THE GOODNESS OF GOD

The Goodness of God

God is love and those who live in him should be in love, love one another just as we are loved by Jesus. John 13:34.

Dear friends, the last topics we looked at were QUIET TIME and DESTRUCTION A SURE DEAL TO THOSE WHO DO TRUST IN THE ITEMS OF THE WORLD and for now, we are going to look at something similar, “THE GOODNESS OF GOD”.

God loves you and me; he wants us to live in him and with him so that he also lives with us and in us. God has plans for you and me in this world. Due to his love, he has plans to prosper you and me but not to cause harm on you (Jeremiah 29:11) because he is with us in every step of our life (Zephaniah 3:17).

Now if I may ask, why do we cry when we face problems, persecutions, challenges or fail to attain our desires? It is because we do not live a life expected by God of us. For a good relationship to take place, God expects us to live a life dedicative to him because he does not want to willingly bring affliction of grief to anyone (Lamentations 3:33). Our human negligence turns us away from the love of God paving way for Satan to take charge of us with all the pains and sufferings.

As it is written in Romans “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10) meaning that everyone has sinned and turned away from God, including you and me making him to withdraw his love from us. We have to note that once God leaves us due to our disobedience, we are subject to sufferings, pain and hardships because there is no one to love, protect and provide for us.

But due to the goodness of the Lord God, he has promised to forgive our sins however on the condition that we are able to agree that we have knowingly and unknowingly sinned and are able to confess of our sins. God’s love is genuine, he does not want us to perish but be in him so that we can inherit an everlasting life (John 3:16) so that if we believe in Jesus, we may find life. (John 3:36).

God is welcoming you and me back so that we can restore back the Brocken relationship (Joel 2:12-13). Can you just see this goodness of the Lord, after your bundles of sin; he still needs you back and can forgive all the sins. However much we go wrong against God, he is ready and just to forgive us if only we admit and do confess. Render your hearts to the Lord; let him be your leader and director in life. You should also know that walking in obedience please God (Hebrews 11:5-6, also Colossians 3:12-14) and do not take the help you offer to your friends as a burden to you but a help to glorify God (Colossians 3:23). We need to have fear for the Lord because our deeds are accountable to him (Ecclesiastes 12:13-13).

My dear lovely friends, I wish to tell you that we should therefore be alert and desist from the attacks of Satan, put on the full amour of the Lord (Ephesians 6:11) so that it will not be a surprise attack on our lives (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12)

I love you with the love of our savior Jesus Christ and I do expect you to love one another wherever you may be just as Christ loves us.

Be Blessed

Mathew.

 

DEDICATION

DEDICATING TO GOD

Hi,

In this study, we are going to look at “Dedicating to our Lord God’’ and in this we shall answer several questions of;

• What does it mean in dedicating to God?
• What do we dedicate to God?
• Why do we dedicate to God?
• When do we dedicate to God?

We are all initially children of God by creation, but with passage of time as we grow by, interacting with the events and changes of the world, we begin to seal our self from being children of God. In most cases this is due our lack of dedication to our Lord God who is the owner of our life.

In this context, I will say ‘Dedicating to God is the process letting God to take control of your life in all aspect of your life in this world’. Dedication is a process, it is just not once. It is a continuous process.

Note these…

• It is due to dedication of our love to our friends that we live in love, peace and harmony.
• It is due to the dedication of the love of a father to his children that he provides for them.
• It is due to dedication of love to marriage partners that the married do stay together in the marriage till death separates them

Above all, it is due to the dedication of the love of God to us that He is protecting us, providing for us up to date though in times of happiness, sorrow and what ever circumstances we may be in, because God said that He is with us. “The Lord God is with you. He is Mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; he will quiet you with his love…” Zephaniah 3:17 and God has plans for you and for me. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11. Our being children of God is not our own wish, but by grace and love of God Ephesians 2:8.

Dedicating to God is a process of giving up our life as a living sacrifice to the service of God, letting God to take control of our life. It is a process because it is from the time we identify our self as SINNERS and admitting that what we have been in, is SIN and therefore taking a step of accepting and coming to Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, up to the time of our death (when God takes us to be with Him in His Kingdom). One thing we have to note with concern is that our dedication to our Lord God is being instructed/ a command, for we were once lost in sin when Adam and Eve went beyond Gods’ commands, but by the Grace of God we are been drawn back to him through the death of Jesus Christ for our sins. Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 2:4-5, 13.

Remember that our relationship with God was terminated by the act of Adam and Eve. They took pleasure in themselves and the events of the world that they failed to dedicate themselves to the expectation of God, thus sin came in Genesis 3. Even during the Egypt- canner journey under the leadership of Moses, Aaron and so, Israelites failed to dedicate themselves to the expectation of God (Exodus), they kept sinning on the way.

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross has redeemed us from our sinful state and nature and “we are put in one body with Christ through Baptism” Romans 6:3-4. If you are still behind and have not yet identified your self with Christ Jesus, “repent and be Baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the forgiveness of your sins”. God dedicated Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that we may find salvation in Him. The gift of God (Kingdom) can not be bought with money or wealth like what Simon the sorcerer tried to do Acts 8:18-24. “We must go through hardship to enter the Kingdom of God” Acts 14:22b. During Baptism, “you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received a spirit of Sonship” Romans 8:15.

Therefore my dear friends, “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ ad do not think about how to gratify the desire of the sinful nature” Romans 13:14. Remember that “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” 1 John 2:17.

Action needed…….

Read Deuteronomy 22:9 reflect on the writing and evaluate your life, boldly come and act upon. Know that once you are with Christ, nothing will separate you from the Love of Christ. Romans 8:35-39. Even do not worry over a single thing or issue for the Lord your God has plans for you, “to prosper you, not to harm you” Jeremiah 29:11. “Brothers and sisters, “God is with you” (Zephaniah 3:17) in all your struggles.

Be blessed as you dedicate/devote to God, and if you have never been doing so, it is high time you act. You may need special prayers request, please do not hesitate to write to me.

Love in Christ to you all.

Mathew.

Building Life

BUILDING  A  LIFE

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire, and he told his boss of his plans to leave and live a more leisurely life with his wife. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by…     

The contractor was sorry to see such a good worker go,and he asked the  carpenter to build just one more house as a personal favor.

The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work, he resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “this is your house,” he said. ”it is my gift to you.”

The carpenter was shocked!!! What a shame!!! If he had only known he was  building his own house, he would have done it all so different.

So it is with us, we build our lives, a day at a time, after putting less than our best into the building, then with a shock we realize when we have to live in the house we have build. If we could do it over, we would  do it much differently. But we can not go back....

You are the carpenter of your life,each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall,,,,,,,,

Your attitudes and the choices you make today build your house for tomorrow....

Build wisely! Ask God to be the master builder of your life. He will show you how to build a strong foundation for the house of your life.

Please pass this on to others.

Love in Christ to you all

Mathew.

Destruction.

DESTRUCTION, A SURE DEAL TO THOSE WHO DOES TRUST IN ITEMS OF THE WORLD.

John 3:36

In the current world, there are so many things happening, people trusting in earthly things for their protection, provisions; like herbs, witches, animals and so on. Besides, there are people who are trusting in themselves on this earth like Kings, Presidents and persons with Riches feeling so superior.

ü  They often forget God their creator, who is the Sole provider of everything they are holding, the chief security provider of their life.

ü  They lose respect for fellow humans, always expecting people to adore to their earthly commands whenever and wherever.

EXAMPLES OF SUCH IN THE BIBLE………

Ø  Haman after attaining His position as the second in the royal command in the Kingdom of Susa Ruled by King Xerxes (Esther 1…), tried to use his position to destroy all the Jews living in the Kingdom because he claimed to be superior that he wanted everyone to adore to his evil worship styles and commands. He wanted earthly pleasure and recognition, he perished…. (Esther 7:1….)

Ø  In 1 Samuel 15,  King Saul failed to carry and follow the instructions of God of destroying all the Amalekites and their assets, instead he spared King Agag and the best of the sheep, cattle, the fat calves and Lambs, everything that was good to him. This was against Gods’ command, God had to bring Saul’s’ rule into an end.

Ø  And many more examples in the Bible you need to dig in and even in the current society. However, at the right timing, they all together lost their life.

What about you and me, whom/what do you and I trust in as the provider, protector and source of life? Some of us trust in our parents, friends, love partners, bosses at work, priests, and pastors and so on, forgetting the position of Jesus Christ in our daily life activities. We have to put/centralise our trust in Christ Jesus who is the center of our life; He determines your fate to Heaven.

“Jesus is the Light of the World” (John 8:12), He gives light to the world and your life but you can only see the light and walk in it unless you ADORE to Him by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and source of Life, Strength and so on. We have to note that “The Lord is Strength”. He gives you the Strength in times of problems, sorrows, joy, celebrations and any circumstance (Isaiah 26:4).

Jesus is God and through Him we come to know and get closer to our God. Colossians 1:15-20. Jesus even stresses in John 10:30 that “I and the Father are one” John 14:9b “anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”. However, we do not know God because we do not know Jesus. Sometimes we know Jesus but we fail to identify ourselves with Him. Indeed Jesus is God who gives you and me life and the prosperity…. Read John 1:1-4 and 1: 14, also John 8:19.

Jesus is the only path through which we can meet our God. Neither our mother, nor father, uncle, priest, pastor can take us to Heaven but only by BELIEVING AND TRUSTING IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. John 14:6. “Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29, He takes away your sins and my sins, nothing that he cannot do in cleansing you if you grant Him the chance by giving up your life to Him. You cannot run to your father, mother, witchdoctor, and pastor for the forgiveness of the sin you have committed, but only you can run to Christ Jesus for the cleansing/purification process, to make you pure for the kingdom of God.

Jesus is the only cornerstone to our foundation. Be it in business, Ministry, education or what so ever, PUT first Christ Jesus a head of your plan, you will progress in life in the light of God and your ways will always be liked and appreciated by God and His people on earth. 1 Peter 2:6-7.

We are the flocks/sheep of God whom Jesus is looking after.(let me refer you to KIDS DEVOTIONAL STUDY series Book 1- Developing Relationship with Jesus- by Biblestudyforkids.com) He is the only Shepherd who knows His sheep (us) by names. But though all these, we always refuse to respond to His call. Jesus says anyone who publicly denies Him will also be denied before of God, and imagine how terrible it will be when you are denied access to God by Jesus during your judgment day. Jesus is the only Savior (Luke 2:11) even proclaimed by the Angel to the shepherds while they were looking after their sheep at night.

Now dear friend, take note that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:13. Keep your eyes to the Lord for He has plans for your life, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11. In times of happiness, trials, temptations, sorrow, sickness or what so ever the case may be, “The Lord God is with you. He is Mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love…” Zephaniah 3:17.

My appeal to you is that, come up boldly, TRUST, BELIEVE and ACCEPT Jesus Christ as your foundation stone. Build your life constructively.

Love in the Lord to you all,

Mathew.

PERSONAL MESSAGE

PERSONAL MESSAGE

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I love the Lord my God and i think it is the reason why He is using me to minister and proclaim His word to the world through this Sunday school and Bible study programs. I do not regret time spent in it. Please take your time and identify yourself with me in the ministry as a servant of God. You never know God may come to live in you if only you live in Him.

In a special way I want to thank Linda Shanks (BSFK DIRECTOR) in her service for the Lord for providing for the study, and all those who are with me in spirit and prayers for the service. May the Lord our God provide for you abundantly.

MY VISION

1-      FOR THE CHILDREN.

A spiritually resourceful generation such that the Gospel of God is spread to a wider range and those Children involved in the study may look forward to meeting their Lord God with no doubt when the time comes.

2-      FOR THE MISSION.

A home for the word of God where children can meet to share, discuss, rejoice, acquire, inquire from one another the works, wonders, promises, miracles and experiences of their  Lord God.

MY PLANS

1-      FOR THE CHILDREN.

Initiate them to Christ so that they cannot be misled by the wonders of earthly lusts.

2-      FOR THE PROGRAM

Develop the program to become independent with a center established for the operation of its activities where training can also be conducted to children and study leaders as on leadership skills and spiritual nourishment.

HELP ME LORD IN THE SERVICE YOU HAVE PLACED ME.

Mathew.

QUIET TIME

QUIET TIME

(WHAT IS QUIET TIME?, WHY QUIET TIME?, WHEN IS QUIET TIME?, WHO IS FOR QUIET TIME?  AND WHEN IS QUIET TIME?)

Welcome to meet me in this study. I want us to look at Quiet Time, and preferably we shall in most cases answer some of these questions above as we progress with the point of interest.

Waoh…..!!!!!! Quiet Time I believe ``is the meeting with God in a thoughtful circumstance through regular reading of the Bible and prayers. In other words, it is a personal commitment/communication with God. It is a time set aside to talk to God and meditate in his words. Well….. I do not know what time is for your Quiet Time out of the 24 hours of the day. It is once a day and this depends on your days plan. It may be at your;

-          Bed time

-          Early morning

-          Lunch time

-          Or any time of the day convenient to you.

So I leave that unto you as to what time is appropriate to you. However, by this time, you should be free of all other things, only ready to communicate to God. No stress and so on.

So, what do you need for your Quiet Time? You need the following basically:

v  A quiet place free from noise, interruptions and so on.

v  A Bible (the word of God to pick the text to read and look upon)

v  A note book and Pen to note down important items, appeals, promises, revelations, commands and so.

v  A guide line that tells you what to do in each Quiet Time.

v  Interest for Quiet Time, moreover a personal interest for talking to God. Less than that, it will be a waste of time because you will do it as like you have been forced to.

v  Time for the activity. God gave us 24 hours, of which some of the time is for rest (sleep), but much of the time is for your personal wants. Choose which time is appropriate for you of the 24 hours.

Just briefly let us look at how we can have/do our Quiet Time.

Now that you are at your Quiet Time, do the following:

v  PRAY. In this prayer,

-repent

-ask for forgiveness of your past evil acts that you can remember and that you can’t.

-ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit to help you in the time. (Psalms 119:18)

v  Then READ the text from your Bible that your guideline suggests for the day to read. As you read, keep note of (write down in your note book) important ideas and information reached like promises, revelations, commands, do’s and don’ts, requests and so on as you find in the text.

v  Then THINK about the text (verses) as you ask yourself the following questions;

Ø  What do these verses mean?

Ø  What does God want me to learn from these verses?

Ø  Does this text tell me anything new about God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?

Ø  Does the text encourage me or discourage me on doing something?

v  After examining the text and yourself with these questions, then PRAY again. This time in the prayer;

·         Thank God for having guided you in the Quiet Time.

·         Request him to send the Holy Spirit to live in you so that you may live in the spirit and to move with you  as you leave the Quiet Time place for other activities so that you are sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ where Satan will not find any place in you.

v  Finally, Do!!!!!   Put to practice what the Lord God expects of you (Revelations 1:3) according to the text you have looked in.

You should do this not because you ought to, but:

·         To be wise in salvation (2 Timothy 3:15)

·         For defense against the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:17)

·         To keep pure/clean ( Psalms 119:9,11)

·         And finally to equip yourself for the Lords’ service.

``I keep asking that the God our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,…….’’ Ephesians 1:17-18.

DRAWING TO GOD

Drawing to God

This time i want to start with questions;

1-      Why draw to God?

2-      Who to draw to God?

3-      How do we draw to God?

Welcome to this study ``drawing to God’’. After knowing that we are the children of God, just take a step and ask yourself these three questions above. This will make you dig deeper in as to why God chose you as His child.

Yes…..from our previous lesson, we ask ourselves the question ``what next in being a child of God?’’ The answer to this is straight away ……TO DRAW TO GOD……..since He has accepted you as His child due to your believe in Gods son Jesus Christ, the only thing you need to do is to ``LOVE your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind’’ Mathew 22:37.  Ohhhhh....come on,``what are you waiting now? Get up, be Baptized, wash your sins away, calling on His name’’ Acts 22:16

Now if I may answer the question: `why draw to God?’’.

We draw to God for strength. Psalms 29:1-5. Our strength is only in God. Less than that, we are just living in dreams that cannot come in to fulfillment because John tells us that things of the world shall pass away. 1 John 2:15-17. Romans 12:2.

We also draw to God to find Him while He may be found, Psalms 32:6, because by the time of critical moments, God will only be available to those who did conform to His words.

We draw to God because we do not want to die- Luke 20:36. Even if we die in body, we would wish to live with God forever and that is why we need to draw to Him.

We also draw to God for Love 1 Corinthians 13, we draw to God for comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, and we draw to God to attain freedom Galatians 5:1.

Who to draw to God???? John 1:12-13. ``Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God…….’’

Deuteronomy 14:1-2 also points out that ``you are the children of the Lord your God……..the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession’’, while the means by which we are brought as sons to Glory is the participation of Jesus in Flesh and Blood, and His death in respect to that Galatians 3:26.

How do we draw to God?????

-The first sure thing we have to know is `PRAYERS’,  this is the way we talk to God.

We pray to:

1-      Ask for forgiveness 2 Corinthians 7:14.

2-      Present our personal needs - Mark 11:24.

3-      Follow the examples of Jesus - Luke 6:12.

4-      We should keep on praying whatever the circumstance is - 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

-Live a life expected of you by God. Try by all means to avoid idleness because an idle mind is the devils workshop – 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

-Be rooted in the Gospel of Christ Jesus – 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

-Press ahead looking to hear from your Lord God and try to forget the past – Philippians 3:12-13.

-Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes – Ephesians 6:11.

-Do not be yorked with unbelievers – Galatians 5:1.

-Do not Love the world – 1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:2.

Be blessed as you look unto Him who saves.