Back to Basics I

Sunday 10 September
READ: Jn.1:1- 4     
MORE LESSON:  Jn.10:1-5

The greatest addition you can have in life is not just from what you do but what you are. In the scientific world or in any creative/manufacturing world you cannot produce when you don't have the raw materials. You cannot invent if you do not have the basics. Another way to explain this truth is that without the ingredients there is no delicious food. What God has said about you can only be a reality when you put in the ingredients appropriately; simply put: “go back to the basics”.

It is very obvious that as the intensity of light increases, the less darkness is seen. The more the correct ingredients are put in food in the right proportion, the tastier the meal. Get your life full of light by putting in the basics. Shining light is spiritual and part of the instructions of the Lord to His people, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven: Matt.5:16. You get your spirit right by putting in the basics.

Some believers erroneously think that because seasons and times change, the principles of God also change. But not so, God’s truths and principles are timeless. Spiritual basics are timeless truths for changing times. What are these basics that must not shift, sink or change in the face of these changing times? The first is staying in the place of prayer. This includes personal quiet times before the Lord, deliberate appointments with God in closet prayer and periods of waiting upon the Lord in fasting and prayer along with the congregational forum of prayer.

One of the ills affecting so many people today is that they claim that God does not speak to them. Some even claim that God only speaks to special people like the pastors, prophets and evangelists. But God is not partial; if He speaks to one then He is ready to speak to all His children. The real issue is that God's children do not create time for personal prayers to cultivate listening to God. He speaks! The Bible shows that God speaks to His people. Are you willing to hear His voice? Are you ready to train your spirit to hear Him? Then He will reveal Himself to you.

Many are falling prey to false prophets and diviners today because of lack of direction and guidance. Having regular times of prayer to listen to God and speak to Him will deliver one from the deception and ignorance of the time. When last did you have time alone with God? Go back to the basics. There is no short cut to it. God has the blueprint for every man's life as the Maker of all men, which becomes reality only by the bridge and instrument of prayer. Today, there are several people living other people's destinies because they refuse to take theirs in the place of prayer. For such people life is frustrating and bitter. Get back to the basics, pray until His will comes clear to you and you will shine.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to renew  your personal commitment to prayer from today, in Jesus’ name.
* Ask God to help you never to turn your back on biblical basics, in Jesus’ name.
*Declare that as you follow God's instructions your light will shine for the world to see, in the mighty name of Jesus.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Oh Lord, arise today and declare them dead that seek my life to terminate it, as in the case of Jesus versus Herod, in the mighty name of Jesus.