KEY SCRIPTURE:2Pe 1:3 EasyEnglish ” God is very powerful because he is God. So he has given us everything that we need to live always. We can do good things that make God happy. This is possible because we know him. God has chosen us to be his people because he is so very great and so very good.”

In the following series we would be considering God’s heart towards His children concerning their peace of mind and heart.We would trust the scriptures to help us forsake every tendency to be worried or afraid ,so that we would enjoy the peace God has ordained for us.Joh 14:27 KJV Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The finished work of our Lord Jesus includes an enjoyable life for each of us.It says he has called us unto an abundant life. Do you believe that our Lord Jesus spoke the truth when He said these things? Why would any of us ever worry about anything if we believe this statement? We must and should enjoy life fully and trust God to meet our needs absolutely, regardless of any temporary circumstances we may face.

Our Lord Jesus won a total complete and absolute victory on the. cross at CalvaryHe gave a marvelous promìse guaranteeing that we would live an abundant life if we believe in Him.We can be certain that the victorious Jesus Christ actually lives in us.Take time to meditate on it.Let this understanding cause you to errode every worry from your heart.” Do you not yourself know [ thoroughly by an ever increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you?” 2 Cori nthians 13:5

Many of God’s children are striving ,straining, worrying,struggling and pleading with God to give them things that have already been provided for them.We need to know who we are in Christ.We need to know what God has provided through our Lord Jesus Christ We need to trust completely in our absolute certainty of God”s provision instead of worrying about things that have already been provided for us.

Our Lord Jesus is our Provider.He also is our Shepherd ( John 10:14). Shepherds lead their sheep . Shepherds provided all the need of their sheep.We can be absolutely sure that our Shepherd Jesus has made provision for each of us throughout our entire life. GLORYYYYY!

THOUGHT: GOD ALWAYS PREPARES EVERY NECESSITY BEFORE CALLING US, JUST AS HE DID AT CREATION.

FURTHER STUDIES

Heb 4:3 KJV For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Heb 4:11 EasyEnglish ” So we must do everything possible to receive that rest with God. Nobody should copy the example of those people who refused to obey God. Then, none of us will fail to go in.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Rom 8:32 KJV”٪ He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

I wish to ask you, if you were absolutely certain that our heavenly father will meet every need you have, now and every need you would have in the future, what would be your attitude to the needs and challenges you face?. God our Father has consistently assured us that He will meet every need of ours. Because of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus at the cross of Calvary, he assures us in our key scripture that if He gave Jesus to us, then He would also give every need of ours. God our Father has revealed Himself to us through His word. His word is His bond. He says Ĥe has magnified His word above all His names Ps 138:2.

What must we do?
1 We must pay the price to learn God’s promises to supply every one of our needs
2 We must believe God’s promises wholeheartedly
3 We must decide never to worry about any need because we know that every promise in the bible is absolutely reliable. Heb 6:18 KJV “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

God our Father has paid the ultimate price by sending our Lord Jesus, who gave His life for our redemption. Just consider this, if He allowed our Lord Jesus to die for our salvation from eternal condemnation, will He not provide every other need, which is far less in worth compared to the sacrifice of Jesus?

Let’s consider Rom 8:32 ” He who did not withhold or spare [ even] His Son, but gave Him up for us all, will He not with Him also freely and graciously give us all [ other] things.

The first part refers to our eternal salvation. The second part applies to the needs any of us would have at any time throughout our lives. You can personalise this verse by placing your name where it says ‘us’ to make it ‘me’.God has definitely promised to meet all our needs.

On the cross, the last words the Lord Jesus said were, ‘ it is finished’ Every sacrifice for the complete redemption, peace, security, and what have you was finished on the cross that day. John 19:30. We must live in absolute faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus. Now consider what Jesus said, I came that they may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance( to the full, till it overflows) Please cast away all the wrong religious teachings that project lack and suffering as that which glorifies God. Jesus said If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you will and it shall be done unto you, He added In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit. John 15:7-8.What kind of fruits? Prayer answering fruits, from the context of the two verses.

THOUGHT: BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS SETTLED THE QUESTION OF OUR NEEDS

FURTHER STUDIES

2Co 1:20 EasyEnglish” Everything that God has promised becomes ‘Yes’ because of Christ. That is why, by Christ, we can thank God. By him, we can agree that all God’s promises are true. And we can say how very great and good God is.”

Rom 10:12 KJV” For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Phi 4:6 KJV” Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The import of our key scripture is to help us maintain a peaceful mind. It shows us how to prevent fear or anxiety from robbing us of our peace. Peace in your heart is one of the greatest assets you could have as a human being. Nothing can substitute peace in our hearts. To be at peace is to be of one whole. The Greek word for peace is ‘eirene’, which means to be set at one again. It is derived from the root word ‘eiro’, which also means ‘to join’.To be at peace is to be one with yourself. A person devoid of peace would be one who is not one with himself. In a simple meaning, this individual has a scattered personality. One may have every material blessing that life gives, yet without peace, he is like one who is not truly alive. He exists but is not really living. Anxiety or fear will rob you of this highly indispensable life virtue.

Peace of mind and heart is not a function of challenges or difficulties that you may face. It depends on whether you choose to be anxious or fearful about what happens to you. Challenges come to all men. The degree to which a difficulty or challenge would rob you ofyour peace depends on how much you are ready to act on God’s instructions, as stated in our key scripture.1Co 10:13 KJV There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”According to the verse above, God would not allow a trial that we can not bear. As a child of God, you are able to handle whatever life throws at you. You would be mesmerised by the situation if you choose to respond negatively to it. Decide not to be anxious about whatever comes your way.

How can one stay from being anxious? Grow your relationship with the Lord through devotion to His word and the practice of the word of God. You can not know the Lord on any personal level until you have experienced His power and presence in a personal way. Joh 14:21 KJV” He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” The Lord says if you would keep His word or do the word, He would make His dwelling place with you. He would
also manifest Himself to you. It is the man who knows the Lord who would wax strong and likewise do exploits. ( Daniel 11:32)To do exploits is to stand for the course of the Lord and bring honour unto his name. Your peace depends on your obedience to God

CONFESSION

I live a life of peace because I do not get anxious or fearful about any life challenges I encounter. I know the Lord is ever present with me, and so I allow Him to face every difficulty for me.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Jn 4:4 KJV” Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Pro 3:5 KJV “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Mat 25:25 KJV” And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.”

During the medieval times, a military General was served food by his house help. After eating his meal, the young man told the General that he had poisoned the food with a highly lethal substance. This man concluded that he would die in a few moments. He went into his bed and, after some moments, died in his sleep. There was no poison in the food at all, as the boy later revealed. He proved it by eating the leftover meal of his master. What robbed him of his precious life? Was it the boy, the poison in the meal, or his own fearful persuasions? Your answer is as good as mine. Fear is the worst emotional state to allow your mind to accept.

In our key scripture, the man who received one talent said he was afraid, so he could not invest or work with the talent he received. Mat 25:25 KJV “And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” How many people are languishing in poverty because they were afraid to take a bold step into the unknown? Some men failed to marry certain ladies who would have been a great blessing to them, simply because they were afraid to propose. What would have happened to David if he had joined the multitude in being afraid of the tantrums of Goliath? He would have been robbed of a kingship opportunity that God had ordained for him.
A great number of the exodus Israelites were robbed of the promised land because of fear.Numbers 14:29
Fear has robbed quite a number of Christian church workers of boldly sharing the gospel with those they encounter. Some of these people who were deprived of the opportunity to hear the gospel died without making any decision for Jesus, just because the one who was to speak the gospel to them failed to do so because of fear.

Fear has inspired lots of wrong behaviours or actions that have led to very negative repercussions. The biblical solution is, Do not be afraid, only believe. Mar 5:36 KJV “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” Stop focusing on the issue at stake or on yourself. Just place yourself in God’s hands by trusting His word. At the time of David’s encounter with Goliath, the rest of the people looked at the magnitude of Goliath, comparing him to themselves, and even the fact that no living human had ever been able to defeat him. David rather focused on how great God was, and what He has said in His word. Isa 8:13 KJV” Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” He had no grounds to be afraid. He could only see the demise of the giant, and he, being rewarded with marrying the King’s daughter, as well as his family enjoying many blessings. Dear one, be always motivated about the blessings of having things your way and then turn absolutely to the Lord, trusting Him completely. You would not be robbed.
Always remember that God is the one who seeks to reveal his glory and power to men, but requires a human vessel who would believe.

CONFESSION

My confidence in the Lord would surely pay off for me. Nothing can drive me from what is mine because I place my trust in the Lord. Thanks, Lord Jesus

FURTHER STUDIES

Deu 31:6 KJV “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Eze 2:6 KJV And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

KEY SCRIPTURE: Phi 4:6 NET “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.”

Anxiety is described as a disorder in the psychological world because it poses a threat to the normal living activities of anyone who gives in to it. Although the psychologists say anxiety is not altogether evil because it has a self-preservation tendency. The bible, God’s word, states without mincing words that the child of God, as well as all men, should not be anxious at all. Anxiety is first and foremost a state of the mind that anticipates evil, failure, danger or even death, with no clue in sight for that challenge. From the mental level, it proceeds to the emotional state where one’s feelings get agitated, such that he or she becomes very hurt and confused. The anxious person is often fearful and feels very helpless. Remember, fear is a feeling of helplessness because of an anticipated danger. Fear is basically faith in the power of the devil. Fear is unconsciously a decision not to accept God’s offer of protection but to accept Satan and his deceptive demons’ lies of ultimate destruction. Job 3:25 KJV” For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

The above statement was said by Job. Meanwhile, Satan told God that he could not attack him because God had protected or hedged him.
Job 1:10 KJV” Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” Now, from this verse, was Job unsecured? Job believed a lie that he was insecure
His choice to be afraid was unfounded. This was a wrong action and subsequently a sin. The Lord says we should not be anxious or afraid about anything. Do not spend your time and strength worrying over anything. This is not a suggestion
but a command that must be obeyed.

God our Father has continually stated that he would never leave nor forsake us. Heb 13:5 KJV “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord gives a very assuring word that reads as follows: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” The Lord says He will always be with us and that He is our God. As our God, it means He is the creator, the strong and trusted one or the faithful one. He says He would strengthen us, that is, if you are weak and sickly, He would make you strong or heal you. The next word of assurance is to help or assist you when in danger. He would be present to see you through..Lastly, He said He would uphold or lift you up if any challenge has crushed you down. These three areas are the major issues that bring all kinds of emotional torment when men are entangled in difficulties pertaining to them. You have absolute security; do not entertain any fear.

CONFESSION

I do not worry, nor am I anxious about anything. I always sanctify the Lord God and make Him my dread and my fear. Nothing threatens me, so long as I maintain God’s greatness in my consciousness

FURTHER STUDIES

Isa 43:2 KJV” When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

Exo 14:13 KJV And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Our key scripture shows us in a nutshell how Paul led his life. It also reveals the secret of his success.

Apostle Paul was an outstandingly successful servant of Christ. His success was not the worldly concept of success. The worldly success is to possess wealth and to be of great affluence. He was successful in revealing Jesus to his world. Galatians 1:16 “To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:”

Paul lived as a dead man for Christ. Acts 20:24 ” But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”.

He did not live to be wealthy, yet he possessed all things and lived to lift the name of Jesus high up in all men. 2 Corinthians 6:10 “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things”.

He was a deeply spiritual man. Philippians 3:8 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”

He was given an abundance of revelations concerning the dispensation of grace. Ephesians 3:2, 4 ” If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you ward:

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ”

To fulfil his mission, he survived a lot of death-threatening circumstances. 1 Corinthians 15:31 ” I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily”.

He never married or had any children, so he could effectively fulfil his mission.1 Corinthians 7:33 ” But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.”

He met his death as a Victor and a fulfilled person. 2 Timothy 4:6-7 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

If a man of like passions has been so successful, why can’t you also be so successful? Take a clue from him and do great things for Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace and the heart to live a fearless life for you. Lord, I surrender all to honour your name alone.

FURTHER STUDIES

Phi 1:20 KJV” According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

Phi 1:21 KJV “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:26. Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our key scripture shows us in a nutshell how Paul led his life. It also reveals the secret of his success.

Apostle Paul was an outstandingly successful servant of Christ. His success was not the worldly concept of success. The worldly success is to possess wealth and to be of great affluence. He was successful in revealing Jesus to his world. Galatians 1:16 “To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:”

Paul lived as a dead man for Christ. Acts 20:24 ” But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”.

He did not live to be wealthy, yet he possessed all things and lived to lift the name of Jesus high up in all men. 2 Corinthians 6:10 “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things”.

He was a deeply spiritual man. Philippians 3:8 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”

He was given an abundance of revelations concerning the dispensation of grace. Ephesians 3:2, 4 ” If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you ward:

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ”

To fulfil his mission, he survived a lot of death-threatening circumstances. 1 Corinthians 15:31 ” I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily”.

He never married or had any children, so he could effectively fulfil his mission.1 Corinthians 7:33 ” But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.”

He met his death as a Victor and a fulfilled person. 2 Timothy 4:6-7 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

If a man of like passions has been so successful, why can’t you also be so successful? Take a clue from him and do great things for Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace and the heart to live a fearless life for you. Lord, I surrender all to honour your name alone.

FURTHER STUDIES

Phi 1:20 KJV” According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

Phi 1:21 KJV “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

KNOW THE PERSUASION OF YOUR ENQUIRER TO RIGHTLY SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THEM

KEY SCRIPTURE :Acts 28:23 ” And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”

Apostle Paul finally got to Rome. All the prisoners were put in prison as the law demanded, yet Paul had a whole house to himself, but with a guard. He could receive visitors as much as where he was staying could accommodate them.

Apostle Paul invited the Jewish community in Rome so he could share the word of God with them. Throughout the studies of Paul, we see that it was his custom to first share the word with the Jewish community first before getting to the gentile. CHARITY ALWAYS, BEGINS AT HOME. The following is how Paul communicated to the Jews. Acts 28:23. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

Paul was speaking to a people whose knowledge was mainly from the laws of Moses and the prophets, so he explained the gospel from that angle to them. We live at a time when we have various influences. The following are some of the persuasions and must share the gospel from scriptures that addresses their particular persuasions.

1. We have religious people to reach out to
2. We have the careless sinners to reach.
3. We have atheists to reach out to.

4 We have those who accept every religion as the way to reach heaven

5. We have the confused to reach

6 We have the deceived Christian sects, e.g., JW’s, LATTER DAY SAINTS) to reach, and many more.

To effectively reach out to these various groups, you would have to rightly divide the word of truth to them. Please find my series of teachings on personal evangelism (SIMPLE TRUTH 2017). Go through that material, and you would learn how to share God’s word effectively to these different persuasions. In the absence of that material, you need a good grasp of the Bible as a° whole. Get to know the °persuasions of these various groups concerned. Look for the relevant scriptures that address their condition Apply the scriptures intelligently trusting the Lord to win them ultimately. Pray much for any group of people you seek to win for Christ.

PRAYER

Lord I pray for all men, that in your mercy you would reveal yourself to all those who stubbornly resist the gospel. Grant me wisdom to win them for your kingdom.

FURTHER STUDIES

2 Timothy 2:15 ” Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:10 ” Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary”.

Apostle Paul manifested the glory of God on the island of Melita. After Paul had healed Publius’ father, the bible said the following in verse 9:” So, when this was done, others also, who had diseases in the island, came, and were cured”.

The scriptures added that after the mass healings, the inhabitants also honoured them with many honours. They also put on board the things they needed for their journey. Be mindful of the fact that they had thrown their valuables into the sea when the storm was against them. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit working in Paul, they received such favour that all their lost were given back to them. No selfless servant of God shall lack the presence of God that brings a solution in times of need.

Apostle Peter asked the Lord. In Mark 10:28 “…Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. The following was the Lord’s answer, Mark 10:30:” But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” The Lord said those who have left all to follow him shall receive a hundredfold of what they left, plus persecutions. To serve Christ is to present the news and message that brings liberty to men. Such a man would equally be blessed by those he has served with the good news. The only caution is that no man of God should merchandise the power of God. God’s grace should not be sold for money. This is an abuse of the power of God.

According to the Lord Jesus, true servants of God have a hundredfold of what they have lost. Let’s all be careful about how we attack certain men of God. As a child of God, you may be endangering your own life by doing so. You may not know the degree of sacrifices they have made for God. Attacking them may bring you into God’s anger. Dear child of God, if you are a Christian, then you may be very cautious about speaking against certain men of God. There are some people whose actions are purely against God’s word, and we only relate or talk about their actions in relation to the revealed will of God.

PRAYER

I pray for all true servants of God to lead. Very selfless lives and to be a true light to many who are seeking to know the truth. May the Lord also expose every wolf in sheep’s clothing.

FURTHER STUDIES

Romans 14:4 ” Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand”.

Matthew 7:15 ” Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:8 ” And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him”.

Apostle Paul continues with his exploits on the island of Melita. Paul healed the father of Publius, who had a fever and dysentery. He healed many who were sick. Paul was a man who knew his God. True knowledge of God is the basis for doing exploits in His name, Jesus. Daniel 11:32 “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits”.

The Bible says those who know their God shall wax strong and do exploits. Dear child of God, seek to know God for yourself. Sadly, a lot of people know their man of God, yet the God of this man they know not. The word says those who do know their God shall wax strong. Knowing God imparts stability, courage, and decisiveness to a man. Failure in life is mostly a function of weakness. Weakness breeds subjectivity

This is what makes people yield to various conditions that show up. A true knowledge of God stabilises your focus. There is no success in any endeavour without a decisive focus on what one is aiming at.

Apostle Paul declares in 2 Timothy 1:12 that “. I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

I ask again, do you know this, God? How much prepared are you to commit everything into His hands? Paul’s achievements in Christ were all due to his absolute dedication to Jesus based on his knowledge of Him. You can also know Him if you seek Him with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)He says he will make himself known to you if you would keep His word and do them (John 14:21,22). You can also know Him as you search the scriptures. John 5:39 “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me”.

Remember, those who seek in truth always find

CONFESSION

I know the Lord. I am made strong and stable because of my knowledge of Him. Nothing moves or shakes me in this life. I am full of outstanding successes in all I do. God is always glorified in me.

FURTHER STUDIES

Jeremiah 29:13 ” And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”.

John 14:21 ” He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:3 &5 “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And he shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm.”

Paul and the rest of the people on the ship arrived on an island called Melita, which in the present day is known as Malta.

The inhabitants of the island were extremely hospitable to them. They made a fire to keep themselves warm. Paul collected some sticks to add to the existing fire. Instantly, a viper sprang out of the fire and fastened on his hand. Vipers are very poisonous and very aggressive snakes. The fire will even make it more aggressive since its life was threatened. This will make it instinctively sting or bite Paul. Paul did not act like a terrified person. He likewise shook off the beast into the fire.

Everybody present expected Paul to die. They waited for some moments and then concluded that he was a god. (Acts 28:6)This event explains something mysterious about the Christian. The scriptures teach that all those who received Jesus by believing in His name were given the power to become sons of God. Who is the Son of God? A son of God is a divine being in the class of God. A son of God is a god.

Psalms 82:6 ” I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. I believe he knew that Jesus had said believers would take up serpents, and they shall not hurt them. Mark 16:18. Now, from the scriptural account, Paul did not panic in any way. He quietly shook the creature into the fire. The secret of the Christian’s victory in this world is our faith in the word of God.

Paul did not wait till the hour of evil to look for faith to overcome. He was always ready. Faith is the victory that overcomes. (1st John 5:4). The scripture says all things are possible to them that believe. Our place in Christ has opened us into a world of possibilities. Feed your heart with God’s word, ready always to shake off every evil attack into God’s ever-ready fire to consume it.

What would have happened if Paul had panicked? There would have been no divine security for him. He would have died, and God’s program for his life would have been aborted. NOTE: OUR SECURITY AS CHRISTIANS IS ONLY GUARANTEED ON THE BASIS OF OUR FAITH IN GOD.

CONFESSION

I am deeply rooted in God. I am one with my Lord. My faith is always ready to overcome every fiery dart Satan throws at me. God is always glorified in me.

FURTHER STUDIES

Ephesians 6:16 ” Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Matthew 14:30-31. ” But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?