GOD’S PLAN
Romans 8:24-28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Our God is all-knowing, all-powerful and wise. Nothing ever happens to His children that He isn’t aware of. The promise that God works all things together for good does not necessarily mean that every day will be perfect, but it is to encourage us that God is able to work them together for good. Just like the fragments of a puzzle, in the end, everything will fit in and fall in place. He has the master plan. The promise doesn’t also mean that we will acquire absolutely all that we desire, but it projects God’s goodness and capability “Being called according to His purpose” means that we are part of God’s plan. The life of Joseph was a testament on how God works all things together for good. He was betrayed by his siblings, sold into slavery, kept in prison and in the end, he became a king who delivered his people. God was steadfastly working to bring about a glorious result.
Having this knowledge, we should learn to be content, and rest assured that no matter our circumstances, God is still in charge. Everything “working together for good” means God is sovereignly working everything out for our ultimate good. It is worthy to note that this promise is for those who love God. Make a decision today to align your will, thoughts with God’s and to always trust Him.
Prayer
Father, I am grateful that You are working everything for my good behind the scenes. May my heart be rooted in this knowledge and may I always trust your plan for my life. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 346 Hosea 12-14; Revelation 3
DIVINE BACKING
Romans 8:31-35
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
The Journey of life may seem overwhelming and lonely. Ranging from diverse trials, struggles, losses and pain. It is enough to feel weary. Apostle Paul writes in his epistle reminding us that God is for us. He is with us and if He is with us who can be against us. A backup force in the military is an organized squad prepared to reinforce units already engaged in an operation. Having a backup boosts morale, and self-confidence. When in danger, the force cries out for help. We have a divine backing in God. No god, no man can challenge the supremacy of God.
Have you ever received a message that left you frightened and threatened? Know that God’s got you, you are never alone. When we grasp the truth that God is for us, we would have nothing to fear. God is mightier than all our foes. God being for us proves that He is on our side. He is working on our behalf and for our good. This should become an inward certainty to you. The accusations which was against us have been removed. No doubt, there may be oppression and strivings, the Good news is that we have God on our side. This message should bring joy to our hearts.
Prayer
Thank you lord for being my refuge and fortress. Help me to also acknowledge your hand in my life.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 347 Joel; Revelation 4
INSEPARABLE LOVE
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
Apostle Paul understood what the Christian life entails; tribulation, distress, persecution, famine etc. He revealed a list of things that could potentially have the power to barricade us from God’s loving presence, and then affirms that none of these things are powerful enough to create a barrier between us and the unwavering love of God. He makes it clear that these things will come our way but it cannot stop God’s love. The disciple is not above his master, if they crucified Him, if His life was a suffering, if God was able to give proof of His divine love through His sufferings, then our challenges should not obscure the Love God has for us. The Gospel is a message of triumph, wherefore in all these things we are more than conquerors.
We may sometimes feel distant from God, but our confidence must be firmly anchored on the sure promises of God’s word that His love never fails. To walk in this might, we need to have an inward assurance just as Apostle Paul stated, “I am persuaded.” The inward witness of the Spirit enjoined by the power in Christ Jesus is the assurance which produces deep certainty that whatever adversaries assail us, we have confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Prayer
Thank you Father for your unfailing love that keeps me steady amid the tribulations in the world.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 348 Amos1-3; Revelation 5
DIVINE MERCY
Romans 9:6-18
For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion. So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Romans 9:15-16
The subject of God’s mercy cannot be over emphasized. We see God showing mercy to His people at different times and under different circumstances throughout the scriptures. This simply means that the mercy of God is not worked out or controlled by man but rather it comes from God’s overflowing compassion and love for His people. So, He shows mercy to whomever He deems fit. Nevertheless, we can attract the mercy of God if we choose to acknowledge that God’s mercy is available and it is His will to release it on us when we ask for it. Sometimes, we feel we are complete on our own and take God’s mercy for granted. We assume we have gotten what we have and where we are on earth is only by our efforts not knowing that God decided to show us mercy.
As Christians, we are expected to tell people of God’s mercy and what it brought to mankind. God has purposed to have mercy on all people; hence He sent Jesus to die for all. However, it is up to people to choose how they will respond to the love and compassion the mercy of God brings. God wants people to surrender to His mercy and turn away from their sinful and rebellious ways. It should be a point of duty of believers to tell the world of the mercy of God and what it afforded mankind.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your Loving and tender mercy and what it has afforded me. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me out of Your mercy. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 349 Amos 4-6; Revelation 6
VESSELS OF MERCY, VESSELS OF WRATH
Romans 9:19-33
What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory. Romans 9:22-23
God desires mercy over judgment, but we also have a part to play by accepting His mercy. The scripture reading gives a comparison between those called vessels of mercy and vessels of wrath. The term ‘Vessels of mercy’ refers to those who have embraced the mercy of God clearly by following Jesus. On the other hand, ‘Vessels of wrath’ are those who have refused to forsake their own sinful and rebellious acts, they have refused to follow Jesus, hence their path leads to destruction. God wants all men to come to repentance, however, His mercy cannot be forced on anyone. God’s arms are open wide for all to come into but it is in our power to ensure we made the right choose of coming to God or going our own way.
As people who have experience God’s mercy, we need to tell others of it. We ought to spell it out to the world that God’s mercy is for all who are willing to follow the path of His mercy. He has chosen both the Jew and Gentile, beloved and not beloved, and made us one in His body. It is in our place to make them understand that God’s mercy is always available and that God desires mercy over judgment. Let the world know that it is also a righteous thing for God to judge those who have refused to accept His mercy. Make it a choice today to be a vessel of God’s mercy and not a vessel of wrath.
Prayer
Father, I ask that Your mercy prevail over judgment in my life. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 350 Amos 7-9; Revelation 7
CHRIST FOR ALL
Romans 10:10-14
For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
The Jews considered themselves to be highly exalted and superior to the Gentiles. Apostle Paul emphasizes that there is no difference between both the Jews and the Gentiles. From our memory verse today, “everyone” is an invitation to all, regardless of status, background, race, or achievements. Christ came for everyone, and even the worst of sinners can receive salvation and be adopted into His family. Calling upon God implies the outward expression of our faith. It involves admitting our weaknesses and magnifying our need for God. God has given us a name that is above every other name, one that even at the mention of it, mountains quake, demons bow, sicknesses disappear, and dead bones receive strength. That name is the Jesus Christ.
This message is a beacon of hope and assurance to us. It reminds us that salvation is available to everyone. If you’ve ever questioned whether or not you are saved, then this promise is an encouragement to you. We can trust that Jesus is always ready to receive us, forgive us, and save us. How do you intend to share the message of salvation with someone today?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the privilege to call on Your Name. Grant salvation to sinners and send help to Your children who are in crisis by Your name. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 351 Obadiah; Revelation 8
THE BELIEVING REMNANT
Romans 11:1-10
Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Romans 11:5
In every generation, God has always reserved people who will serve Him and lift His name especially when most believers in our time feel alone, rejected and abandoned probably because of the challenges they encountered in the course of working for God. Paul asks a question if God has cast away His people and replied, “God forbid.” He referred to himself as one of God’s people who cannot be rejected. He argued that Israel as a people is special and reserved unto God from the beginning. He reminded us of Elijah when he felt he was the only surviving prophet of his time but God told him He had preserved 7000 other prophets for Himself who have not bowed to Baal. God always have remnants for Himself in every generation. Even in this present time, there are remnants called according to the election of grace. It tells us that God is still interested in our unbelieving family members, friends and nation and that is the reason you have been chosen as a believing remnant who can reach out to them.
God understands that discouragement, challenges, and difficulties will come in our walk/work with Him and for that reason, we have been chosen to be remnant so we can stand as support for one another in our generation. God is looking up to us as His remnant to keep the work going and make sure everyone around us is saved and preserved to fulfil God’s purpose and plan on earth.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for making me a remnant, I choose to make use of the opportunity to reach out to my world.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 352 Jonah; Revelation 9
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