WORK TO PLEASE THE LORD
Not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Ephesians 6:6 (RSV)
As Christians we must always remember that we are working unto the Lord. Our daily chore is work that God has given us and we do it as unto Him. Even when you work under a mean boss, you must learn to work with the joy of the Lord in your heart. This way, you will find fulfillment in the work of your hand.
You will never be bored in your work when you recognize that whatever you do, the eye of the Lord is upon you and when you recognize that He will reward you based on your faithfulness. The memory verse talks of two kinds of people – those who pay eye service and men-pleasers. These people only work when their boss is watching or they falsely flatter the boss and try to gain their favor at the expense of others.
Christians are called away from paying eye-service or being men-pleasers. Whatever we do, we do it in the will of God. We are stewards of every work that we do. 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Let your co-workers know the God you serve by working in all faithfulness and diligence as unto the Lord. God placed you in that particular place as His ambassador.
Prayer
Father, I thank you for today. I live before you and I acknowledge that there is no area of my life that is not subject to your gaze and to your judgment. Lord, grant to me that I correct what is wrong in my own work in the light of this word in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Colossians 3:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:4
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Friday, 26 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
IMITATING GOD
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1
The word ‘imitators’ in Greek translation means to mimic – following the pattern or the example. The memory verse admonishes us to follow the pattern or example of God or simply, to be God-like. That is the goal of Christianity – to produce men and women who are God-like in the midst of an ungodly world.
Note that it does not mean we are called to be God because only God is sovereign and does what He likes. We are to be a reflection of the one true and holy God. What does being God-like means? It means we will walk in God’s strength and be filled with His power. It means we will be happy with a different kind of happiness than the world is seeking after. It means we will be wiser and kinder than we have ever been before.
God creates and redeems; He makes things live and heals that which is broken. God is life and God is love. He is our Maker and our Healer. These attributes are what He imparts to you if you become godly. You will live to the fullest capacity of your humanity. You will demonstrate the capacity to love and to heal, to restore and bring together. Begin to live in this higher life in Christ!
Prayer
Father, I thank you for glorifying me to conform to your express image. I thank you that you have chosen me to be godlike. Teach me to know that there might break out in our lonely, confused age this wonder of godlikeness. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Matthew 5:45, 48; Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1
The word ‘imitators’ in Greek translation means to mimic – following the pattern or the example. The memory verse admonishes us to follow the pattern or example of God or simply, to be God-like. That is the goal of Christianity – to produce men and women who are God-like in the midst of an ungodly world.
Note that it does not mean we are called to be God because only God is sovereign and does what He likes. We are to be a reflection of the one true and holy God. What does being God-like means? It means we will walk in God’s strength and be filled with His power. It means we will be happy with a different kind of happiness than the world is seeking after. It means we will be wiser and kinder than we have ever been before.
God creates and redeems; He makes things live and heals that which is broken. God is life and God is love. He is our Maker and our Healer. These attributes are what He imparts to you if you become godly. You will live to the fullest capacity of your humanity. You will demonstrate the capacity to love and to heal, to restore and bring together. Begin to live in this higher life in Christ!
Prayer
Father, I thank you for glorifying me to conform to your express image. I thank you that you have chosen me to be godlike. Teach me to know that there might break out in our lonely, confused age this wonder of godlikeness. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Matthew 5:45, 48; Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 5:1-2
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
WALKING IN LOVE
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
All throughout scriptures, God commands us to love. The Bible says love is the greatest thing. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Love is all that matters on this earth and it is the only thing that will last in eternity. We are protected when we walk in love!
When we are selfish or self-seeking, it opens the door to confusion and every evil work. But when we walk in love, when we choose to put others first, when we choose to be patient and kind and walk in unity, we are protected by love. We close the door to the plans of the enemy in our lives. This is why 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Today, check your love walk. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and emulate the characteristics of love. Remember, love is not a feeling; it is a choice. When you choose love, it is like you are covered by a force field of protection that cannot be penetrated. God Himself is love and His banner over you is love. Cast out any iota of fear and begin to walk in love!
Prayer
Father God, I humbly come before you today asking that you search my heart. Lord, remove any selfish way in me and help me to always walk in love. I thank you for protecting me through the promises I receive in walking in love in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Songs of Solomon 2:4; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Timothy 1:7
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
All throughout scriptures, God commands us to love. The Bible says love is the greatest thing. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Love is all that matters on this earth and it is the only thing that will last in eternity. We are protected when we walk in love!
When we are selfish or self-seeking, it opens the door to confusion and every evil work. But when we walk in love, when we choose to put others first, when we choose to be patient and kind and walk in unity, we are protected by love. We close the door to the plans of the enemy in our lives. This is why 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Today, check your love walk. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and emulate the characteristics of love. Remember, love is not a feeling; it is a choice. When you choose love, it is like you are covered by a force field of protection that cannot be penetrated. God Himself is love and His banner over you is love. Cast out any iota of fear and begin to walk in love!
Prayer
Father God, I humbly come before you today asking that you search my heart. Lord, remove any selfish way in me and help me to always walk in love. I thank you for protecting me through the promises I receive in walking in love in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Songs of Solomon 2:4; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Timothy 1:7
Monday, 22 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
STRENGTH FOR THE INNER MAN
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
What is your inner being? Many mistakenly think it is the soul, reasoning, emotion and will. But 2 Corinthians 4:16 gives us a clue; “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” Clearly the inner man is not the soul, but the human spirit.
The inner man is the place where God begins His recovery work. When you are really discouraged, brokenhearted and have given up, your condition is often described as dispirited because it is your spirit that is dissatisfied. But as Christians, even when our outer body gets old and deteriorates, our inner man gets more vital and becomes richer and stronger. God infuses us with fresh strength by His Spirit into our spirit, the inner being. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”
Our human spirits are meant to drink of the Spirit of God so that we can be refreshed and revitalized. Just as taking a drink refreshes your body, so drinking of the Spirit refreshes your spirit. This involves allowing the Holy Spirit to consume and overshadow your human spirit. When we get to this level, we ask of God and He promises to give.
Prayer
I thank you, Father, that I can come to you and ask that you would strengthen me in the inner being and that because of your great love I trust that you will answer this cry of my heart. I thank you that my inner man is infused with fresh strength in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:14-21
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
What is your inner being? Many mistakenly think it is the soul, reasoning, emotion and will. But 2 Corinthians 4:16 gives us a clue; “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” Clearly the inner man is not the soul, but the human spirit.
The inner man is the place where God begins His recovery work. When you are really discouraged, brokenhearted and have given up, your condition is often described as dispirited because it is your spirit that is dissatisfied. But as Christians, even when our outer body gets old and deteriorates, our inner man gets more vital and becomes richer and stronger. God infuses us with fresh strength by His Spirit into our spirit, the inner being. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”
Our human spirits are meant to drink of the Spirit of God so that we can be refreshed and revitalized. Just as taking a drink refreshes your body, so drinking of the Spirit refreshes your spirit. This involves allowing the Holy Spirit to consume and overshadow your human spirit. When we get to this level, we ask of God and He promises to give.
Prayer
I thank you, Father, that I can come to you and ask that you would strengthen me in the inner being and that because of your great love I trust that you will answer this cry of my heart. I thank you that my inner man is infused with fresh strength in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:14-21
Saturday, 20 August 2011
YOUTH CONVENTION 2011
DAY 3 (Morning Session)
Streaming live from the TOP Auditorium, Sunyani, this is the second morning and my God, the presence of God is so awesome in the auditorium. Speaking on the theme; GETTING ON GOD'S TRACK is the General Overseer, Rev Osei Owusu Cobbina. Before then, the TOP Youth Mass choir had taken the congregation through awesome times of Praise and Worship and a rendition of He's Able...Back to the main message, Rev Cobbina is speaking powerfully using David and Joseph as an example of young men whom God prepared to face giants and to take up territories. On David, he said that God took him to the wilderness and trained him with lions and bears before he had an opportunity to stand before the giants - a situation that turned his life around, from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel. On Joseph, God took him through the processes of persecution, managing Potifar's house, facing the temptation and becoming chief even in the prison before ultimately God lifted him into prominence. One thing that was unique of all these young men that God used was the fact that they all got their lives on God's track. Quoting from Acts 2:17........(Stay tuned in for more later!!!)
Streaming live from the TOP Auditorium, Sunyani, this is the second morning and my God, the presence of God is so awesome in the auditorium. Speaking on the theme; GETTING ON GOD'S TRACK is the General Overseer, Rev Osei Owusu Cobbina. Before then, the TOP Youth Mass choir had taken the congregation through awesome times of Praise and Worship and a rendition of He's Able...Back to the main message, Rev Cobbina is speaking powerfully using David and Joseph as an example of young men whom God prepared to face giants and to take up territories. On David, he said that God took him to the wilderness and trained him with lions and bears before he had an opportunity to stand before the giants - a situation that turned his life around, from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel. On Joseph, God took him through the processes of persecution, managing Potifar's house, facing the temptation and becoming chief even in the prison before ultimately God lifted him into prominence. One thing that was unique of all these young men that God used was the fact that they all got their lives on God's track. Quoting from Acts 2:17........(Stay tuned in for more later!!!)
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
MEMBERS OF GOD'S HOUSEHOLD
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20
We who have come to Christ are no more strangers and foreigners. We are fellow citizens with God’s people, having entered a new kingdom. Our citizenship is now of heaven and we are now under Divine authority. But what makes us rejoice in our citizenship is that we have certain privileges: we enjoy the protection of our King.
As heavenly citizens, the resurrection power has been made available unto us – the kind that works beyond human imagination. We are also members of God’s household. This means we are part of God’s intimate family. We have access to a Father who has tremendous authority and power. Finally, we are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. This means we share a common bond with the other heavenly citizens and are all connected to Jesus.
Isn’t it amazing; that we who were nothing, aliens to the commonwealth of God, have been counted worthy and given the privilege to enjoy the blessings of the Kingdom? You are no longer stranger so you must learn to live as family members. You reign with Christ so identify and take your place in Christ Jesus. You belong to the majority and you are definitely more than a conqueror!
Prayer
Father, I thank you for today. May I remember that in times of difficulty I have privileges and access to heavenly resources. Help me to live in the fullness of the provision you have made for me; not as a servant but as a child of the living God in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Romans 8:17, 37; Ephesians 2:12, 19-22;
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20
We who have come to Christ are no more strangers and foreigners. We are fellow citizens with God’s people, having entered a new kingdom. Our citizenship is now of heaven and we are now under Divine authority. But what makes us rejoice in our citizenship is that we have certain privileges: we enjoy the protection of our King.
As heavenly citizens, the resurrection power has been made available unto us – the kind that works beyond human imagination. We are also members of God’s household. This means we are part of God’s intimate family. We have access to a Father who has tremendous authority and power. Finally, we are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. This means we share a common bond with the other heavenly citizens and are all connected to Jesus.
Isn’t it amazing; that we who were nothing, aliens to the commonwealth of God, have been counted worthy and given the privilege to enjoy the blessings of the Kingdom? You are no longer stranger so you must learn to live as family members. You reign with Christ so identify and take your place in Christ Jesus. You belong to the majority and you are definitely more than a conqueror!
Prayer
Father, I thank you for today. May I remember that in times of difficulty I have privileges and access to heavenly resources. Help me to live in the fullness of the provision you have made for me; not as a servant but as a child of the living God in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Romans 8:17, 37; Ephesians 2:12, 19-22;
Friday, 19 August 2011
NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION 2011!!!
"GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL"
It is really a time to go on to the next level......After being laid off for sometime now, National Youth Convention finally came back again and it took off awesomely yesterday. The opening night's message was delivered by the Host Pastor and General Secretary of TOP Church worldwide, Rev Adu-Kyeremeh and he inspired the youth to realise that nobody is a nonentity and that God has a purpose for every youth gathered in the TOP Auditorium. Day 2 and the presence of God continued...magnificent praise and worship led by Alex Owusu Amankwah Jnr and awesome song ministration by the TOP Youth Mass Choir. Now, the word by Rev Bernard Adu Gyamfi (District Pastor, Bechem District)..............Stay tuned for more!!!
Thursday, 18 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
GOD'S WORKMANSHIP
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Without Christ, our works are like filthy rags before God, but we have received His grace, His mercy and His love and the results is our acquired ability to produce good works. It is a marvelous manifestation of God’s ability that is revealed in us because we have made Jesus Christ Lord over our lives.
The word workmanship is better rendered masterpiece. God is working out in our lives a tremendous exhibition of His wisdom, His power, His love, His life, His character, His peace and His joy. He is teaching us, training us, bringing us along, painting us in exactly the right places so we would appear like a marvelous masterpiece put on display. His ultimate goal is for us to produce good works: kindness, love, mercy, compassion, help to one another, meeting one another’s needs. We were predestined to fulfill this Divine purpose.
Do you have any idea how many good works God has prepared for you? They are waiting for you to enter into as you walk in faith and trust and dependence upon Christ. The situations are there, ready and waiting for you to step into. This is what God has called you to. As you do so, you become a vivid display of the greatness and the glory of God.
Prayer
I thank you, Father, that you have prepared beforehand good works for me to walk in. I thank you that I am your workmanship. Grant that I might see these opportunities and take full advantage of them in the power of your Spirit in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:5, 17; Ephesians 2:7-10; Titus 2:14
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Without Christ, our works are like filthy rags before God, but we have received His grace, His mercy and His love and the results is our acquired ability to produce good works. It is a marvelous manifestation of God’s ability that is revealed in us because we have made Jesus Christ Lord over our lives.
The word workmanship is better rendered masterpiece. God is working out in our lives a tremendous exhibition of His wisdom, His power, His love, His life, His character, His peace and His joy. He is teaching us, training us, bringing us along, painting us in exactly the right places so we would appear like a marvelous masterpiece put on display. His ultimate goal is for us to produce good works: kindness, love, mercy, compassion, help to one another, meeting one another’s needs. We were predestined to fulfill this Divine purpose.
Do you have any idea how many good works God has prepared for you? They are waiting for you to enter into as you walk in faith and trust and dependence upon Christ. The situations are there, ready and waiting for you to step into. This is what God has called you to. As you do so, you become a vivid display of the greatness and the glory of God.
Prayer
I thank you, Father, that you have prepared beforehand good works for me to walk in. I thank you that I am your workmanship. Grant that I might see these opportunities and take full advantage of them in the power of your Spirit in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:5, 17; Ephesians 2:7-10; Titus 2:14
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE
But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 (NIV)
In today’s world, most people find that life is full. We have several channels on TV, unlimited internet sites to browse and cell phones to keep us connected every hour of the day. Everywhere you look there is something to do or some kind of entertainment all the time. You could be tempted into thinking that we have got to be busy doing something.
Nevertheless, Jesus invites us to be still because really, only one thing is needed. Some people ask all the time, what if we treated our Bibles like we do our cell phones? Can you imagine people in the elevators or shopping malls studying their Bibles all day? And people reading and studying the word while sitting in the cars and stuck in traffic?
Not that we should do that, but the point is we need to live our lives in balance and make the word of God a priority. Let us ensure we don’t allow the distractions of life to keep us from the one thing that is needed. David says in Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”
Prayer
Father, I set my heart and affections on you. I choose to lay down the distractions of life and put you first because you are the one thing that is needed. Help me keep my mind focused on you as I declare your praises throughout the day in Jesus’ name. Amen
Reference: Psalm 26:8; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 65:4
But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 (NIV)
In today’s world, most people find that life is full. We have several channels on TV, unlimited internet sites to browse and cell phones to keep us connected every hour of the day. Everywhere you look there is something to do or some kind of entertainment all the time. You could be tempted into thinking that we have got to be busy doing something.
Nevertheless, Jesus invites us to be still because really, only one thing is needed. Some people ask all the time, what if we treated our Bibles like we do our cell phones? Can you imagine people in the elevators or shopping malls studying their Bibles all day? And people reading and studying the word while sitting in the cars and stuck in traffic?
Not that we should do that, but the point is we need to live our lives in balance and make the word of God a priority. Let us ensure we don’t allow the distractions of life to keep us from the one thing that is needed. David says in Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”
Prayer
Father, I set my heart and affections on you. I choose to lay down the distractions of life and put you first because you are the one thing that is needed. Help me keep my mind focused on you as I declare your praises throughout the day in Jesus’ name. Amen
Reference: Psalm 26:8; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 65:4
Monday, 15 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
FLOOD OF GOD'S POWER
So [Israel] came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote [the Philistines] there. Then David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the bursting forth of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim [Lord of breaking through]. 1 Chronicles 14:11 (AMP)
Notice how David likened God’s power to the bursting forth of waters. In other words, he described it as a flood. He was saying that when the God of the breakthrough shows up and releases His power on your favor, it will be like a flood of His goodness, a flood of His favor, a flood of healing and a flood of new opportunity.
Think about how powerful water is. Three or four inches of water can pick up a huge car that weighs thousands of pounds and move it all around. You may have seen on the news whole houses floating down the river in big floods. Nothing can stop the force of that water! Anything that is in its way is moved!
Today, you may have difficulties that look extremely large, obstacles that look impassable, dreams that look unobtainable. But know this: when the God of the breakthrough releases a flood of His power, nothing can stop it. You need to get ready not for a well, not for a stream, not for a river. Get ready for a flood of God’s favor, a tidal wave of His goodness, a tsunami of His increase! Dare to believe that God is going to overwhelm you with victory in every area of your life today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I invite you to overwhelm me with your power today. Take over every area of my life; my thoughts, my attitude, my body. Flood me with your healing, favor, and strength today as I surrender my entire being to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Luke 9:43; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 13:4
So [Israel] came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote [the Philistines] there. Then David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the bursting forth of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim [Lord of breaking through]. 1 Chronicles 14:11 (AMP)
Notice how David likened God’s power to the bursting forth of waters. In other words, he described it as a flood. He was saying that when the God of the breakthrough shows up and releases His power on your favor, it will be like a flood of His goodness, a flood of His favor, a flood of healing and a flood of new opportunity.
Think about how powerful water is. Three or four inches of water can pick up a huge car that weighs thousands of pounds and move it all around. You may have seen on the news whole houses floating down the river in big floods. Nothing can stop the force of that water! Anything that is in its way is moved!
Today, you may have difficulties that look extremely large, obstacles that look impassable, dreams that look unobtainable. But know this: when the God of the breakthrough releases a flood of His power, nothing can stop it. You need to get ready not for a well, not for a stream, not for a river. Get ready for a flood of God’s favor, a tidal wave of His goodness, a tsunami of His increase! Dare to believe that God is going to overwhelm you with victory in every area of your life today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I invite you to overwhelm me with your power today. Take over every area of my life; my thoughts, my attitude, my body. Flood me with your healing, favor, and strength today as I surrender my entire being to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Luke 9:43; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 13:4
Friday, 12 August 2011
CRUSADE! CRUSADE!! CRUSADE!!!A
AS THE DAYS ARE, SO SHALL OUR STRENGTH BE...Really, this word was evident yesterday at the 2nd day of the crusade - TAKING TESANO BY STORM. Day 1 was awesome, but day 2 was even more glorious. Tangible manifestation of the presence of God, hope being dispersed to the community and real life testimony exemplifying the practicality of Christianity. All throughout the program for the second day, one thing which was evident was the fact that every single person who mounted the stage to lead was "On fire"...Pastor Richmond led prayer on fire, Pastor Eben started Praises on fire, Deacon Prince took over praises and went on to lead worship on fire, Deacon Prince once again and Alex Jnr led the choir on fire, Dr Richard Amponsah delivered the word on fire, Pastor Eben led the intercessory prayer on fire and the MC for the day Deacon Isaac was also on fire. Truly, God has visited the Tesano community and their lives will never be the same again. Today is the last day of this mega crusade and we believe in on thing; JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER....Come around if you are around. ON TOP FOR JESUS!!!
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
YOUR YOUTHFUL DAYS
Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9
Young people are endowed with energy. Youth is such a wonderful thing that it must not be wasted. God gives the gift of youth, so rejoice in it. Young people always believe that everything is going to turn out all right, so they energetically pursue things. Youth is the time to plan, to try new things, to explore new opportunities, new adventures.
Youth is the time to seize opportunities and to follow our desires. But remember that ultimately there is a day of accountability; “…for all these things God will bring you to judgment.” That is a reminder to youth that though there are great, open doors of opportunity set before you that you will not have later in life, nevertheless, enter them with the realization that you must make wise choices. You must deny yourself the pleasures of sin.
While you are young, God expects that you take away any rebellious attitude, put away wasteful and carefree lifestyle and live thoughtfully and purposefully. Remember, youth in itself is full of emptiness. While you are young, it is not strength that will satisfy you, but a relationship with the living God. Your life is fulfilled and given its meaning when you develop a relationship with God daily: “Remember your Creator while you are young…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you that you have given me energy to live in service unto you as a youth. I know one day I will stand before you and give an account of what I have done. May I live now, at whatever stage I am, with this end in mind in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Romans 2:6-11
Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9
Young people are endowed with energy. Youth is such a wonderful thing that it must not be wasted. God gives the gift of youth, so rejoice in it. Young people always believe that everything is going to turn out all right, so they energetically pursue things. Youth is the time to plan, to try new things, to explore new opportunities, new adventures.
Youth is the time to seize opportunities and to follow our desires. But remember that ultimately there is a day of accountability; “…for all these things God will bring you to judgment.” That is a reminder to youth that though there are great, open doors of opportunity set before you that you will not have later in life, nevertheless, enter them with the realization that you must make wise choices. You must deny yourself the pleasures of sin.
While you are young, God expects that you take away any rebellious attitude, put away wasteful and carefree lifestyle and live thoughtfully and purposefully. Remember, youth in itself is full of emptiness. While you are young, it is not strength that will satisfy you, but a relationship with the living God. Your life is fulfilled and given its meaning when you develop a relationship with God daily: “Remember your Creator while you are young…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you that you have given me energy to live in service unto you as a youth. I know one day I will stand before you and give an account of what I have done. May I live now, at whatever stage I am, with this end in mind in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Romans 2:6-11
Thursday, 11 August 2011
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!
BEING GENEROUS
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1
The opening verse talks of openhanded generosity – give freely and generously to the needs of others. The phrase, “Cast your bread upon the waters,” describes what looked like wasteful expenditure. No one would take good bread and throw it in the river. But here we are admonished to do that – taking a chance where a real need is evident.
When you see people in need – even if you don’t know how they will use your money – be generous. In the wisdom and purpose of God you will receive back someday when you are in need of help. Being generous also means giving as widely as possible. Generosity is the natural outflow of a full life. A life that is full of the blessing and grace of God ought to shower others with that blessing. Remember the words of Jesus, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
Wherever God puts you, in your present circumstances that is where you are to give. Begin to meet the needs around you. You could meet a needy person whom you have never met, but God has brought that to your knowledge so you can meet that need. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.”
Prayer
I thank you, Lord, for all that I have and all that I am blessed with. Help me to cast my bread upon the waters, to give freely, boldly, widely and in faith that needs will be met and blessing will come in your way and in your time. I thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Proverbs 3:27; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6: Matthew 10:8
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1
The opening verse talks of openhanded generosity – give freely and generously to the needs of others. The phrase, “Cast your bread upon the waters,” describes what looked like wasteful expenditure. No one would take good bread and throw it in the river. But here we are admonished to do that – taking a chance where a real need is evident.
When you see people in need – even if you don’t know how they will use your money – be generous. In the wisdom and purpose of God you will receive back someday when you are in need of help. Being generous also means giving as widely as possible. Generosity is the natural outflow of a full life. A life that is full of the blessing and grace of God ought to shower others with that blessing. Remember the words of Jesus, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
Wherever God puts you, in your present circumstances that is where you are to give. Begin to meet the needs around you. You could meet a needy person whom you have never met, but God has brought that to your knowledge so you can meet that need. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.”
Prayer
I thank you, Lord, for all that I have and all that I am blessed with. Help me to cast my bread upon the waters, to give freely, boldly, widely and in faith that needs will be met and blessing will come in your way and in your time. I thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reference: Proverbs 3:27; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6: Matthew 10:8
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
CRUSADE! CRUSADE!! CRUSADE!!!
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