Pass the Baton

Friday, 19 July

TEXT: Acts 1:1-2, MORE LESSONS: John 9:4

The book of the Acts of the Apostles opens with a statement, what Jesus began to do and to teach. It is important to note that Jesus did not just teach the Word and the ways of God, He first did it before teaching it. However we are made to understand here that He only began the process of doing and teaching the Word. He has commissioned us disciples to continue what He began and bring it to a conclusion at the end of the age, when He will come back to gather in the harvest and reward His servants.

The book of the Acts is an account of how the early apostles continued with the task of world evangelism. The baton has been passed on from one generation to another. The book of the Acts is still being written and it is now your responsibility to add your chapter in this generation. As a person, in what ways are you going to partake in what Jesus began? What are you going to do to bring the harvest to a conclusion? Remember, you can pray, give, sing, teach, witness, contribute your skills and talents. You can give your money and house, expertise, e.t.c. so that the kingdom of this world might become the Kingdom of our God and His Christ. Pass the baton on with all you have and possess, it will not be in vain. What are you going to do for God in your generation?

Peter was a fisherman yet he made contributions that cannot be forgotten. Matthew was a tax collector, Luke was a physician and Paul was a professor emeritus. All of them made their mark. The disciples ran errands (Matt.21:2), Simeon the Cyrenian helped carry Jesus’ cross (Luk. 23:26), Joseph of Armathea provided His grave (Luk. 23:51-53). The Galilean women provided the perfume for His burial. What will you do with His grace upon your life? What will you do for your God and Saviour?

PRAYER/ACTION

* Ask God to anoint and use you to be part of those who will continue what Jesus began to teach and to do.

* Ask God to lead you to a definite contribution to His Kingdom this year.

* Pray that you will not keep away from God whatever you have that can advance the Kingdom of God.

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A Return to Gethsemane

Thursday, 18 July

TEXT: Lk. 22:39-44, MORE LESSONS: Psa.65:2

Gethsemane remains the practical example of what prayer ought to be by every standard. At Gethsemane, Jesus fought the battle of the last minute decision for the assignment of redemption. There has never been a record of prayer greater than this, And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood….vs 44.

What a passion, what a warfare! The enemy was pulling Jesus away from His divine mandate but by effective fervent prayer, Jesus battled and won, nevertheless not my will. It was a narrow escape, but He won and prevailed to pay the price of redemption and became the only Lamb of God who took away the sins of man. God heard His prayer and today all of Heaven and earth celebrate Him because of the victory. He won it first at Gethsemane.

Today, you too can win over your challenges, pains, troubles, affliction, e.t.c. if only you will do what Jesus did at Gethsemane. Give yourself to effective prayer, praying until Heaven responds. Even if it will take sweat dropping like blood in the place of prayer, labour! Already there is a promise, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Matt.7:7-8.

Jesus has opened the floodgate of answer and now you can, …come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need Heb.4:16.

At Gethsemane Jesus faced the greatest temptation to His calling but by prayer He prevailed. You too can go to your own Gethsemane to obtain your much needed victory. James 5:16 says, ...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Set up your Gethsemane prayer altar now, God is waiting to answer.

PRAYER/ACTION

* Give God thanks because He answers prayer.

* Bring before God in serious, focused prayer those things that have been used by the devil to threaten your life.

* Ask God to grant you total victory like it happened at Gethsemane.

* Pray that in turbulent times, Heaven will send support.

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Blossom in your Wilderness

       Wednesday, 17 July

TEXT: 2Sam.17:27-29, MORE LESSONS: Psa.6:8-9

In our text, David was going through a wilderness experience. He had been driven out of the palace in Jerusalem by his own son, Absalom; his trusted friend Ahitophel had taken counsel against him. His concubines had been defiled publicly by his son, Absalom. The king had been humiliated and driven into the wilderness together with his royal troop with no food, or provision. All was hot and dry.

                                                      POSSIBILITY SUMMIT

Then God sent three men with abundant provision to refresh David in the wilderness. This is the way God works. When you find yourself in the wilderness of life for whatever reason, He sends provision to refresh you, so that even in the wilderness you can blossom.

When Israel was crossing the wilderness into their inheritance in Canaan, God gave them abundance of manna, meat and water from the Rock that followed them, to refresh their souls. The Lord will never leave nor forsake His people. What is it that you have been going through? In what wilderness experience have you found yourself? The Lord is there for you even in the wilderness. He will supply all that you need. He will send helpers who will bring provisions that you need. Even in the wilderness God is still a God of provision, He will furnish a table in the wilderness.

The only question today is, Who hath believed our report?....Isa.53:1. Who is ready to believe that God can do all things, including turning a wilderness to a table of provision, The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly…. Isa.35:1-2.

No matter the dry situation you are going through, call Jehovah to it. Hand over your position, debts, financial crisis to Him and leave them there with Him. If you believe in the power that makes the wilderness to blossom as the rose, you will see the miracle of the Lord.

PRAYER/ACTION

* Give God thanks for His power to make the wilderness to blossom.

* Pray that the Lord will send you abundance of what you need in your present situation.

* Pray for a divine intervention in the finance of your home, church and nation, and that you will have more than enough no matter the situation.

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The Path of the Just

   Tuesday, 16 July

TEXT: Prov.4:18-22, MORE LESSONS: Prov.12:13-14

The path of the just will shine better by the day because when a man is righteous and just, God takes him from glory to glory. No matter what happens the just does not diminish in strength and in status; rather he grows stronger by the day. The Bible is filled with the testimonies of several just men who were lifted by God by the reason of their lifestyles.

Of Abraham the Bible says, And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great…. Gen.24:35.

Of Isaac, And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Gen.26:13.

Of David, And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him 2Sam.5:10.

Of Saul(Paul), But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus…. Acts 9:22.

Of Jesus Christ, He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree Lk.1:52

If you too will walk uprightly, living by faith daily and looking to Jesus, then He will move you from glory to glory and bless you and your children, The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Psa.115:14;Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side Psa.71:21

Today, make up your mind to walk uprightly with God on a day-to-day basis and He will increase you daily to the glory of His name.

PRAYER/ACTION

* Ask the Lord to take out of your life whatever it is that hinders you from walking uprightly.

* Ask the Lord to richly bless you and your household according to His promises.

* Ask the Lord to make you an agent of increase in the lives of other people.

* Declare that this year your path must shine more and more.

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