tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245165516147904852024-03-28T11:30:50.809+02:00Free Powerful Sermons. Heart Touching Prayer Points. Top Inspirational Short Devotions for Meetings.Short powerful sermons. Heart touching bible verses with meaning. Inspirational Christian articles, encouraging sermons for difficult times, free short devotional messages and prayer points. Best morning/evening online devotionals. Powerful daily devotions, motivational sermons for youth, women, men, and young adults. Short devotional sermons for meetings. Inspirational daily devotions for today. Easy, unique, first-time, Sunday preaching topics, ideas, and outlines.Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-68263813427766446632020-11-10T20:01:00.386+02:002024-03-11T08:45:23.199+02:00Devotional Sermon #116: WALKING IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD - Our most powerful sermons of all time<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></i></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do whatever He tells you to do.</span></span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-style: italic;">His mother said to
the servants, “Do whatever he [Jesus] tells you.”</span> John 2 Verse 5 [NIV]</b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Do you find obeying God a hard thing to do? Do you struggle with obeying God? Or do you question why you need to obey God at all? "What's the benefit, what's the point?" some wonder.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This message discusses one good example of obedience to God from the Bible, to inspire you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Christians should strive to obey God always and to keep their will aligned to God's will and purpose for their lives. The Holy Spirit is our ever-present helper in this regard.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This message demonstrates the power of walking in obedience to God and of living a life that is fully surrendered to Him whatever your circumstances. Your plans and your decisions should align to God's will without exception.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Oh, how important obedience to God is! How blessed they are those who live in the perfect will of God! Oh, the spiritual rewards, even the natural benefits that flow from true and complete obedience to the Lord!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But what does it mean to obey God, in our context? What does it take to obey Him?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In my view, obeying God means hearing His voice (through the whisper of the Holy Spirit, reading the written Word, or hearing a preacher preach, and anything else like that), and taking action and living a life consistent with the voice. If you become just a hearer of the message, without obeying it, without living it, you deceive yourself.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When you obey God, you place yourself under His power, authority, and control - under His wings, effectively. You no longer proceed according to your own desires, but according to God's will and purpose for you at every turn.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We get into difficulties, dissatisfaction with life, and
stunted spiritual growth if we go against the will of God - i. e. if we go against <span><b>'whatever He instructs us to do.'</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><i>“Do whatever He tells you.”</i> That was the instruction </span><span>Mary gave the servants at the wedding at Cana.</span><span> </span><span>The instruction applies to you and me in this age, in
its full measure: “Do whatever He tells you to do.” The reverse is also true - <i>never do what He expects you never to do.</i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Complete submission or surrender to God is what's expected of every Christian believer. It's important that you keep this message in the deepest part of your heart.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Are you looking for a solution to a problem that you might
be facing, as the attendees of the wedding at Cana did? Do you have a need that you want satisfied? Are you looking for the 'wine' of your life?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Do you yearn for a victorious and fulfilling Christian life? Do you long
for improved fellowship with God? Do you seek the next level in your walk with Him? If so, here is the key: <span><b>“Do whatever He tells you.”</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There was a problem or a need at the wedding at Cana; the ceremony had run out of wine midway! More wine was required to sustain the ceremony to the end. Yet the prospects of timely finding an alternative source were either quite slim or even nil.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It happens in life; we sometimes feel hopeless, only to later realize that the source of our hope had been right there with us all the time!</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I am truly inspired by the attitude and conduct of the servants at the wedding; they demonstrated that they were genuine servants.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Jesus instructed the servants, <span><i>“Fill the jars with water.”</i> John
2:7 [NIV]</span>. The words of Jesus are one example of the <b>“whatever He tells you”</b> that Mary had earlier talked about.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What did the servants do in response to Jesus’ instruction?
The Bible says: <span><i>“… so they filled them to the brim.”</i> John 2:7 [NIV]</span><span>.</span> The servants obeyed Jesus; they obeyed the Holy Spirit; they obeyed God. They did not delay, but immediately did as they had been instructed. The servants filled the jars "to the brim" exactly as they had been instructed!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This is
a powerful Christian message on obedience; Oh, what a practical lesson we get from the conduct of the servants at Cana!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The servants did exactly as the Lord Jesus Christ had instructed them, and just as Mary had also instructed them. They obeyed immediately, not at a time of their choosing, as some Christians of this generation do. Won't you meditate on this for a moment?</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Jesus further instructed them, <span><i>“Now draw some out and take it to the
master of the banquet”</i> John 2:8 [NIV].</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>How did the servants respond this time?</b> The Bible says,
<span><i>“They did so…”</i> John 2:8 [NIV]</span>. What a breed of servants this was!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>How encouraging it must have been for Jesus to witness the servants walking in total obedience! Unfortunately, some Christians in this generation waver. Sometimes they obey God; sometimes they obey themselves. Sometimes they use their own reasoning. Imagine what the outcome would have been had</span> the servants at Cana tried to first reason out what Jesus was up to!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We surely need to remain exemplary as Christians when it comes to obeying God. If believers won't obey God, then who will?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some servants would have thought that Jesus was out of His mind, and therefore that it was unreasonable for them to obey His instructions. Truly, we miss a lot when our human logic gets in the way of the Holy Spirit!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>As soon as the servants obeyed the Lord, the miracle came to pass. Glory to God!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The servants probably did not understand what this was leading to; <b>they however still did exactly as Jesus had instructed
them!</b><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I think that the miracle would not have come to pass had the
servants disobeyed the Lord. In the same vein, you will miss a
lot should you choose to disobey Him. In faith, you should take each step that the Lord requires of you. The first step kick-starts a process; so, without taking the first step, the process will never take off.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span>I, therefore, implore you today: <span>“Do whatever He tells you.”</span> Whatever!
<span><span>No cherry-picking, absolutely. </span><span>Even when it hurts.</span><span> </span><span>Even when it does not make sense to you.</span><span> </span><span>Even when it is difficult.</span><span> </span><span>Even when the sky is overcast. </span><span>Obey God nevertheless; </span></span></span></span>the results will speak for themselves!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>'Wine' would flow </span>in your life uninterrupted if you walked in obedience to God totally and always.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You
do not necessarily have to hear His voice, as in the Lord speaking into your spiritual ears. But from your
interactions with His Word, you can 'hear' His
'voice', so to speak.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Obey the voice; listen to the promptings of the inner man - </span><span>the still, small voice that
whispers into our hearts every day, even today, even now. I think everybody hears a small voice that normally speaks only two words, "do" and "don't", although </span></span>in some instances some people choose to go against the voice's advice. </span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>“Do whatever He tells you.”</span><span> Will you? Always?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What a practical lesson on authentic Christian living this is!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Now I pray that the Lord grants you the spirit of obedience and that you may walk in total obedience to God without wavering, for the rest of your life.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">May the good Lord richly bless and guide you always.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">PRAYER</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>:</b> That I may walk in total obedience to God always.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I make various sacrifices in your
service, Holy Father, the main of which is partnering with you financially.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I however
understand that according to your Word, obedience is better than sacrifice. So, each
of my sacrifices needs to be rooted in obedience if they are to be truly acceptable
to you.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes I do your will, Holy
Father; sometimes I dare to do my will. Forgive me for straying and equip me to
overcome the temptation to disobey you, so that I may conduct my life exactly
as Christ conducted His when He walked the earth. Fill me with the same Spirit
who was in Christ Jesus, Father, I beseech you.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I also pray for the entire body of
Christ, that each member may walk in total obedience to you, and that each member may effectively play their role, so that you may be
glorified. Daily we witness in the body of Christ every manner of disobedience,
by both the leaders and the followers, giving a very bad picture of
Christianity to both the saved and the unsaved.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I pray Father that the Holy
Spirit might move powerfully within the body of Christ, so that you may raise
for yourself men, women, and young ones who are fully devoted and obedient to your will and
cause.<br /></span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><i>I ask all this in the name of our Lord, Jesus
Christ. Amen.</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div><div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Phanuel-Muverengwi/e/B0055DVZTC"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></a></p></div></div>Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-55003618188570450682020-11-10T19:43:00.172+02:002024-03-11T08:52:57.315+02:00Devotional Sermon #115: SETTING A GOOD CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS - Short daily devotions and prayers<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Philip found Nathanael and told him, </span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">“</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">“</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Nathanael asked.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">“</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Come and see.</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> said Philip. John 1 Verses 45-46 [NIV]</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nazareth was a despised town. That is why Nathanael was taken by surprise that Jesus could have come from there. Nazareth was regarded as a desert, where nothing useful was expected to grow.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Nathanael's surprise was quite revealing; </span><span><i>"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.</i></span><span> </span><span> </span><span>What a viewpoint!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">People could be viewing your country, city, or village in a similar light. "Can anything good come from there?" they may be wondering. Yours might be a locality that is expected to produce nothing good. Despite this, I encourage you to surprise people like Jesus did Nathanael by originating from Nazareth.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I urge you to surprise people, for the glory of God.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some 'Nathanaels' could be looking at you and wondering whether anything good could become of you. You should surprise them by leading an exemplary Christian life characterized by purpose, power, authority and focus! Why not?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">May you shake the world with the Word of God from right from your Nazareth! May people notice and wonder where on earth you come from! And if they ask, tell them, "From Nazareth of course!"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">May you be an example of excellence in a despised locality! May you be a role model to many in a locality expected to produce mediocrity. May you be the face of the possible, against the odds, and inspire many to rise as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I eagerly await the time when people shall look at you and exclaim, "Come and see!" Glory to God!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">PRAYER</span></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>:</b><i> </i>That I may set a good Christian example by the way I conduct my life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Father, I come to you in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Bible teaches me to live an
exemplary Christian life.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Apostle Paul instructed Timothy
to set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in
purity. The instruction applies to me as well. I need to be a role model to believers
in all spheres of life.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Father, I testify that my desire
is to live a life worth emulating, a life that is according to your perfect will and purpose for me. I will put all effort toward this, and vow to continuously
improve in this regard.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><ul><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I will watch my speech.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I will watch my conduct.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I will dispense love
without conditions.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I will walk in faith.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Purity shall be my hallmark.</span></i></li></ul></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I now ask, Holy Father, that the
Holy Spirit help me to be like Jesus in every respect, and to conduct my life
the same way He did His when He was still in the world. Holy Father, please equip
me for this.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.
Amen.</span></span></i></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-36161372473477554692020-11-10T19:31:00.158+02:002024-03-11T08:54:01.562+02:00Devotional Sermon #114: SHOW THEM JESUS - Powerful daily devotions <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” John 1 </b></i><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Verses </span></i></b><i><b>35-37 [NIV]</b></i></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This is an excellent example of, and lesson on, how to lead people to salvation; a good example of how to win souls for Christ. This was a very effective method, in my view, judging by the results achieved. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Soul winning is probably the most important activity that the Christian should undertake for the sake of both the Lord and mankind - bringing souls into God's Kingdom.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tell somebody about Christ before the day ends; win them over to Christ! This is the spirit of the above-cited bible scripture.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are a Christian, and are now enjoying the benefits of salvation, because somebody took it upon themselves to win you over to Christ. They might not have shared the Word with you; instead, they might just have invited you to a place where the Word was shared, as happened to me. Most likely, it was not a 'special' person who led you to Christ but a very 'ordinary' one.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Soul winning is not just for 'special' people, as some tend to think, and by so doing disqualify themselves from this obligation. It is not just for the eloquent or even the most confident. It is also for people like you and me, the everyday men and women!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Learn to share the Word with people in your community. Speak as naturally as you always do. It is the Spirit of God who captures souls once your words get into their ears. Play your part; never shy away from it! It's quite a bad thing before God to not win Him souls.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did John do win souls? He simply shouted, <b>"Look, the Lamb of God!"</b> Did John say anything complicated? No! Can you say something like that? Of course, you can!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What happened when John spoke these 'simple' words?</b> The Bible says, <span><b>"When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus."</b></span> Aren't you encouraged?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord will confirm your 'simple' words, leading to a harvest of souls. The Lord will empower your words and give them the required effectiveness. So, learn to open that mouth of yours, to the glory of God! That's as simple as it can be.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember, communicating or speaking is central to soul-winning. That is one of the most important characteristics of a soul winner; you've got to speak. Your words of necessity must be heard.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">May you be inspired to shout a few words before sunset, for the glory of God!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">PRAYER</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer Point</u><b>: </b>That I may point people to Christ and not to myself. That I may seek glory for the Lord and not for myself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Holy Father, e</i><i>very second of my life Satan tempts me to exalt myself, instead of exalting the One you sent, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am tempted to take credit for the work that You do through me, ignoring the fact that I am only just a vessel in Your service.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I am tempted to create people who follow me, not people who follow You. </i><i>I am tempted to direct people toward me, and not toward Jesus Christ.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy Father, I am tempted to show people how great I am, instead of how great thou art.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Yet without You, my God, I am nothing. </i><i>I therefore pray, Holy Father, that this fact remains etched in my mind, and that I may walk in a manner worthy of my calling. I should be pointing people to Christ, always, for this is Your will for me. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy Father, in this I seek Your help, each step of the way.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></p><p style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div></span></div>Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-9538127998261468752020-11-10T19:21:00.186+02:002024-03-11T08:54:58.482+02:00Devotional Sermon #113: THE VOICE CALLING IN THE WILDERNESS - Free daily devotionals<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“</b><span><b>Finally,</b></span><b> they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?</b></span></i><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span></i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">John 1: Verse 22</span></i></b></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>"I am the voice calling in the desert." </span>"I am the voice crying out in the wilderness." That was John's answer.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">That is what Christians should say about themselves; that's what Christians should be in this life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That is what you should say about yourself, and honestly so. You should be seen to be calling out, to be truly crying out for the salvation of mankind. It would be unfair of you to claim that you call out or cry out when you never do. But then why should you act dumb when you can speak?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">God expects the Christian to be ever calling out, ever crying out, for noble reasons.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">While John cried out to prepare people for the first coming of Jesus, we should of necessity also cry out because Jesus is coming for the second time, this time not as a baby in a manger, but as a roaring lion, the King of Kings! That's what the bible teaches us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">John replied on the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord'” John 1:23 [NIV]</span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Prepare to meet the Lord, John shouted.<br /></span></span></span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">A desert is a dry place; not much grows there. John had a mandate to bring life to the lifeless, to make the desert come alive! You have the same mandate!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I take the above-cited bible verse to mean that our surroundings are deserts of sorts; we dwell in deserts because in there are non-believers, who do not have the life of Christ in them. In there also are believers who look absent-minded, who lack the fire of Christ.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So, our calling out, our crying out, is so that we may prepare these two groups to be truly ready for the second coming of Christ.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>There are so many voices out there, even among the worshipers. But if you carefully listen to some of the voices, you will realize that they are not designed to benefit the audience but to exalt the self. Such voices are not meant to point the audience in the direction of Christ, but to point them toward self.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Some voices are actually designed to assassinate souls. These voices have no relevance in the straightening of paths for the Lord. It's a pity!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>John's voice was no ordinary voice; it was an effective voice designed to change things for the better. So should yours be!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Here is how John sought to bring life to his audience: <b><i>"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" John 1:29 [NIV]</i></b>.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>This is truly inspiring. First, John testified that he was not the Christ. Some could </span></span>instead have sought to deceive the audience by claiming to be Christ!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Second, John pointed his audience to Christ. Some could </span></span>instead have taken the opportunity to put themselves on the pedestal, pointing the audience to themselves!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you really want to bring life to the lifeless, point them to Christ. Change the wilderness into a flourishing, productive land.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You are a voice but be careful about the kind of message that people could be getting from you. You need to focus your calling out (your crying out) totally on the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer Point</u><b>: </b>That I may cry out and harvest souls for God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I clearly remember the day, my God, when a relative asked me to accompany him to your House. He said to me, "Come, let us go to the House of God."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>It felt like I was doing him a favor - so that he would not be lonely as he attended church, because I had no business attending church, or so I thought.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Little did I know that this simple step, that simple invitation, would take me out of the world into your household, from death to life. It's been a long time since this happened and up to this day, I still wonder what manner of person I would have turned out to be without you.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I cannot live without You. That's how important You are to me.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Somebody brought me to the place of salvation. Someone in the place shouted like John did, and I was saved.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I, therefore, pray, O God, asking that You similarly make me a soul-winner after Your own heart, that I too may bring many to salvation, that they too may taste and see how good You are.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>May Your Spirit lead me in the direction I am eager to go. In the name of Jesus, I pray.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><p></p>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-53807998313568556342020-11-10T19:02:00.318+02:002024-03-11T08:55:26.293+02:00Devotional Sermon #112: THE SECRET OF GOD'S BLESSING AND FAVOR - Our most inspiring sermons of all time<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span>"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1 </span></i></b><b style="font-style: italic;">Verse </b><b><i><span>16 [NIV]</span></i></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I am going to share with you a personal perspective on God's blessings, the way that I have decided to approach the issue for myself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some Christians probably take the same view, but I believe there are many who hold a different view, and that's perfectly acceptable.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There are many things that a Christian is required to do, consistent with their Christian faith. Giving in church is one of them, sacrificial giving for that matter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We should give because we are supposed to behave exactly as our Lord did as He walked the earth. We are only good to the extent that we are like Him. If you give, you walk in the likeness of Christ. If you don't, you walk in the unlikeness of Christ. That's as simple as it can get.</span></p></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I give because my mission is to be like Christ in the world. I give to make a contribution towards the Ministry of the Holy Spirit which has made me stand in this grace.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My desire is for the Word of God to reach as many people as possible, for I know from experience how important for souls this is. That's why I give, and I am totally content with it that way. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I am however very hesitant to link God's blessings to my giving; this again is a personal choice.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For the avoidance of doubt, I do not have the strength to give to be blessed. I am however happy and content to give because God expects it of me. I view myself as somebody who is already blessed and is therefore thankful for it.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Here is my point - Jesus first gave; He sacrificed His life in order to give me the right to become a child of God. That is the biggest blessing ever, in my view, </span><b>and I got it totally free of charge, without doing anything to get it</b><span>! </span></span>In fact, I was pleasantly surprised the moment I learnt that Jesus had done this for me!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">That's why I view myself as already blessed. Through Christ, everything that belongs to God is now mine too because I now am one of the heirs.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So, as far as it relates to my life, I want to view God's blessings towards me as originating from <b>"the fullness of His grace,"</b> just as it was at my salvation, when Christ died for me without preconditions.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Listen once more to the opening bible verse: </span><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16 [NIV]</span></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It is from the fullness of His grace that we continue to receive one blessing after another. We receive blessings because we are His children and He is the kind of who knows what's best for His children. Parents provide for their children; they got that understanding from God.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We continue to receive abundant spiritual, physical, and material blessings from God because He cares for us. So, blessings are about Him, not about me.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Can I really 'force' a blessing out of God by some action? I do not think so! I think all I am required to do is simply acknowledge Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and walk with Him each second of my life.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How do you explain somebody who appears to be doing a lot of good works but still does not see the kind of blessings that he sought to get by such works?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How do you explain a brother or sister who just believes in the Lord, seems to be doing no work at all, but also seems to be getting one blessing after another, even more than any other Christian?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How do you explain a blessing that comes years after one has really given up on it?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It is such observations that have led me to believe that the granting of a blessing, and its timing, originate completely from God's grace.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Is this a message against giving? Of course not! Do I recommend giving? Absolutely!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Is it our works that get us a blessing? As far as I am concerned, our real 'work' is to believe in Him; it's not manual work but a work of the heart. Anything else we do beyond that only confirms that we are His children, and it is this status of being a child of God that enables us to access God's storehouse. Well, that is as far as I am concerned.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Give to God. Help fellow human beings. This I urge you. Walk well with the Lord, and His grace shall always be sufficient for you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">That's my perspective. Is this a perspective that you might consider adopting?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>:</b><i> </i>That I may appreciate the secret of God's blessings and favor.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the blessings that I enjoy in life.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I thank you for Christ, who is my greatest gift of all. As a gift, He saved me free of charge. All I simply had to do was to believe in Him.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Now that I am a member of Your household, an heir together with Christ, all that belongs to You belongs to me as well, but not of my doing, but because of the grace that brought me to salvation.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>So, all I know is that I should keep believing in Jesus; I should keep the faith. And by so doing I will keep enjoying the good things from your pantry, for You are a great Father who gives only the most excellent of gifts to His children.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Help me, O God. Keep me steadfast in this faith. Hold me whenever I shiver. Continue to direct my thoughts towards things that are above. Rebuke me when I stray, for I long to devote the rest of my life fully to Your cause.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-80940536939185070942020-11-10T16:22:00.142+02:002024-03-04T09:48:15.271+02:00Devotional Sermon #111: I AM NOT THE CHRIST - Short easy sermons<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span>"He (John) himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light."</span> John 1 </b></span></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Verse </span></i></b></span></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>8 [NIV]</b></span></i></div></b><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div></b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I think we are in some kind of problem as the body of Christ.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The problem, in my view, is that an increasing numbe</span>r of men and women, even teens and senior citizens are, whether by word or deed, trying to take the place of Christ.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Haven't you ever come across church denominations in which congregants seem to, or actually, worship the leader? That's idolatry! The congregants appear not to acknowledge Christ, and by their actions, neither do they seem to have anything to do with Him. All they are eager to do is please their leader, with the leader becoming an idol in God's sight.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Never worship other gods. Never worship false gods. Never worship idols. Never worship your pastor. That is what God expects each one of us never to do! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have earlier claimed that a Christian, because of their relationship with Christ, is actually a light. Jesus is <b>'the source light'</b>. A Christian is <b>'a light by association'</b>. I believe this gives the proper perspective. Just like John, we are not <b>'the source light' </b>but witnesses to it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I love John. Some people had mistaken him for Christ. I think some had wanted to make him the Christ.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What did John do when he noticed this? <b>"He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, 'I am not the Christ.'" John 1:20 [NIV].</b> Glory be to God!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So, when people mistake you for Christ, when people desire to make you the Christ, when people want to deceive you into taking the place of Christ, you, like John, must not fail to confess, but should freely and boldly confess that you are not the Christ!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Failure to so confess would lead you into the devil's trap. Unfortunately, several people have fallen into the trap already, mainly because of their greediness for money, power, and fame.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Worship Christ, not people. Know your place; never allow people to worship you or to behave, even remotely, like they are offering you the place of Christ. Always point your audience to Christ, not to yourself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You would do well if you obeyed this message.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">PRAYER</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>: </b>That I may know and take only my proper place in the Kingdom.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I come to You, Holy Father, in the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Hear me today.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I desire to worship You with a clean, selfless motive - to worship You for You. I ask for Your help in this regard.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Take away the spirit of deception, the spirit of misrepresentation, that tempts me daily to present a false image of myself before humankind.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I am not the Christ. My actions, words and aspirations must clearly and always demonstrate this position.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Father, may Your perfect will be my guide always. May Your light shine on my path everyday, to the end that I may walk Your narrow road </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">effectively</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> for </span>as<span> long as I am in this body.</span></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Father, I believe that Your grace shall be sufficient for me to see my desires come to pass.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen.</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-51370356769571431302020-11-09T15:46:00.161+02:002024-03-11T08:56:11.512+02:00Devotional Sermon #110: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE GOD AND MANKIND - Short powerful devotions <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span><i><b>"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." John 1 </b></i></span><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Verse </span></i></b><span><i><b>5 [NIV</b></i></span><span>]</span></div></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This bible verse refers to Jesus Christ, the One who was in existence in the beginning. It refers to Jesus as 'the light'.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">According to the Bible, the life of Christ is the light of mankind. This is remarkable; it means that those who have His life have this kind of light in them - the light of mankind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">And it's not just about having this light in you, you must let that light show through you, for there would be no point in lighting a candle if you go on to hide it under a bushel!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This is probably the greatest lesson you will ever learn about how to be a light that shines in the darkness. You must first accept Christ, the light, so that you may be saved.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The life of Jesus Christ is the source of light. In other words, Jesus Christ is the light of mankind. He shines in the darkness and confounds it; not only that, but the darkness has not and cannot overcome this light.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Truly, Jesus Christ has already overcome all manner of darkness so that we too may walk in total victory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here is the interesting part: <b>you, through Christ, are the light of your community.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here is another interesting part: <b>you cannot shine unless you are willing and ready to</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">To shine like a light in this world, or to dim like a shadow, is actually a personal choice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You may be a Christian but still feel and live like there is no light in you; you feel and live like you are like everybody else. That's got to change; all it means is that you are hiding your candle under a bushel! Let your light shine, that's the message of this written sermon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Let's get practical - how do we, or can we, let our lights shine?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There may be some complicated manuals available on <b>"how to let your light shine as a Christian."</b> But I will give you a very simple method.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">People say you become like that which you think about most; you become like that which you look at most; you become like that which you love most; you become like that on which you meditate most; you become like the one you emulate most .... <b>or something like that</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So, you become like Jesus the more you gaze at Him, the more you admire Him, the more you meditate on Him, the more you read about Him, and the more you make Him your point of reference in every aspect of your life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So here are a few examples of how you can let your light shine:</span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that light may come to those who sit in darkness.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the manner in which you speak to others. Your speech should be sound, seasoned with salt, leaving the listener either edified or lifted in spirit. Unfortunately, when some Christians open their mouths, darkness immediately engulfs the listener!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In courteousness, humility, or how you relate to people in general.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In meeting people at the point of their need, to the best of your ability.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In being there for people who are hurting or in bereavement.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">These are just examples of how to let your light shine before mankind.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Be a blessing to those around you; that's what it means, in short, to be a light in this world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you are wondering how you could let your light shine and have forgotten everything else contained in this written sermon, at least remember <b>to be a blessing</b> to people, like Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for you and me.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have come across Christians who seem to sometimes forget that they are Christians. I am sorry about that; it should never happen, not even for a second. One can never be able to let their light shine before men in such a state of stupor!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>: </b>That I may be a light visible to those around me, to the end that they may know Christ and be saved, and that they may be encouraged to live hope-filled lives.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Father, I thank You for making me a light to those around me.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I will strive, for as long as I live, to be a source of hope, comfort, encouragement, and inspiration to mankind.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I will devote my life to actions that bring smiles to many faces, young and old and keep clear of any unjust and hurting behavior towards others.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I trust the Holy Spirit, who is my enabler, to lead me in the way I should go, in the words I should utter, in the actions I should take, to the end that You, my God, may be glorified.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></p><div><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-24604652029788822602020-11-09T15:23:00.127+02:002024-03-04T09:49:00.194+02:00Devotional Sermon #109: THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA - Daily devotional reading<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"></span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><i style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1 </b></span></i></span><b style="font-style: italic;">Verses </b><i><span><b>1-2 [NIV]</b></span></i></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span>T</span><span>he beginning and the end.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was it like in the beginning? What existed then?</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span><span><span>These are questions that people ask themselves from time to time. Many people </span></span>quickly shelve the questions after hitting a brick wall.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I think we all struggle when we try to get into deep thought about the beginning; it is easy for our thought processes to immediately become overwhelmed. I guess it is because the matter is too spiritual to be approached scientifically.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span><span><span>But here is what the opening bible verses teach us about the beginning - <b>in the beginning was the Word</b>. The Word was with God; the Word, who was with God, was actually God! </span></span>What a wonder!</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I rephrase the Bible verses as follows: <b>"In the beginning was Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ was with God, and Jesus Christ was God."</b> Thought-provoking, isn't it?</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>This is how Christians ought to visualize <b>"the beginning"</b>.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>If any Christian still seeks another explanation, my advice to them is - the opening bible verses neatly sum up what we have come to believe.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Now to the part that must get each one of us thinking - <b>"... through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made."</b></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b>Is it not only appropriate that we follow Him, devote our lives to Him, and obey Him at every turn? Why should we follow any other and not the One existed in the beginning, the One who created everything?</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>We are not our own.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We belong to Another. We are some of His marvelous works! That Other has specific expectations about the ones He made. Imagine what would happen if everybody lived their lives with such consciousness! What a world this would be!</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>So, from today, make Him your point of reference on everything pertaining to your life conduct.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Always remember that without Him nothing was made that has been made, you and me included!</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>: </b>That I may wholeheartedly serve and worship God and no other, for I believe that He is the beginning and the end, the creator of everything I see.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Holy Father, nothing has been created apart from what You created.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>This is a deep statement. Creation is evidence of Your existence. I am a special testimony of Your existence and grace, so are all others in this earthly world. Thank You, Father.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that this pivotal reality may dawn in every heart. For I see many people who pass through this world without any sense of origin and destination. They do not care about what happened for them to be on the earth. They are authorities of their own, worshiping nobody but only their desires.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Father, I pray that Your light may shine in every heart.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I pray that Your Word may be preached in places that it has never been preached before and that You may raise for yourself a generation of men, women, and young adults whose hearts burn to let You be known to many.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>For I see Lord, that some who purport to serve You have actually been consumed by selfish intentions, consumed by power, money, fame and other earthly desires. Instead of preaching Christ crucified, they tell people how great they are!</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>But I know that You are a merciful God, to the end that many may repent and be saved. So, show Your mercy on the world Lord; do it now, while there still is time for it.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I did not bring myself into the world. You did; and I am totally grateful for it.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I am sharply aware that I am in this world for a purpose, and that I am not supposed to live like fleeting vapor.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Although attending school, college, getting married and earning a living are important, that's not what I came into this world for. I only have to do these things because that's how people sustain life in this world.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>There is a real reason for my existence, and that reason is Christ - both crucified and resurrected.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I long to give my all for Your cause my God; I seek Your help in this regard.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of Jesus, I pray.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></span></div></div>Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-35904939665991095322020-09-10T08:16:00.195+02:002024-03-11T08:57:03.340+02:00Devotional Sermon #108: HYPOCRISY IN THE CHURCH TODAY - Short inspirational devotional messages<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Y</span>et a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will
worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of
worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must
worship [Him] in spirit and in truth” (John 4 </i></span></b><b style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Verses</span></b><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"> </b><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>23-24, NIV).</i></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We must always read our watches correctly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>In the opening Bible verses, John talked about a time that was coming; then </span>he immediately alerted us to the fact that the time had already come. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We are living in such a time - a time to worship the Father with genuine, burning hearts - never in religious hypocrisy, for religious hypocrisy has unenviable consequences.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The synonyms of hypocrisy include deceit, </span>pretence, or false profession. You can obviously tell that there is nothing exemplary about each of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I believe that there are many true worshipers in the world today.
I also believe that some worshipers are still outside this group. Some of
those who are still outside the group of true worshipers sincerely long to
change for the better – but the rest, for some reason, seek to remain
the same.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The truth of the matter is that religious hypocrisy in the end only hurts the one practicing it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In <i>John 4:23-24</i>, Jesus talked about true worshipers. What status do true worshipers have that distinguishes them from religious hypocrites?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Jesus
said, <span><b><span><i>“… [true worshipers] are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”</i></span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
Now that’s remarkable because it means that there are worshipers that the Father is not seeking – the worshipers that
the Father does not seek - the insincere worshipers, the religious hypocrites, worshipers who do not mean business.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We need to be in the right group of worshipers. We need to always live right with God and fellow human beings. We need to be the kind of worshipers that the Father seeks; otherwise we would be a hopeless lot.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Are
you the kind of worshiper that the Father seeks? Am I the type of worshiper that the Father seeks?<i> </i>Am I exemplary in my worshiping? These are pertinent questions that we should constantly ask ourselves.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Bible says: <i><span><b><span>“Examine yourselves...; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5,
NIV)</span></b></span>.</i> Every worshiper - you and me - needs to do this always.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">God hates hypocrisy but loves the religious hypocrite. His desire is that the religious hypocrite may realize the folly of his conduct and repent.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There are two basic types of
hypocrites found in the church. The first group comprises of
non-Christians who attend church and pretend to be Christians. This is an obvious group; it pretends to attend church for God's sake when in fact it harbors other motives for doing so. Sadly, this even applies to some leaders of church denominations!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The
second group comprises Christians who are hypocritical with regard to some areas of their lives. They are really born again, but still choose to act hypocritical from time to time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We need to build up each other in love; that is the will of God for us all. There absolutely is no justification and room for condemning one another. I do not intend to condemn anybody by this short sermon; instead, I write to the end that somebody reading this may either be transformed or built up.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For your information, I also get some lessons from the very things that I write.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The purpose of this short sermon is to encourage each other to examine ourselves with the aim of identifying where we could be going the hypocritical route. Our intention should always be to make amendments wherever and whenever necessary.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The hypocritical path is not a good path; so, we are all discouraged from following it or remaining on it. </span>The Bible has much to say about hypocrisy; we should diligently study it for guidance in this respect.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Although I focus on hypocrisy in the church, there is also a lot of it outside the church.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There is hypocrisy in world politics, business, charity work, families, etc. Although some members of such entities do not believe in God, they are still encouraged to desist from hypocrisy from the point of view of morality, principle, and conscience.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">“Am I a hypocrite? Am
I not?” “Do I exhibit hypocritical characteristics?” - you might already be quizzing
yourself. That's a good starting point. People who examine themselves in this manner are, in my view, better in this regard compared to people who seem not to care.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So, here are my suggestions on religious hypocrisy:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you attend church but are not born again, I urge you to pay careful attention to the Word preached to you so that you may receive the faith to be saved. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. There is no point in you pretending to be saved; there also is no point in you attending church for reasons that have nothing to do with Christ. When the Word is preached, do not harden your heart; instead, allow the Word to pierce through it.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you are a Christian who still acts hypocritical in some respects, please allow the Word to transform you. Rebuke yourself each time you act hypocritically. Grow up, for God's sake! You are in a better condition because you are already born again. </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">May we, to the best of our abilities, strive to be sincere to God, to
ourselves, and to fellow human beings. That is the will of God; this
I exhort you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>:</b> That I may be, and remain, the kind of worshiper the Father seeks.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Holy Father, I long to walk strictly in Your path for the rest of my life.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>It won't help me if I were to walk in a manner that does not please You. I want to be the kind of Christian that You seek, one who worships You both in spirit and in truth.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>I don't want to be a mere Christian, or a name-tag Christian. I seek to be the best I could be before You and I know that it is only by Your grace that I could be so.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Help me, Holy Father, for without You I can achieve nothing in this respect.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Fill me with Your spirit each and every morning. Hypocrisy fights against Your cause. So, those who practice it fight against Your cause; I don't want to be one of such people.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-13964004316653744232020-03-31T16:22:00.137+02:002024-03-06T15:04:13.680+02:00Devotional Sermon #107: AMID THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<dl style="text-align: center;"><dd style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div></dd><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">The world is passing through a challenging phase because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It seems no country will be spared. We also have not seen the full measure of
the pandemic's fury, in my view.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">It will
take the effort of all of us to come out of this situation; not just your
effort and mine, but that of the entire world. The journey is not going to be
easy without such cooperation.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">We need to work together. If one
avoids putting their hand to the plough, all it would mean is that we will be
in this situation for quite a long time - with devastating consequences.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">We protect ourselves out of our love
for mankind. If I am infected, it means a lot more may be infected, and some affected, because of me. Remember, some of such people are dear to us, and it would
really break our hearts to make them pass through such difficult situations.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">We also protect ourselves out of
the love for self.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">We need to help, to the best of
our abilities, those who may be infected and affected. This is not the hour for
anybody to avoid lending a hand. Indeed, there is no greater
need than this for the human race at the moment. The world may come to a complete standstill if we do not act enough within the window available to us.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">As I thought about the
current developments around the world with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic -
the topical issue on everybody's lips and in every newsroom - I could not help but
find the following poem quite inspirational and truly instructive:<br /><span><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> <br /></span></i></b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span>"Human beings are members of one another,</span></i><i><span> </span></i></span></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span>since in their creation they are of one essence.</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span> </span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span>When the conditions of the time brings a member (limb) to
pain,</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span> </span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span>the other members (limbs) will suffer from discomfort.</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span> </span></i></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>You, who are indifferent to the misery of others,</span></i><i><span> </span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span>it is not fitting that they should call you a human being."</span></i></div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>[<b>"Adam's
children are limbs of one body, </b></i><b><i style="font-family: inherit;">that in creation are made of one gem.</i><i style="font-family: inherit;"> </i><i style="font-family: inherit;">When life and
time hurt a limb,</i><i style="font-family: inherit;"> </i><i style="font-family: inherit;">other limbs
will not be at ease.</i><i style="font-family: inherit;"> </i></b></div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>You, who are
not sad for the suffering of others,</i><i> </i></b></div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>do not deserve
to be called human."</b>]</i></div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span><u>Saadi Shiraz - Popular Iranian Poet</u></span></i> </div></span><p></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">May this poem jolt us into greater and more effective action against this global pandemic!<b> </b>There is
a role you can play in all this, in your own way and by the means possible to you, all the time driven by nothing but pure love.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>PRAYER</b></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Prayer Point</b><b>: </b>That I may understand that I ought to be my brother's keeper and conduct myself accordingly, always.</p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Father, I come to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus demonstrated what it means to be a brother's keeper, which I ought to be, and which all of Abraham's offspring ought to be - keepers of their brothers and sisters.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus paid the supreme price for you and me. Truly, there is no greater sacrifice than to lay down one's life for one's brothers and sisters.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Help me God, I pray. Help the body of Christ in this regard and forgive it for the way members have behaved towards one another till now.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>May we learn from Christ! </i><i>May we have the heart of Christ! </i><i>May the wellbeing and happiness of the next person be our own joy!</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Indeed, the world would be a much better, happier and more peaceful place if we all would behave towards others in the manner we would want them to behave towards us.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let the light of unity and love fill my soul. May the same light fill the world. May we get help and care whichever side we turn and as long as we need them!</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I pray that the Holy Spirit would equip us fully for this!</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Amen.</i></p></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></div></span></span></dl>
</div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-44193246636204629322019-07-04T12:29:00.117+02:002024-03-11T13:26:17.686+02:00Devotional Sermon #106: LIFE FELT LIKE A PRISON FROM WHICH I LONGED TO ESCAPE - Inspirational Christian stories<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">The urgency of the need not only engulfed me; its intensity also took me by surprise. I tried to scream, to release the pressure that had built up inside me, but the scream jammed mid-throat. I surely needed relief from the burdens and meaninglessness of life.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>It was something that I needed <span>to do</span>, one thing I eagerly wanted <span>to be</span>, something that I had waited for since birth - and it was time, a 'now or never' kind of situation. I had had enough of the status quo.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I could no longer continue to live the same way. I needed a break, if life was to have even a bit of meaning - yet it was a break that neither any man nor the whole world could give.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>My eyes shifted to the '<span>handcuffs' of my life</span> - cold as ice, slowly eating into the wrist-bones of my soul. Drops of sweat covered my palms, and my brow was no different.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I looked at my legs - the <span>leg irons</span> were still in place, ironically shining and determined, evidence of what I had been all these years. Oh, how I detested the shackles!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>“Oh God I want out!” I eventually managed to send out a cry that pierced the quietness, unsettling even me, as my <span><span style="color: black;">soul</span> </span>longed for a breath of fresh air.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Walls on every side, threatening gullies every step of the way, alert predators; for me it was nothing but the <span>prison of life</span>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As I pondered my next move, I observed that I had grown one lock of hair, its roots etched in the desert of my skull. As I continued to watch, one more sprouted. Soon my head was all locks, all green, life’s oil and power, so I guessed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>A strong wind blew on me for several minutes, lifting my chest and sending me gasping for breath, and in their trembling, my hands displayed shimmering spiritual muscles, evidence of new strength acquired.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>With one hand on the Eastern wall and the other on the Western, <span>Samson-style</span>, I brought my enclosure down; in one, mighty thrust it all turned to rubble; what a relief that was. Truly, God is able!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>As I sauntered out of my debris, my feet touched soft ground. I felt like something heavy had dropped off my shoulders. I also felt like I had jumped from a spider’s web, but landed softly, if only to give me the opportunity to recount what happened.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I lifted my hands high.</span><span> Pure praise; the delight of the soul. What a new order of things! How lofty He had lifted me! I began to jog; it just had to be - for <span>it was time</span>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A sweet smell of perfume filled the air; the kind that could come only from mature flowers. A wind blew gently, sending the leaves hissing, my soul rejoicing. Sweet beaky sounds invaded my privacy. <span>The beauty of freedom under the sun!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I looked at my shoes, then at my clothes. They all told the story, the complete and uncensored story of my life.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>“I sure have been travelling and it is a long journey that I have travelled, through valleys and thickets, and it shows,” words escaped my mouth. As I stood there, with my mind I took a picture of self; <span>a picture that was soon to be the only one of its kind.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: black;">And as I stared at the picture, a voice cut through the silence. “Is that you, Phanuel?” the voice asked with absolute and unmistakable clarity</span>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>My ears picked yet another sound. Although I could not tell what it was, I could tell the direction from where it came.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>At once, I waded through the lilies and the budding bushes, and there before me slithered a small stream. The ease with which the water flowed, the purity and the peace there was! After spending ages in the muddy waters of life’s prison, the kind that could easily define a people, the stream brought with it a refreshing order.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I was dying of thirst; I also smelled of heavy sweat.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>
I bent down to drink from the stream, but something immediately caught my attention, stopping me before I even took the first sip.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Hastily I stood up, gasping. What an ugly sight!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>My face; I had seen my face in the water! All the time that I had languished in prison I never had the chance to look at my face; neither did I have the means. All I ever did was imagine it.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>The cracks, the wrinkles and the paleness that I had seen in the water astounded me.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>“Is that you, Phanuel?” the voice echoed again.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>“Oh God, I wish it wasn't me!” I cried out. “But that’s me my God; but that surely cannot be me!” I added, struggling to give sense to the contradiction.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was time. I stooped once more and with eyes closed drank until I was full. <span>After doing so, I felt as though I had become one with the stream, a constant, tranquil flow of amazing beauty.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Time for a complete bath, a deep one! I discarded every old piece of clothing. Water violently splashed to the edges of the stream as I took a dive. I spent so much time under the water that I came out ‘waterlogged’.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>As I emerged from the stream, my soul watched in wonder as the desert of my life traced its footmarks back to its source.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>After applying skin lotion and putting on a set of clean, freshly pressed clothes, I once more stood in front of the mirror - this time tall, assertive, fearless and ready to take on Goliath.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="color: black;">“Welcome, Phanuel!”</span> </span><span>the message of the voice had now changed.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>It was the journey of my life. Released from the prison of life, I stepped back from the mirror, turned and began to take brisk steps into my space.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>“Goodbye, Phanuel,”</span><span> the voice faded behind me.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>“Welcome, Phanuel!”</span><span> Ahead of me, the sound of drums, horns and tambourines filled the air. It was the sound of victory!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>The future looked bright. Hallelujah!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>PRAYER</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b><u>Prayer point</u>:</b> That I may show gratitude to God for saving my soul.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>Father, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>I run short of words to express how grateful to You I am for saving me.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>I look back and ask myself the question, "Where would I be now if God had not showed me mercy?"</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>I am grateful for the finished work of cross that touched me in such a wonderful way.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>In You I find hope, love, peace and comfort. Help me as I seek to do your will. </i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>Father, for as long as I live I shall worship no other nor seek any other. You saved me, which no other gods could do.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>For this, Father I thank You.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></b></span></span></p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-34207492899107865702019-05-15T13:03:00.149+02:002024-03-12T10:40:15.421+02:00Devotional Sermon #105: PURSUE, OVERTAKE AND RECOVER ALL - Encouragement devotionals<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">It struck me one day.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here I was, walking down the street when suddenly my mind’s voice encouraged me with these words: “Phanuel, you must understand that you have never lost out on anything in life.”</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
I stopped and asked myself, “So what has been happening?”</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>“You have been gaining, gaining, gaining. All the things that you thought you had missed out on are actually in a ‘bank’ account from which you are free to withdraw both the principal sum plus compound interest,” t</span>he voice replied.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This to me was like a breath of fresh, fragrant air!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Quite an inspiring message it was - a totally transformed way to look at life and living.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>What I thought was gone was not actually gone. </span>What you thought was gone was not actually gone. Indeed, it all depends on what one chooses to believe about their life.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
I used to think in terms of spilled milk that's gone down the drain, but this paradigm completely re-focused my lenses about life and opportunities.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I had spent a number of years thinking I was losing out. When I failed to get the job that I desired, I thought I had lost out. When a project that I started failed mid-way, I thought I had lost out. When I fell sick, I thought I had lost out. I just thought I had lost out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
But here I was, being lectured on the correct perspective to the issues of life. The voice said, “You have never lost out on anything in life; so get out there and claim that which your heart so desires!”</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I had to make a choice after I heard the voice. I either had to believe the voice, or ignore it; each of the choices was going to have far-reaching consequences on my life.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I chose to believe the voice. “So, what has been happening?” I asked. “You’ve been gaining.” Oh, how excited I was! It was like I was awakening from some kind of sleep only to discover that a new day had dawned.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have been gaining. I have been banking. I have never lost out on anything. I am free to withdraw not only the principal sum but also the compound interest. Glory to God! I truly love this.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have learned this great lesson; the state of a person’s life is strongly dependent on how they view their past, present, and future. It is a function of how one defines the things that happen to them in life, the things that don't happen to them, the circumstances that befall them, the circumstances that don't befall them, the doors that open before them, the doors that remain shut before them, or any other developments in their environment.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
It is also a function of the ingredients of one's vocabulary.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For example, whenever I thought and declared that I had lost out, I really felt that way and lived that way, and my life was badly affected by this kind of attitude. Just the thought made me weak and unambitious.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But now that I believe I have never lost out on anything, and that I can never lose anything, I am like a brand-new person. I now believe that it’s counter-productive to continue using the same kind of vocabulary. I also think it’s evil to entertain such thoughts.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">As a Christian, I have the ability to pursue, overtake and recover.<b> </b>That's the foundation of my mindset. One's view of life must be based on something; mine is based on Christ.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If I fail to use my ability, I will live like one who never had the ability. If I fail to use my wisdom, I will be considered to be one without it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It is also possible to miss something that one thought was great, for something that is far much better! When God protects you from yourself, that becomes a profitable loss!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I am a child of God. Whatever belongs to my Father belongs to me. My Father has never lost out on anything. In fact, He cannot lose out. He is the Creator. The Creator cannot lose out on anything that He created, because if it were to happen, He would simply create a trillion of the same kind!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Do you now see how the principal sum and the compound interest come into being?<b> </b>Do you believe that one can reap in multiples during a year of drought?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Satan is a liar and an enemy of everything good; he is against every form of progress in one's life. Satan fights against a positive frame of mind and godly positions. In reality, the Satan-induced thoughts result in false positions.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You've got to be careful where you draw your inspiration and information from. You either go with God or go with Another. God’s positions are directly opposite those of the devil. God’s training is totally different.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The fruits that one obtains from associating with God are totally different from those obtained from associating with the devil. In God you get ‘day’. In the devil it is a ‘night of pitch darkness’ always, although the devil may fool you with counterfeits.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">From today, never say, “I lost out on money-making opportunities.” Never say, “I lost out on good health.” Don’t say, “I do not think I can salvage my relationship with my parents.” Never say, "I lost out on education".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Never entertain the thought that your relationship with God has been irreparably damaged, or that God will never accept you as His child after all that you've been up to. Never entertain such ideas! You need to embrace the mindset of pursuing, overtaking and recovering everything that is of benefit to you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The important thing is that you've got an opportunity to complete a withdrawal slip - to take appropriate and well-calculated action towards achieving your life goals. That's the key, and it requires effort and action on your part.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the withdrawal slip you should write something like:<br /></span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>
Nothing can separate me from God.</i></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>
I claim all outstanding opportunities with interest.</i></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>
I take back 200% control over my health and wealth.</i></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>
Even though we now do not see eye to eye, my parents and I are going to have the best relations of our lives.</i></span></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
After this you've got to sign the withdrawal slip and hand it to the 'bank teller'.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But you need to be sure of your ground. You need the right attitude if you are to turn your desires into reality. If you doubt, you certainly will fall short.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Take charge of your spiritual life. Take charge of your health. Take charge of your wealth. Take charge of your relations. Take charge of your present and future, at the same time drawing lessons from your past.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It's time to withdraw the principal sum plus the compound interest.<b> </b>Are you ready?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You need to turn that situation around, to the glory of God! So, get out and grab what your heart has yearned for for so long! What are you waiting for?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">And God will be with you all the way!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u>:</b><b> </b>That I may have the right attitude towards opportunities and timing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Father, in the name of Jesus. I thank You for this vital revelation, the new mindset You've given me on how to approach the issues of life.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Now and again I fall down. Now and again I fail in my life's pursuits.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Yet I should never view falling and failing as negative developments, but as lessons that I learn on my way to personal achievement in the various spheres of life.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Jesus made it to the cross, because that was a noble goal set before Him. It was not an easy thing to do. There were so many obstacles and temptations designed to take Him away from His objective. Some wanted to make Jesus an earthly king; Satan wanted Him to fall and join the devil's camp.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Similarly, in all my noble pursuits, I too should maintain the same attitude, of going out and grabbing that which I set my heart to gain.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>May the spirit of God always inspire me in this direction!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-77255542494052968742018-09-11T09:57:00.097+02:002024-03-13T10:49:41.488+02:00Devotional Sermon #104: THE HEAVENLY REALM - Christian lifestyle blogs<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I receive Rick Joyner's </span><b style="text-align: justify;">Word of the Week </b><span style="text-align: justify;">by email. I read each article and often make printouts to share with others.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One morning, as I read the <b>Week 37, 2018</b> article, I came across a remarkable inspirational Christian quote that I thought I should share. It might help you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You not only have to meditate on the quote but also strive to live it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the quote:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"We are not called to be human beings who have occasional spiritual experiences, but we are called to be spiritual beings who have occasional human experiences."</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">How profound!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Is that your experience as a Christian? Does this speak to the way you live? Are you more spiritual than you are human in the various facets of your life?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sometimes think that Christians should learn, each day, to be more spiritual. One's progress in this regard should be evident to themselves initially, then to the rest of the community.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sometimes feel that there is too much <i>"human-ness"</i> in the Church today. The way congregants talk, behave, their interests/pursuits or driving forces, and how they relate to each other in general, testify to the <i>"human-ness"</i> that I refer to.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>That is not the will of God for us. We surely can do better, for God's sake!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>True love, true worship to the true God.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>PRAYER</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b><u>Prayer Point</u>: </b>That I<b> </b>may be the kind of person that God called me to be.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>My desire is to be the kind of person that You called me to be, a supernatural person, even though I live in the natural body and in this natural world.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>I long to be distinct from people who have not accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. For what would I gain by living a life that is lesser than the one You called me to?</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>There are so many obstacles in my way, preventing me from living the kind of life I desire. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, O Father, that I may get help whenever I need it and that I may be equipped for all the eventualities of life.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>I long to be a supernatural being, with occasional glimpses into the natural realm, not the other way round.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>Your grace is sufficient for me, Holy Father. So, it shall be possible with me because it is possible with You.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, I pray.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>Amen.</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></span></p></div></span></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-14253008955195101952018-03-27T15:46:00.116+02:002024-03-14T09:45:22.598+02:00Devotional Sermon #103: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE TO SUCCESS - Daily devotions for women online free<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">People look at life with different lenses, depending on what they believe.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the year 2003, a friend introduced me to the subject of success motivation and personal development. I then began to attend workshops on the subject but came out a bit confused.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What confused me was the exclusive focus on wealth. I thought to myself, <i>“Does success mean just wealth?”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
I believed that success was broader than just the possession of material things. I also believed that success was supposed to be based on a specific spiritual foundation.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Thus began my quest for an answer, or an understanding of the matter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Then one day, as I read my Bible, I came across a verse that struck me.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The verse reads as follows: <i>“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John v2, NIV).</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I almost jumped after reading this verse.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">“This is it! This is the definition of success!” I almost shouted to myself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you are enjoying good health, if all is going well with you, if your soul is getting along well, what more would you seek in life?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">One singer once queried, "Who is wealthier, the one who has money or the one who is of perfect health?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>I also ask, </span>"Who is wealthier, the one who has money or the one who has the peace of mind that surpasses all understanding?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">These are dimensions that should make you think afresh about success and personal development.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In my view, John wished his friend nothing but genuine and total success.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I believe this kind of success can only be a result of one's communion with God - for that is what John was writing about, the Christ issues.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">As far as I am concerned, therefore, God is the source and foundation of true success. Why not, if you believe He created everything?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I hope that I have helped you … or ignited controversy. Either way, I think it's worth it, for it may get you thinking deeper about this subject.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u></b>: That I may pursue the God-kind of success in my life.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Holy Father, this is the kind of success that I desire - the success that hails from the fullness of the Holy Spirit in my heart.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>It would not matter much to me if I were to acquire immense wealth in the natural if my soul continues to suffer from acute spiritual poverty, hunger and thirst.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>It has to start with You my God - success in the spirit first, followed by success in the physical. So, my heart desires.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I therefore come before You, Holy Father, so that You help me in my prioritization when it comes to matters of success and personal development.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Without this prioritization, I would achieve the kind of success that won't impress or satisfy me.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a></b></span></b></span></p></div></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-12078545892680054392018-02-05T14:22:00.148+02:002024-03-25T15:00:02.037+02:00Devotional Sermon #102: RAISING HOPE IN DIFFICULT TIMES - Daily devotions for women’s encouragement<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have observed and have become convinced that there are just two kinds of people in this world. The lives of these two kinds of people are as different as day is to night.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Only two kinds, not more, not less. That is the message of this textual sermon.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are various difficulties, challenges, trials, and tribulations in this world, but only two kinds of people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are various levels of poverty, but only two kinds of people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are various forms of sickness and disease, but only two kinds of people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You put the two groups under the same kind and level of difficulty or pressure, and they react differently. It's amazing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whatever challenging situation you face today, you are either <span>hopeful</span> or <span>hopeless</span> about it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These are the two kinds of people that I have been referring to - one kind is of the <span>hopeful,</span> the other is of the <span>hopeless</span>, regarding a specific challenge that they might be facing in their lives at any particular time.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div></span><span><div style="text-align: justify;">You are either hopeful or hopeless about your current situation; there's no borderline position.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some people are hopeful sometimes and hopeless the rest of the time - they switch groups now and then.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A snapshot of society at any point in time will reveal these two kinds of people - the hopeful and the hopeless.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But what is hope?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Random House College Dictionary Revised Edition</b> defines hope as, <i>“The feeling that what is desired is also possible, or that events may turn out for the best. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence. To believe, desire or trust.” </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This definition demonstrates that hope is a good state of being, a good state of mind. It is a feeling that what is desired is possible. It is a 'confident look-ahead!'.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How could one go on with life if they have the feeling that what they desire is not possible? What would such a person live for?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In hope, one has the feeling that what they desire is also possible, or that events may turn out for the best.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In hopelessness, <span>one has the feeling that what they desire is impossible, or that events are likely to turn out for the worst.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I just cannot even try to contemplate the status of the hopeless. <span>Can such people find the fire of life?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The hopeful look forward with confidence; the hopeless remain engulfed by negative energy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me give you some of the characteristics of hope:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First, hope is not passive; it's active, energetic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some people think that being hopeful is the same thing as sitting down on the doorstep, staring at the horizon, waiting for something to pop up. To me that's not hoping at all; rather, it's unmitigated idleness!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Goethe once said, <i>“Sitting and waiting is not my way of doing things.” </i>Actually, sitting and waiting does not amount to 'doing things'. You need a similar state of mind.</div></span><span><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div></span><span><div style="text-align: justify;">If you sit and wait, then you are doing nothing. If I see somebody sitting down, looking sullen, I would think that something would be wrong with them. Hope is always active; it does not waste time sitting on the doorstep!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you hope for something, you don't sit and wait for it to manifest; rather, in your hope you work to bring it into manifestation, into reality.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Real hope is a turbo-charged motivational driving force!</span> <span>If it doesn't drive you, then it's not hope; it's something else.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Second, hope never relents; it never surrenders. The hopeful persevere; that's the power of hope. The hopeless never persevere and some of them never even attempt to do anything about their situation; they simply have decided not to have the energy to!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are hopeful, it means you have the feeling that what you desire is possible. Now that's positive thinking. It means that you have a reasonable expectation regarding what you look forward to. This hope then drives you into working towards that which you hope for!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Third, hope does not disappoint, unless it is the 'sitting and waiting' type. The Bible also teaches that hope triumphs over difficulties <i>(Rom. 4:18)</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What problems are you facing right now? What difficulties? What ailments? What level of poverty? <span>The impact of these circumstances on your life will depend on whether you are hopeful or hopeless about them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Mark my words - hopelessness (despair) is a lethal state of mind.</span> It kills the spirit first, then the body follows. So, from today, choose to be hopeful. You've got to learn to look beyond the circumstances. Remember, even in death hope abounds!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trust in God. Be encouraged. Live inspired. God bless you!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>PRAYER</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer Point</u>: That I may live a life of hope even during difficult times.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I come before You, Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Father, from time to time I face difficult situations in my life. Some of the challenges relate to my soul, some to my health, some to my family, some to my finances, and some to my goals in general.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>You are the God of my revival whenever I am tempted to fall into despair about all this. I have nowhere else to turn whenever situations turn forcefully against me. Father, I look to You, always.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I thank You for Your Word. I thank You for Jesus Christ. I thank You for the Holy Spirit in me, keeping my soul vibrant and confident.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Jesus is my hope; the Holy Spirit is my helper. I will keep gazing at Your Word, Holy Father, for from it my hope gets its fire.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Father, I also pray for many of Your children who have fallen into despair for one reason or the other. Come to their rescue, and come quickly. I understand the shadow that has engulfed them. Without Your powerful hand they may perish. Help them O Lord, strengthen them to the extent that they too may be in a position to encourage others.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>In the name of Jesus, I pray.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Amen.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC">Read more here</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://bible-verses-encouragement-strength.blogspot.com/">Bible verses for encouragement and strength - with teachings and explanation</a></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 34.24px;"><b><a href="https://inspiring-christian-quotes.blogspot.com/">Inspirational Christian quotes - short and powerful</a></b></span></span></span></div></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-11573528031949853082018-01-26T07:54:00.112+02:002024-03-26T07:29:49.563+02:00Devotional Sermon #101: YES, YOU CAN DO IT - Daily devotions for today<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I remember the time when I was still a teenager. I kept grudges; real grudges, I mean.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I did not know how to forgive; neither did I have the willingness to do so. If somebody did me wrong, they were supposed to pay for it!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was a stranger to God back then - I had never experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Any talk about God actually had a jarring effect to my ears; it still does to some folks.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I also would tremble in anger, sometimes to the point of shedding tears - even against an elder!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I recall a day I got so angry at an elder that he almost fell off the chair on which he was sitting. The elder was evidently wrong; I could not tolerate it anymore - but seething in anger did not make me right either - it's only that I did not know at the time and actually felt justified in my actions.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>But since then the Lord has re-molded me. Praise to His Holy Name! </span>If you see me now, you see a totally different person. Simple.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I now can forgive and do forgive. I associate with everybody, of whatever station in life, without any problem at all. It is now very difficult for anybody to make me angry - and if I do become angry, it will be only for a brief moment.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Yet it is not my power or genius that is at work in all this. It's simply because He touched me; He continues to touch me up to this day. I give Him all the room to do so; I also give Him all the credit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I really love this life; I just wouldn't function without God!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here is a lesson that I learnt from my experience: <i>God will mold you only to the extent that you permit Him to - to the extent to which you are flexible in His hand. God cannot and will not mold clay pots from dry clay; no potter I know can. Only wet, moldable clay will do. So, remember this - you are the key to what God can do to, in, with, through and for you.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you are a Christian, the power to forgive is already in you. Victory over anger has already been deposited in you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But here is the question: Are you willing to forgive? Are you willing to let go of the bitterness? Are you willing to neutralize your anger? It's one thing to be holding a gun and a totally different thing to be willing to fire a shot, even if the ability to do so is assured!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Is your will subject to God's will? If it is, just say, "I am willing, my Lord!" and you will activate the abilities already resident in you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the end, it is entirely a personal decision and a personal step to take. It's not the pastor's decision, or mine to make; rather, the decision is entirely yours to make.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Remember:<i> Willingness and surrender, from the depth of the heart, is the key to unlocking the life and character of Jesus Christ in you.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Think about these issues during your quiet moments.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u></b>: That I may appreciate the full extent of the abilities that I have in Christ Jesus.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Holy Father, forgive me for I have fallen short of Your expectations on many occasions.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I know much about the kind of person You expect me to be. Father, I know the kind of life that I should live in Christ Jesus, the example that I should set, the actions and reactions that I should take under specific circumstances.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>But I have failed myself on several occasions, and by doing so, I also have failed You.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I consider forgiving to be a difficult step to take. I fail to let go. I fail to move on with life when I am wronged. The main reason, Holy Father, is that I try to do all this, and many more, using my own abilities.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I forget many a time that it should be Your ability that should work in me to succeed, not mine. And because nothing is impossible with You, nothing should be impossible with me, for I am Your child.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Therefore forgiving is possible with me; and so is living a truly Christ-like life in this world in terms of hope, peace, love, kindness, selflessness, perseverance, truthfulness, warmth, confidence, trust, and faith.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Father, only You can make me stand. So I put all my trust in You.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of Jesus, I pray.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
</div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-26327458141558681482017-12-28T14:10:00.115+02:002024-03-28T11:29:41.655+02:00Devotional Sermon #100: TITHE AND OFFERING MESSAGE - Best Christian blogs for young adults<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>I have, on a number of occasions, listened to preachers teach on tithes and offerings. In the process, </span><span>I have observed that some preachers encourage members of the congregation to give tithes and offerings in order for them to get something (called a blessing) in return. It sometimes feels like getting a blessing is or should be the primary motivation for Christians to give to God. I find this disturbing.</span></span></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />
I believe that there is need for preachers to go deeper in their teaching on the subject. As far as I am concerned, focusing on "getting something in return" holds immense potential to lead some Christians astray.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>
A number of Christians now consider the issue of tithing and offering as an economic principle. You put something in, you get more out; what a rate of return! This habit encourages the development of an entrepreneurial mindset, not a spiritual one.<br /></span>
<span><br />
Because of such a mindset, some people have taken the Spirit of God out of their giving; and it's quite unfortunate, in my view. Giving to God should never be taken as a mere physical act; it's spiritual. I do not think that Jesus would be too happy with a Christian who is focused on "getting something in return"!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>My position is that preachers ought to teach their congregations to give in order to support the Ministry of Jesus Christ. If the congregants understand how important the Ministry is to them, why would they not stand ready to support it?<b> </b><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>Look here: We donate to charity because we feel it's a worthy cause. Right? Why then should we insist on "getting more or something back" when it comes to giving to God?<br /></span>
<span><br />
Truly, hasn't God given us a lot already - an overflow of blessings? Is Jesus Christ, the L<span style="text-align: left;">amb sacrificed for us, an ordinary gift, an ordinary blessing? Is the life that He has given us of no value?</span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>Won't we just give because we are grateful for what Jesus Christ has already accomplished in us and for us, and what He continues to do in our lives? Won't we just give because it's a pleasure to partner with our Father, the One who saved us from the fire?</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
As far as I am concerned, if anyone would not give to God unless their giving is linked to "getting more or something back" then that person is either not a Christian, or is still an infant in the Kingdom, regardless of the number of years they might have been a member of the church.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
I believe that people ought to be taught more on giving to God and the teaching should not dwell on "getting more or something back".</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The world is groaning, waiting to see the manifestation of the mature sons of God, and we cannot grow to this level unless we understand the need to give to God without putting a condition on our giving.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
What did the early believers do? They pulled everything they had together to further the Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "none of them had something to call his own". What an elevated position!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here is my attitude: <span>I tithe and give my offerings to God because I understand the importance of doing so. I am happy already; I am grateful to God already. So, when I give, I do not expect anything back - honestly. My giving is just an expression of my gratitude to God. I do not want to see the work of God being hampered by lack of finances and I know that my contribution comes in useful.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I also believe that a forced gift is no gift at all, be it an offering or a tithe. A gift given willingly or cheerfully or wholeheartedly is what moves the Father's heart. You may disagree with all or part of this statement - that is understandable. But to me, forced giving is a mere physical act, not a spiritual one.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Does God bless me for my giving?<b> </b>Yes, He does, and I am extremely delighted about it! "So, what's the difference?" you might ask. The difference is that when I give, my eye is never on the blessing, but on ensuring that whatever needs to be done in the House of God would not suffer due to lack of financial resources.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>I will never tie my giving to a blessing.<b> </b>I will never say to God, "I will give to you on condition that you give me more or something back." I feel it would be highly selfish of me to do so, and a complete disregard of all that God has done for me free of charge!<br /></span>
<span><br />
When God gave me Jesus, He didn't attach any preconditions to it. If He had, I sure would have failed to meet them! So, His gift was unconditional. Where then would I get the courage to make demands of Him just because I gave Him a dollar that He gave to me in the first place!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>God is a giver - a cheerful one. </span><span>He is a loving, generous, providing God. But I think we need to change our mindsets.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you give according to the will of God, with a cheerful heart, then you've done what you need to do. Nothing would discourage you in future, because your part is done. But if you make unwise demands on God and you see "nothing" happening afterward, you are bound to be negatively affected, for you will be focusing on the wrong thing.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>
So be sure of your ground when you give to God! You've to be sure of your motivation. You might be processing a mere business transaction, devoid of the Holy Spirit, and resulting in a loss after tax!<br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>This is my position. This is exactly how I approach these issues in my life.<b> </b><br /></span>
<span><b><br /></b>
What's your view?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRAYER</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Prayer Point</u></b>: That I may cultivate a healthy attitude and motive towards giving to God. That I may understand that giving to God is an expression of the relationship that exists between Him and I.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Father, I believe that when all is said and done, and even if all that I would have done pleases You, blessings come from nothing else but from the abundance of Your grace.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Jesus means everything to me. I cannot live without Him. He sustains my life and everything I am. Yet I got Him free of charge, the full expression of the abundance of Your grace.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I am your child. I love it. Your are my Father, and it pleases me to remain in Your household. I will endeavor to do Your will for as long as I live, and I will do so without any preconditions.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>You gave me Jesus without preconditions. Had You attached preconditions to it, I surely would have fallen short on each of them. You simply asked me to take a very simple step, which is to choose between life and death, and Your grace carried me through the decision.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>So, Father, I cannot thank You enough. The physical acts that I may perform in the Kingdom pale into nothingness when compared to the spiritual gifts that You have already given me.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>So I will glorify You for as long as I live. I will look at You with adoration and never tire. I will sing songs of praise in good and difficult times, for You are God!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>In the name of Jesus, I pray.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-61440676553717249142017-11-22T14:53:00.092+02:002024-01-30T07:23:02.760+02:00Devotional Sermon #99: BAD HAB ITS; BREAK THEM NOW - Christian blogs for young adults<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">Bad behavior remains bad behavior, however much one might try to put some gloss over it.</span></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
On a number of occasions, I have heard people say, <b>“It doesn't matter. It’s too minor a thing to worry about.” </b>Really?</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><br />
I believe that each of one's actions or omissions has a far-reaching impact on their character or reputation.<br /></span>
<span><br />
Everything you do either has a positive or negative effect on your person. The same applies to each of your omissions - the actions that you avoid taking.<br /></span>
<span><br />
So it's not a matter of <b>“is it minor or major?”</b><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span><b>If something destroys your reputation, why would you not worry about it? If something reflects positively on you, why would you not be eager to be associated with it, whether it is ‘minor’ or ‘major’?</b><br /></span>
<span><br />
Our country would certainly be a much better place to live in if only more people cared, or cared more.<br /></span>
<span><br />
Often people think that it is the responsibility of some other people to put things right. They say, “They should do this and that to make things right.” Why “they”? Wouldn't we be much better if we said, “We should do this and that”? or “I should do this and that, or should desist from doing this and that, in order to make things right”?<br /></span>
<span><br />
Let me give you an example. Our streets are filled with litter. It's unimaginable. We never used to see such dirt. Who is to blame?<br /></span>
<span><br />
First to blame is the person who throws garbage onto the streets instead of placing it where it belongs. That's the first culprit.<br /></span>
<span><br />
You find that even where there are rubbish bins close by, some people still choose to throw litter onto the streets, with no remorse at all! What happened to conscience? What happened to hygiene? What happened to civilization?<br /></span>
<span><br />
The second person to blame is the one responsible for ensuring that our streets are kept clean. If you are the one responsible, and you let things go wrong in such a big way, then people start to wonder what you do on a daily basis to deserve your salary! Challenges will always exist, but do people sit and fold hands because of challenges? <b>Isn't it that challenges exist to give purpose to one's mandate?</b><br /></span>
<span><br />
I feel overjoyed each time I see people on a voluntary clean-up exercise. That's always a remarkable sight, which should provide an important lesson to those who wantonly litter the streets. Just stop for once and reflect on this: <b>somebody litters the streets without even worrying about it; then somebody gets so concerned about it to the extent of cleaning up the dirt for free.</b> This surely is a serious indictment to the careless!<br /></span>
<span><br />
Littering the streets is an act of <b>disrespect</b> – disrespect for oneself, disrespect for other people and disrespect for God who gave you a litter-free environment for your enjoyment. So in a way, a person who litters the streets is telling the world that he/she too is like a piece of trash.<br /></span>
<span><br />
Each time I get a receipt from a shop, I have a tendency of rolling it with my fingers until it becomes a tiny ball. Tiny as it is, which some people would describe as ‘minor’, I always make it a point of placing it in a bin. I just cannot throw it onto the ground, even where there already is ‘major’ rubbish deposited by some other people!<br /></span>
<span><br />
I have seen another evil – spitting. People have a tendency of doing it everywhere, on the tarmac or pathways that people use to get from one point to another. Saliva and phlegm, eish! One has to duck and dive to avoid stepping on such revolting substance.<br /></span>
<span><br />
What exactly is the message that one would be sending by behaving like that? Who would he/she be trying to fix? Would the same person be comfortable stepping on someone else’s phlegm? Absolutely not!<br /></span>
<span><br />
So what happened to love? I visited the offices of The Zimbabwe Standard newspaper sometime. On the staircase was a sign pleading, “Please do not spit on the stairs – By Order”. <b>Imagine that they had to go to this extent to teach people what they should already have learned as kids!</b><br /></span>
<span><br />
I have also observed another disturbing trend in our society – use of <b>foul words</b>.<br /></span>
<span><br />
One day I said to my wife, “<i>Mai Isaiah</i>, have you by any chance noted that people in this country have become more foul-mouthed than before?” It is unprecedented! Now children have also caught the bug, for they are forced, on a daily basis, to listen to words not meant for public consumption. <b>Some of the words that people speak in public these days are so horrible that I can never utter them even when I am alone!</b><br /></span>
<span><br />
And some people say, <b>“He is just speaking. He has not hurt anybody. So what’s your problem?”</b> Just speaking? Has not hurt anybody? “Little things”, so people say. But what's the level of the <b>impact </b>of such behaviour?<br /></span>
<span><br />
If you are one of the people who deliberately acts in a bad way or deliberately avoids doing good, then you ought to change your behaviour without delay. It's important.<br /></span>
<span><br />
There is only way to behave - <b>it is called 'the way of love'</b>.<br /></span>
<span><br />
Love should be your behavior, your life, your being, who you are! If you love people, it means you care about them. If you love people, you will not spit on their paths. If you love people, you will not litter the environment they live in. If you love people, you will not say offensive words to them or in their presence.<br /></span>
<span><br />
I have given you just a few examples of wrong behavior that people choose to belittle. There are many facets to this subject. I cannot cover them all in this short installment. What you need to do is to critically examine yourself.<br /></span>
<span><br />
What are the bad 'little' tendencies that still exist in your life? Write all of them down. Now if you look at what you have written, what sort of picture do you think you are portraying to the world? Would one use the adjective <b>‘noble’ </b>to describe you?</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br />
You need to kick out all trash from your life. It has no business being there. And the time is <b>now</b>!<br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>Just like 'big' things, the so-called 'little' things also matter a lot! Always keep this in mind.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></div>
</div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-8649294297420929952017-11-09T18:20:00.089+02:002024-01-30T07:23:25.333+02:00Devotional Sermon #98: KEEP WALKING WITH GOD IN FAITH - Devotionals for women<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">From the time God 'arrested' me I have sought to learn; I have sought to understand the deeper things of God. It’s an endless process; </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">I am still learning</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years, while querying certain things in my mind, I have come to believe that there are </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">two kinds of </b><span><b>Christians:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> just two.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first group comprises </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Christians who mean business;</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Christians who are serious about worship; Christians who are </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">totally focused on the Kingdom life</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Such Christians are always alert, always seeking deeper knowledge pertaining to this wonderful life. Above all, such Christians </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">walk their talk</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I am sure you have met Christians of this kind. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">There are not many of them in the world, by my estimation.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">On the other hand, there are Christians who<b> appear absent-minded</b>, regardless of the period they’ve worshipped God, <b>to the extent that those who ought to be teachers are still fighting for milk reserved for those in kindergarten</b>. Such Christians are ignorant even of the most basic Christian principles and are not even worried about this. It actually appears as though they are unaware of their new-birth status. <b>This is quite disturbing!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>It’s not enough just to be born again.</b> God does not expect us to end at the point of receiving Christ in our hearts. He expects us to go further and live the new life. <b>Yes, we are children of God, but we must also walk in the light of our new birth!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Why should Christians live like they are not born again?</b> <b>Why should Christians act like they are still in the world?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Our new birth should burst from the inside and manifest on the outside. We should not just hear the Word and shout, “Praise God!” but <b>we should go on to live it</b>!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Look here</b>: Christians are supposed to be Christ’s <b>ambassadors</b>. Zimbabwean ambassadors abroad are addressed as Your Excellency because they represent the Head of State. They talk the same language as the Head of State, they behave like the Head of State, they do only those things that they know the Head of State would approve; otherwise they would be recalled.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the same manner we have a Heavenly Head of State, <b>and as Christians we should be representing Him here on earth in the appropriate manner.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>People should never see us in us</b>; instead, they should see Christ in us! If people continue to see us in us it means that we are not walking in the light of our new birth. It is just like an ambassador going around claiming to be a Head of State, representing only himself! <b>Would the real Head of State be happy with such an ambassador?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">As soon as God 'arrested' me I awakened to His abiding presence. Even as a brand new Christian I became acutely aware of the will of God on various issues pertaining to my life. I believe the Spirit of God started ministering to me right from the time I said, “I do”. I went on to correct whatever I felt needed to be corrected. Wherever I was, I felt like the Father was towering over and in me all the time; <b>I still feel the same way</b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">God was <b>molding</b> me, just as He continues to do; teaching me to walk in the light of the new birth - teaching me how to be a <b>true representative of Christ on the earth</b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There is one verse in the Bible that makes my heart beat a little faster each time I read it. Here’s the verse: <i><b>Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1, NIV).</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Each time I read this verse my attention is drawn to two words. These words are <i><b>“set apart.”</b></i> Paul was set apart; glory to God! Peter was set apart. I too was set apart. You were set apart.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The striking thing in this verse is that Paul was fully conscious of his calling; this is why he could speak like that. He said, “I, Paul, was set apart for the gospel of God.” Excellent! Paul could live within the confines of his calling because he was always conscious of it. He was separated unto the gospel. His knowledge of this resulted in him living in the light of his separation!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Are you conscious that as a Christian you were separated unto God? <b>If you are, why would you still live like you were separated unto another?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Bible says, <i><b>“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl (Matthew 5:14-15, NIV).</b></i> This means only one thing; <b>if you are not living in line with your new birth then you are a light located under a bowl. This kind of light is the same as no light, for it benefits nobody, and God would not be too happy with a light that does not serve the purpose He intended for it.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But what’s the Lord’s instruction on this matter? Here goes<b>, </b><i><b>“…let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16, NIV)</b>.</i> Do you see why God gets disappointed when you fail to walk in the light of your new birth? <b>It’s because people will not see any good deeds in you and will therefore not praise God because of what they see in you.</b> But if your light shines as it ought to, then people will see the sparkle in your life and will want the same thing. You will be able to draw them to God so that they praise Him together with you. You see?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>You need to be thinking about these issues always.</b> The world is groaning for salvation, but salvation will only come to them if we, as Christians, live lives that will shine over the unsaved. <b>But if our lights are in reality darkness, then how would we succeed in exhorting others to come to the light that they do not see in us?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Here is something to think about always: <i><b>“…let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16, NIV).</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>What kind of a Christian are you?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">God bless you!</span></span></p></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"></span></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-8224065071827302282017-09-28T15:14:00.093+02:002024-01-30T07:24:16.216+02:00Devotional Sermon #97: ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE PERSON? - Our greatest sermons of all time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">I am going to deal with a very important topic.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am going to focus on the need for each one of us to always act responsibly and I am glad that you've spared some time to read this sermon.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I believe that people were created to be responsible citizens. I am convinced that God never intended that people would act irresponsibly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God is a God of integrity, He's a God of excellence, and nobody could grow into a mature child of God if they continue to act irresponsibly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
When I look around today, I see that I have been a victim of irresponsibility, in some way. There are several areas of my life that have been negatively affected by somebody else's irresponsibility, and the same surely applies to you. Just look around you and see for yourself!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>But now is the chance for us to rectify things!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I realized that a number of people were acting irresponsibly, even some who are supposed to be esteemed people in society, I decided to recheck my definition of the word “responsible” because I had begun to think that I could be using the wrong definition.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I said to myself, <b>“If these people, who are supposed to know better, knew the meaning of the word ‘responsible’, they would not be acting in this manner.”</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">English is a second language to me; I, therefore, need to rely on the dictionary a lot. I suppose that even those who are really English do consult the dictionary from time to time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, I consulted my only dictionary, <b>The Random House College Dictionary</b>. The dictionary defines the word ‘responsible’ as follows: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>answerable or accountable, as for something within one’s power or control. Having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable</i>.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read the definition again. After you do, you should take a minute of silence to consider the question which says: <b>“Am I a responsible person?”</b> Be honest. <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Are you accountable for the things within your power and control? Do you always make use of your capacity for moral decisions?</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I now request you pause reading for a while. During this break, write down just three occasions in which you acted irresponsibly. If many of them come to mind, write down all of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After you are done take some time to look at your list. <b>What picture do you see? What were the consequences of your irresponsibility either to you or the next person? Looking back, don't you wish you had acted (more) responsibly?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>You need to keep in mind that the picture that you see is the same picture that the world sees in you.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have come to believe that most, if not all, of the problems that every person faces today arise out of either their own irresponsibility or that of somebody else. I think that the world would be a far better place today if everybody had acted responsibly in the past. Similarly, our children and grandchildren will only live a great life if we act responsibly in the now. Think about it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The call to act responsibly is getting louder and more frequent by the day, and as you read this sermon, you must find it in your heart to heed the call. <b>It's an urgent call</b>. Now is the day that all hearts should burn for what is noble, transparent, constructive, right, and morally correct.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You and I have several areas that are within our power and control. In each of these areas, we need to ensure that we conduct ourselves with integrity; we should demonstrate a strong sense of <b><span style="color: #990000;">responsibility</span></b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We shouldn't have anything to hide. Instead, we should be in a position to explain all our actions or omissions without stuttering. <b>As you read this sermon, you can be sure that there are lots of people who are busy hiding information on the actions that they have taken, simply because such actions cannot stand scrutiny!</b> Any action that cannot stand scrutiny borders on selfishness, hence irresponsibility.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me quote from the Bible.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Paul gave Timothy the following instruction: <i><b>"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care" (1 Timothy 6:20).</b></i> Paul was teaching Timothy to be accountable for his actions - to make maximum use of the capacity given him to make moral decisions. <b>Timothy heeded the instruction and went on to become a great leader in the service of the Lord.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>What is it that has been entrusted to your care?</b></span><span><br /></span><span>
There surely is at least one thing that you act guardian over. I have; you have. What are you doing with or about it? Are you guarding it; are you plundering it; are you acting irresponsibly towards it?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">If you are a pastor, you have the congregation in your care. If you are a teacher, you have the students in your care. If you are a parent, you have the family in your care. If you are a health professional, the patients have been placed in your care. If you are a driver, the passengers are in your care. If you are a city father, the city has been entrusted to your care. If you are an employer, your employees are under your care. If you are a ruler, the nation has been placed in your care.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I think that you now appreciate why I think that most of our problems arise from irresponsibility.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So many people have died on the roads simply because the driver acted irresponsibly and even ignored rebuke by the passengers. Road accidents are sometimes caused by motorists speeding through red robots, pedestrian crossings, or junctions at which they must give way to other traffic.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Drunken driving is also a major contributor to road accidents.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One day I overheard two men engaged in a conversation. They were laughing and I thought that they were talking about something really exciting. One of them said, <i>“My friend, I still am at a loss how on this earth I managed to drive home yesterday evening. I was so drunk that I could not get out of the car after parking it. My wife and children had to pull me out of the car and carry me into the house.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What do you make of this? Sounds familiar?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I also know of a number of cases in which teachers were either sacked or imprisoned for sexually abusing students in their care and children who have taken to the streets because parents failed to take proper care of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These are just examples. The cases of irresponsibility are too numerous to mention.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">If we fail to act responsibly in the here and now, then we certainly do a great disservice to future generations.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">With our actions or omissions, we shape the future. Let us not underestimate the power that we wield in determining the kind of future our children will possess. They look at us, they witness our actions and omissions, they listen to us speaking and sometimes they judge us.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How beautiful it would be for us to be guided by noble principles! How marvelous it would be to be real role models in society! How pleasing it would be for the future generations to look back and conclude that their elders taught and raised them up right!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We need to preserve the environment so that we bequeath it to our children in a condition that they would enjoy.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We need to build our economies and the social sectors to a condition that is better than we found them, if our children are to see us as builders, not demolishers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We need to leave a legacy of honesty, love, work and peace.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is within our power. It is within our means. Yes, we can. I believe that we have sufficient willingness to do so. So let us work together. Let us be of service to the human race. Let us think progress.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Above all, let us strive to act responsibly, always.</b></span><span><br /></span><span><b>Are you guarding that which has been entrusted to your care?</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you have a clear conscience regarding how you have conducted yourself in the past? Can you stand with your chin up and shoulders high, without shame? Would God and man describe you as noble, and responsible? Would they take you to be a person of integrity? <b>If that is not the case, then you've some serious work to do, and NOW is the time!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Guard whatever is entrusted to your care. Act responsibly. What a powerful instruction!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">FOR GOD’S SAKE, WHY WON'T YOU GROW INTO A (MORE) RESPONSIBLE PERSON?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-50806417389160649782017-09-21T11:42:00.095+02:002024-01-30T07:24:52.212+02:00Devotional Sermon #96: BEING A FRIEND OF GOD LIKE ABRAHAM - Short devotions for adults<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There is this thought that keeps coming to my mind.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The thought is provoked whenever I read the following verse: <b><i>“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God's friend” (James 2 Verse 23, NIV).</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Abraham was called God’s friend; what closeness! How was this possible? It was because Abraham believed God. Marvelous!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Abraham believed whatever God told him; he also acted on God's instructions according to the exact will of Him who instructed him. Now that's a real friend, if you ask me. Are you willing and ready to conduct your life likewise?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When God said, “Leave this place,” Abraham left the place. When God said, “Give Me your son,” Abraham 'gave' Him his son. Abraham believed everything God told Him; hence he was called God’s friend.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">God told His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. I believe that God told Abraham because the two were close, way too close.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">God didn’t want Abraham to feel let down. If God had not told Abraham about it, Abraham could probably have subsequently queried, “But my Friend, why didn’t you give me just a hint of what You were planning to do?”</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the process of considering the punishment that He was going to unleash on Sodom and Gomorrah, God remembered His friend. Listen to this: <b><i>“Then the LORD said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?’”(Gen 18:17, NIV).</i></b> How beautiful! I imagine God saying the same thing about me - “Shall I hide from Phanuel what I am about to do?” Glory to God!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">So, when I look at this, I conclude that God told Abraham about His plans because Abraham was His close friend. He could tell him His secrets and plans. God could confide in Abraham. Can He safely confide in you?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">After God told Abraham about His plans, Abraham actually bargained with Him; and God never took offense at Abraham for asking almost the same question several times. Imagine somebody asking, “What if they are fifty?” then “What if they are forty-five?” then “What if they are forty?” then “What if they are thirty?” then “What if they are twenty?” then “What if they are ten?”</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Our God is a patient God. He answered all these questions without any hint of impatience; after all, it was a close friend who was asking!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This is my view: Although every Christian is loved by God, not all really get into the closeness that God had with Abraham.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some Christians have dedicated their lives to walking the tight rope. If certain things are not of God, this kind of Christians will never associate with such things. I believe that these people are first Christians and they have gone a step further to become God’s friends.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">On the other hand, are Christians, really born again and heaven-bound, but they appear and live like they are not. They choose what to believe and what not to believe. If God says, “This color is red,” they believe. When God takes another color and says, “This is blue,” they say, “But it looks greyish; it can’t be blue.” God cannot get into deeper closeness with such Christians because of their unreliability.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I say this not to offend, but to encourage. You need to examine yourself and to change whatever needs to be changed, all the time guided by the will of God. If you chose the Christian life, then you need to be on the move, always. There is no room for monuments in Christ; there is room only for divine movements, Christians on the go!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Christians build their lives on the foundation called Christ. But what does the Bible say about this building exercise? Listen to this: </span><i><b>“If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward” 1 Cor. 3:12-15, NIV.</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Are you building with gold? Or are you building with straw? The Bible says whatever you are building will undergo the test of fire. Can straw withstand fire? These are questions that every Christian needs to be always seized with. We should not walk aimlessly in this faith; rather, we exist to aim for the prize!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">“Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil,” (Eph. 5:15-16, NIV).</span></i></b></p></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>P. S. - Some people believe that every Christian is a friend of God. I believe that a friend is a confidant, somebody you try to please at all costs, somebody you walk very close to in all respects. That's the way a friend relates to God. I do not believe that every Christian, although born again, is such.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></div>
</div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-57162570056885148282017-07-27T08:18:00.084+02:002024-01-30T07:25:08.854+02:00Devotional Sermon #95: LED BY THE SPIRIT - Christian articles for today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">“…those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8 </span></b></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Verse<span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span></i></b></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">14, NIV).</span></b></i></div></i></div></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Who are the sons of God? Who are the sons and daughters of Abraham? It is <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“those who are led by the Spirit of God”.</span></b></i> Glory to God!</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
The unsaved cannot be led by the Spirit of God because they are not of the Spirit. They, however, might eventually become of the Spirit. On the other hand, the saved need to seriously think about Paul’s statement in Romans 8:14.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b>A Christian should always be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s direction.</b><br /></span>
<span><br />
We need, as Christians, to keep our antennas high and searching, so that we remain in touch with the thinking of the Spirit at every point of our lives.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>
Consider the radar; it’s always on the alert. Once an airplane gets into the radar’s area of coverage the radar immediately shouts, <i><b>“An airplane has just entered my airspace!”</b> </i>That’s exactly how alert Christians should always be!<br /></span>
<span><br />
We should never miss the Spirit’s mind concerning our lives, not even once. A Christian who is always attentive to the Spirit is able to capture the thoughts and guidance of the Spirit at every turn.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
It doesn’t mean that one should necessarily hear a voice, although some people do hear God’s voice. Even without hearing a voice, one would know what God’s thoughts are with respect to any area of their life, if they are attentive.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
You might decide to go somewhere, but before you go, you need to ask yourself the question: <b><i>“What does the Spirit of God say about my plan?”</i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
You might have been wronged by somebody and you are in the process of considering your options; you should ask, <b><i>“What does the Spirit of God expect me to do under these circumstances?”</i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
You might be in a clothing shop, trying to grab some fashion. Before you buy, you should be in a position to tell what the Spirit’s mind is regarding any item of clothing that you might be admiring.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>God is the God of a Christian's entire life</b>; <b>not just a part of it.</b> We therefore shouldn’t surrender just a portion of our lives and affairs to God; instead, <b><span style="color: #990000;">we should surrender every aspect of it!</span></b> God should have the final say on everything concerning our lives.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>
I do not believe people who say God approves of everything that we might decide to do or to be; if He did then to me He wouldn’t be God. Does your earthly father approve of everything about you? Hasn't he directed you at one point to change certain things concerning your life? What more the Heavenly Father, the Father even to your father!<br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span style="color: #990000;">We should never confuse our will with God’s will</span></b>. Under all circumstances, it should be very easy for a Christian to come to a decision. All one has to do is ask themselves, <b>“What is the mind of the Spirit on this?” </b>The mind of the Spirit becomes the decision!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Some of God's children are in not so good a shape. These people allow God to direct them only in some areas of their lives and keep certain areas exclusively to themselves. They reach certain decisions and stay put even if God were to direct them otherwise. That is disobedience!</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Several Christians disobey the Lord in certain respects. Even when they know too well what God’s direction is regarding something about their lives, these people proceed as if they knew nothing. Just because they like it that way, they say, in effect, “Even God will not shift me from this.” What do you make of it?</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
The Bible mentions some people who <i>‘wandered from the faith” (see 1 Timothy 6:21).</i> I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the disobedient Christians eventually wander from the faith, because their conduct is already inclined that way. <b>They might end up disobeying the Father in everything!</b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>
I implore you to act and react only in a manner that’s consistent with the direction of the Spirit. There might be something that you love to do, or a behaviour that you might find irresistible, or gatherings that you are weak to avoid. The bottom-line is, <b>“What is the mind of the Spirit regarding this?”</b><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span style="color: #990000;">You should always be convinced that your conduct in life is exactly what the Spirit ordered.</span></b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>“What is the mind of the Spirit on this? What does the Spirit instruct me to do? Would God be pleased if I were to do it this way?” </i>That’s how Christians make decisions.</b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br />
I have met Christians who say, "But I do not know the will of God regarding this aspect of my life." In response I normally say, "Do not worry about what you do not know now. What are you doing about that which you know?"<br /></span>
<span><br />
If one did their best regarding the will of God that they know, they are in a good place. I think going forward, the more such people learn about the will of God, the more they adhere to it. In addition to advising them about their situation, I also urge such people not to remain a minute in a state of ignorance because nothing stops them from searching the scriptures for answers!<br /></span>
<span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Just as I was about to fall asleep one day, the thought of writing this message entered my mind. Because I was tired and wanted to rest, I decided to postpone writing until the next day. However, when I asked myself the question, “What does the Spirit say I should do?” I realized that the Spirit wanted me to wake up and write the message straight away. So, I did.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
I sure hope this sermon has helped you in some way. If it has, then it was worth my writing. Remember that you will never mature if you don’t give the Spirit free reign in your life.</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-66046286906496966672017-07-26T12:09:00.088+02:002024-01-30T07:25:28.159+02:00Devotional Sermon #94: THE CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY GOSPEL & SECRETS - Christian blogs for today<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I could do with more wealth, more money. I would be better off with lots of it. I am not the only one in this condition; you too could do with more of it.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">
I know a number of people who are seeking an improvement with regards to the status of their wealth. They are frantically looking in various places for this.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yet when I look at it, I sometimes feel as though people generally take the lead when it comes to wealth creation, leaving God behind, leading to a lot of debris all over the place, as people blunder their way.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">“</span><span style="color: #990000;">And Moses said unto the people, ‘Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD’” (Ex 14:13, KJV).</span></b> </i>God is wonderful. He says, “As far as your life and wealth creation are concerned, panic ye not.” What comfort! Stand still. Be at peace. Praise God!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Consider this as well: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matt 6:31-32, NIV).</i> </span></b>Your Father, the unlimited provider, knows that you need these things.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because He knows you need these things and because He is your provider, He will <span style="color: #990000;"><i style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“satisfy you fully” (Joel 2:19, NIV).</span></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, <i style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil 4:6, NIV).</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have noticed some misfiring in a number of believers - they desire more wealth to the extent of negating all that God has already done for them. They don't seem to appreciate what they already have! They are always anxious, edgy and sullen, simply because they have not got that which they seek.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Consider this: <i>“<b><span style="color: #990000;">Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:16-18, NIV).</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Believers should be joyful always; they should give thanks in all circumstances. This is something! Whatever situation you might be in, you've got to give thanks to God, with joyous hymns, because life is good!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There should be no room for anxiety in a Christian’s life. Jesus’ instruction on anxiety is clear enough. He says, <b><i>“Do not be anxious about anything.”</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you find yourself in a closed box with regard to wealth, you now know what to do. Don't get angry or restless. Instead, present your requests to God, keeping in mind that you should ever be joyful and thankful. Thank Him for what you possess. Thank Him also for what you hope for.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have the basics of life, then you are in a good state. God will take you from there to yonder places if you dedicate yourself to living in accordance with His teachings. Just listen to this: <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Tim 6:7-8, NIV).</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you have food? Do you have clothing? Do you have shelter, even if rented? If so, then you should be ashamed of yourself if you are living a miserable life! Jesus said, <i><b>“…we will be content with that.”</b> </i>We will be satisfied with that. You should be content with that. You ought to be thankful and your gratitude should beam right into the throne room.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, you should always <b><span style="color: #990000;">take steps</span></b> to create new and more wealth, but your starting point ought to be different from the starting point of non-believers. <b>While non-believers might start from a point of dissatisfaction, believers should make it a point to start from a point of satisfaction.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have learnt some valuable lessons. Here they are:</span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>God delights in the prosperity of His children.</i></b></span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>God is willing and able to take His children to spacious places in terms of wealth. He can enrich us exceedingly above even the wildest of our imaginations.</i></b></span></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>However, God wants Christians to begin their journey from a point of satisfaction, not dissatisfaction, acknowledging every good thing that He has already done for them.</i></b></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">A satisfied life is a life well-lived. It is a full life, without any regrets. With God, the past, present, and future belong to you. You can reclaim, with compound interest, everything that was meant for you, but which had somehow eluded you. So, while you <b>work</b> towards more wealth, you need to do so calmly, peacefully, with God each step of the way.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wealth is on my mind, and life is good!</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div></div>
</div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-3442999671762323892017-07-25T08:06:00.091+02:002024-01-30T07:26:13.423+02:00Devotional Sermon #92: SETTING A GOOD CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE - Christian articles online free<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">People should learn to pursue comprehensive success.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the kind of success that I have always exhorted people, through the medium of my books and blogs, to pursue.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do not think that it is helpful for anybody to have dark patches. Instead, people should learn to live complete lives, always guided by the Word of Light.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Each of your actions or omissions gives you an identity or label before God and mankind.</b> People look at you and make specific deductions about you.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your actions or omissions either build your identity or destroy it. So doing nothing is not actually doing nothing, as some people think. <b>By doing nothing you would, in fact, be doing something!</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What example are you setting in life? </span></b>Are you a role model? Would people with good intentions want to emulate you? These are questions that you ought to be asking yourself always.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What perceptions do fellow church members, co-workers, friends, relatives, etc, have about you? Are they comfortable in your presence? Do they befriend you? Would they confide in you? Would they ask you for advice from you on their personal problems? Would they ask you to help them in any other way? Do they think you are fair in your dealings with them?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Word of God is our greatest teacher. Listen to this: <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). </span></b></i>Praise God!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>You’ve got to set an example for fellow believers:</span><span><br /></span></span></p><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">in speech;</span></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">in life;</span></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">in love;</span></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">in faith; and</span></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">in purity.</span></b></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Now let us prepare a small checklist.</b></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>I want you to read each of the following statements thrice, after which you would then consider if it related to you. If it relates to you, say, <i><b>"Yes, that's who I am."</b></i> If it doesn't, shout, <b><i>"Oh my God!"</i></b></span><span><br /></span><span>
Here we go:</span><span><br /></span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I set a good example for believers in the way I speak;</i></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I set a good example for believers in the way I live;</i></span></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I set a good example for believers in the way I relate to them;</i></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>I set a good example for believers in the way I exercise my faith; and</i></span></b></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I set a good example for believers in purity.</i></b></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span>
You need to use your tongue in a responsible way. You should use only the words that people would listen to with delight - positive words, encouraging (uplifting) words, words that build people up, and words that bring value to the listener.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are great problems in the area of speech. Several believers speak <b>toxic</b> words almost on a daily basis. Some seem to speak such words almost exclusively; each time they open their mouths you can be sure that they are on a mission to hurt somebody. That’s quite regrettable.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>You should always be conscious that God expects you to set an example to fellow believers in speech.</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What does setting an example in life mean?</span></b> I think this is a global view - over a period of time, one observes how you conduct your life in general. If you are setting a good example for them in this regard, they should end up desiring to be like you.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You should also set an example for others in love and in purity. This is something! <b>Love, purity</b>. Some people do not understand these words. What is love? What is purity? You could already be asking yourself these questions.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What does it take to be a pure human being? What does it take to have genuine love? These are higher positions that no natural human being could attain, only those who are quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In purity, one deliberately sets themselves apart from ungodly beliefs and practices or actions, being fully conscious of who they are in Christ Jesus.</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To fully understand love, I refer you to <b><span style="color: #990000;">Sermon 83 on this blog</span></b>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are in Christ, I salute you. I am sure you do not ask the same questions asked by those who are not born again. This is because in Jesus Christ you have a <b>role model, a perfect example</b>.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to know what purity is, you should look at Christ. If you want to know what true love is, you should again look at Christ.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">Nothing shall give Christians confidence, except for them to be like Christ. Christ is our confidence.</span></b></span><span><br /></span><span>
Some people <b>behave in a manner that is seriously worrisome. By their conduct, they seem to say, </b><span style="color: #990000;">“I am rubbish, and I admit it.”</span> They have no boundaries with regard to their actions or omissions. Yet Paul is teaching us that we ought to pay careful attention to how we walk this earth as Christians.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever you do or say contributes to the perception that people will have about you. If you take advantage of other people, if you ask for or accept bribes, if you spit venom, if you fly with rage, if you exhibit arrogance, then you certainly do yourself a <b>serious</b> injustice.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wonder how one could live comfortably in a house that they obtained through corruption, sit in sofas that they stole from somebody else, and unashamedly enjoy music from a radio that they obtained through tricks.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What happened to conscience? What happened to self-respect? What happened to honesty, decency, and integrity? What example would one be setting by such conduct?</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">What example are you setting yourself?</span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time to reflect!</span></span></p></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span><span>
</span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div>
</div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424516551614790485.post-25453212991427821622017-07-04T08:16:00.082+02:002024-01-30T07:26:38.179+02:00Devotional Sermon #91: HOW TO DEFEAT/OVERCOME THE DEVIL - Christian articles for youth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">[Based on the NIV, except where specified]</span></b></i></div></i></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you’” (Luke 10 </span></b></i></span></span><b style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large; font-style: italic;">Verses </b><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">17-19).</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
<span><br /></span><span>So,<span> we declare that the devil is a defeated foe. The question that begs an answer is: </span><i><b>do we see the devil defeated in the life of every Christian? Don’t we see defeated Christians all around us?</b></i></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Indeed, we see victory, sometimes total victory, in the lives of some Christians. On the other hand, we see Christians who are so defeated that they wish they were dead.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Before I got saved, I used to hang out with one young man who looked like he was on fire for God. Then he abandoned the way of the Lord.</span><span><br /></span>
<span><b>“Why did you quit?”</b> I asked him.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>“I had realized that there was no God,” came the reply.</span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The reply satisfied me at the time because it was consistent with what I believed. But looking back, I now realize that Satan had thoroughly defeated the young man. <b><span style="color: #990000;">The young man's destination is one that we all need to avoid at all costs!</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">The devil is defeated.</span></b><span> This however </span>doesn't<span> mean that the devil has stopped fighting Christians. </span></span><span>It </span>doesn't<span> mean that he just walks away. Neither does it mean that we should relax.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>What it really means is that if we put our focus on it, we will always emerge victorious over the devil. If we stay prepared, the devil will flee from us. </span><b><span>The authority that we have in Christ Jesus is in actual fact <span style="color: #990000;">potential</span> or </span><span style="color: #990000;">capacity</span><span>, something that </span>becomes<span> useless unless put to use!</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the opening verse, we are told of our authority over the devil. We have to believe this; not only that, but we also need to <b>exercise this authority</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If we do not exercise our authority, the devil will do as he pleases with us, to the extent that the words of Jesus in the opening verse would appear a lie.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">An armed person could be defeated by an unarmed one if the armed does not appreciate his superior position. <span style="color: #990000;">He could be apprehended using bare hands while holding a fully functional, state-of-the-art assault rifle, loaded with a thousand bullets!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The point is that we, as Christians, are superior to Satan. <span style="color: #990000;">But we will never defeat Satan unless we exercise our superiority!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The question that I am going to address in this sermon is: <b>How could one exercise superiority over Satan? How could they overcome the devil?</b> </span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>I thank God because His Word contains the answer(s) that we all need.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span style="color: #990000;">I want you to picture a biblical warrior.</span></span><span> </span></span><span>Imagine the warrior getting ready for battle.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>I am sure that you have seen some drawings or films that attempt to </span><span>capture the images of<span> such warriors.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The warriors used to dress in a certain way and carried a specific kind of weaponry. They would, for example, have a helmet on, a covering for the chest and legs in place, a shield, and of course a sword in hand!</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Below, I am going to give the outlook that you need if you are to overcome the devil each time he comes stooping at your doorstep.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>First</b>: <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">“I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord's mighty power within you” (Eph 6:10, TLB).</span></b></i> </span></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>This is an important lesson. Your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a mighty power within you; that power should be the source of your strength! But what we see in some Christians is that once the devil attacks, they run almost everywhere for solutions.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The Word is telling you that the source of your strength is inside you. <b>So, if </b></span><span><b>you've</b><b> to run anywhere, then you ought to run inside.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Some Christians still visit </span>witch doctors<span> for solutions to their problems; such Christians take the </span>witch doctor<span> to be the source of their strength. This is unfortunate!</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Years ago, a Christian woman said to me, </span><span><i><span style="color: #e06666;">“</span><span style="color: #990000;">Mukuwasha, kana zviri zvekuti mwana arwara ini chero kun’anga ndinoenda,”</span></i><span> meaning, </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span>“If it is about my child’s health, I will never hesitate to visit a witchdoctor. I will do </span>whatever<span> I can.”</span></span></i><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span><span>The question is: </span><i><b>did the woman appreciate the ability that had been deposited in her?</b></i><br /></span>
<span><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Second</b>: <i><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Eph 6:11).</span></b> </span></i></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>I have given you a picture of a warrior ready for battle; how the warrior should be dressed and how he should be equipped.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ephesians 6 v 11</i> is too important to underrate. The verse gives us the outlook that we should have if we are to overcome the devil.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Note that the verse does not instruct us to put on the armor of God; instead, it instructs us to put on the </span><span><b><span style="color: #990000;">full</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></b><span>armor of God. Only then would we be able to </span>effectively<span> stand against the devil’s schemes.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Victory is not assured for somebody who puts on partial armor, for the devil will find in that person some weak points to exploit.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Why full armor?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s because, for example, if the warrior does not have his helmet on, then his head would be exposed. <span style="color: #990000;">Once Satan sees that the head is exposed, he will go for it!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> If the warrior does not have a shield in hand, then his entire body is exposed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>If he </span>doesn't<span> have his shoes on then his mobility is limited, for his feet are exposed to thorns and other dangerous objects.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>If he </span>doesn't<span> have the sword in hand, then it becomes difficult to take him seriously!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has to be the full armor!</span></b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Third</b>: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:12-13)</i>.</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For a Christian to overcome the enemy, he needs to first be clear in his mind as to who the enemy really is.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>One </span><span>shouldn't<span> waste time and resources fighting imaginary enemies; it must be the real enemy! </span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>If one fights against an imaginary enemy, all it means is that one is already defeated because he is doing nothing about the real enemy! He would be spending his ammunition on the wrong target!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>People are never our enemies.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Our enemies are never physical.</span></b> Our battles are never physical. We are not physical beings, but spirit beings. So, we have no business fighting in the physical!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Our battles are spiritual</b> because our enemies are spiritual. Every person who behaves like an enemy is actually being propelled by a spiritual force; so, we target not the human being, but the force behind them.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>We will lose all our real battles if we think they are physical.</b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After defeating the devil, the Christian should be found <b><span style="color: #990000;">standing</span></b>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Glory to God! It’s only when you have the full armor of God that you will be able to achieve this.</span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>Some Christians achieve shaky victories because they lack certain pieces of the armor of God. At the end of the battle, although having succeeded to drive the evil one away, some Christians appear as though they have passed through fire; some are badly bruised, and some are found not standing but leaning against trees and rocks.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is what happens when one exposes part of their territory to the devil.</b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">After defeating the devil, you should be found <b>standing</b>.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Let us now look at the means to victory:</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>First</b>: <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“With the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14). </span></b></i></span><span><br /></span>
<span><i><br /></i></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You need to keep the belt of truth buckled around your waist. You should never unbuckle!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The moment you unbuckle, the ‘fasten your belt’ sign immediately lights up.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you unbuckle, you expose yourself to the dangers of turbulence. <span style="color: #990000;">As you travel, as you sleep, as you work, as you make merry, the belt of truth should always be around your waist!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But what is this ‘truth’ that Paul wrote about?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Truth is what the Word of God says. Paul said if you are to defeat the devil, then you need the belt of truth. The devil might come in the manner of Goliath. You could see him towering over you, with you appearing like ‘just a boy’. </span><span><b>But what is the truth?</b> </span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>The truth is that Goliath is a defeated foe, glory to God! That’s what the Word of God says; that’s the truth. If you appreciate this, then you will defeat Goliath. He might even flee without a fight. But it only happens to those who keep the belt of truth around their waists.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If one does not keep the belt of truth in place, then you will find them defeated, lying down, and in need of rescue. And if you ask them how the devil could possibly have defeated them, they are likely to say,<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">“I looked like a grasshopper against him.”</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Second</b>: <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“The breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14).</span></b></i> Paul was addressing the saints at Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus. So his message is as relevant to us as it was to the Ephesians.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We should keep the breastplate of righteousness in place if we are to live victorious lives. The Living Bible uses ‘God’s approval’ in place of ‘righteousness’.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We are the righteous ones of God. But do all Christians keep their righteousness in place? I think it’s not every Christian who does.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">But what does it mean to keep one’s righteousness in place? First, it means that one should always be conscious of this status that has been bestowed on them. They should also understand its importance.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some Christians actually believe that they are not righteous, and Satan feasts on them because of this. <b>Ignorance is a big disadvantage.</b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Second, it also means that <b><span style="color: #990000;">the righteous should live lives that are consistent with their righteousness.</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></b>Some of those who appreciate their righteousness actually live like they are not aware of it.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Imagine you bathing a three-year-old and dressing her nicely. Imagine that you then go on to instruct her to sit in muddy waters. <b>Would she obey your instruction?</b></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><span>“What!” I believe she would exclaim, “You want me to get myself </span></span>dirty? Don’t you see how smart I am?” This should be the attitude of all the saints in Christ! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
<span><br /></span>
<span>At one meeting that I attended we were taught that among the things that we teach the members of our groups, we should also teach them language.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which language?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The language of the righteous of course! The kind that is consistent with our righteous nature. I am sure there are things that you now avoid because due to your righteous nature, they have become repulsive to you.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">“Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice” (Philippians 4:8-9).</span></b></i></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Third</b>: <b><span style="color: #990000;">“<i>Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).</i></span></b></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>Paul is talking about the kind of shoes that you should wear. He says the readiness that comes from the gospel shall be your shoes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You go only because the gospel has prepared you for the journey. You overcome Satan only because the gospel has prepared you for it. <b>You put on the readiness and run!</b> The readiness is your shoes!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This demonstrates the importance of the gospel. Without the gospel, we can never be ready for anything. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Without the gospel, Satan will find us unarmed.</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How much time do you spend in the gospel, i.e., studying the Word? Remember the more time you spend in the gospel the more prepared you will be to face both the good and the bad.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Fourth</b>: <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>“Take up the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16).</b></i> </span></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>Faith is one’s response to the Word of God.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the Word tells you that you are the dominant one and you believe and act on it, then you have faith.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the Word tells you that Goliath is actually at your mercy, then you should believe and act on that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever the Word says, believe and act on it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul says it is by your faith that you could extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, you need faith; you also need to perpetually grow it and only through the Word could you do so.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Paul instructed, “... take up the shield of faith.” It’s within your means.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Fifth</b>: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>“Take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17).</i> </span></b></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>Salvation is a process. It does not end at the point of receiving Christ. We are saved over and over on various issues pertaining to our lives.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Salvation is our helmet. Without it, our heads could be destroyed by the enemy’s sword. Paul says, “take the helmet”. He does not say “receive the helmet”.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have come to a point at which we have matured enough to take.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The ball is in our court. If one were to go before God and say, “Lord, please give me the helmet,” God would answer, “I actually have been wondering all along why the helmet is still here. It has been available to you for ages but </span><span>you've<span> not collected it. If you want the helmet then go ahead and take it.”</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">As we stay in and meditate on the Word, as we shut out the many worldly voices that clamor for our attention, we get to a point at which we take. Glory to God!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Sixth</b>: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).</i> </span></b></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>Good God! The sword that we use! The weapons of our warfare! They are not carnal, but mighty through God! </span><span><br /></span>
<span><b><br /></b></span>
<span><b>The Word of God is our sword.</b> </span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>
<span>The Spirit of God is the sword that we use. This is why we do not fight physically. Our weapons are not physical, but spiritual.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just take a moment to reflect on what the Word of God could do in and for your life.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Seventh</b>: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).</i> </span></b></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>This also is a piece of armor. <b>Prayer</b>; glory to God!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We overcome the devil with our prayers. And we do not pray anyhow; instead, we pray ‘in the Spirit”.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>And we do not pray for just one thing; we pray for various things; we make various requests. </span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>Neither do we pray just for ourselves, but we also pray for others, whether in our country or abroad, whether we know them or not, whether they hate us or not.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>As long as there is a genuine cause, we pray. </span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span><b><i>As we achieve victory for others, we also achieve victory for ourselves. Satan truly is a defeated foe!</i></b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Eighth</b>: <b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>"With this in mind, be alert" (Ephesians 6:18).</i> </span></b></span><span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span><span>As I walked through the plains one afternoon, a snake holed up nearby sensed danger. The snake raised its head so high that it could clearly see 360 degrees. It focused on me as I walked, making sure I kept my distance.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>The snake remained ready to strike, ready to destroy the enemy. I kept my distance. I appreciated the fact that the snake was on red alert. It was ready for the enemy; never to be found napping. </span><span><b>That’s how alert we always should be!</b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>There is a lot of noise in this world, but never allow any of it to blur your focus or your alertness. When the evil day comes, the devil should find you ready and alert. </span>Otherwise,<span> you will be bruised!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Stay victorious, and God bless you!</span><span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phanuel-Muverengwi/author/B0055DVZTC"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more here</span></a></b></p></div></div>
Phanuel Muverengwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449258359618781732noreply@blogger.com