Category: OLD TESTAMENT

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ISRAELITES MUST HAVE COURAGE – Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy – Children of God Must Maintain Confidence in God

(Passage: Deuteronomy 20,21,22)

God asked Israelites to demonstrate courage and not fear their enemies during battles. They must not fear the enemies that may outnumber them. Israelites must always remember God’s past faithfulness and have confidence for future victory.

Israelites must remain strong in God. The same God who brought them out of Egypt and made them to successfully pass through the wilderness would win any battle that may come their way in future.

God said to Israelites, “When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” – Deuteronomy 20:1.

Christians to Draw Their Strength from Past Victory

Children of God are to remain confident in God under whatever circumstance. No matter what type of battle we confront – God is able to overcome it and earn us victory.

Jehovah will fight for his children at all cost and award us victory. We must never forget that same God who is in control of the entire world affairs is on our sides, he is big enough to overpower whatever influence our enemies may have. He will override the enemies’ sophisticated skills and weapons for the sake of glorifying his name in our lives.

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Application Prayer

Dear God, I believe you are God of miracle, and you will surely perform your miracles to my advantage! Therefore, I am asking that you stand on my behalf to show yourself strong and glorify your name. Please silence my enemies and override their evil desires against my life.

Fight my battles and give me victory! Let me have rest in every aspect of my life so that I can have a testimony and glorify your holy name. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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THE JUDGMENT OF GOD COMES – Joel

 

 

Christians to Proclaim God’s Salvation

(Passage: Joel 2)

God requires Christians to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ without hesitation. They must inform people about Jesus’ gift of salvation, and also enlighten people of God’s punishment that would come on unrepentant sinners.

God stated through his prophet,

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand” (Joel 2:1).

 

Consequences of Heaven or Hell

Gospel must be preached with all seriousness stating the consequences that would follow adamant sinners. That is, a call to repentant action must include a serious tone that will warn everyone to live up to God’s standard stating: This present world will remain a temporal home for all people. Everyone will migrate from here to a permanent destination. However, not all people will end at the same place. Some people will end up in heaven while others end up in hell. People who would be qualified for heaven are those that have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ. They are people who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Unbelievers will end up in hell fire where there shall be everlasting torment (Matthew 25:41). Hence, anyone who is yet to establish a good relationship with Jesus Christ should not hesitate. He/she should not hesitate but take an important step of salvation before it is too late.

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Prayer of Grace to Spread the Gospel

Dear God, please empower me to ceaselessly proclaim your gospel to grant unbelievers their opportunity of salvation. As I preach your word, please grant people receptive mind to repent from their sins. Convict people to receive the salvation of your Son Jesus Christ so that they can be saved. Please let your kingdom work prosper in my hands, and also keep me worthy of your eternal kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

 

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GOD WILL REWARD PEOPLE THAT SERVE HIM – Obadiah

Reward for Confidence in God

(Passage: Obadiah 1)

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People who reserve their confidence in God will not be put to shame, but they will triumph over difficult situations to possess their possessions.

The scripture stated, “But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions” (Obadiah 1:17).

Lesson on Confidence in God

 

Deliverance, safety, and prosperity are bound to follow people who faithfully serve God. Although some challenges may arise, children of God have guaranteed promise of victory. No matter how tough a situation may appear, God will cover his people under his blanket of provision and protection. He will help them smile over crises; he will pay their bills, and he will comfort them.

Jehovah will ensure that his children always have reasons to glorify his name. Therefore, it makes sense for anyone to establish definite relationship with God, since there is nothing good to lose in the process. Meanwhile, a person who fails to establish a precise relationship with God, and a person who slacks in his or her relationship with God will have many good things to lose! God’s deliverance, safety, and prosperity may not be readily available for people who distant themselves from their Creator.

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Prayer of Grace to have Total Confidence in God

 

Dear God, I do not want to fool myself by assuming that it is not necessary to have definite relationship with you! I need you; I need your deliverance, protection, and provisions! Therefore, I am ready to give all it takes to have you in my life as my personal Lord and Savior. I yield my total life to you today; I confess your Son Jesus Christ as Lord, and I accept him as my personal Savior. From now on, I will faithfully serve you, and for the rest of my life! Thank you God for sending your Son Jesus Christ to save my soul. For in the name of Jesus Christ I prayed. Amen.

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SATAN FAILED IN HEAVEN – Isaiah

satan

Isaiah – Satan Abused His Post and Lost Heavenly Home

(Passage: Isaiah 14)

The scripture described Satan as a traitor who wanted to usurp the position of God in heaven. He plotted a coup détat against God but lost. Satan lost his mission attempt to overthrow God in heaven and was declared a loser. The traitor fell from grace, and Jehovah who is the master of all beings judged him immediately. Satan the Lucifer will be permanently hurled to hell-fire on the last day.

The scripture explained,

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit” (Isaiah 14:12-15).

 

 

Satan Who Lost Heavenly Home Will Also Loose Earthly Home

Satan abused his position in heaven, and God promised to cast him to eternal damnation of hell fire. Although the archenemy may still be causing uproar on earth, but his time is limited. God will not allow him to trouble the earth forever!

At God’s appointed time, Satan would be chained and cast to hell fire. He will be permanently stationed there. It is unfortunate to declare that those who serve Satan and those who believe his lies will also partake in hell fire. (Matthew 25:41).

Everyone has a choice to either follow Satan and go to hell fire, or serve Jesus Christ and go to heaven. Whoever confesses Jesus Christ as his/her personal Lord and Savior will inherit the kingdom of God – Heaven. To qualify for heaven, a person must confess his sin and declaration his faith in Jesus Christ. He (or she) must accept Jesus Christ as his her personal Savior (Rom 10:9-10).
prayer

Application Prayer

Pray to Qualify for Heaven and Escape Hell

Dear God, I understand that Satan (who is also known as devil) is a permanent candidate of hell fire. I do not want to share hell fire with the enemy. I want to follow Jesus Christ and go to heaven. Therefore, I confess Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I believe he died on the cross for my sins. He resurrected to earn me eternal life. From now on, I declare my total life for Jesus. I will serve him forever, and I ask for his grace to keep my promise. Amen!

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SYRIANS IDOLS FAILED TO EARN THEM VICTORY – 1 Kings

idol

God Will Defend His Children Against Idol Worshipers

(Passage: 1 Kings 20)

A Syrian king and his army underestimated God and believed they could loathe his protective power. After the local gods (idols) have failed to earn them their desired victory, they concluded the God of Israelites was probably only powerful on the hillside where the battle took place. Therefore, the Syrians changed course and launched a strategic attack the Israelites on a plain land. The Syrians also lost the plain land battle, leaving them to remain subservient to the Israelites (and the living God of Israel).

The scripture reported, “Then the servants of the king of Syria said to him, ‘their gods are gods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain, surely we will be stronger than they.’” “Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” (1 King 20:23; 1 Kings 20:28).

Lesson on God’s Power

God is not limited in power; anyone who underestimates his power would live to regret it. The same God who stands to defend his loved ones will also punish the wicked people. Everyone must understand that God is Jehovah. He is the living God, and he has no competitor! God is an omniscient Creator – The invisible, invincible, and indefatigable one that reigns over the universe. God conceived and created all things by his power to his satisfaction. Therefore, we human being have the choice to serve God and give him his due honor.

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Prayer on Affirmation of God’s Strength

Dear God, I honor you because you are the King of kings and Lord of lords. Your power is great and convincing; therefore, I pledge my allegiance to you today. I promise that I will not serve any other god besides you! I ask that you give me the ability to faithfully serve you throughout the days of my life. Please help me to remain consistent to you always so that I can enjoy your benefits. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Read-based suggestions:

GOD’S PRESENCE IS REQUIRED FOR A BLISSFUL MARRIAGE – Matthew
GOD FORGIVE OFFENSES OF HIS PEOPLE – Zechariah
GOD REWARDS ALL CHRISTIANS WHO HONOR HIM – Esther
ONLY THE FAITHFUL SHALL HAVE A PLACE WITH GOD IN HEAVEN – Matthew

 

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GOD DISTRACTED SAUL TO PROTECT DAVID – 1 Samuel

protectionGod Knows How To Protect His Children

(Passage: 1 Samuel 23)

Protection comes from God! God distracted King Saul and prevented him from capturing David. The scripture stated,

“Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. So David made haste to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling David and his men to take them. But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land!” Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape. Then David went up from there and dwelt in strongholds at En Gedi” (1 Samuel 23:26-29).

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God’s Protection Remains For His Children

Believers must understand that God’s protection stand’s sure on us! He knows how to protect his children during a crisis; he will shield us from the onslaught of the enemy. Jehovah will respond to the cries of his children whenever we call on him, and he will defend us for the sake of glorifying his name.

God’s protection still remains for his child who fails at any point or other. He will show mercy to help his children so that Satan will not take the glory. Jehovah will restore a backslid Christian and restore him to the joy of his salvation. It is important that God’s children (Christians) reserve their trust in God. We must take refuge in Him for he is an unbeatable God!

God’s Protection: “God of the universe that Christians serve is faithful to help us triumph during challenges. Christians are God’s children; we occupy a special place in his heart, and he will benefit us with his limitless provision and protection. It is important that we (believers) trust God when we are at the point of needs. Why? God is an Omnipotent one – His strength has no limit!” (BibleLifeLesson.com)

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Prayer To Trust God For Protection

Dear God, I believe that you are a strong God who does a great thing for his children. Your protection stands sure on your people! You have the power to do all things, and you will perform your wonders in the lives of people who trust you. Therefore, I ask that you give me strength to trust you! Please let my faith turn to testimony. Subdue every mountain for me and give me an upper hand over my adversaries. Help me to enjoy your victory every day of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD REWARDED JOSHUA FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS – Joshua

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Obedience Leads To God’s Blessing

(Passage: Joshua 19)

Joshua who led Israelites to possess the Promised Land also claimed his own personal portion of the inheritance. Israelites awarded his entitlement to commemorate God’s faithfulness on him. Joshua had demonstrated remarkable courage in the past. He joined Caleb to stand with God in the wilderness, when others refused.

The scripture reported how he was rewarded:

“When they (Israelites) had made an end of dividing

the land as an inheritance according to their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritances among them to Joshua the son of Nun. According to the word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked for, Timnath Serah in the mountains of Ephraim; and he built the city and dwelt in it” (Joshua 19:49-50).

Lesson on Obedience

God still rewards people who diligently seek him. He will ensure they are blessed so that people can glorify his name. He will lift his children up and he will bless them. In fact, God’s rewards on his faithful children will extend beyond this earth! He would dignify them in heaven, and they will also receive crowns of glory.

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Prayer of Grace to be Worthy of God’s Blessings

Dear Lord, I love good rewards, and I want you to give me many of them. Let me faithfully serve you so that I can qualify for your blessings. Please encourage me to stand with you at all times, even when it is no convenient! Let me be your true son/daughter/servant that would receive honor on the Day of Reckoning. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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ISRAEL EXPERIENCED GOD’S FAITHFULNESS – 1 Chronicles

faithfulness

1 Chronicles – God Remains Faithful Through Thick and Thin

(Passage: 1 Chronicles 16)

God was faithful to Israelites his children. King David recounted some of Jehovah’s faithfulness, and mentioned how God supernaturally lead Israelites out of Egypt and brought them to their Promised Land.

God was faithful as David stated, “When they went from one nation to another, And from one kingdom to another people, He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, Saying, “Do not touch my anointed ones, and do my prophets no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:20-22).

God will do the Unimaginable For His Children

The difference between God and man is that God does not fail on promises, but man does. Circumstances may cause a man to change his mind, but God will remain faithful to his children.

Jehovah will do whatever necessary to fulfill his promises – even when circumstances prove difficult. Hence, believers are challenged to keep their faith and remain hopeful for fulfillment of God’s promises on their lives. If he said it, he will do it! The Creator may or may not require any effort from our part, but it is important that we trust him.

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Application Prayer

Prayer of Grace to Wait on the Lord

Dear God, please help me to trust you at all times. Let my confidence in you be resolute; let me cooperate with you so that you can meet all my expectations. Please give me long life, good health, and prosperity to continue enjoying your goodness. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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WOE TO WICKED PEOPLE SAYS THE BIBLE – Micah

wicked people

God Will Deal With Wicked People Unless They Repent

(Passage: Micah 2)

God hates wickedness, and he asked the wicked people to repent of their evil ways or else they pay dire consequences. (Meanwhile, God promised to bless people who exercise genuine repentance).

The end game will not be sweet for a defiant person as God stated,

“Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them So they oppress a man and his house, A man and his inheritance” (Micah 2:1-2).

Lesson On Fairness and Justice

God dislike wickedness and he will cast wicked people away from his presence. People who oppress others will not exist at the mercy of God on his Day of Judgment. No alternate action for wicked people than repentance!

Jehovah who knows and sees all things will exert his righteous judgment on wicked people. Meanwhile, God will favorably deal with people who exercise fairness and justice. Compassionate people will receive God’s blessing in all their ways.

The bible states,

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3:19-21 NIV)

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Prayer To Exercise Fairness

Dear God, please help me to be fair and treat other people with respect. Make me a righteous person who cares for others and make positive contributions to their lives. Do not let me be obsessed with power and/or position so that I might not sin against you!

Please forgive my past mistakes and help me to start living an acceptable life before your from today! Please count me worthy to receive your blessings always. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD OF ISREAL FORFEITED THE SYRIANS’ STRATEGIES – 1 Kings

syrians

God Will Defend His Children At All Times

(Passage: 1 Kings 20)

A Syrian king and his army underestimated God and believed they could loathe his protective power. After local gods (idols) have failed to earn the Syrians their desired victory they concluded that God of Israelites must have been powerful on the hillsides where the battle took place. Therefore, Syrians decided to change strategy to attack Israelites in the plain land. Meanwhile, they also lost the battle to Israelites.

The scripture reported, “Then the servants of the king of Syria said to him, ‘their gods are gods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain, surely we will be stronger than they.’” “Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” (1 King 20:23; 1 Kings 20:28).

Lesson on God’s Power

God is not limited in power; anyone who underestimates his power will live to regret it. The same God who will negatively deal with wicked people will favor people that faithfully serve him. Jehovah is the living God! He is an omniscient Creator. He is an invisible, invincible, and indefatigable God that reign over the universe. He conceived and created all things by his power to his ssatisfaction Therefore, all people must serve him with due honor. Every living ought to faithfully serve him.

prayer

Prayer on Affirmation of God’s Strength

Dear God, I honor you because you are the King of kings and Lord of lords. Your power is great and convincing. I pledge my allegiance to you. I will not serve an idol, but my loyalty will remain with you. Please help me to remain consistent with you everyday of my life so that I can enjoy your benefits. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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