THE GUARANTEE OF GOD’S KEEPING POWER

TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 1:12

VERSE OF THE DAY:
_AND THE LORD WILL DELIVER ME FROM EVERY EVIL WORK AND PRESERVE ME FOR HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM. TO HIM BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN! COME BEFORE WINTER”- 2 TIMOTHY 4:18._

There is surely no more comforting truth in the whole Bible than that God guarantees to keep His children from the present moment until they arrive safely in Heaven. How comforting this is to the new convert [Jude 24]; to those in middle life [2 Timothy 1:12]; and those nearing the journey’s end [2 Timothy 4:18].

There was one special petition that our Lord Jesus offered in His great intercessory prayer [John 17:15]. Peter gives the same emphasis to this glorious truth in 1 Peter 1:5. They tell us that as believers we are chosen, sanctified, cleansed, born again and bound for Heaven. The Lord is not only keeping Heaven for us, but He is keeping us for Heaven, so His keeping power operates on both sides of the veil. If we belong to the Lord, Heaven is certain [John 10:28].

The power by which God keeps us is described as God’s power. What tremendous power is available to keep us all along our earthly pathway? It is nothing less than the power of God. Think of His power in creation, in history, in providence, in redemption and His final intention. Surely, the same God of power can keep you. His power is absolutely sufficient and He guarantees to make it available to you and operative in your life until the end of your earthly pilgrimage.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for your promise of keeping me in Jesus’ name, Amen.

BIBLE IN 365 DAYS:
Isa 31
Rev 1

ACTION POINT:
ONLY GOD CAN KEEP AND PRESERVE YOU.

GOD IS OUR SHIELD

TEXT: PSALMS 28:7, GENESIS 15:1.

VERSE OF THE DAY:
_“ISRAEL, TRUST IN THE LORD; HE IS THEIR HELP AND THEIR SHIELD. HOUSE OF AARON, TRUST IN THE LORD; HE IS THEIR HELP AND THEIR SHIELD. YOU WHO FEAR THE LORD, TRUST IN THE LORD; HE IS THEIR HELP AND THEIR SHIELD”- PSALM 115:9-11 (NASB)._

Throughout time, Soldiers have known the importance of shields. Facing danger and the possibility of death or injury, they have welcomed the protection offered by shields. A shield is a broad piece of metal carried by soldiers in former times as protection from the arrows and spears of enemies.

Styles and shapes of shields have changed to reflect new technologies and weapons. Depending on place and time, shields have been made from animal hide, wood, or various metals. Some have been plain while others were elaborately decorated. But during battle, soldiers know that an effective shield can save their lives.

People find various ways to be shielded. Some trust in their jobs or resources. Others hide behind governments or armies. Some retreat to secluded hideouts. But the Bible teaches that none of these can protect us perfectly. All these human shields have imperfections that can fail. The only perfect protection is to trust God.

The psalmist urgently wanted people to understand this truth. Over and over, he urged everyone to “trust in the Lord.” It was a message cried to Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord. He certainly would convey the same message to us. Our only effective shield is trust in God.

The notable Nigerian prophet, Evangelist Babajide (Late), told of a vision he saw one time. In the vision he saw an ant crawling along, followed by a lizard that opened its mouth to swallow the ant. A scorpion caught up with the lizard and stung it before it could swallow the ant. The lizard was paralyzed. While it writhed with pain, the ant walked away unharmed and unaware of the battle that had taken place on its behalf. The ant represents the people of God who go about their duties innocently. The lizard represents the devil and his cohorts of hell who are always trying to harm God’s people. The scorpion stands for the powerful angels of God assigned to protect the people of God.

Remember that you have an adversary who is prowling like a roaring lion. He is seeking to devour you and your family. And the world can be a dangerous place. Make sure you trust in the Lord, for He is your shield.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I look to You to defend me. I take up the shield of faith and believe You for protection in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BIBLE IN 365 DAYS:
Isa 30
Jude

ACTION POINT:
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT GOD IS YOUR SHIELD.

CHILDREN ARE OUR ARROWS

TEXT: PSALMS 127:1-5
VERSE OF THE DAY:
_“LO, CHILDREN ARE A HERITAGE OF THE LORD: AND THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB IS HIS REWARD. AS ARROWS ARE IN THE HAND OF A MIGHTY MAN; SO ARE CHILDREN OF THE YOUTH”- PSALMS 127:3-4._

Today is Children’s Day and I thought it would be nice to spend some time talking about the blessing of children. Our text speaks of children as Inheritance. What does the word heritage mean? Webster defines it as a property inherited or a legacy. Children are the Lord’s inheritance ~ They don’t belong to us, we are simply stewards of our children. Children are gifts to us.

Again, children are like Arrows. The analogy here is that as parents, we are the archers. The arrow does not shoot itself. It is shot by the skilful hands of the archer. What target are you aiming at? A miscalculation of even the slightest degree can cause the arrow to miss the mark. As parents, we should spend a good portion of our lives making true arrows. As we raise our children, we should teach them right from wrong. It is our duty as parents to inculcate in them the godly values we would like to see in them. The time will come when every parent will release their arrows.

Many young parents are lost and confused about how to raise their children. The best way to teach your child is by a godly example. Teach your child the Bible with your lips and back it up with your life ~ and it will make an impression on their young hearts.

If you are reading or listening to this devotion and you have not given your life to Jesus Christ ~ then let me say to you that before you focus on building a happy and healthy home, you need to give your heart and life to Jesus. You cannot give what you do not have.

A word to grownups. Our memory verse also reminds us of our obligation to help our parents as they grow older. Deuteronomy 5:16 says: “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you.” (Deuteronomy 5:16) 1 Timothy 5 says: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. … If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:4, 8).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for all our children, help us to raise them in the fear of the Lord in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BIBLE IN 365 DAYS:
Isa 28
2 John

ACTION POINT:
YOUR CHILDREN ARE YOUR ARROWS. AS A GOOD ARCHER, AIM THEM WELL.

“1. I had the world’s most expensive car brand in my garage but now I’m traveling in a wheelchair.

2. My house is full of all kinds of designers clothing, shoes and valuables. But my body is wrapped in a small sheet of cloth provided by the hospital.

3. There is enough money in the bank. But now I’m not benefiting from that money.

4. My house is like a palace but I’m laying in a double size bed in a hospital.

5. I can go from five star hotel to another five star hotel. But now I’m spending time moving from lab to lab in hospital.

6. I signed hundreds of people. Doctor’s note today is my signature.

7. I had seven jewelry to decorate my hair – now I don’t have hair on my head.

8. With a private jet, I can fly wherever I want. But now I need two people’s help to get to the hospital patio.

9. Although there are many foods, but my diet has two tablets a day and a few drops of salt at night.

This house, this car, this jet, this furniture, so many bank accounts, so much reputation and fame, none of them are useful.

None of all valuables could give me relief.

The real meaning of life is about knowing our Savior JESUS CHRIST, serving Him is the best thing that we can do. JESUS is the answer for everything. He alone can satisfy our life.”

– Crisda Rodriguez

THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE OUGHT TO BE (2)

TEXT: 2 PETER 3: 9-13

VERSE OF THE DAY:
_“YOU ALSO BE PATIENT. ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS, FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD, IS AT HAND”- JAMES 5:8._

If we believe that Jesus is coming again soon, we would be deeply concerned for the salvation of those who are not ready to meet Him. The Lord has wonderful compassion towards those who are perishing [John 3:16], and we who are His servants should share His deep concern for the salvation of men and women. The signs of the times tell us that the coming of the Lord is very near [James 5:8]. How wonderful it would be for us when He comes, and how solemn for those who are not ready to meet Him.

If we believe that Jesus is coming again soon, we would be steadfast in the midst of worsening conditions in the world. Of course, we must expect conditions in the world to get worse; but a world that has rejected God and His Son and that has spurned the divine remedy for sin and every malady of man, can never get better apart from divine intervention. It is in this desperately sin-stricken world that you and I, who love the Lord, are to find encouragement, hope and inspiration in the calm assurance that our Sovereign Lord, who is on the throne, will shortly step down and put all wrongs right. To know God and to know the mystery of His intention for the coming days – this is the secret of assurance and peace [Isaiah 26:3].

If we believe that Jesus is coming again soon, we would desire above all else to grow in grace and the knowledge of Him. The way to grow in grace and to know Him better is to be much alone with Him in prayer [Matthew 6:6] and to meditate upon His Word [Psalm 119:97]. Let us pray that the daily anticipation of our Lord’s sure return will inspire us to live lives that are well-pleasing to Him; to live in the light of eternity, to reach out for the salvation of others, to be quiet and confident in the midst of international confusion and chaos, and above all, to know Him who is life eternal.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I believe in your second coming. May I not be found wanting
when you come, Amen.

BIBLE IN 365 DAYS:
Isa 25
1 John 4

ACTION POINT:
PREPARATION FOR HIS COMING STARTS NOW.

SOME THINGS THAT GOD PUTS FIRST

TEXT: MATTHEW 6:25-34

VERSE OF THE DAY:
_“BUT SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU”- MATTHEW 6:33._

There are some of the things that God puts first in order of importance. There is a certain excitement about first things. Most of us remember our first day at school and our parents probably remember the first time we walked or talked.

One of the biggest lessons we have to learn is that of discrimination. Many things clamour for priority and we need to know how to assess their values so that we do not give first place to secondary things. For example, the soul is more important than the body [Mark 8:36]; the things of eternity are of infinitely greater importance than the things of time [2 Corinthians 4:18]; life itself is far more important than possessions [Luke 12:15, 21]; and moral strength is far more important than physical strength [Ephesians 6:10].

Much of our trouble arises from the fact that we have reversed the order; too often we are majoring in minor things, and minoring in major things. This is true nationally, religiously and individually. Where are we to find guidance in the matter of putting first things first? How are we to know what God would have us do in this matter? Here, as in every matter of faith and practice, the Word of God is our all-sufficient guide.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to be wise and to know what to major on in Jesus’ name, Amen.

BIBLE IN 365 DAYS:
Isa 25
1 John 3

ACTION POINT:
BE WISE AND MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES