Mercy encompasses so many things. And we all need mercy. A prayer for mercy should be uppermost in the heart of every believer. When we consider the level of corruption in the country, health challenges, unemployment, insecurity of lives and properties, natural disasters, we should be deliberate and continue to ask God for mercy. As we pray for mercy, we should not be distracted by people, especially unbelievers who think that prayer is a waste of time and efforts. They think it cannot give results. Like the blind men, we should not stop begging for mercy, until we receive it. Are there things for which you need to ask God for mercy today? Go ahead and ask in faith.

WISDOM: Prayer of faith attracts God’s mercy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If you are to make a choice, what would you ask for?

FOLLOW-UP-ACTION: Plead for God’s mercy for your country.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, give me a deeper revelation of Jesus the merciful God/ the Healer.

I receive fresh insight into the deeper things of God, in the name of Jesus.

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A CRY FOR JUSTICE

 

RBT: EPHESIAN 1-3

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 18:1-8

HYMN: BH 253: HAVE FAITH IN GOD

    1. Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

    2. Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He'll answer yet.

    3. Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

    4. Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

Refrain:

5    5. Have faith in God, He's on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.

Golden Text: And there was a widow in that town that kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary”. Luke 18:3, NIV

Stanza two of B. B. McKinney’s song, “Have faith in God” readily comes to mind when one considers the importance of not giving up on God. The lyrics- Have faith in God when your prayers are answered; your earnest plea He will never forget; Wait on the Lord; trust His word and be patient. Have faith in God, He’ll answer yet. His song buttresses the fact that it is God that answers prayer and that He does so at His own time. The song also encourages one not to be tired of praying and that when God answers one’s prayer, one should still have faith in His power.

Today’s text depicts a common situation in present-day life. Many widows and helpless people are oppressed by cruel individuals. The society is filled with insensitive and wicked leaders, like the unjust judge in the parable. In contrast, God as a judge is not unrighteous; He is compassionate. The widow demonstrates an outstanding quality. She was alone in the predicament, yet undeterred. The more the judge ignored her the more she troubled him. She won through her persistence.

Christians are to make their needs to God through prayers. Although, answer to prayer may not come instantly, God will definitely answer. This is the meaning of Jesus’ idea when He said, “And shall go not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” (Vs. 7-8). Today, take encouragement in the word of B. B. McKinney’s song. Do not give up. Your victory is sure.

WISDOM: Persistent prayer is evidence of faith.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do I give up praying before God answers me?

FOLLOW-UP ACTION: Wait on the Lord on some issues in your life.

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, help my unbelief!

I receive grace to overcome temptations in Jesus’ name.

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LAMENT FROM A JUST HEART

RBT: GALATIANS 4-6

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 1:17-27

HYMN: BH 2: LOVE DIVINE

1. Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art.
Visit us with thy salvation;
enter ev'ry trembling heart.

2. Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev’ry troubled breast.
Let us all in thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

3. Come, Almighty, to deliver,
let us all thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
nevermore they temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.

4. Finish, then, thy new creation;
true and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love and praise.

 Golden Text: “O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold”. 2 Samuel 1:24, NIV

In ancient times, professional mourners create an atmosphere of sorrow at funerals. Such mourners are often paid for make-belief crying, which is done to create an atmosphere of sadness. Unlike these professional mourners whose weeping has nothing to do with their emotion, David’s mourning for the death of Saul and Jonathan was real.

David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan shows how difficult it is to be separated from one’s beloved. David sang a dirge in honour of God’s anointed, Saul, who was dishonoured by the Amalekites. “The shield of the almighty is vilely cast away”. He acknowledged Saul’s achievements in Israel. “Weep over Saul who clothed you in scarlet with luxury” (vs. 24), and he was grateful to Jonathan for the special love they shared. “Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women” (vs. 26). His lamentation was a show of sincere love at the moment of sadness. It reveals his unalloyed love for Saul. He grieved at the news of Saul’s death by fasting “until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord, because they had fallen by the sword”.

We all need sincere and true friends like David. Can you be adjudged a true friend by those you call your friend? Let your friendship with other people be one that others would love to imitate just like that of David and Jonathan. You should not wait for people to die before you express sincere gratitude and celebrate the relationship you share with them. Have you lost beloved ones and seems you are having unending pain? Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you. Let the good moment you shared with them encourage you to move on.

WISDOM: Good relationships thrive on truth and sincerity.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are you a true friend?

FOLLOW-UP-ACTION: Renew your relationships with your friends through visitation.

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, help me to value my relationship with You and people.

O Lord, I covet your presence with me and my family all the days of our lives.

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COUNSEQUENCE FOR DISOBEDIENCE

 RBT: 2 CORITHIANS 5-9

TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 27: 14-26

HYMN; BH 187: The Heavens Declare

1. The heav'ns declare Thy glory, Lord,
In ev'ry star Thy wisdom shines;
But when our eyes behold Thy Word,
We read Thy Name in fairer lines.
2. The rolling sun, the changing light,
And nights and days Thy pow'r confess;
But the blest volume Thou hast writ
reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.
3. Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise
Round the whole earth, and never stand:
So when Thy truth began its race,
It touched and glanced on ev'ry land.
4. Nor shall Thy spreading gospel rest
Till through the world Thy truth has run,
Till Christ has all the nations blest
That see the light, or feel the sun.
5. Great Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Bless the dark world with heav'nly light;
Thy gospel makes the simple wise;
Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.
6. Thy noblest wonders here we view
in souls renewed and sins forgiv'n;
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
And make Thy Word my guide to heav'n.

GOLDEN TEXT: Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out. Deuteronomy 27 verse 26, NIV

The law of curse and effect is a constant universal law. This law states that actions have consequences, whether good or bad. A consequence is a result or effect of an action or condition. Positive actions results in positive consequences while outcomes of bad actions are negative.

          While Moses was declaring God’s instructions to the Israelites, which they should keep, he directed the Levites to pronounce curse on whoever disobeys the laws of God. The Pronouncements came on the basis that an action which is not in line with God’s law would result in punishment. The assembly of Israelites was to respond to the curse by saying “Amen” . Anyone who is idolatrous; disregards their parents; perverts justice, commits sexual immoralities; murders, accepts bribes and disobeys other laws of God was cursed.

          All actions which God detest in today’s text have bad consequences. God cannot tolerate ungodliness. An unholy lifestyle is detestable to Him. God cannot stand sin irrespective of how humankind categories it, whether great or small. It is important not to involve in the sin. The consequence for sin is God’s wrath. Is there any act of disobedience which you have to repent of to escape God’s wrath? Obedience to God in all things should be your lifestyle.

WISDOM: You will reap what you sow

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are you doing the will of God?

FOLLOW-UP-ACTION: Do away with anything that can make you attract God’s wrath.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to always above all form of perversion in Jesus’ name.

Father, give me grace to obey You in all situations, in Jesus’ name.

 

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JESUS FULFILS THE LAW

RBT: 1CORITHIANS 1- 4

TEXT: MATTHEW 5: 17 – 20

HYMN; BH225: Jesus Paid It All

1. Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o'er evil a victory win?
There's wonderful power in the blood.

Chorus:
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb.
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

2. Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide;
There's wonderful power in the blood. [Chorus]

3. Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life-giving flow;
There's wonderful power in the blood. [Chorus]

4. Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful power in the blood. [Chorus]

 

GOLDEN TEXT: Do you think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17, NIV

The satisfaction in a Jigsaw puzzle is when the last piece completes the picture. Without that, it remains an unfulfilled potential. To fulfill something is to meet its requirements, supplying what is missing.

          Jesus taught with clarity and authority to the extent that the audience around him wondered how his teaching relates to what they have been taught all their lives. He began by redirecting His audience’s mind from thinking that he came to break the law. He stated explicitly that He came to fulfill the Law and Prophets. The Law represents Moses while the Prophets stands for Elijah (Matthew 17: 3). Emphasizing on the importance of the law, Jesus assured that even if Heaven and Earth pass away, every piece of the Law will be fulfilled. However, He warned that Law breakers would be punished while Law keepers would receive rewards. Jesus advises His audience to live above human standards so that they can make heaven.

          Christians should not be Law breakers to both God’s law and Human’s law which are not contrary to our faith. We should not make excuses for disobeying rules and regulations that guide our society. All true believers should resemble Christ, as Law keepers. We must be obedient to God no matter what. Are there laws of God which are difficult to keep by you? Ask Jesus for grace to delight in the Law of God.

WISDOM: Christians are not lawbreakers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are you a law keeper or law breaker?

FOLLOW-UP-ACTION: Make obedience to God your lifestyle.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be obedient to you in all things.

I am victorious by the power in the blood of Jesus; I triumph over the enemy in the name of Jesus.

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GOD’S WORD, GOD’S PRESENCE

 

RBT: 1 CORINTHIANS 14 - 16
TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 10: 1 - 11
HYMN; BH 184: I Know the Bible is true

I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Then you are to put them in the ark.       Deuteronomy 10: 2, NIV

In his sermon, practicing His presence James Goll asserts that the Christian faith is a journey that requires assurance of being guided by God. True intimacy with God is an inward journey proceeding into His presence through His word.

This part is virtually unseen and ignored by vast majority of Human beings.

This is why Moses reminded the Israelite about God’s relationship with them.

The Lord sent Moses forth to lead the People so that they can enter and possess the land the Lord has sworn to their forefathers (v. 11). But they would not be able to accomplish this without God’s word and God’s presence. And that was why Moses had to stay forty days and forty nights the second time to get God’s word to the people (v. 10). The Lord instructed Moses to place the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments in the ark. The people were able to continue on their journey after Moses had done all that the Lord commanded him.

God has a lot in store for us as children today, but we will not be able to possess our possessions until we have put His words first, and cherish His presence in our lives. Peter’s story changed from that of “fruitless toil” to that of a “great catch” when he cast his net according to the word of Christ (John 21: 1 – 6). The secret of your much desires success is in learning the secret of God’s word and cultivating His presence.

          Today, do not allow anything to rattle you to putting away God’s words in your heart and His presence as you go about your endeavors.

WISDOM: 

God’s words come with God’s presence.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

Do you confront Life’s challenges with the God’s word?

FOLLOW-UP ACTION:

 Spend time in God’s presence by reading His word

PRAYER:

Father, help me to keep your words in my heart that I may not sin against you.

Lord, grant me the grace to delight in your word, In Jesus’ name.

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KNOWING GOD’S WILL

RBT: 1 CORINTHIANS 10-13
TEXT: ROMANS 12:1-2; 9-21
HYMN: BH 443: IN CHRIST, THERE IS NO EAST

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is:- His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2, NIV
How can I know the will of God? How can I know God’s purpose for my life? Does God really have a master plan for my life? If yes, how can I discover it? These are some of the age-long questions that believers often asked about God’s will. How then can we know God’s will?
One condition for knowing God’s will as seen in today’s text is renewing our mind. God has made enough provision for His children to know His will, which is clearly stated in the Bible. One way to renew our mind daily is to spend time in God’s word. As the manual for our faith, it is sufficient to guide believers to knowing God’s expectations. In today’s text, Apostle Paul listed some expectations of God to us. Part of God’s will is for believers to love sincerely, to keep being fervent spiritually, to be faithful in prayers, to endure trials and persecution while blessing our persecutors. He added that believers who have been transformed would not revenge, be proud, curse but trust God to repay everyone’s actions as they decide to overcome evil with good.
Our knowledge of God’s wills is dependent on much of time we spend on God’s word. We become transformed when we devote time for the word of God, prayer, meditation and worship. God does not want you to simply know His will; He wants you to do His will. Closeness and conscious effort to understand God’s word is a sure way to know God’s mind for daily living.

WISDOM: 

A renewed mind knows the will of God.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

Do you know God’s will for your life?

FOLLOW-UP ACTION:

 Meditate more on God’s word to renew your mind.

PRAYER:

O Lord, I receive more grace to think and live by Your words daily.
Father, grant me grace to discern and do Your will in the remaining days of the year.

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