Thursday, 5 December
Memory Verse: He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
MORE LESSON: Acts 12:20-23 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
The presence of God is highly valuable in the life of a believer. All that the believer needs, will ever need and should become is only possible through the presence of God. The Bible says in Colossians 1:27, …Christ in you, the hope of glory. Also, Joseph, Jesus and a host of other people in the Bible became and did all that they were able to do because of the presence of God. Acts 10:38 records : How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Genesis 39:2 also records: And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Fulfilling ones assignment on earth is only possible through the presence of God. Therefore, every believer must do everything to have the presence of God through righteous living.
The presence of God in the life of a believer is a capital to enable you fulfil your assignment on earth. When a man understands this and maximizes the provisions in God in carrying out his assignment, he literally becomes a sign that men gather to watch. He becomes a burning and a shining light. He walks in the class of God because of the supply of the Spirit that is available to him. He does things that are super-human, and men naturally want to praise him.
However, he must remember that he is only an instrument and should return the glory to God who is the Source and Sustainer of the anointing. Every anointed man is just a conduit of God's goodness and should redirect the people's attention to the source. The truth is, it is you men see, so chances are they may want to give you the glory. But this is the point at which you direct them to find their Maker, the Source and Sustainer of all they will ever need.
Paul's reaction in today's text is an example of how we too should respond to the accolades of men Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. (But Paul stopped them saying) …Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth,… (verse 13-15). It is true that believers are joint heirs with Christ, yet, for administrative purposes, there is hierarchy. Note, our promotion in the Kingdom is largely dependent on our willingness to let men see Jesus. John 3:30 puts it this way: He must increase, but I must decrease. So, never fall into the trap of settling in the accolades of men. Constantly and unashamedly. let them know that you are only a vessel and Christ is the Doer.
Prayer/Action
* Pray that God alone will be revealed through your life.
* Pray against self-praise.
* Ask God for the spirit of humility.
TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: I am Judah. Therefore, the sceptre of praise shall not depart from my year, in the wonderful name of Jesus.
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