Day 26 – Growing through temptations

Growing through temptations

Today’s lesson is about temptation, recognising it and trying to grow through it. We are told today that every temptation is an opportunity to do well, a form of stepping stone to our success instead of a stumbling block. We ought to see it as an opportunity of choice to do good, so while temptation is the devil’s weapon of destroying us, God uses it to develop us. As each time we choose to do good rather than sin we are growing in the character of Christ – Gal. 5 vs. 22 – 23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Thereby, producing fruit of the Spirit, a characteristic that is not produced in us over night, but will mature and ripens slowly. We also need to be aware that God develops the fruit of the Spirit in our life by allowing us to experience circumstance in which we are tempted to express the exact opposite quality. To remember that character development always involve a choice and a temptation, an opportunity to choose to learn peace through trusting God in circumstances in which we are tempted to worry or be afraid and not relying on our own idea of peace. To bear in mind that each time we defeat a temptation we become more like Jesus. But this is all easier said than done.

Therefore, in order for us to defeat temptation, we need to have an understanding of how the enemy works – 2 Corinth. 2 vs. 11 – in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. It will greatly help us to know that the enemy is predictive in all his ways, he uses the same strategy repeatedly since he started his job and is not original at all.

he first of all identifies a desire in us [maybe a sinful desire] and suggests it with a thought that we give in to an evil desire or fulfil a legitimate desire in a wrong way, like short cuts. An important thing we also have to know is that temptation doesn’t lie around us but begins within us, as if we didn’t have that internal desire, the temptation could not attract us. It always starts in the mind – Mark 7 vs. 21 – 23 - For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean’; James 4 vs. 1 - What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?

The next thing the enemy does is he tries to get us to doubt if what we are about to do is really sin – Heb. 3 vs. 12 - See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. he is the father of lies – John 8 vs. 44 – You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies; so after creating a form of doubt, he’ll try to offer us a version of what he says God is really trying to tell us i.e. we can get away with it. Which will cause us to act on the thought that we’ve been toying with in our mind, and then give into his lies – James 1 vs. 14 – 16 - but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed? Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.

Now that we know how he works we need to refuse to be intimidated by his tactics and not to feel ashamed just for being tempted as we will never outgrow temptation. We also need to see temptation as a sign that satan hates us and not a sign of weakness or worldliness; as we will never be able to avoid it completely – 1 Corinth. 10 vs. 13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it; and its not a sin to be tempted – Heb. 4 vs. 15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. With all this in mind we ought to treat it as a distraction because the enemy fears you.

We also need to recognise our pattern of temptation and be prepared for it; the enemy knows what trips us up and will make sure to use them all the time, be it women, money, he knows – 1 Pet. 5 vs. 8 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Therefore we need to ask ourselves questions to find out situations we are most likely to be tempted (I’m not even going to try and front I KNOW situations when I’m more likely to be tempted - so this right here has been a great help!!) this could be when we are tired, bored, depressed and many different situations. We need to identify the pattern and be prepared; to anticipate it and be ready – Eph. 4 vs. 27 - and do not give the devil a foothold; Prov. 4 vs. 26 – 27; 16 vs. 17 - The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life..

And finally we need to request God’s help – Eph. 6 vs. 17 – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; to cry for help when we find ourselves being tempted, and God is able to help us immediately. It is important for us to turn to God more often for help, because He is willing to help us and He never gets irritated by our inability to rise from the same temptation – Heb. 4 vs. 16 - let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Because God’s love is everlasting and His patience endures for ever, so even if we fall it is not fatal – James 1 vs. 12 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Day 25 – Being Transformed by trouble

Being Transformed by trouble

Yep you read the title correctly. Today’s topic is on being transformed by trouble. Whenever we find ourselves in a situation or very sticky circumstance, we need to remember that behind every problem we face God already has a purpose, and uses each of the circumstances to develop our character. We also need to bear in mind that life is a series of problems and we are not insulated from them – John 16 vs. 23 - In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name; and every problem we face are all significant growth process for us in God – 1 Pet. 4 vs. 12 - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you; we should not be surprised as God uses them to draw us closer to Him – Psalm 34 vs. 18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Lets be honest with ourselves, it’s during this period of suffering that we pray honest to God prayers.

Through out the bible, there are many people who found themselves in situations that God could have prevented from happening to them, to name a few Joseph when he was in prison (Gen. 39 vs. 20 -22) and Daniel when he was put in the lions den (Dan. 6 vs. 16 - 23), yet the Lord allowed it happen. Isn’t interesting that we will never know that God is all we need until He is all we have to get us out. That regardless of what we face God intends to use it for our good even if the enemy intended it for evil. That because every day of our life has already been planned by God nothing takes Him by surprise – Psalm 139 vs. 16 - your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be; Rom. 8 vs. 28-29;

We need to know that In our difficult times our hope should be based on the truth that God is in control of our lives and situation and He loves us; that His plan for our life involves all that happens to us, including our mistakes, our sins and our hurt; As He can bring Good out of the worst evil as His purpose is greater than our problems, pain or worst sin. That all that we go through is a process of being like His son Jesus.

Every problem is a character building opportunity and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for growth – Rom. 5 v. 3-4 - not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope, as our circumstance is temporary but our character will last forever – 1 Pet. 1 vs. 7 - These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed; only when we are refined by fire can people see Jesus’ reflection on us – James 1 vs. 3 - because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance; and since its God’s intention to make us like Jesus we will pass through the same experiences – Heb. 5 vs. 8-9; Rom. 8 vs. 17 - Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Therefore, we ought to respond to our problems the way Jesus did, not be embittered, and remember that God has our interest at heart – Jer. 29 vs.11; Gen. 50 vs. 20; Isaiah 38 vs. 17; Heb. 12 vs. 10; and to stay focused on God’s plan not our pain or problems like Jesus did – Heb. 12 vs. 2 - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God . We have been shown through the bible and through Jesus that the secret of endurance is to remember the pain is temporary and reward eternal – Heb. 11 vs. 26; 2 Corinth. 4 vs.17 - For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

To summarise - to give thanks in all our circumstance regardless of what we find ourselves in, yep its not easy, but because we know the situation is only temporary, we have hope – 1 Thess. 5 vs. 18 - give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus; to rejoice in the Lord for what He will turn out from our problems and pain – Philip. 4 vs. 4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice, Luke 6 vs. 23 - Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets; to rejoice because He is with us in the problems because He will never leave us alone. To try and be patient and persistent, refusing to give up – James 1 vs. 3-4; So if you are facing problems right now like I am, decide to stop asking pointless questions like why me, but what do you Lord want me to learn from these? Then trust God – Heb. 10 vs. 36 - You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Day 24 – Being transformed by the truth

Being transformed by the truth

Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth – John 17 vs. 17 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth; through sanctification which requires revelation, and the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the son of God. So to be like Jesus we need to fill our lives with His Word – 2 Tim. 3 vs. 17 – so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. For God’s Word is alive – Heb. 4 vs. 12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart; [Acts 7 vs. 38; 1 Pet. 1 vs. 23; John 6 vs. 63]. This is why when God speaks, things change, and all creation including everything around us exist (come into being) because of the spoken word of God – I am alive today because of the spoken word of God [James 1 vs. 18]. God’s word is more than a guide book, it’s a LIVE word that generates life, creates faith, and produces changes…

WE simply cannot live without the word of God, and must never take His word for granted as its essential food [Job 23 vs. 12], our milk [1 Pet. 2 vs. 2] our bread [Matt. 4 vs. 4] our solid food [1 Corinth. 3 vs. 2] and our desert [Psalm 119 vs. 103]. To be healthy disciples of Jesus we need to feed on His word, to make it a first priority in our lives. Jesus called this form of feeding abiding – John 8 vs. 31b - if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples, and in order to incorporate this into our daily activities we must accept the authority of the word of the bible as a benchmark for evaluating everything and for our living, to have the first and the last word in our lives [Prov. 30 vs. 15; 2 Tim. 3 vs. 16]. We need to resolve to find out when making decisions what the bible has to say on the matter, and do what the word of God tells you to do regardless of if it makes sense or not – Acts. 24 vs. 14b - I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets. It is not enough to believe the bible to be the truth and not reading it leaving it on our shelves to gather dust, we need to fill our minds with it, and let the Holy Spirit transform us with it daily. We need to receive it, read it, research it, remember it and reflect on it daily.

Receiving the word of God is not the same thing as being around when a word was preached. We need to receive the word of God with an open attitude. So whenever we feel that we are not learning anything from a sermon (be it boring or life less), let us search our minds and find out why we are not receptive. Could it be due to our pride here? – James 1 vs. 21 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

We also need to fill our minds with God’s word by reading daily it keeps us in range of His voice – Deut. 17 vs. 19 - it is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.

Researching or studying our bible has been told to us as another way to receive blessings from God, if you want to be blessed daily study His Word – James 2 vs. 25 – But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. I know I want to be blessed, an extra blessing not part of the guaranteed, show me the way Holy Spirit.

Remembering the word of God is really not a difficult task. If one can remember those things that are important to them, then remembering the word of God should be a trivial thing to do, because we know of its importance in our life. There are many benefits for remembering the word of God to name a just few includes, resisting temptation, making wise decisions, reducing stress and worry; unimaginable happiness and countless more [Psalm 119 vs. 11; 119 vs. 105; 119 vs. 49 – 50 - Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life; Jeremiah 15 vs. 16; Prov. 22 vs. 18; 1 Pet. 3 vs. 15; Col. 3 vs. 16].

And finally we need to reflect on God’s word, this is known as meditation – focussed thinking on the word of God. If we all can worry (focus our thinking on our problems), then meditating on the word of God should be effortless too. However, the difference between the two is, the focused thinking on the word of God is a healthy habit to have as it transforms us into the likeness of Christ. It is also the key to answered prayer and the secret of successful living [Acts 13 vs. 22; Psalm 119 vs. 97; John 15 vs. 7 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you; Joshua 1 vs. 8; Psalm 1 vs. 2 -3].

Lessons learned on Day 24 – Filling my mind is a very important habit to have in my life, but is no good if I don’t apply the principles to my life, as they are useless without application and implementation – James 1 vs. 22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says; Matt. 7 vs. 24 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.To remember that I will be blessed by simply choosing to apply God’s principles laid out in His Word in my life – John 13 vs. 17 - Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. It may be difficult at first, but I need to bear in mind that the truth is the only thing that can set me free, even though it makes me miserable at first [John 8 vs. 32], and to make sure that I share His word among others. We have been posed this question, what has God told you to do in His Word that you have not done yet? I know I need get on with a few, what about you?

Day 23 – Growing up in and with God

Growing up in and with God

Like every parent wishes and looks forward to their child or children being grown up and all mature, it is our heavenly Father’s goal for us to mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. Sadly many of us grow older never intending to grow up, thinking that spiritual growth is automatic refusing to believe that it an intentional commitment. To make that decision to grow it requires effort; and to do so we need to be discipled. Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ which always begins with a decision in the form of a response when we are called by Jesus – Matt. 9 vs. 9b – Follow me He told him and Matthew got up and followed Him, even if we don’t understand the implications of following.

We all know in our walk of life that a decision can make or break you; can develop or destroy you; but ultimately they will define you. We are what we are committed, and it is at this period in one’s life that many miss God’s purpose for their life. Many are afraid and just drift through life, others make half hearted decisions which leads to frustration; still others make full commitment to worldly goals and end up disappointed and bitter – so I ask you this question, what are you committed to today? Every choice has eternal consequences so we [you and I] had better choose wisely – 2 Peter 3 vs. 11 – Since everything will be destroyed in this way what kind of people ought you be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.

As we learned from yesterday’s lesson that spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between us and the Holy Spirit, we have been shown through that lesson – and Philip. 2 vs. 12 – 13 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose, that God works with us not just in us. Because He wants us to grow. So now that God has given us a new life it is our responsibility to develop it with a serious attitude with ‘holy fear and trembling’, for the reason that when we are casual about it, it shows that we don’t understand the eternal implications.

In order to grow spiritually, we need to be careful concerning the way we think; in other words to change our life we need to change the way we think - Prov. 4 vs. 23 – above all else guard your heart for it is the spring of life, and allow God to transform us – Rom. 12 vs. 2b. – but 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. This is the first step in our spiritual growth, as change always start first in the mind, and the way one thinks determines the way one feels and subsequently the way one acts - Eph. 4 vs. 23 - to be made new in the attitude of your minds. Therefore to be like Christ (make it personal) I must develop His mind which is known as REPENTANCE – meaning to change your mind - Philip. 2 vs. 5 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, which is also a command.

In other words, to stop thinking immature thought which are self centred and self seeking – 1 Corinth. 14 vs. 20 - Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults, as this form of thinking is the source of sinful behaviour – Rom. 8 vs. 5 - Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires, and to start thinking maturely such as focusing on others, not yourself [which is a mark of maturity] 1 Corinth. 13 vs. 11 - When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Lessons Learnt on Day 23 – That spiritual maturity is not measured by the amount of biblical information or doctrine I know, as the Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions, as it also includes conduct and character; that my deeds and beliefs must be consistent and backed up with Christ like behaviour. That it’s all about my relationship with Christ which is core in the way I treat others – Rom. 15 vs. 2 – 3 - Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. That thinking of others is the heart of being like Christ – and the best evidence of spiritual growth, so even though this is an unnatural rare and difficult attribute I have hope, because I am not alone as the Holy Spirit is here to help me – 1 Corinth. 2 vs. 12 - found that the Lord had opened a door for me.

Day 22 – I was created to become like Christ

I was created to become like Christ

The Last six lessons had dealt with my relationship with others, but in today’s and the lessons to come I will be learning about my third purpose.

I am created to be more like Christ [Gen. 1 vs. 26 - Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground] made in God’s image a privilege that dignifies me. So as part of God’s creation I posses ‘part’ of the image of God and explain why murder and abortion is wrong – [Gen. 9 vs. 6 - Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man; Psalm 139 vs. 13 – 16; James 3 vs. 9 - With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness]. So why ‘part’, this is because Sin distorts mine and your image and because of that we are incomplete. So for this reason Jesus Had to come [2 Corinth. 4 vs. 4; Col. 1 vs. 15; Heb. 1 vs. 3]. Therefore the goal of our creation is to bear the image and likeness of God – Eph. 4 vs. 24 – and to put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, but not to be God – Gen. 3 vs. 5 – For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Yes God created me to bear His image, but not to become a god. To be godly, take on His value, attitude and character - Eph. 2 vs. 22 - And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. His ultimate goal for me is to develop my character and to grow spiritually and become like Christ. He does this by transforming my character not my personality [Matt. 5 vs. 1- 12; Gal. 5 vs. 22 – 23; 1 Corinth. 13; 2 Pet. 1 vs. 5 - 8]. And whenever I forget that character development is part of the purpose for my life, I will become frustrated. Therefore, I am supposed to have a difficult time because it enables me to grow. So since I exist for God’s purpose, it is the job of the Holy Spirit to produce Christ like character in me – 2 Corinth. 3 vs. 18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit; this process is known as SANCTIFICATION, and I cannot reproduce the character of Jesus on my own strength, only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the necessary changes God wants in my life – Philippians 2 vs. 13 – For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.

The Holy Spirit makes these necessary changes in different ways, not always in the signs and wonders we have seen and known but sometimes through a gentle whisper – [1 Kings 19 vs. 12]. To be Christ like is also not produced by imitations but inhabitation – Col. 1 vs. 27 – For by Him all things are created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. And how do we achieve inhabitation, through the choices we make. We need to choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work, by taking a step of Faith [like Joshua did in Joshua 3 vs. 13 -17], as obedience unlocks God’s power. God wants us to act first; I don’t need to wait for when I feel confident or powerful, To move ahead in my weaknesses in spite of my fears or feelings; so while efforts has nothing to do with my salvation, it has everything to do with my spiritual growth – [Luke 13 vs. 24; Rom. 14 vs. 19; Eph. 4 vs. 3; 2 Tim. 2 vs. 15; Heb. 4 vs. 11; 12 vs. 14; 2 Pet. 1 vs. 5; 3 vs. 14].

Therefore, in order for me to be like Christ, I need to first let go of my old ways of acting, to change the way I think because I can only be transformed by the renewing of my mind – Rom. 12 vs. 2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but 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. To put on the character of Christ by developing godly habits as my character displays how I habitually act. So how will God develop my habits? By moulding me through His word, people and circumstance, as God’s word provides the truth, His people the support and the circumstances I face the environment for my growth.

Lessons learnt on Day 22 - I ought to apply God’s word in my life, connect with people regularly (believers) and trust God in difficult circumstances. To remember that loving Jesus is a long and slow process of growth, and will take the rest of my life – Eph. 4 vs. 13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. To bear in mind that I am a work in progress – 1 John 3 vs.2 - Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; and that God is far more interested in building my character than anything else. So in whatever I do to do it for the glory of God [1 Corinth. 10 vs. 31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God; 16 vs. 14; Col. 3 vs. 17, 23] .

Day 21 – Protecting my church

Protecting my church

Wow – First of all I would like to say, I have heard of trying my best to get along with others, but surely not it is my job to protect the unity of the church, apparently it truly is. How is it my Job I ask? I can’t force people to listen to me, or how am I to do this?

I have learnt from previous lessons that it is the desire of God that we should experience oneness, that destroying unit means ripping the heart out of Christ’s body as unity is the essence and the very core of how God intends for us to experience life and to model trinity as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are completely unified as one. I have also been made aware that like every parent our heavenly Father loves watching us get along with each other, and have been shown the significance of it that Jesus even in His final moments prayed for us to get along – John 17 vs. 12 -23, showing us how valuable we the church is to Him and the reason why He paid the highest price for us. Therefore since I am part of God’s family I can now see why it is my responsibility to preserve unity and promote harmony – Eph. 4 vs. 3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace

However this is not an easy task. For me to be able to do this the bible has given me (and us) practical steps:

Step 1: I am told that as a community we need to focus on what we have in common not our differences – Rom. 14 vs. 19 – let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. That is to concentrate on what we as believers share, such as one another, one body, one purpose, one Father, one spirit, one hope, one faith, one baptism and one love [Rom. 12 vs. 12; 12 vs. 4-5; 1 Corinth. 1 vs. 10; 8 vs. 6; 12 vs. 13; Eph. 4 vs. 4; 5 vs. 5; Philip. 2 vs. 2]. We also need to remember that we share the same salvation, same life and future and these are issues we must concentrate on. And to enjoy the value of our differences, since it is the same God we serve that gave it to us, therefore having conflicts in our midst is a sign that we have shifted from God who created our differences to less important things [Rom. 14 vs. 1; 2 Tim. 2 vs. 23] things like personalities, preferences, interpretations of styles or methods 1 Corinth. 1 vs. 10 - I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Step 2: I am told that we need to be realistic in our expectations. That we are required to love our church in spite of its imperfections. That longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity, however settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency. So just because other believers disappoint or let us down is no excuse to stop fellowshipping with them. They are simply family even if they don’t act like it – Eph. 4 vs. 2 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Yes many get disillusioned with their church for many reasons but we need to be aware that the church is made up of real sinners including ourselves – so as sinners we hurt each other. And instead of leaving, we need to stay and work it out. And to bear in mind that every other church we go has its own set of weaknesses and problem and disillusionment. Therefore whatever problems we face is good as it destroys our false expectations of perfection and by us complaining of our church community we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow.

Step 3: I am also informed that we must choose to encourage one another rather than criticize [Rom. 14 vs. 13; James 4 vs. 11; Eph. 4 Vs. 29; Matt. 5 vs. 9; James 5 vs. 9], because by criticising we are interfering with God’s business [Rom. 14 vs. 4; Rom. 14 vs. 10], and whenever we judge a believer we loose fellowship with God as it exposes our own pride and insecurity and subsequently sets us up to be judged by God. A criticizing spirit is called a costly vice, which is the devil who is called the accuser of brothers, and whenever we criticize others we are doing his work. Therefore we need to keep in mind that no matter how much we disagree with each other they are not the real enemy – Rom. 14 vs. 19 - Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Step 4: Refusing to listen to gossip. Listening to a gossip is like accepting stolen goods and is as criminal as committing the crime itself, and by listening to them makes us a trouble maker [Prov. 17 vs. 4; 16 vs. 28; 26 vs. 20; 25 vs. 9; 20 vs. 19; Jude 1 vs. 19] and a devourer [Gal. 5 vs. 15]. The only we can rid of us of such conflict in our church is to confront those who gossip - Prov. 26 vs. 20 – without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

Step 5: To preserve unity in my church I am told practicing God’s method for conflict resolution is very significant [Matt. 18 vs. 15 – 17]. During a conflict it is tempting to complain to a third party rather than courageously speak the truth in love to the person that has upset us or we are upset with, but speaking to that third party makes the matter worse. We need to confess to God if we have engaged in such [1 Corinth. 5 vs. 8] and He will take our sin away [1 Sam. 12 vs. 13]. We also need to support our pastors and leaders, and to remember that there are no perfect leaders but only God has given the authority to maintain unity of the church – Heb. 13 vs. 17 - Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. If they misuse that authority they will give account of it, but we also will give account of how well we followed our leaders. Do you pray for your leaders?

Lessons learned on Day 21 – Today’s lesson was a packed one. I have learned that I need to accept my responsibility to protect and promote the unity of my church. To remember that God will be pleased when I do this. I also need to show preference to others and learn unselfishness, not to seek my own good or what pleases me but the good of others - 1 Corinth. 10 vs. 24. And finally to remember that God will only bless my church when we are unified. 1 Tim. 5 vs. 12 – 13 - Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.

Day 20 – How do I restore Broken Relationships?

How do I restore Broken Relationships?

Today’s topic touched on an important area – dealing with broken relationships and how to restore them. Since we know that God is love, He wants us to value relationships and make the effort of maintaining them instead of discarding them because of a rift, hurt or a conflict – 2 Corinth. 5 vs. 18 – All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

We need to be reminded of the importance of getting along with each other, since our ability to get along with each other truly is a mark of respect [Philippians 2 vs. 1-2; Rom. 15 vs. 5]. More importantly, since the Lord Jesus wants us to be known for our love for one another, a broken fellowship will be a terrible testimony to unbelievers - John 13 vs. 35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. We also need to settle matters quickly [1 Corinth. 6 vs. 5; 1 vs. 10], to be peacemakers even though it may be hard work [Matt. 5 vs. 9] as this is a very important skill to develop.

But before we try to resolve conflicts we need to speak to God first concerning it. Chances are God would have worked on the heart of the other person because you asked Him to. One of the main reasons for conflict with one another tends to be unmet needs. We need to realise and come to terms with the fact that No one but God can meet our needs – James 4 vs. 1 – 2 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? After speaking to God about the matter, we need to take the initiative regardless of if we are the offender or the offended as God expects us to make the first move. Jesus even reminded us of priority of mending rifts [Matt. 5 vs. 23 – 24]. So if our relationship is strained or broken to see to it that a peace conference is planned immediately, not to procrastinate or make excuses but to act quickly, as delay only deepens resentment, affects our walk with God, keeps our prayers from being answered [1 Pet. 3 vs. 7; Prov. 28 vs. 9] and a senseless thing to do - Job 5 vs. 2 – Resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple.

To work towards trying to prevent conflicts, we need to sympathise and pay close attention on other people’s feelings [Philip. 2 vs. 4], to listen to what they have to say and be able to look past our indifferences [Rom. 15 vs. 2], and finally to do like Jesus who endure unfounded malicious accusations and anger in order to save just me [Rom. 15 vs. 3]. We also need to admit to our own mistakes [Matt. 7 vs. 5; 1 John 1 vs. 8] as confession of our mistakes is a very powerful tool in dealing with or prevention of broken relationships. We also have to bear in mind that we will never get our point across by being cross, and to choose our words wisely [Prov. 15 vs. 1; Prov. 16 vs. 21], to say words that lifts and not condemns [Eph. 4 vs. 29; Rom. 12 vs. 18]. It may cost us our pride or self centeredness, but we must try and resolve conflicts and live in peace with one another immediately [Rom. 12 vs. 10; Philip. 2 vs. 3]. God expects unity not uniformity and we can walk together without necessary agreeing on the same issue.

Lessons learnt on Day 20 – so you ask me, what have I learnt from today’s lesson, well I am happy to inform you that I have been reminded and made aware of the need to work hard at living in peace with one another – 1 Pet. 3 vs. 11 - He must turn from evil and do good, he must seek peace and pursue it. So at this juncture I would like to ask you the reader this question, who do you need to restore a broken relationship with? We really need to make haste – Pray to God concerning it for directions and immediately resolve it.

Day 19 – Cultivating a Community

Cultivating a Community

Today’s lesson is also a continuation from previous lessons, and it touched on creating and cultivating a good community. In order to cultivate a community, a great amount of commitment is required; but will only work with the Holy Spirit involved, as He is the only One that can create real fellowship between believers and He does this through our choices and commitment [Ephesians 4 vs. 3]. Cultivating a community takes both God’s power and our effort to produce one [1 Tim. 3 vs. 11 – 15]

We also need honesty in cultivating community. And to do this, we need to be honest with each other and be able to speak up when we feel there are things sabotaging our fellowship with others, and not to allow fear to prevent us from speaking up and speaking the truth [Ephesians. 4 vs. 15; Prov. 24 vs. 26; Gal. 6 vs. 1-2]. This is the reason why many groups remain superficial because they are afraid of conflict and this is how sick environments where gossip thrives ends up being created [Eph. 4 vs. 25]. And in being honest, being frank goes hand in hand. Be it in friendship, marriage or in the church [Prov. 28 vs. 23]. But speaking up and being frank does not give us a license to say whatever we want and we need to be careful not to be rude or use thoughtless words [1 Tim. 5 vs. 1 – 2]. To bear in mind that there is a right time and a right way for everything to be said [Ecc. 8 vs. 6] and it is our responsibility to speak out to our brothers and sisters in Lord [1 Corinth. 5 vs. 3 – 12].

Humility is also another requirement in cultivating a community as self importance, smugness and stubborn pride destroys fellowship [1 Pet. 5 vs. 5]. Being humble is also important because pride actually blocks God’s grace in our lives. And in order to develop humility we need to admit to our weakness, be patient with others and be open to correction, not trying to hug the spot light [Rom. 12 vs. 16; Phil. 2 vs. 3 – 4].

Important nugget - Humility is not thinking less of yourself – it all about thinking of yourself less and thinking more of others. Therefore we need to be a little more courteous, and be considerate to other people’s feelings [Rom. 15 vs. 2]. To bear in mind that difficult people are brought into our lives for a reason and should be seen as an opportunity for growth and test of friendship regardless of who they are or their tendencies. To understand that they are part of us and should be defended well [Rom. 12 vs. 12]. And in order to understand them, we can help them by trying to understand where they are coming from or their views by trying to discover their history to find out what they’ve been through. And instead of thinking how far they still have to go to think about how far they’ve come.

We also need to allow an atmosphere of confidentiality. To always try to create an environment where people can feel safe and open up. I.e. what is said in the group stays in the group. As we know that God hates gossip especially when it has been thinly disguised as a “prayer request” [Prov. 16 vs. 28]. To confront those who are fixed on breaking the fellowship [Titus 3 vs. 10], build genuine fellowship [Heb. 10 vs. 25] and invest time in the Fellowship.

Day 18 – Experiencing life together

Experiencing life together

What did I learn today? Well today’s lesson was more of a follow up from yesterday’s lesson and more of a reaffirmation that my life is meant to be shared. Even the Lord Jesus spoke of the importance of sharing and being in a group - Matt. 18 vs. 20 – for wherever two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. This is because in sharing I am able to reveal my feelings and confess my failures in an honest way. Yet this is hard. It is difficult to find groups and an atmosphere of honesty and humility as this tends to be replaced with pretending, role playing and superficial politeness. With people wearing masks and acting like all is well – but real fellowship requires openness with our lives – 1 John 1 vs. 7 – 8 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His son, purifies us from all sin.

I know I don’t want to take the risk of exposure and rejection (I mean who does), but this is the only way to grow spiritual – James 5 vs. 16b – therefore, confess your sin to each other so that you may be healed, and yet I am told that I can only grow by taking risks, with myself and with others. Sharing my life with others also helps in encouraging mine and the faith of others. In real fellowship we experience mutuality – Rom. 1 vs. 12 – that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith – Rom. 12 vs. 10 – be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourself – as I am more consistent in my faith when others walk with me and encourage me [Rom. 14 vs. 19]. I am an encouragement to others when I experience sympathy for them. By entering in and sharing the pain their pain and not some quick advice or cosmetic help; Col. 3 vs. 12 – Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience . Therefore, when I understand and affirm the feeling of others, I build fellowship [Phil. 3 vs. 10; Heb. 10 vs. 33 – 34; Gal. 6 vs. 2]. And building fellowship helps in time of deep crisis, grief and doubt, because that is when I need others the most. Especially when circumstances crush to the point that my faith begins to falter, believing friends are what I need the most.

From previous experiences I could see the importance of friends in my life, and Job’s life is a typical example – Job 6 vs. 14 – A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. This is because mercy is experienced in real fellowship. Mercy is very important in my walk with God, especially when I stumble and fall, and require help getting back on track – 2 Corinth. 2 vs. 7 – Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow

To summarise – sharing my life with others will require a great deal of forgiveness [Col. 3 s. 12], as bitterness and resentment destroy fellowship. And because I am imperfect I might inevitably hurt others sometimes intentionally, some times unintentionally and each and every one of us will always have that issue to deal with – Col. 3 vs. 13 – Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive, as the Lord forgave you. Therefore as I embark on sharing my life with others, I will always bear in mind that God’s mercy to me is more than enough motivation for me to show mercy to others.

Day 17 – Somewhere to belong

Somewhere to belong

Just this evening as I walked home to my apartment block, I was thinking to myself how I’ve never really belonged anywhere. How I felt moving around throughout my childhood, my teens and now my adulthood could be the reason for it. So imagine my shock when it was the topic of my study.

That God has called and created me to belong, not just to believe and be isolated, but to belong, as I cannot fulfil God’s purpose for myself by myself. So whilst my relationship with Christ is personal, God never intended it to be private, because He intended me to be connected to every believer, to belong to each other for eternity – Rom. 12 vs. 5 – so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the other.

So since I am created for a specific purpose, attaching myself to a living, local church is important because only through my relationship with others will I discover my role in life [Ephesians 4 vs. 16]. This explains why whenever we have a spiritual decline; the first thing that goes is our church attendance which causes us to be disconnected from the body. So for me to say that the church is not very important in my life is arrogant and ignorant. For God’s word says in Ephesians 5 vs. 25 – Christ loved His church to give His life for it. The church is called the bride and body of Christ for a reason [2 Corinth. 11 vs. 2; Eph. 5 vs. 27; Rev. 19 vs. 7], and I am commanded to love it [1 Pet. 2 vs. 17].

Therefore, I am no longer a foreigner or an alien but a fellow citizen with God’s people and household, and this knowledge encourages me especially when I feel like a misfit. Understanding the importance of church family is also of significance. As being part of a church family identifies me as a genuine believer [Obviously I can’t claim to be following Christ if I’m not committed to any specific group of disciples – John 13 vs. 35 – by this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another ] and serves as a powerful witness to the world. Being part of a church also moves me from my self centred isolation to living to practice my unselfish sympathetic life that God has given me, to care for others and share the experiences of others. In doing so, develops my spiritual strength, and encouraging, praying, greeting, serving, teaching, accepting, submitting, devoting, forgiving and submitting to others becomes my family responsibilities, which cannot happen in isolation, as isolation breeds deceitfulness.

So even though it is easy to fool myself into thinking I am mature when there are no challenges, real maturity only shows up when I deal with others in my relationships, which requires more than the bible, as the company of others will help me to grow by learning from them and being accountable to each of them. I also have to bear in mind that I have a unique role to play in my relationship with others, as God has gifted me for my unique assignment. And has designed my local fellowships to help me discover, develop and use my gifts. So even though I might have in addition to my service in the church a wider ministry, God has gifted me in the building of His church – 1 Corinth. 12 vs. 12 - 27.

Lessons Learnt on Day 17

That God has called me to belong and to share in Christ’s mission in the world. As He works through us in the world, for that reason I have been given my contribution to make - Eph. 2 vs. 10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. That my church community is there to help me from backsliding as I’m not immune to temptation. 1 Corinth. 10 vs. 12; Jer. 17 vs. 9; 1 Tim. 1 vs. 19; Heb. 3 vs. 13; Therefore it is my / our duty and responsibility to go after one another that I / we feel is wavering; James 3 vs. 19 – 20 – because the devil loves detached believers as he knows that they are defenceless and powerless against his tactics. So I want to take this opportunity to thank my local church here, RCOGIC, my Home church Calvary International Ministry UK, my bible study group and now TERC for allowing me into their family. What a place to belong.

Day 16 – My love matters most to God

My love matters most to God

Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants me to learn on earth is how to love, because it is in loving that I am most like Him, since Love is the foundation of the command He has given to us [Galatians 5 vs. 14]. The entire law is summed up in a single command – “Love your neighbour as yourself” – but loving like this is not an easy task. That’s why God has asked us to give special attention in loving God’s people because He wants us to be known for our love more than anything – 1 Pet. 2 vs. 17 – show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers, Fear God, honour the king. Galatians 6 vs.1. John 13 vs. 35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. To be in regular, close fellowship with other believers so that I can develop the skill of loving – as it cannot be learned in isolation. To do this, I need to be around people – irritating imperfect frustrating people.

God also wants me to make love my life’s greatest aim [1 Corinth. 14 vs. 1]; to follow the way of love, as life without love really is worthless -1 Corinth. 13 vs. 3 – If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames that I may boast, but have not love, I gain nothing. To make relationship what my life is all about [even the 10 commandments deals with our relationship with God and with others Ex. 20 vs. 1 – 17 & Deut. 5 vs. 6 – 21; Matt. 22 vs. 37 – 40].

So after learning to love God (Worship), learning to love others is another purpose of my life - not allowing my job or how busy I am gets in the way. And though Love (including Faith and Hope) last forever [and the greatest of this is LOVE – 1 Corinth. 13 vs.13], knowing that I will be evaluated on my love to others and how I treated others, especially those in need Matt. 25 vs. 34 – 46, should be something for me to focus my attention on. Bearing in mind that when I get to eternity all I will have with me will be my character, not the wealth I’ve spent my time building – Gal. 5 vs. 6.

Prayer

Help me dear Lord this day you have given me to be spent on loving people. NOT TO WASTE IT. To remember that my time is the greatest gift I could possible give to someone – 1 John 3 vs. 18 – Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. And to use it wisely. In Jesus Name I’ve prayed Amen.

Lessons learnt on day Day 16

I ask my self - How much do I give of myself or how much focused attention do I give? What message I’m I giving? Does it say I value you enough to give you my precious asset? Well I know that giving my time, sends out that I am making a sacrifice, and sacrifice is love – which Christ did for me – Eph. 5 vs. 2.

So even though I can give without loving, I realise that I can’t love without giving. Gal 6 vs. 10; Eph. 5 vs. 16; Prov. 3 vs. 27 - Therefore as you have this opportunity let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers; and find out what pleases God; Do not with hold good from those who deserve t, when it is in your power to act. Therefore from this day onward I declare - that my life is all about love, and to make relationships my first priority (especially in places or with people I have ignored). So this is to you all reading this, I love you all. Especially my new found TERC family. That obviously means if you want me to love u better come and join us. LOL.

Day 15 – I was formed for God’s family

I was formed for God’s family

So what have I learnt on Day 15 of this series? Well it was more of a confirmation that I was formed for God’s family. That the creator of the World wanted a family and He chose to create little old me to be part of it. The knowledge that this is God’s purpose for my life, and was planned before I was conceived fillls me with contentment - Ephesians 1 vs. 5. Even though God didn’t need a family, He simply desired it, all so that He could share all He has with me - as this give Him great pleasure – James 1 vs. 18 – He chose to give us birth through words of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

And all I need to do is simply place my faith in Christ and immediately God becomes my father, and I become His child. Even though everyone is created by God, not all are children of God, as the only way to get into God’s family is by being born again into it – 1 Pet. 1 vs. 3; Rom. 8 vs. 15. Yes the invitation is universal, but the condition is to have faith in Jesus Christ – Galatians 3 vs. 26. And trust the Lord, because there is a lot of privileges and benefits that involves being part of God’s family.

As everything belongs to God, being in Christ means I get to inherit it all.

Since, I’m in Christ, and created for eternity,

• I get to be with God for ever – 1 Thess. 5 vs. 10; 4 vs. 17.
• Be completely changed to be like Christ – 1 John 3 vs. 2; 2 Corinth. 3 vs. 18.
• Be freed from all pain, death and suffering – Rev. 21 vs. 4.
• Be rewarded and reassigned positions of service – Mark 9 vs. 41; Mark 10 vs. 30; 1 Corinth. 3 vs. 8; Heb. 10 vs. 35; Matt. 25 vs. 21 – 23.
• Share in Christ glory – Rom. 8 vs. 17; Col. 3 vs.4; 2 Thess. 2 vs.14; 2 Tim. 2 vs. 12; 1 Pet. 5 vs. 1.
• And His assurance that my inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent and protected. No matter what I face, no one can take it from me and something for me to look forward to.

But to be recognised as part of a family public identification of myself is necessary – this includes baptism, which is a participation in the fellowship of God’s family – 1 Corinth. 12 vs. 13.

To summarise – to be included in God’s family is the highest honour and the greatest privilege I will ever receive, as nothing comes close. And whenever I feel unimportant, unloved or insecure, to remember my family in Christ and recognise them.

Day 14 – When my God seems distant

When my God seems distant

It is easy for me to worship God when things are going great in my life, but circumstances are not always pleasant. So how do I worship God then, when I’m faced with unpleasant circumstances? I have learnt that the deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of my pain, thanking Him during my trial, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering while suffering and loving Him when He seems distant. This can be difficult, but because I’ve spent time getting to know Him, it’s a little less easy for me to trust Him.

I have found that to mature my friendship with God, God will test it with periods of seeming separation (even though He is there); with times when it feels as if He has abandoned or forgotten me. Even David a man called after “God’s own heart” frequently complained of God’s apparent absence – Psalm 10 vs. 1 – Why, O Lord do you stand far off, why do you hide yourself in times of trouble. Psalm 22 vs. 1 – My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Psalm 43 vs. 2 – You are God my stronghold, why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning oppressed by the enemy – Psalm 74 vs. 11; Psalm 88 vs. 14; Psalm 89 vs. 49].

Yet Deut. 31 vs. 8 reminds me that my God will never leave me nor forsake me even when I’m faced with circumstances when He feels distant.

Even though God admits in Isaiah 45 vs. 15 and 8 vs. 17 that He hides His face from me and appears to be missing out of my life, especially when I’ve sought Him and haven’t been able to find Him, that though it’s painful and disconcerting, it is absolutely important for the development of my faith, bearing in mind that God is always present even when I was unaware of Him. Job understood this in chapter 23 vs. 8.

So even in my crisis I need to stay communicated with Him [Job 1 vs. 20 – 23 – Job still praised God even in His crisis]. Such communication involves me telling Him how I felt about my situation [Job 7 vs. 11], as God can handle my doubt, anger, fear, grief confusion and questions [Job 7 vs. 11; Psalm 116 vs. 10;]. To believe that God will still love me after I’ve been frank with Him.

Even in my crisis I need to focus on His unchanging nature – regardless of how I feel to remember His unchanging character, never to doubt in the dark what God told me in daylight. To trust Him to keep His promises, and remember the things He has done for me before and how He has brought me this far. To remind myself that if God never did anything else or more for me from now on till the end of my days – He still deserves my praise for what His son Jesus did for me on the cross - 2 Corinth. 5 vs. 21 – God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Lessons Learnt on Day 14

Regardless of how I feel, God is real and is worthy of my praise. To remind myself not to allow my situations to disconnect my communication with God. To be content with the knowledge that my God will never leave me nor forsake me [Heb. 13 vs. 5] even when He feels distant.

Day 13 – Worship that pleases God

God is not interested in half hearted commitment, partial obedience and left over of my time and money. He simply desires my full devotion. If the issue is that you don’t know how to worship Him, I am here to tell you that there is not a right way of worship – Hebrews 12 vs. 28 – Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. My worship of God must be based on the scripture, not on my opinion of Him, but on the truth.John 4 vs. 23 – yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. For they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

My worship of God should be authentic, genuine and heartfelt. This is becasue heartless praise is no praise at all. It’s not a matter of saying the right words, It is worthless in the sight of God, and is an insult to Him. God looks past our words to see the attitude of our hearts – 1 Sam. 16vs.7b – The Lord does not look at the things man look at. Men looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.

There are many forms of praise that are mentioned in the Bible, among which includes:

Confessing – Hebrews 13 vs. 13 – Let us continue to offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name.

Singing – Psalm 7 vs. 17 – I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will say praise to the name of the most high.

Shouting – Ezra 3 vs. 11 – with praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord. He is good, His love to Israel endures for ever.

Dancing – Psalm 149 vs. 3 – Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

Playing musical instrument – Psalm 150 vs. 3 – Praise Him with sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with harp and lyre.

Raising hands – Nehemiah 8 vs. 6 – Ezra praised the Lord, the great Lord, and all the people lifted their hands and responded Amen, Amen; then they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

Others include shouting, standing in honour, kneeling, making a joyful noise.

My worship to God should be thoughtful as this pleases Him. As If my worship is mindless, it is meaningless and Jesus called such worship vain repetitions – Matt. 6 vs. 7 – And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans for they thank they will be heard because of their many words. It is so much easier to offer clichés in worship instead of making the effort to honour God with fresh words. I know I do this, but I ought to be specific – 1 Corinth. 14 vs. 40 – Paul reminds me that everything I do must be in an orderly way and my worship to be understandable to unbelievers who happens to be in my mist.

Lessons Learnt on Day 13

That my worship should be practical – Romans 12 vs. 1 – to offer my body as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God – and to cost me something. As Real worship costs - 2 Sam. 24 vs. 24 – I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing. He wants me to live for Him. One thing that worship does cost is selfcentredness for I cannot exalt God and myself at the same time. That I don’t worship to be seen by others or to please myself; worship is not always convenient or comfortable and some times worship really is a sheer act of the will, a willing sacrifice. That my worship of Him is truly important – to love the Lord with all I have.

Day 12 – Developing my friendship with God

Developing my friendship with God

Continuing from yesterday’s topic, developing my friendship with God will require a desire from my part, my time and energy. If I want a deeper more intimate relationship with God, I will need to start by being very honest with Him, to trust Him when he asks me to do something, to care about the things He cares for and to desire His friendship more than anything else in my life.

Choosing to be honest with God is very important. God doesn’t expect me to be perfect, but to He does expect me to be totally open to and with Him. I can see from the bible that none of God’s friend were perfect as they all had their faults, fortunately because of His grace, God is still a friend of sinners – Matt. 11 vs. 19; and knows me by my name – Ex. 33 vs. 12, 17. He also expects me to be Frank with Him, sometimes it may seem as audacity but God doesn’t see it that, but instead as authenticity. Being Frank requires me to remove bitterness which when harboured will eventually become the greatest barrier to my friendship with God. It is important I tell Him how I feel all the time which includes me pouring out my grievances and troubles before Him. Psalm 142 vs. 2-3 – I pour out my complaint before Him, before Him I tell my trouble when spirit grows faint within me. It is you who knows my way. It is very important for me to know that all God’s friends had doubts sometimes and expressed them to God openly, and instead of masking their misgivings they told them to God openly. And that was How God was able to direct them. He can’t direct you if you don’t tell Him what the problems are. Yes he knows what you need, but He wants to be able to tell you, How He is going to bring about a change in that circumstance.

Choosing to obey God by faith is also very significant in developing my friendship with God. To know that whenever I do what God tells me to do, even if I don’t understand it deepens my friendship with Him – John 15 vs. 14 – You are my friends if you do what I command. Choosing to obey and follow God for me is really out of love, and gratitude for all He has done for me. And knowing that the closer I follow Him, the deeper my friendship with Him becomes is a great bonus –1 Sam. 15 vs. 22 – To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. To follow the example of the life of Jesus and how he lived obediently for thirty years – and this pleased God in him doing this [Luke 2 vs. 51].

Valuing what God values, is also very crucial with the development of my friendship with Him. To care more about the things He cares about, grieve over what grieves Him and rejoice over things that brings pleasure to Him. To be zealous for Him and be passionate like David a man after His own heart – Psalm 69 vs. 9 – for zeal for your house consumes me and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. To passionately want to share the death and resurrection of His son for me to countless others for whom the message is for also. To desire friendship with God more than anything in life – [Psalm 27 vs. 4; Psalm 63 vs. 3] and to refuse to let Him Go until he has blessed my life like Jacob did – Gen. 32 vs. 23.

Lessons Learnt on Day 12

Friendship with God is a choice not an accident, that I am only as close to God as I choose to be, so to make sure that I work on that choice, I need to resolve to draw nearer to Him always. To come near to God and he will come near to me – James 4 vs. 8.

Day 11 – How can I become Best Friends with God?

How can I become Best Friends with God?

Even though the Lord who reigns from everlasting to everlasting is my maker [Psalm 95 vs. 6], Lord and master [Psalm 136 vs. 13], redeemer, Father, saviour and many more – God also really wants to be my friend, so that I can enjoy a relationship with Him free of guilt and fear and to live in God’s continual presence.

Adam and Eve enjoyed an intimate relationship with God, He was a friend of theirs [John 13 vs. 13 – You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am – 1 John 3 vs. 1 – How great is the Love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God], and they basked in His presence. After their fall, very few people in the old testament were close friends with God, in fact, their relationship was out of fear, yet, Moses and Abraham were called “friends of God”, David was called a man after God’s own heart, and Job, Enoch and Noah had ultimate friendship with God [Ex. 33 vs. 11 , 17 – I will do the very thing you have asked because I am pleased with you and I know you by name; 2 Chronicles 20 vs. 7; Isaiah 41 vs. 8; James 2 vs. 23; Acts 13 vs. 22; Gen. 6 vs. 8; Gen. 5 vs. 22; Job 29 vs. 4].

But now, because Jesus has come and fixed my broken relationship with God, God wants me to come back to Him so we can be friends again – Rom. 5 vs. 11 – Not only is this so but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation; 2 Corinth. 5 vs. 18] and calls me His friend – [John 15 vs. 15 – I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you].

The fact that God wants me for a close friend is hard for me to understand, a great privilege I would never fully comprehend [Jer. 9 vs. 24]. Yet all He wants is for me to be His friend through constant conversation, by sharing my day to day activities and experiences with Him through prayer without ceasing [I Thes. 5 vs. 7], changing my attitude towards what I do and doing it for the Lord – whatever daily chores I find myself doing, for God is always with me wherever I am [Ephesians 4 vs. 16 – Father of all who is over all and through all and in all]. To train my mind to remember Him throughout my day and to meditate on His word – 1 Joshua vs. 8 – Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written on it; then you will be prosperous and successful. Because I can never know Him without His word which will help me in loving God – 1 Sam. 3 vs. 21 – revealed himself through His word; Psalm 25 vs. 14 – the Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.

Lessons Learnt on Day 11

That Friendship with God is a Privilege, not to be thrown away. To cultivate an attitude of continual conversation and meditation even if I don’t feel like it at times – To focus my thinking on God. To be a woman after God’s own heart, who has found favour in the eyes of God. To be a woman who pleases God, whom He can truly call a friend.