HYMN – JESUS PAID IT ALL

MAY 22ND

TEXT: ROMANS 3:24-26; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11; EPHESIANS 1:7-9

Memory Verse: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

            It has been stated that all religious system can be spelled with just two letters – D O. The gospel of Christ, however, is spelled with four letters – D O N E! This hymn text, written by a lay woman named Elvina Hall, speaks pointedly to the basic truth, which is the very basis of our Christian faith.

            Mrs. Hall wrote these words one Sunday morning while seated in the choir loft of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, supposedly listening to the sermon by her pastor, the Rev. George Schrick. One can imagine a conversation something like this following the service:

Pastor Schrink, I must confess that I wasn’t listening too closely to your message this morning. Because, you see, once you started preaching about how we can really know God’s love and forgiveness, I began thinking about all that Christ has already done to provide our salvation. Then these words came to me, and I just had to get them down on paper. And the only paper I could find at the time was the flyleaf of this hymnal. SO I scribbled the words on that.

            The pastor recalled that the church organist, John Grape, had just previously given him a copy of a new tune he had composed, which he had titled “All Grape’s tune fit perfectly with Elvina Hall’s words scribbled on the flyleaf page of the hymnal. Since its first appearance in 1874, this hymn has been widely used in churches, especially for the communion services.   

                I hear the Saviour say, “Thy strength indeed is small! Child of weakness, watch and pray; find in me thine all in all.”

                Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone can change the leper’s spots and melt the heart of stone.

                For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim – I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

                And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, “Jesus died my soul to save, “ my lips shall repeat.

                Chorus: Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain – He washed it white as snow.

ACTION POINT: Breathe a prayer of thanksgiving even now that our eternal standing with God is dependent only on the redemptive work of Christ. Seek to share this good news with someone who may be confused about this.

TAKEN FROM “AMAZING GRACE; 366 INSPIRING HYMN STORIES FOR DAILY DEVOTION”

LOOKING UNTO JESUS

MAY 21ST

TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

1.  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, 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,

2.  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is practically impossible for someone to be in love and not be excited to focus on the one they claim to love so dearly. This is the reason why many idolize their obsession by keeping a picture of their love in their wallet, bed side, on their phone and computer as screen saver. If most of us will be conscious of the Lord this way, we will be very spiritual.

CONTEMPLATION

Nobody has been able to burn with the flames of glory by focusing on sectional theology, doctrine and tradition. It has always been by some divine revelation as they focus on the Lord. Until we look away from all that distract we will never be able to comprehend the divine agenda. All through the Scriptures the Lord called the prophets from the tradition and patterns of man into a fresh revelation.

“Our number of years in the ministry has nothing to do with the realm of worship we occupy. The degree of our hunger, vision, and intimacy with the Lord will determine how far we can go with God in each encounter. The more you know Him, the more the fascination and admiration you receive to worship. Whatever happens to your vision will determine the passion you express in worship.” FFPW p112.

PRACTICAL ISSUES

How often do you fan the flames of your love for the Master? List out some of the things you can do to keep your mind on Him.

All around you is competing for your attention but whatever gets your attention is your decision.

If those around you are confused about Jesus, it is an indication that you have not be able to show them a true reflection of the Lord, because you are far from Him.

RUN WITH UNDERSTANDING

MAY 20TH 

Text: Ecclesiastes 9:11 King James Version (KJV)

11.     I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

 Life is full of opportunities but all that some people see is difficulties and impossibilities. From the concluding statement of our text for today, it is obvious that everyone of us have been given equal opportunity, but our problem is our inability to be sensitive enough to recognize and maximize such opportunities.

Most of the time we focus on certain factors, like the degree we have acquired, the people we know, our ethnic advantages or disadvantages and other such excuses as the reason for not accomplishing destiny. We seem to forget that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. It is not whatever you have acquired, it is your sensitivity to divine timing that matters and when it comes to this then everybody has equal opportunity. That is why it says “but time and chance happens to them all.”

  Every one of us have been given 24 hours each day, seven days a week, but what you do with it will determine where you will find yourself. Opportunities would always pass by, but it is the person who is sensitive enough to recognize it and bold enough to seize it by acting right, that is able to stand out.

We do not need a crowd to make a difference and change our world. Jesus once had a crowd following him but he took time to distinguish those he needed for his assignment from the crowd. All he needed was just twelve and they were the ones he called. To succeed in life we must distinguish the necessary individuals we need from the crowd.

We have so many great opportunities but if we must excel we must run with understanding. May you find the understanding to dwell on high in Jesus name. Amen.  

REMAIN OPEN TO DIVINE INSPIRATIONS

MAY 19TH

Text: Job 32:8 King James Version (KJV)

8.  But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

It is said that ideas rule the world, and this is so true. In actual reality, only a few persons have been able to receive and put to full use bright idea that has revolutionized our world.

Everybody does receive one form of idea or the other but the distinguishing factor has always been the source of their inspiration.

The end product of every idea will often than not reveal the source of that inspiration. When we look into the clear sky at night and behold the starry host, we are forced to exclaim, Only God could have done this! But when you see the destruction of lives and properties by some wicked acts of man, you immediately acknowledge that this must be the work of an evil being.

God is the source of all glorious inspiration. When our hearts connect with Him, we are inspired to see things that don’t exist. As we grow our personal relationship with the Lord, He begins to open our understanding. Except the Spirit of God is in you, you will struggle to get extraordinary results. This is simply because the Spirit of God is the source of beautiful inspirations. If you go the normal way, you do normal things and you will end up with normal results.

It is very important that we keep our hearts open to divine inspirations. There is no limit to your access to inspiration if your walk with God is intact. 

 Too many of us are blind to the abundance of concepts all around us because we allow too many misleading distractions. Often than not, the particular kind of inspirations that flood your soul are a pointer to your calling and destiny. Those who are conscious of this have often from one opportunity to the other to accomplishing purpose. Do all you can to position yourself in the place where heaven can open your eyes to see opportunities.

To excel in life, you need the divine grace of God to inspire you unto significance. People often struggle to find godly inspiration because there is problem in their relationship with God. I encourage you to ask God for restoration.  Acknowledge Him as your source and you will be amazed the glory that will follow as you are reconnected to the source of divine inspiration, who is God almighty. Don’t give up. God has great plans for you. 

WHEN YOUR HEART CRYS OUT FOR GOD

18TH MAY

Psalm 63:1-9 King James Version (KJV)

1.  O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2.  To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3.  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

4.  Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5.  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

6.  When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

7.  Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

8.  My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

9 . But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

“The rest of our lives unto eternity will never be enough to show Him how much we love Him. So don’t let one more hour go by without expressing your love to Him. Let your worship rise to Him as a sweet fragrance of love, for He is worthy of our worship.” FFPW p128.

CONTEMPLATION

Often than not we worship by just going through the routine. We say words we are  not fully committed to. When most of us pray over our meal it is just another religious obligation, and sometimes we cannot even remember what we said. The kind of prayer that changes circumstances and situations are often very sincere, heartfelt, and soul stirring. They may not have all the flowery words, heavy vocabulary and poetic rhymes, but they produce the desired results. 

“If the shedding of tears does truly convey the deep-seated feelings of our hearts, then there will be times when the expression of our tears should count as worship. More often than not, tears are indicative of an emotional relationship between one person and another.” FFPW p.129

PRACTICAL ISSUES

It is possible for someone to seat in a worship experience without saying a word, but the tear drop from his eyes will reveal that so much is happening on the inside, much more than words. So, don’t be quick to judge.

The man who has often felt the precious, loving and gentle embrace of the Lord, is expected to be more tender and sensitive from the heart. They are different from others. 

UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES ON GIVING (PART 10)

MAY 17TH

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:6-14 King James Version (KJV)

6.   But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7.    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8.   And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9.   (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

10.   Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

11.  Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

12.   For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

13.  Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

14.   And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

As we bring this study on the principles of giving to an end, I want to draw your attention once again to some of the areas covered so far. The word of God in 3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper even as thine soul prospereth.” This openly tells us that it is true that God wants us to prosper but that this can only be possible as we prosper in our soul. What is that talking about? You need to be well informed and live your life in obedience to the word of God. This is what determines your prosperity. This has drawn our attention to a lot of areas about the principles of giving. We have been told that giving has to be cheerfully, willingly, not of necessity or grudgingly, that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. That he who gives sparingly, will reap sparingly and that he who gives bountifully, will reap bountifully. 

That when we give to the poor, we must not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. This is so that you do not ridicule or embarrass the poor. But that it is not the same thing when we are giving to the things of God as the bible has record of many of such giving. It is very important to add that the word of God makes us to understand that when we give to the poor, we are lending to God. And there is no way a man will lend to God and not be mightily blessed (Proverbs 19:17). 

We must not also forget that giving to widows and orphans is one serious way of giving commanded by God in his word. It has been proven to activate strange blessings for many.

In fact, it was Cornelius’ alms giving that activated for him a special angelic visitation to both him and the apostle Peter (Acts 10:1-6, 19-21,34-35and 44).  

There are some aspects of our text today that I need you to take a look at seriously because they hold the key that unlock the door to a higher dimension of blessing for anyone who give in obedience to the principles of giving. This calls for a more careful look at the following verses;

Verse 8 speaks of the blessing unlimited grace and supply

Verse 9 speaks of an abiding righteousness,

Verse 10 reveals to us that God on purpose give seeds to sowers

Verse 11 to 14 reveals to us outstanding result and far reaching impact of a giver in the community of faith and the attending blessings that follows the sower.

There are so many treasures embedded in the word of God on the principles of giving. It is obvious that there is lot more than what we have covered so far. In the words of the Lord in verse 15, I bring this study to a close, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 

God bless you.

UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES ON GIVING (PART 10)

MAY 17TH

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:6-14 King James Version (KJV)

6.   But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7.    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8.   And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9.   (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

10.   Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

11.  Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

12.   For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

13.  Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

14.   And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

As we bring this study on the principles of giving to an end, I want to draw your attention once again to some of the areas covered so far. The word of God in 3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper even as thine soul prospereth.” This openly tells us that it is true that God wants us to prosper but that this can only be possible as we prosper in our soul. What is that talking about? You need to be well informed and live your life in obedience to the word of God. This is what determines your prosperity. This has drawn our attention to a lot of areas about the principles of giving. We have been told that giving has to be cheerfully, willingly, not of necessity or grudgingly, that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. That he who gives sparingly, will reap sparingly and that he who gives bountifully, will reap bountifully. 

That when we give to the poor, we must not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. This is so that you do not ridicule or embarrass the poor. But that it is not the same thing when we are giving to the things of God as the bible has record of many of such giving. It is very important to add that the word of God makes us to understand that when we give to the poor, we are lending to God. And there is no way a man will lend to God and not be mightily blessed (Proverbs 19:17). 

We must not also forget that giving to widows and orphans is one serious way of giving commanded by God in his word. It has been proven to activate strange blessings for many.

In fact, it was Cornelius’ alms giving that activated for him a special angelic visitation to both him and the apostle Peter (Acts 10:1-6, 19-21,34-35and 44).  

There are some aspects of our text today that I need you to take a look at seriously because they hold the key that unlock the door to a higher dimension of blessing for anyone who give in obedience to the principles of giving. This calls for a more careful look at the following verses;

Verse 8 speaks of the blessing unlimited grace and supply

Verse 9 speaks of an abiding righteousness,

Verse 10 reveals to us that God on purpose give seeds to sowers

Verse 11 to 14 reveals to us outstanding result and far reaching impact of a giver in the community of faith and the attending blessings that follows the sower.

There are so many treasures embedded in the word of God on the principles of giving. It is obvious that there is lot more than what we have covered so far. In the words of the Lord in verse 15, I bring this study to a close, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 

God bless you.