Who are you walking with, dear child? Friendship in life is very important. As children, the kinds of friends you keep go a long way to determine the kind of future you will have.
Have you ever considered the word ‘friend’? did you notice that the last words are spelled ‘end’? this simply means your friend will determine your end.
How do you want to end in life? That question can only be answered by your choice of friends.
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man. – 2 Sam 13:3 [KJV]
The summary of the story we see above is that Amnon wanted to do something, but he couldn’t. by the time he told his friend, he suddenly had the energy to do what he couldn’t do initially.
See how Amplified Bible describes Jonadab.
But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very crafty man. – 2 Sam 13:3[AMP]
The company you keep determines what accompanies you! In the final analysis, you will act like the company you keep, smell like the company you keep, and in fact, you look like the company you keep.
My question for you this morning, dear children, is this; who are your friends or associates? Who are you walking with? Who are those that will determine your end?
If you walk with a crafty person, you will learn his ways. If you walk with passionate people, you will catch their passion. If you walk with people who are on fire for God, you will catch their fire as well.
Here is my concluding verse.
Don’t fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you. – 1 Cor 15:33 [CEV]
May God help you to make the right decisions. Amen.
Declaration: I make the right decisions in the name of Jesus.
Prayer Point: Lord, help me to make the right decisions.
Action Point: Review your friends in the light of this article.
I hope you have been following our series on obedience, and learning how to obey God. We have Father Abraham as our case study and I believe we have learnt one or two things in the past few days.
The truth is that obedience pays. The bible says Abraham obeyed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. Wow! What a testimony.
This morning, I will be sharing with us how to obey God.
There are several ways by which you can obey God. Let us consider a few.
Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. – Genesis 12 verse 1,4 (NKJV)
One way we are to obey God is by obeying Him wholeheartedly. Obey with all your heart, not part of your heart. In God, it is either you give him all or you give him none.
See what God says about your heart
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, – Deuteronomy 10:12 (KJV)
The same way you cannot love God halfheartedly is the same way you cannot obey God halfheartedly.
The obedience God recognizes is obedience that is devoid of grumbling or complaining.
When your parents ask you to do something for them, and you grumble, murmur, or complain, you lose the blessing therein.
Let’s learn to obey God wholeheartedly so we don’t lose our reward.
Still talking on the issue of obedience, this morning, I want to quickly show us a few practical ways to obey God as children.
Remember, we are considering the life and times of Father Abraham
Genesis 12 verse 1,4 (NKJV): Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
1. By being obedient to His Word.
The word is God. The only way you can be obedient to God is by obeying his word. If you disobey God’s word, it is as good as saying you have disobeyed God himself.
So dear children, my question to you this morning is; are you obedient to his word?
2. By being obedient to spiritual authority.
Oh yes. There are several authorities that have been placed over us as children. When you obey such authorities, you are obeying God.
Examples of constituted authorities include your school, your church, your family, and so on.
Note that no authority can spring up without the input of God Almighty. So when you obey them, you are obeying God.
There are many more ways we can obey God, but I hope you have been able to draw out lessons and action plans from the above as regards your obedience to God.
The word obedience according to the dictionary means compliance to a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed; the performance of what is required or enjoined by authority or the abstaining from what is prohibited, in compliance with the command or prohibition.
Taking a closer look at the life of Father Abraham, you will discover that it was obedience that made him great.
Genesis 12:1,4 (KJV) Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
I will be sharing with us few reasons we should take obedience seriously.
1. Obedience proofs your love for God and to God. If you truly love God, you will obey Him.
2.Obedience is part of our worship. If we profess to love and serve God, then one of the ways we show it is our obedience.
3.Obedience is a test of our faith in God. This is true because faith in God means believing in his instructions and if we claim to have faith them we must obey.
4.Obedience is also a test of character, the ability to follow simple instruction is evidence of good character
5.Obedience helps us as God’s children to shine forth our light in this world
Obeying God is a vital part of our lives as believers, nothing can be compared to a life of obedience. I pray that you receive grace to be obedient all the time in Jesus name. Amen.
PRAYER: Father in the name of Jesus, I receive grace to be obedient at all times in Jesus name
ACTION PLAN: Obey every instruction given to you today
Hello dear, yesterday we began a topic on companions (your friends), a continuation of lessons from the famous King Solomon.
I was able to identify for you the kind of people the king called bad companions. I told you they are people who try to get you involved in things that will not please God and your parents.
You also have to be careful not to be that kind of friend to your friends; don’t be a bad companion to those around you.
I also told you that, these bad companions are not necessarily your age mates, they could be people older than you, so you have to be careful not to listen to people because they are older, first of all, be sure that whatsoever they are asking you to do is not against the will of God and that of your parents.
Let’s continue with our bible verse of yesterday.
Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them. If they say — “Let’s go out and raise some hell. Let’s beat up some old man, mug some old woman. Let’s pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals. We’ll load up on top-quality loot. We’ll haul it home by the truckload. Join us for the time of your life! With us, it’s share and share alike!” — Oh, friend, don’t give them a second look; don’t listen to them for a minute. They’re racing to a very bad end, hurrying to ruin everything they lay hands on. Nobody robs a bank with everyone watching, yet that’s what these people are doing — they’re doing themselves in. When you grab all you can get, that’s what happens: the more you get, the less you are. –Proverbs 1:10-20 (MSG)
King Solomon was helpful; he already told us the behaviour of these people, let’s analyze this verse to see them ourselves.
1. Let’s go out and raise some hell.
Anyone who tells you to make trouble or do things that disturb other people is a bad companion.
2. Let’s beat up some old man, mug some old woman.
Be careful of people who bring up ideas to disrespect or treat elderly people badly, run away from such people.
3. Let’s pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals.
Don’t listen to whoever asks you to take what doesn’t belong to you and hurt other people. Causing pain isn’t the will of God, and your parents will not be proud to find out you were involved in such either.
4. Join us for the time of your life!
Do not listen to anyone who promises you fun outside of God’s word; it’s all a lie of the devil. Whatever fun that your parents aren’t aware of is going to get you in trouble. Be sure to always tell mum, and Dad the truth of where ever you go.
Finally, King Solomon tells us the end of such people, it’s all trouble and regrets. Choose your companions wisely, and let Mum, and Dad know your friend and what you do together.
PRAYER: Father in the name of Jesus, I pray for wisdom to recognize bad companions in Jesus name. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Decide to let go of every bad companion today
DECLARATION: I am a child of God, I will not be a bad companion to those around me. I keep good friends in Jesus name.
Hello dear child, who are your friends? Today we’ll be continuing our lesson from King Solomon from the book of Proverbs.
Today I want to talk to you about keeping bad company, it’s important that as God’s children we should be around the right people, King Solomon didn’t leave this out when he was instructing us.
See what he says here;
Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them. If they say — “Let’s go out and raise some hell. Let’s beat up some old man, mug some old woman. Let’s pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals. We’ll load up on top-quality loot. We’ll haul it home by the truckload. Join us for the time of your life! With us, it’s share and share alike!” — Oh, friend, don’t give them a second look; don’t listen to them for a minute. They’re racing to a very bad end, hurrying to ruin everything they lay hands on. Nobody robs a bank with everyone watching, yet that’s what these people are doing — they’re doing themselves in. When you grab all you can get, that’s what happens: the more you get, the less you are. –Proverbs 1:10-20 (MSG)
Wow, he took his time to speak about this in ten verses! Let’s pick them one by one!
If bad friends tempt you, do not go with them. Do you know who bad friends are?
They are the ones that tell you to do things God will not be happy about; friends that make you disobey your parents and elders. Those are bad friends king Solomon is talking about.
They are everywhere and you have to beware of them, you’ll find them in your neighborhood, in school, and even in church. These people can be old or young as you, it doesn’t matter the age.
That’s why King Solomon summed these persons up as companions, as long as they are around you, they are companions and you have to stay clear of them.
It’s very easy to recognize them; anyone that gives you ideas outside the will of God is a bad companion.
To be continued…
PRAYER: Father in the name of Jesus, I pray for wisdom to recognize bad companions in Jesus name. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Decide to let go of every bad companion today
DECLARATION: I am a child of God, I will not be a bad companion to those around me. I keep good friends in Jesus name.
Do you know you can be directed by His Word? Now, imagine traveling to an unknown destination and you don’t have a map or guide. Imagine getting lost in an unknown city and having nobody to help you retrace your steps. Imagine being on a bus and the driver asks you for your destination and you are confused.
There is nothing as pleasant as knowing where you are going. It puts your mind at rest and gives you confidence. If the driver is taking a wrong route, you can quickly notify him or call the attention of others to it.
Such is the word of God. We are sojourners in this land, sure you must have heard that before. God, in His infinite wisdom, provided us with a map to guide us as we navigate this earth. We are not supposed to walk alone.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105 ESV
The word of God brings illumination. We receive light via the word of God. We receive direction when we study the word of God.
The word of God takes away confusion.
What does a lamp do? It helps you see. Put a lamp in a dark room and you will see the effect.
The presence of light eliminates darkness. This tells us that the word of God can flush out every dark and hidden area of our life.
As children, we should study and obey God’s word always. This will help us go through the path of life with the confidence that we are divinely directed in what we do.
ACTION POINT: Study God’s word before you leave the house
PRAYER Oh Lord, direct me as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name. Amen.
DECLARATION I am divinely directed via God’s word. I receive grace to obey God and His word.
Hello dear child, yesterday we began an interesting topic – the wise words of King Solomon. Let’s continue on that today!
I told you that as a child the first three most important people in your life are God, your Father, and your Mother.
King Solomon in the book of Proverbs affirms this when he said;
Start with God — the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee. Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers. –Proverbs 1: 7-9(MSG)
In whatever you do or wherever you find yourself, the first thing you should consider is;
1. What does God’s word say about this thing, what will Jesus do in this situation?
2. What will my Father say or do in this situation? How will he feel if he finds out I made so and so choice?
3. What will my Mother say; will I be making her proud, what would she have done if it were her?
The bible says to pay close attention to what your father says to you dear child. When Daddy is speaking is not the time to play or do something else.
Always have your father’s words in your heart where ever you go!
…never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee…
What you learn from your mother is also very important, the bible says don’t forget it, always remember what mummy says.
The bible says you should wear the counsel of your parents like flowers in your hair and a ring on your finger. Be proud of what they tell you, and beautify yourself with it.
Why should you do this?
If you obey them, the instructions will make you beautiful and envied by others.
That’s all for today Champ, see you tomorrow.
PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, please teach me how to be a good child all the time. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Make sure you memorize the verses used in this devotional.
DECLARATION: I am a good Child, I fear God and honour my father and mother all the time.
Welcome to KHC children’s devotional. It’s always an exciting time here! Very recently we began looking at lessons from the wise words in the book of Proverbs, written by the wisest king ever, King Solomon. We will be continuing on that part for a while. Enjoy every bit of it!
Today our lesson will be centered on authority figures in our lives as children. Listen to what King Solomon has to say.
Start with God — the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee. Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers. –Proverbs 1: 7-9(MSG)
King Solomon mentions three people here, pay close attention dear Child. He mentions God, your Father, and your Mother.
At this stage of your life, these are the first three most important people in your life!
God most high is your God; he created you and gave you to your father and mother to teach and nurture you. God loves you dearly, you should know this! This truth should be at the center of your whole being.
King Solomon advises you to start with God, the first step in your learning, just like you have learn to walk and talk is learning how to bow down to God, learning how to worship God.
Let me show you another translation.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)
This translation says the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge; you have to live a life that honours and recognizes God. Having the fear of God is not being scared or afraid of God.
It means living in a consciousness that God exists and living our lives to honour and respect his words. This is a piece of wise advice from a wise King.
To be continued…
PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, please teach me how to be a good child all the time. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Make sure you memorize the verses used in this devotional.
DECLARATION: I am a good Child, I fear God and honour my father and mother all the time.
Yesterday I started talking to you about the wisdom in the book of Proverbs written by the wisest king, King Solomon.
I told you the importance of this book, and how the wisdom in the book is ageless because King Solomon got his wisdom from God.
You also can be as wise as he was, I am sure you are thinking of how possible that is.
All you need to do is ask for wisdom just like King Solomon and, God is gracious enough to always grant requests that are according to his will.
Let’s continue from where we stopped yesterday.
These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king — Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn — Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women. –Proverbs 1:1-7 (MSG)
4. This book is meant to teach young people like you about life –God’s way.
5. There is a lot in it for people who are open to learning wisdom.
6. It also doesn’t leave out wise and experienced people; you and your parents can learn new things together.
Learning from the book of Proverbs is such an amazing experience, I am sure we’ll have so much fun picking out lessons one by one. See you tomorrow.
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, I pray for wisdom just like King Solomon in Jesus name. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Start a Bible challenge of reading the book of Proverbs
DECLARATION: I am wise, I know what to do, and I live a life that pleases God, in Jesus name.
Hello dear child, today I will be speaking to you on the importance of the book of Proverbs. This book was written by the wisest man on earth. His name is King Solomon, the son of King David.
King Solomon was so wise, people came from far and near to his kingdom to observe and learn from what he had put in place.
Guess how he got so wise, where did he get all that wisdom from?
The bible records that King Solomon asked God for Wisdom and Knowledge and God gave it to him; all that wisdom came from God! No wonder he was so wise.
This is why the book of Proverbs is very important to us as believers; every wise saying recorded in it came as a result of God giving King Solomon the wisdom he prayed for.
Let’s see how this book begins!
These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king — Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn — Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women. –Proverbs 1:1-7 (MSG)
Let’s pick the points one after the other.
1. This book of Proverbs was written so we as God’s children can know how to live well and know the right things to do.
2. it’s also written so we can understand life and know where it’s going. Guess what? Every word is as useful in this age as it was when it was written.
3. it’s also a manual for us as God’s children, it’s for us to learn what is right different from what the world calls rights, for us to know what is just and, what is God’s definition of right.
To be continued…
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, I pray for wisdom just like King Solomon in Jesus name. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Start a Bible challenge of reading the book of Proverbs
DECLARATION: I am wise, I know what to do, and I live a life that pleases God, in Jesus name.
As children, we are constantly faced with pressures from everywhere. There is peer pressure and the need to ‘feel among’. There is also the pressure to do well in our academics, so as not to appear wasteful before our parents.
We are also sometimes caught between pleasing our friends and pleasing our parents or teachers. Some other times, we actually wish our parents can understand.
In whatever situation we find ourselves, the bible is our guide, putting a balance to whatever our friends, teachers, parents or guardians say.
Let’s find out what Paul the Apostle has to say in times like this when you are faced with pressures.
Just be sure you live as God’s people in a way that honors the Good News of Christ. – Phil 1:27a [ERV]
Here, Apostle Paul says we should not do things that bring dishonor and shame to the name of Christ. He says regardless of the pressures you think you are going through, comport yourself and live as God’s people.
When you are at such crossroads, remember that other children around you are probably going through worse times. Also, remember that adulthood is all about pressures. So the way you handle it now will go a long way to determining how you will handle it in the future.
I love the way this translation puts it
Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. – Phil 1:27a [GW]
In all we do, we are citizens of heaven, let us live up to the expectation.
All through the scriptures, God is constantly telling us about his love. God’s promise is always being revealed in Scriptures.
With the lives of the patriarchs, God communicates his plans to us even in this generation.
Let’s look at the story of Jabez for example.
This was a man born into sorrow and agony, yet that did not determine how he ended his sojourn here on earth.
1 Chronicles 4:10 ESV Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
The part I love in this verse says …and God granted what he asked.
What a loving father. He is simply telling us whatever we ask in faith, we will receive.
Dear children, you should continually pray and confess the Word of God into your lives every day. Let it be a part of you.
You do so with faith in your heart that regardless of how you started, God can turn things around for your good.
As you grow, it is my prayer that the Lord will bless you indeed and enlarge your coast. You are shielded from all harm, In Jesus Name.
Stay with God! Make Him your priority in all you do and the promises of God will come into manifestation in your life in Jesus mighty name, Amen.
PRAYER I love the word of God in Jesus’ name
ACTION PLAN Write out God’s promises and begin to memorize them.
DECLARATION Father, bless me and enlarge my coast.
Have you ever thought about how to have a great future? Have you ever wondered how adults become the professionals they are today?
How did your mom and dad become what they’re today?
How did that renowned doctor you see become who he is today?
How did your teacher become so efficient in what he/she does?
Well, it’s all about deciding what they wanted to do at a very early age. Much like you are right now.
Just like Daniel, an early decision saved his future.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
What do you want to become? An astronaut, software designer, boat builder, race car driver or a writer? It is all about what you like to do.
So my question to you is this: what do you like to do?
Starting early to decide what you would like to become in future is important.
You start to learn how to become it and go through every process involved. The process will involve trainings, class lessons, exams and tests. You learn and then get tested before being certified as a professional.
Discover what you love to do and take all the necessary education you need. That’s how mommy and daddy did.
Be like Samuel in the bible who learned under the prophet Eli. Under the prophet’s supervision, Samuel grew into a great prophet that God used to speak to kings in Israel.
May God show you what your passion is in Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, help me to discover what I like to do and become in future. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Action plan: Start to note what you like doing. From there, you can discover your talents.
Now that you have been forgiven your sin, there is one thing you should also strive for. As I earlier said, forgiveness is God’s act of Mercy, and this occurred during the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.
who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. – 1 Peter 2:10 [NKJV]
Since we have been shown mercy by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is expected that we show others mercy as well.
Why is this important?
Let’s look at the words of Jesus Christ himself while he was on earth.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. – Matt 5:7 [NKJV]
You have not been forgiven so that you can brag about it. You have been forgiven so that you can forgive others as well. You have received mercy so that you can show others mercy as well.
Regardless of what that person has done, god expects that we walk in love and forgive him/her.
Look at how the message bible puts it as I conclude this morning;
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for. – Matt 5:7 [MSG]
Conclusively, the more forgiveness you show, the more forgiveness you receive.
May God help us to act as we have learnt in Jesus name, Amen.
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, I just want to thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me a new life.
ACTION PLAN: Decide to live a life free of sin
DECLARATION: I am a child of God, he has forgiven me my sins when Jesus died on the cross and so I live a life free of sin. Amen
Hello dear child, today I want to talk to you about the fear of God! When I say “Fear” I don’t mean being scared of God, rather what I mean is living in a consciousness that God exists and living our lives to honour and respect his words.
God is mighty, he created the whole universe, and can you imagine how great he is?
As his children, he has given us certain commandments to follow; now, having the fear of God is what makes you obey God’s commandments.
These commandments are all listed in the Bible, Love is the greatest of all!
A few of God’s commandments are:
Thou shall not lie!
Thou shall not steal!
What actually makes us keep this, asides from knowing your parents frown at it, is the fear of God!
The Bible places so much importance on the fear of God, such that, it calls it the beginning of wisdom!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. –Proverbs 9: 10(KJV)
Thereyou have it!
Do you want to be wise? If yes, then you have to fear God.
Do you also want a holy understanding? The secret is a life that fears God!
Let me show you another scripture,
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. –Ecclesiastics 12: 13 (KJV)
The bible says here that the whole duty of man is to fear God, and that is the conclusion of the whole matter. Today precious darlings make it a point of duty to fear God always. Be bless. Amen.
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, help me to fear you at all times.
ACTION PLAN: Obey the word of God always.
DECLARATION: I am a child of God, a fear God, and obey his commandments all the time.
Dear child, yesterday we began talking about how God forgave you. The gift of forgiveness of sins is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity. It’s a gift because it’s not what we deserve, the bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, -Romans 3:23 (NIV)
So you see, we all had fallen short, but God gifted us forgiveness of sin out of His mercy and redeemed us from a life of death.
Today I want to tell you about the significance of God’s forgiveness, and why it’s so important.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, – Colossians 2:13 (NIV)
God has made you and I alive instead of being dead in sin
You are now in the kingdom of light, never to return to darkness
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: -Colossians 1:13 (KJV)
You can now be called a child of God
You are assured of God’s love for you
You no longer have to walk in fear.
How amazing is this, God has been gracious to us all.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 (NIV)
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, I just want to thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me a new life. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Decide to live a life free of sin
DECLARATION: I am a child of God, he has forgiven me my sins when Jesus died on the cross and so I live a life free of sin. Amen
One of the greatest gifts God gave us as his children is the gift of forgiveness of sins. God forgave you of every sin. It’s a gift because it’s not what we deserve, forgiveness is God’s act of Mercy, and this occurred by the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.
You know that popular Sunday school verse:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 (NIV)
God forgave us our sins so the devil has no say over our lives. Jesus blood paid for our sins and gave us redemption.
Do you know what it means to be redeemed? It means to have a new owner, Jesus moved us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.
The wages of sin is death, but we as God’s children no longer have that penalty.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. –Romans 6:23(NIV)
We now have eternal life in Jesus Christ.
This is why you as God’s child, shouldn’t allow the devil put fear in you or lure you to do things God has already forgiven you for, things like telling lies, stealing, disobedience, etc.
Jesus saved us from a life of sin and so it is no longer our reality!
Today I want you to make up your mind to live a life that makes God happy always. God forgave you your sins so live a life free of them, so let the devil know you no longer belong to his camp!
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, I just want to thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me a new life. Amen.
ACTION PLAN: Decide to live a life free of sin
DECLARATION: I am a child of God, he has forgiven me my sins when Jesus died on the cross and so I live a life free of sin. Amen
Let’s enjoy the story about Funmi, as we look at listening to the Voice of God. Funmi asked her mother for some money but her request wasn’t granted. When her mother went to the kitchen, Funmi quickly took money out of her mother’s purse.
She felt good knowing that she had money to spend with her friends at school. Her friends always had lots of money to spend at school and she didn’t want to be any different.
But she kept having a feeling. As much as she was happy, the feelings of happiness were slowly dwindling.
What could it be, she wondered. Soon, she began to feel bad about taking the money.
A voice kept telling her it was wrong of her to have taken the money. It kept telling her she had stolen the money.
But I didn’t steal the money, Funmi said to herself. It’s my mother’s money and she has lots of it.
Funmi was hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit.
When you sin, the Holy Spirit convicts you of it. He speaks to your heart and tells you what you did wrong.
When the Holy Spirit speaks to you and can convict you to the point where you change your ways or confess your wrongdoings, you are still in a safe zone. You still have a conscience.
Funmi didn’t spend the money at school that day or went with her friends to buy things. She felt bad about taking the money and knew what she had to do – tell her mother the truth, ask for her forgiveness, and never steal again in her life.
May the Holy Spirit give you a healthy conscience. Amen.
Prayer: Sweet Spirit of God, thank you for the power to convict me of all sins. Please give me a heart that will listen and obey you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action point: Has the Holy Spirit ever spoken to you about something wrong you did? How did you respond? Did you do what He said or not? Decide to always listen to and obey His instructions.
Declaration: My conscience is not seared. I listen and obey the Holy Spirit.
Today we will be talking about overcoming fear. Appearances can look real but in actual fact are not. Your expectations are false but are looking real.
How do you stop yourself from being overwhelmed with all the pressure of fear?
See what the word of the living God says about fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Just take a moment to stop everything and just pray.
Praying helps you to get an understanding of what to do or not to do.
Prayer is a tool to help you understand what is happening and how to deal with it.
The major thing is that you shouldn’t allow fear – any of your false expectations appearing real, to stop you from doing what you’re supposed to do.
God doesn’t want you to have any form of fear and even if you do, He asks you to release them all to Him. He can carry them all and has the solution to solving them.
