April 26th, 2015
Father’s Joy
Text: Read: Phil. 1:3-5
Keynote Verse:I thank my God every time I remember you... because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Phil. 1:3-5
Apostle Paul expressed an unquenchable joy over the Philippians because their faith was indeed the kind of faith that should give every father joy. Is your walk with God evoking joy in the heart of the Father and even in the heart of your earthly fathers? There are many children of God that are not growing in Christ; they remain the same just like when they gave their lives to Christ. No zeal and desire to know God more and to pursue God; just like children, they are still drinking milk when they are meant to be chewing bones and they are still being taught when they are meant to be teachers. Are you not one of them? Secondly, Apostle Paul who had travailed on his knees for the Philippians identified their zeal and passion in being partners in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ since the first day. What a good testimony! This means that the Philippians saw the call of Apostle Paul as theirs; embraced his pursuit of spreading the gospel and his earnest desire to know God the more. In fact, the book of Philippians has one of the most profound vision and mission statements of Apostle Paul ‘That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering...’ (Phil. 3:9-10) Beloved, let the testimony of Paul concerning the church in Philippi motivate you; let your leader and pastor rejoice over you even as you grow in Christ and lead others to Christ and ultimately, let God your heavenly Father rejoice that truly you are who He wants you to be.
Self Reflection: What will be God’s testimony concerning me? What is the testimony of my leaders about me?
Action Point: Pursue to bring the Father joy in all your endeavours!
Daily Confession: Lord, I receive grace to bring joy to you first, the people you have set as leaders over my life and give glory to God in Jesus name.
Hymn: All I once held dear, built my life upon
All I once thought gain, I have counted loss Spent and worthless now compared to this
April 25th, 2015
Serve Right
Text: Read: 1 Cor. 15:58
Keynote Verse:...Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58b
As human beings, we love motivations and encouragement. In fact, many motivation theories support that man must be encouraged and acknowledged in order to function properly. This is right! But the difference in the kingdom is that our service should not be a function of rewards of recognition. God motivates and rewards because ‘He is the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him’ (Heb. 11:6) In your service unto God, do not expect rewards from men; let not the concern of reward be the driving force but let the drive of love be the motivating factor. Apostle Paul’s words in today’s scripture have helped many and will yet deliver many from the enemy of weariness, and discouragement. The way to stand firm is to behold Jesus who is our perfect example (Ephesians 6:7-8). We can only serve right when we have this understanding that it is all about Him; not about the rewards, the reactions and actions of men. Be committed unto God and that which concerns Him and see if He won’t settle you in all things because although our motivation and drive is not reward based, the reward will definitely come to us at the right time. Beloved, get committed even in your office, school, church and in whatever you are doing because you are to do all things as ‘unto the Lord’ and see the rewards in your life. Live a life of service driven by zeal and right knowledge to love God and to honor Him.
Self Reflection: ... whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah) – 1Peter 4:11b (AMP)
Action Point: Be willing to serve wholeheartedly.
Daily Confession: I have the right mindset to service.
Hymn: Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
