May 9th, 2015
Functions of Miracles
Text: Read: Acts 19:20
Keynote Verse:In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power – Acts 19:20
Miracles are not magic; they are supernaturally released and because it is divine, only God can work miracles by His Spirit. Life itself is miracle and the greatest miracle is that of salvation – that is when souls are won to Christ. The essence of miracles is to bring men to Christ Jesus. Miracles are not life in themselves, they don’t give life rather they are means of God releasing life unto men and God’s way of moving and intervening in the affairs of men. It is important that you are not deceived because the miracles God perform through a man is not a measure of the man’s maturity. In fact, miracles are made possible by the move of the Holy Spirit and this is where gifts of the Holy Spirit work. Unlike the fruit of the spirit that is the true test of spiritual maturity, which are cultivated and nurtured, gifts are given. Miracles are to spread God’s word abroad and make God’s kingdom increase on every side (Acts. 1:8). As we see in the example of today, through the miracles that God performed through Apostle Paul, God’s words spread everywhere and lives of men were never the same. Miracles are not meant to produce antichrist, that is, men that draw people’s attention away from God unto themselves. In essence, miracles are to draw men closer unto God; show the mighty power of God and God’s intervention in the affairs of men. No man is a miracle worker only God works miracles. Appreciate God because everything about you is God’s miracle. Let God open your eyes to the miracle in every second and give glory to God for it; let it make you stand in awe of God and not in awe of the man of God. Don’t run after miracle, rather, pursue God, the giver of miracles and you will encounter Him and see Him prove Himself on your behalf.
Self Reflection: God is a miracle working God!
Action Point: Thank Him for His miracles in your life
Daily Confession: The Lord is good unto me, therefore, I rejoice!
Hymn: The Great Physician now is near, The sympathising Jesus
May 8th, 2015
Jesus our Perfect Example
Text: Read: Matthew 13: 26:50
Keynote Verse:Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” – Matthew 26:50
Each time I study the life of Jesus, I always cry to God for help. The incident that caused Jesus to make this comment in our bible reading today was the encounter between Him and Judas Iscariot. Read Matthew 26:47-56. Although Jesus knew what Judas was about doing, yet, he addressed him as ‘friend’! Jesus is our perfect example in all things and that is why we are to look unto Him because He is the author and the finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). One might ask: How possible could a man know his enemy and still relate to him as friend? Jesus never insulted, castigated or condemned Judas Iscariot. It was Judas Iscariot that gave in to self pity and condemnation which made him to commit suicide. What is your disposition and reaction with people who hurt you? Do you plan to revenge or pay evil for evil? Vengeance is of the Lord; in fact, the guilt and shame made Judas commit suicide although I believe he would have been forgiven if he looked beyond the guilt. Do you truly make Jesus your perfect example in all things? We are enjoined to make Jesus their role model and not men. If Jesus could still love Judas even at that point of death, you can also do that. Remember love even your enemies. May the eyes of our heart choose to see Jesus so that we can truly see Him as our perfect example in Jesus name.
Self Reflection: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of my faith...’ (Heb. 12:2, KJV).
Action Point: Take a decision today to always ask yourself what would Jesus do in this situation?’
Daily Confession: Lord, help me to make fix my gaze on You so that I can relate with as my perfect example.
Hymn: Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer
If you missed Yesterday's devotional, read here
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