20/10/2021
The Bible Calendar for 20th October, 2021.
2 Kings 23
Lamentations 3
1 Timothy 6
POINTS
1. Genuine Revival.
2. God the Portion of His People.
3. Serve Your Master.
1. GENUINE REVIVAL
There are many revivals today in churches around the globe, but many of them are not genuine revivals, any revival that doesn't portray repentance and changing from evil deeds, such revival that left aside the salvation of souls is not a genuine revival. Now, the definition of revival is misconstrued by many people planning the revival, some stage revivals to raise money for church buildings, purchase of church instruments, cars and some other things. Some people stage revivals for prayers and meeting the needs of the people and for testimonies of physical blessings. Some gather people that they may dance and rejoice to show to the people around them the type of the church they are. But Josiah gathered Judah to bring them to the knowledge of God, to return them to the covenant that God made with them which they had derailed from, he called the people to genuine repentance and reformation, which can be traced back to the Passover that they had neglected many years back. Through this revival, he removed many of the shrines made by the kings from nooks and cranny of the nation, and he disengaged the prophets of idols, he did not kill them but preached to convert them to the Lord. Genuine revival should be focused on conversion of souls from their wickedness to repentance, from darkness to the marvelous light of God. The miracle that should be expected from a genuine revival is the conversion of souls, the lame walks, blind sees, deaf speaks are just signs to attract the people; but the salvation of souls gladdens God and the Hosts of Heaven for there is joy in heaven for a soul that repents. We can stage fund raising when necessary, it shouldn't be the time of revival. That should be sponsored by neutral people not to expect the offerings to be collected as that which will be used to run the affairs of the revival, so that the concentration should be on salvation of souls. Those bounded by the devil or sin, when they meet with Christ they will be delivered but it's yet to be completed until they give their life to Jesus Christ.
2. GOD, THE PORTION OF HIS PEOPLE
The only person that can have rest of mind is he that knows God as his or her portion, he that does not trust in his/her ability but recognizes the mercies of God as the means of survival. Jeremiah regretted his actions having remembered how he used his labour which was bitter, and he noticed that God did well to those that waited on Him. It is expedient for the people of God to trust God for everything, that they may hope on Him without complaining and they will carry their burden unto Him. Such a person will depend on God because nobody can do what He has not done. If God be our portion, why then are we thinking for God instead of us to allow Him to have His own ways, why can't we allow Him to guide us to the place of His will. He is our portion and determinator of all happenings, let's surrender all things to him He will do us well. Paul also asked Timothy to teach the rich men to trust in God instead of trusting in their wealth, not to pursue riches than necessary because someone that pursued wealth usually enters into trouble. Many of them fall victim of dubious people who are enticed with one thing or the other. And those that trust their riches will want people to idolate them but we bring nothing to this world and we will leave the world with nothing, moreso, all what we have are received from God, what is our boast? All Christians need to be satisfied with whatever they have: foods, clothes and shelters doesn't give any category or purpose, whether big or small, costly or cheap, they serve the same purpose; we can not eat than what our stomach can contain, neither can we sleep in two rooms at the same time, nor put on many cloths at a go. Money is the root of all evil is what Paul says here, a lover of money must be careful or else the lust of the world will take possession of our life.
3. SERVE YOUR MASTER
This statement shows one of the reasons some people classify themselves from people, the background of this statement reflects how some slaves who had become christians behaved to their masters in the name of brotherly love and kindness in the church. Some didn't want to serve again while some displayed laziness, and some were proud, to these people did Paul tell to serve their master better because, they were supposed to be partners in progress for they were brethren. But laziness is rampant among the brethren who employ one another to the extent that some prefer non-believers to work with them than the same Christians. Because he will take things for granted, and this problem is also among the minister of the gospel who claim to have Jesus as their Lord. Many are not ready to use their strengths only because they are working under a master, some forget that the church is the vineyard of God and He called them to serve. We have surrendered ourselves to Jesus our master, let's serve Him till the end of our life. Though we are no longer slaves but children of God, every reliable child takes good care of his father's farms. I pray we will not fail Him in Jesus name. Please pray for strength to serve Him to the end in all capacity of your calling.
Stay Blessed.
Pastor M. O. Shodipe
For questions:
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