Burn the Bridge I

Monday 13 April
READ: Heb. 11:13-16
MORE LESSONS: Jn. 21:1-17

Moses, Joshua and Caleb left Egypt the same day with the others but, unlike others, they were able to see and enter the promised land (Canaan). As soon as they left Egypt, they destroyed the bridge (the thought of the garlic, onion, etc) that could still link them with Egypt. They had the opportunity and means to lead the people back to Egypt if they so wished but they never did that because the bridge that linked them to Egypt (friends, colleagues, neighbours) had been destroyed in their hearts. Their minds were made up.

Father Abraham was so determined (Gen. 24:1-9) not to return to his native land such that even to take a wife for Isaac, he sent his servant back to his people. As far as father Abraham was concerned, the bridge that linked him to his home town no longer existed. Elisha destroyed the bridge (the oxen) that had the potential of linking him back to his former profession after he accepted the call of God (I Kgs. 19:19-21).

Beloved, that unhealthy relationship that exists between you and that man, woman, boy or girl is a bridge that must be destroyed. What about the charm, that club you are a member of, those Egyptian garments in your wardrobe, etc; they are bridges that need to be destroyed. Determine to refuse every opportunity capable of linking you to your past life. Today, Let us... lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us: Heb. 12;1.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to help you put your old life behind you.
* Pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will never have a reason to desire any of the worldly things you left behind.
* Pray that every besetting sin be totally broken over your life.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, today, You will increase my greatness and comfort me on every side.

Be Ever Ready

Sunday 12 April
READ: 1Thes. 4:11-17
MORE LESSONS: Matt. 24:29-31

Paul the apostle wrote, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord: v17. This proves how greatly prepared he was for the coming of the Lord. Obviously, such a spirit of expectation kept the grace of God fresh upon him. For as long as he kept focus on the Lord's coming, Satan could not occupy him with any other thing. The same also goes for other people in his generation.

Unfortunately, those of us who are closer to the coming of the Lord are not in a state of preparedness as Paul and his generation were. There is a remarkable difference between the two generations. But then the admonition of the Word of God is the same for them and us, ...that ye may work honestly towards them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing: V12. Then he concluded, Comfort one another with these words: V18. The coming of Jesus should be our focus whatever may be our situation. In doing so, we are able to remain heavenly minded and undistracted, which is the mark of a mature Christian.

Never doubt that Jesus may return before the end of today. Rather, be ready to meet your God! The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness…, But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, … seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all Holy conversation and godliness: II Pet 3:9-11. Therefore, be ye also ready: Matt. 24:44. Friend, the Lord is near; you must be ready, 24/7.

Prayer/Action
* Father, help me to forsake all distractions 24 hours of every day.
* Lord, let the readiness for your coming be uppermost in my heart always.
* Rebuke every lukewarm spirit that can kill excitement for the coming of the Lord.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
In the name of Jesus, I shake off every beast hanging around my destiny into the fire.

Eternal Glory II

Saturday 11 April
READ: II Chron. 26:1-5
MORE LESSON: Deut.4:28-35

Life on earth is not forever, is short, and wise men make the most of that short time. There is no difference between the poor and the rich as regard the shortness of life as they both have the same time here on earth. It is wisdom applied to use the time available that makes the difference from one person to the other. The poor man always complains of lack while the rich man multiplies his possessions. Because life is short, you must have priorities. Several people place priority on business and money making ventures but not for eternity. In any case, life always goes on, so make the most of life by taking decisions that count, not just for here but for eternity.

What are the three uppermost decisions that count for eternity?
1. Find something doing for God and about God (Psa.132:1). David had challenges and pains, yet he still took a decision for God. He was ready to lose sleep and be out of his house until God's purpose was fulfilled. Sometimes our body does not agree with the things of the spirit but it is better to harm the flesh and strengthen the spirit man. This is the pathway to eternal glory.

2. Life is about contributing to others, so take a decision to help others even in pain and you will make it (I Sam. 30:10-12). God is God to all today because of what He does for mankind despite men's unrighteousness. God pours His rain on both the wicked and the good. Be kind to someone regardless of his tribe or status.

3. Do something about your tomorrow. (Lk.12:20). The rich fool was selfish and was not rich towards God. He had no eternal plan, so even God called him a fool. Do not be foolish, make plans for eternity, store treasures in eternal accounts because you will surely give an account to God one day of how you spend your life while here on earth.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, help me to make the most of my time here on earth to further eternal matters.
* Make me relevant in Your Kingdom, in my family and nation.
* Give me grace to lay treasures in Heaven and hear, “Well done, faithful servant” when I get there.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Oh Lord, this month, make the history of my past a testimony for my tomorrow.

Eternal Glory I

Friday 10 April
READ: II Cor.4:15-18
MORE LESSON: Rev.22:1- 4

There is a strong assurance in today's reading that gladdens every heart that reads it, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: II Cor. 4:17. This means that at the end of the pain, benefits await you. From these scriptures, we can identify two types of glory: a) physical or temporal glory and b) spiritual or eternal glory.

Eternal glory can bring temporal glory but not vice versa. Spiritual ability has the capability to bring physical results. Men think it is otherwise, that is why they pursue earthly glory at the expense of eternal glory. If only they knew that it is the spiritual that settles the physical, they will focus their ability and energies more on settling the spiritual first. That is why the Bible warns, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you: Matt. 6:33. The key to every other glory is eternal glory. When men seek God, riches, honour, wealth that lasts with prosperity that endures are added to them. II Chron. 26:4-5 says as long as Uzziah sought God, the Lord made him to prosper.

However, the deceit of satan makes men to place emphasis on earthly things and add God as an addendum. This is wrong. You can actually do without earthly things but you can't survive a moment without God. Some people will never go late for interviews but they will go late to church meetings; several people respect their bosses at work but have no regard for their pastors.

The question to you this day is, Are you wise with your priority? Your pursuits for job, children, spouse and money will end but your relationship with God affects your eternity. There's an appointment with death at a time you don’t know. How ready are you? Seek eternal glory first.

Prayer/Action
* Lord, I will seek eternal glory from today and every other glory will be added to me.
* I receive grace to give priority to eternal things and focus less on the temporal.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Father, this month, deliver me from problem repairers, in Jesus’ name.