Category: OLD TESTAMENT

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JOSHUA WITNESSED GOD’S BENEFITS – Joshua

Children of God Will Earn Huge Rewards for Their Good Services

(Passage: Joshua 23)

Joshua the servant of God recounted his experience with God after he had lived 110 years. He had witnessed God’s goodness from childhood to his old age. Joshua witnessed how God miraculously delivered Israelites from their Egyptian slave masters. God parted the Red Sea and performed many other miracles in the wilderness while they sojourned to their Promised Land.

Joshua counseled Israelites to remain grateful to God and obey his commandments. He reminded them of multiple benefits they would receive should they faithfully serve God. Joshua said,

“Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you” (Joshua 23:6-10).

However, Joshua mentioned some consequences that Israelites would bear should they disobey God. He said,

“Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all the good things have come upon you which the Lord your God promised you, so the Lord will bring upon you all harmful things, until He has destroyed you from this good land which the Lord your God has given you. When you have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed down to them, then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you” (Joshua 23:15-16).

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Lesson on Service to the Lord

God will reward people who faithfully serve him. He will build his edge of protections around them. At the same time, Jehovah will frown his face at wicked people; he will displace them and give their possessions to those who are faithful.

It is important that Christians understand they would reap positive rewards for their good services to God. Since believers are God’s Apple eyes, he will help them overcome their challenges and earn them his testimony.

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Prayer of Grace to Service

Dear God, I understand you will always prove your faithfulness over people who are faithful to you; therefore, I request your grace to faithfully serve you. Help me to keep faithfully serving your so that I can receive your overwhelming benefits every day of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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OBEDIENCE IS A MUST FOR ALL CHRISTIANS – Genesis

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God’s Protection Will Remain With Those Who Obey Him

(Passage: Genesis 34)

Obedience means everything to God; every child of God should consider it a matter of importance to obey and serve him. An act of disobedience may incur some bitter consequences. A lesson of disobedience could be learned from one lady in the Bible called Dinah who disobeyed her father and brought much trouble for her family.

Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, failed to conduct her business within her family’s jurisdiction where she could be protected. She trespassed into a gentile zone where she became vulnerable. An ungodly man took an advantage of the situation and violated her. Dinah’s brothers were raged with the news and decided to take a revenge. Meanwhile, the brothers’ action complicated the matter further as the security of the entire family was at risk. Jacob (their father) was forced to take a pragmatic action overnight – He relocated the entire family. The man (Jacob) lamented to his disobedient children,

“… You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since I am few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household and I” (Genesis 34:30).

Beware: Satan Can Use A Disobedient Act To His Advantage!

God loves obedience; he hates disobedience. Jehovah loves obedient children and will bless them. The Creator will do whatever necessary to protect a person who follows his instructions. The list of the benefits that an obedient child of God can enjoy includes but not limited to joy, peace, and security. In contrast, a disobedient child of God positions himself (or herself) to risk God’s benefits.

Someone who disobeys God risks missing his benefits. Satan also can seize a moment of disobedience to attack anyone! The worse part is the fact that a disobedient person limits his/her chances of going to heaven since God considers disobedience as a sin!

Obedience leads to blessing!

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Obey God and receive his benefits! James Taiwo Click to tweet

One of the major aspects of Christianity is trusting and obeying God. God’s plans are the best and are created for our benefit. God loves us and will only want the best for us. We should learn to always obey him so that we can be successful in every aspect of our lives! 

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Prayer For God’s Help To Obey Him

Dear God, please help me to love you dearly and help me to obey your instructions so that I can prosper. Let serving you be a convenient task for me! Give me the grace to resist the temptation of disobedience. Please, don’t let Satan take an advantage of me; let the Holy Spirit empower and guide me so that I can prosper in every aspect of my life and also qualify for your kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD’S DIRECTIONS ARE VITAL FOR YOUR PROGRESS – 1 Samuel

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A Christians Must Endeavor To Adhere To God’s Plans After Asking For Directions

(Passage: 1 Samuel 30)

David and his followers lost their family and possessions to some foreign invaders; they bitterly lamented for their losses and were confused. No one knew what to do since they were confused and perplexed, but David knew and did the right thing. He consulted God for directions; he got what he needed!

The scripture reported,

“So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:3-8).

God Always Directs The Path of His Children

God still talks and he will direct his people who prioritize seeking his directions in any matter. People who call on God will never be ashamed, and their footsteps would be far from a failure.

It is important that people are encouraged to daily seek God and ask for his directions. Whoever does so will prosper. The scripture emphasized that God orders the steps of his people! (Psalm 37:23).

Some people wait till they’re in a very difficult situation before calling on God for his direction, this shouldn’t be so. As a Christian, you should make it a point of duty to call on God always. He will guide your steps into making the right decision at all times.

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Prayer For The Strength To Follow God’s Guidance

Dear God, please enable me with grace to seek your face over all matters so that I can prosper in any situation that comes my way. Help me to follow your instruction as you lead. Don’t let me allow any situation to overwhelm me to an extent that I won’t call on you for help. Empower me to call on you in all situations so that I can prosper in every day of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD REWARDS ALL CHRISTIANS WHO HONOR HIM – Esther

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Good Christians Must Obey And Serve God Diligently

(Passage: Esther 4)

Queen Esther must use her influence to save the Jews from Mr. Haman who has vouched to destroy them. Mordecai walked up to Esther and challenged her to use her rare God-given opportunity to save her people. Esther must not fail, Mordecai warned the queen,

“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

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God’s Wrath Will Come Upon Those Who Disobey Him

Christian must remember to honor God with their positions since he is counting on them. As his trusted servants, we (believers) must do whatever we can in our capacity to satisfy God’s will. We must not disobey him! The Creator will be happy to see that we do not fail him, because he will bless us in return. However, God has replacements for insolent children, he will displace people who dare to disobey him, and replace them with a better choice. Therefore, all Christians must give due honor to God and serve him with their best efforts.

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Christians have the obligation to obey God at all times. We must not disobey him under whatever circumstance. James Taiwo Click to tweet

God is all mighty and powerful. Whatever we have and own is his doing and will. We are absolutely nothing without God. We should always be grateful and abide by his rules.

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Prayer For God’s Help To Obey Him And Diligently Serve Him

Dear God, please help me to serve you well and give you due honor. Do not let me take you for granted and don’t let me abuse my opportunity. Help me to utilize my God-given grace to bolster efforts that will glorify your name in every ramification of life. Please don’t let me fail you so that I can be worthy of your blessing always. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD WORKS MYSTERIOUSLY; TRUST HIS PLANS – 1 Samuel 9

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A True Believer Should Trust God’s Plans For His Life

(Passage: 1 Samuel 9)

A man called Saul, in the Bible, was committed to his family and busy searching for his father’s missing horse; meanwhile, God had something bigger in mind for him. He wanted to appoint him as the new leader of his people.

God instructed Prophet Samuel to look for a man who would fit the description of Saul and anoint him as the first king of Israel. The Bible describes how the event unfolded and how Mr. Saul became King Saul,

“Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over my people Israel, that he may save my people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come to me.” So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him; “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over my people.” “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?” (1 Samuel 9:15-17; 1 Samuel 10:1).

God’s Ways Are Sometimes Unfamiliar But They Often Lead To Blessing

God’s way is seldom the same as ours; He may decide to surprise us in a way we have least expected. No one can completely fathom God’s thoughts, neither can his thoughts be limited with our limited thinking.

Jehovah will do whatever he has determined to do for his people; nothing can change his plans. No one can thwart the plans of God for his chosen people. In fact, the scripture states, God’s thoughts towards us (his children) are always good. It is written,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Meanwhile, despite all the great thoughts and plans that God has for his children, believers still have to be careful to not miss their opportunities. God who plans good things for his children can decide to cancel them if he can’t get our cooperations.

Christians have the obligation to obey God’s instructions and faithfully serve him to befit his blessings. We must make our best effort to make God happy – We must obey God and faithfully serve him.

God is all knowing and his time is the best. You may be facing a certain challenge in your life which could relate to health, education, career, or any other. Whatever the case may be, trusting in God is the answer. Have faith in God; talk to him and he will answer your prayers.

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Trust God’s process and never question him. Your testimony is around the corner! James Taiwo Click to tweet


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Pray For God’s Grace To Allow Him To Fulfill His Plans For Your Life

Dear God, please help me to stay within your plans so that I can receive your benefits. Enable me with grace and strength to satisfy your desires so that I can prosper! Please, remember your promises and fulfill them on my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.


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GOD PROTECTS HIS CHILDREN AGAINST THE ENEMIES – 1 Samuel

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Christ’s Believers Are Guarded By God From Their Enemies

(Passage: 1 Samuel)

David fought and killed Goliath to deliver his nation; he became a national hero as people sang to his honor. Meanwhile, King Saul who ought to be much happier for the deliverance of his nation became jealous of David. He felt threatened and hated David with passion. The king set traps and sought every opportunity to kill David; however, God protected the shepherded boy. None of Saul’s attempt on his life was successful. The scripture reported Saul’s attempts on David’s life,

“The distressing spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing music with his hand. Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s presence; and he drove the spear into the wall. So David fled, and escaped that night” (1 Samuel 19:9-10).

 

God’s Protective Power Over His Children Are Unfathomable

God will protect his children from their enemies. The evil ones may attempt to harass God’s children but they won’t prosper. The contrast of their imagination will actualize. The enemies will stumble! Meanwhile, God’s children will make positive advances and prosper; they will have every reason to praise God.

Indeed, God’s power is limitless. He will demonstrate it to favor his children and defeat their foes. God has both visible and invisible weapons that can be used to defeat the enemies and also protect his children.

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As a child of God, you should reserve your trust in God for victory. James Taiwo Click to tweet

Have you been fearful of what evil people may do to you? Fret no more, you have God who is the most powerful being in existence. He will fight your battles and earn you peace so that you can be motivated to keep serving him. Just believe and praise God!

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Pray In Faith And Enjoy God’s Undeniable Deliverance

Dear God, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that all the enemy’s works be subdued in my life! I proclaim that my enemies shall stumble in their evil plots. Let every force that contradicts my peace of mind be defeated in Jesus name! Let the deliverance of God be my portion from now on, and forever more! For in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.

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PRIDE IS DESTRUCTIVE TO ANYONE – Esther

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Christians Must Do Away With Pride To Experience God’s Benefits

(Passage: Esther 1)

Queen Vashti dishonored her husband, King Ahasuerus, in the presence of the dignitaries and ran into trouble. The queen turned down her husband’s request who asked her to dance to showcase her beauty. Vashti insulted the king and asked him to mind his business. Therefore, the ruling cabinet was disappointed and dethroned her as the queen of the land. They sort out for a better replacement. The Bible described the incident,

“On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him” (Esther 1:10-12).

God Can Easily Do Away With Proud People

Pride goes before a fall! All Christians must be humble before God at all times. We must not be obsessed with positions and/or power. We must yield to every necessary correction. Children of God must not forget that we are replaceable. That is, God has plenty of options; he can easily replace anyone’s position. Therefore, all people must tremble before God and ensure not to allow pride to gain ground in our lives.

As Christians, there are certain traits we should do away with, which include cheating, lying, and arrogance. Pride, as one of the negative traits, can lead anyone to the grave faster than he thinks. Sometimes, the reason for pride is baffling. However, whatever the reason may be, do away with pride so that God can increase your days.

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Prayer For Divine Help To Remain Humble

Dear God, please teach me how to be humble before you. Let me yield to your instructions and corrections so that I can experience your promotions. Please save me from pride since it will lead to a destruction! Please, let me yield to the leadership of the Holy Spirit so that I can be successful throughout the days of my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.

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GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SERVE HIM – 2 Chronicles

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Christians Should Serve The Lord With A Pure Heart

(Passage: 2 Chronicles 5)

King Solomon made history by leading his people to build a state-of-the-art temple for God. The action pleased the Lord, and He filled the temple with his glory. The scripture reported,

“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

Benign Service To God Warrants A Reward

Christians must make adequate effort to satisfy God with their best services at all times. Jehovah appreciates any service that is offered from a pure heart. He rejoices when his children honor him with a pure motive; He also reciprocates their actions with blessings. That is, God will bless anyone who makes Him happy with his or her services. It is, therefore, important that every child of God serves him without an ulterior motive. We must serve God with full devotion and purity of our hearts to receive his unmerited blessing.

God values the work that comes with faith. As a Christian, it is our duty to serve God with a pure heart. God sees our hearts and can always tell when our actions aren’t genuine. Serve God with a pure heart and His presence will never depart from your life.

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Prayer For Divine Assistance

Dear God, please teach me how to serve you with a pure heart. Help me to serve you with full devotion and without reservation. Let my activities provoke your overwhelming blessings, and let my life remain an embodiment of testimony to your holy Name from now on and forever more! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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GOD IS GREATER THAN ALL BEINGS IN EXISTENCE – Job

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All Christians Must Be Humble Before God & Address Him With Respect

(Passage: Job 38)

Job found himself in an unfortunate situation; he claimed for his condition. The man complained he did not deserve his ordeal. (Indeed, Job didn’t do anything wrong to deserve his terrible situation; however, God expected him to display humility – even with his current state.) God was dissatisfied with Job’s self-righteous attitude and he challenged him with some persuasive questions to reorient his mind. Job did not hesitate to learn his lesson; he repented of his arrogance and glorified God. God had challenged Job,

“Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone” (Job 38:2-6).

God Hates Evil Self-Righteousness

God is greater than humans; he is not our equal, and we should not compare ourselves with him. A person who compares himself or herself with God is unwise! God is incomparable to humans. He has everything more than us. No human can measure up to God in terms of knowledge, wisdom or power! God is the greatest being in existence; everyone ought to honor him.

Despite God’s unquestionable authority, he still chooses to only positively deal with humans. God does not do evil; his plans for us, his children are of good, and for good. The Creator hates evil and he will reward all perpetrators of evil with punishment.

God offered an opportunity of salvation for all people so that we can be saved from our sins. That is, God will restore and bless us if we can repent of our sins and confess Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Anyone who rejects this salvation offer of Jesus Christ will not receive God’s eternal benefits in heaven. The Creator will haul the unrepentant sinners to hell fire. It is important that all people should confess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior to escape the punishment of hell fire, and also to qualify for the kingdom of God (Matthew 25:41).

God is greater than everyone and everything. He is mighty and absolutely worthy of our praise, which is the only thing we can give. We should be humble before God always because without him, we’re nothing. God bless you as you do this genuinely.

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Prayer For Help To Honor God Always

Dear God, please help me recognize your supreme power and honor you for it. Help me to give you quality praises at all times. Also, since Jesus Christ is your Son sent to save the world, I confess him as my personal Lord and Savior! I give my complete life to Jesus Christ, and I will serve him throughout the days of my life. Please count me worthy of your eternal kingdom! For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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PRAISE AND WORSHIP MOVE GOD’S HANDS – Psalm

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Proclaim The Greatness of God And Gain His Attention
(Passage: Psalm 84)

Christians are encouraged to praise God at all times. In fact, the scripture encourages us to dwell in God’s presence consistently for his pleasure and for our blessing. That is, a true worshiper of God will be refreshed in his presence and be blessed.

The more you bring God quality praise and worship, the more your blessing will become. If you can praise God genuinely and consistently, you will not lack a good thing in his presence. The scripture states,

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will still be praising you. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools” (Psalm 84:4-6).

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An Attitude Of Praising God Comes With A Reward

God loves to inhabit the praises of his people; he delights in it. The Creator will forever bless the people who make it a consistent practice to honor God with their resources.

Since much benefits will accompany God’s true worshipers, everyone should cultivate the habit.

No better and faster means of receiving God’s special attention than to praise him consistently. Anyone who intends to receive something special from God should praise God at all times.

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Praise God consistently if you truly want to get his attention. James Taiwo Click to tweet

As a Christian, the only thing you can give God for all he has done for you is to praise and worship him consistently. God appreciates and loves it when you deeply praise his name. No matter how more or little you might think your blessings are, God can surprise you with his miracles if you can praise him more. Praise God now and praise him always.

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Ask For God’s Grace To Praise Him Consistently

Dear God, please teach me how to praise you genuinely and consistently! Give me the strength to praise you with my best efforts so that I can get your attention and be blessed. As I do my best to honor you, please shower your grace and goodness into my life. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.

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