Burn The Bridge II

Tuesday 14 April
READ: Heb. 11:16-26
MORE LESSONS: Rev. 21;1-27

Paul admonished the Galatians, For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor: Gal. 2:18. Today’s reading further gives us reasons why Moses, Joshua and Caleb were not mindful of Egypt where they came from. They had a desire for the better country, a desire that was ever on their minds. They looked for a city which had foundations whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). They were concerned about the city that God Himself prepared for them: the streets of gold, the beautiful mansions, the crown of life, eternity with God, etc. No wonder they were committed and never contemplated going back to Egypt.

Unlike Moses, Joshua and Caleb, the love and crave for the material things of this world have taken over many people who, like the rich fool in Lk. 12:13-21, have no desire for a better country (heaven). Rather, they are busy laying up treasures on earth, drinking, eating and making merry. You can know whether a man has a desire for heaven or not by the way he invests his treasures, time and energy: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also: Matt. 6:21.

Heaven is a better country because believers will be in God’s presence and will not be limited by time and space. That is where Paul, Peter, David are now. Nothing in this world compares with it. The rich man in Lazarus’ story saw it from hell and greatly desired it for himself and his siblings but it was too late. Today is the time to decide for heaven by surrendering your life to Jesus in everything, living a holy life and burning everything that drags you back to Egypt, no matter how valuable and expensive they may be.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to restore your first love for Him and His work.
* Ask for more of God in everything.
* Pray for a life totally focused and committed to eternal values.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
I plead the Blood of Jesus over this day and I refuse the enemy from having any memorial in it.

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.