"Because you say so, I will" - Luke 5:5 NIV
Until we accept and cooperate with the law of gravity, we can't fly. Until we accept and cooperate with the law of economics, we can't succeed in business. Getting the idea? Surrendering to God is not weakness, it's wisdom. Only a fool resists God, because it's a fight we can't win. It's in surrendering to Him that we are empowered to succeed in what He's called us to do. Surrender is demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, 'Yes, Lord' to whatever He asks. To say, 'No, Lord' is a contradiction. How can we call Jesus 'Lord', and refuse to obey Him? (Luke 6:46 NKJV).
Peter demonstrated true surrender when Jesus told him to try again. '... "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish... ' (Luke 5:5-6 NKJV). Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't seem to make sense. Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's plan without knowing why circumstances happened as they did. Each was fully surrendered to God, and they came out on top. 'How will I know I'm fully surrendered?' we ask. When we rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force our own agenda or control the situation. We don't have to be in charge, we simply let go and let God have His way.
The Word for Today and scripture citations are copyright.
@iatbolu
Guiding into the way of peace
Monday, February 14
Friday, February 4
Joseph's Coats
"Then Pharaoh... clothed him in garments of fine linen" - Genesis 41:42 NKJV
To be used by God, you must wear the two coats Joseph wore - namely, those of favour and integrity.
First, the coat of favour. 'Now [Jacob] loved Joseph... and he made him a coat of many colours' (Genesis 37:3 KJV). Like Joseph's multicoloured coat, the favour of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd; it will open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says, 'For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield' (Psalm 5:12 NKJV).
Second, the coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he refused her advances and stayed true to his convictions. 'When Joseph went into the house to do his work... she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled... ' (Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, cut corners on a job, lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do; whatever it is, you'll be tested. And your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God.
Dr Joseph Parker, the great English preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, 'An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads.' When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV).
The Word for Today and scripture citations are copyright.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.
To be used by God, you must wear the two coats Joseph wore - namely, those of favour and integrity.
First, the coat of favour. 'Now [Jacob] loved Joseph... and he made him a coat of many colours' (Genesis 37:3 KJV). Like Joseph's multicoloured coat, the favour of God will cause you to stand out in the crowd; it will open doors, protect and promote you. The Bible says, 'For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield' (Psalm 5:12 NKJV).
Second, the coat of integrity. This is the coat Joseph left in the hands of Potiphar's wife when he refused her advances and stayed true to his convictions. 'When Joseph went into the house to do his work... she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled... ' (Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV). Your temptation may be different from Joseph's. You may be tempted to gossip, cut corners on a job, lie to save face, or claim credit for something you didn't do; whatever it is, you'll be tested. And your character will be revealed. Passing the test of integrity is what qualifies you to be used by God.
Dr Joseph Parker, the great English preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, said, 'An un-tempted minister will never do us any good, and an untried one will talk over our heads.' When your hour of testing comes, the thing that will hold you steady and get you through is knowing, standing on, and speaking God's Word. That's why the Psalmist wrote, 'Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You' (Psalm 119:11 NKJV).
The Word for Today and scripture citations are copyright.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.
Wednesday, February 2
Denominations
A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog. Ever mindful of the congregation, they knew the dog must also be a Baptist. They visited kennel after kennel and explained their needs. Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted.
The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife. "Fetch the Bible," he commanded.
The dog bounded to the bookshelf, scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner.
"Now find Psalm 23," he commanded.
The dog dropped the Bible to the floor, and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it with his paw.
The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the dog.
That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed.
One man asked, "Can he do regular dog tricks, too?"
"I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied.
He pointed his finger at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded. The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastor's forehead and began to howl.
The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord! He's Pentecostal!"
IAT Boluwatise
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry .... Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Ps. 2.12
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.
The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife. "Fetch the Bible," he commanded.
The dog bounded to the bookshelf, scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner.
"Now find Psalm 23," he commanded.
The dog dropped the Bible to the floor, and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it with his paw.
The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the dog.
That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed.
One man asked, "Can he do regular dog tricks, too?"
"I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied.
He pointed his finger at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded. The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastor's forehead and began to howl.
The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord! He's Pentecostal!"
IAT Boluwatise
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry .... Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Ps. 2.12
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.
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