Message: Years ago, there was an advert for a cassette tape series that promised to dramatically improve one's memory in just a few hours; it sounded intriguing. Our mailboxes are filled with ads like that because people are interested in quick fixes and overnight miracles. The Israelites were no exception. Many times in the history of ancient Israel, we see them turning to Egypt for security instead of trusting God. But through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord clearly declared just where the power lay. In Ezekiel 29:6-7, God said to Egypt: " All the people of Egypt will discover that I am the Lord, for you collapsed like a reed when Israel looked to you for help. Israel leaned on you, but like a cracked staff, you splintered and stabbed her in the armpit. When she put her weight on you, you gave way, and her back was thrown out of joint."
The Lord was telling them that if God's people were looking for a strong ally to protect them from their enemies, they should look to God Himself. Brother or sister, man or woman of God, you and i need the same warning today. All too often we are attracted to the promise of gimmicks, programs and schemes. We need to be reminded that the latest book, tape, CD,DVD or method will not equipp us to witness for Christ.
It is first and foremost daily personal fellowship with the Lord that prepares us. God speaks to us through His Word. So we must make an effort to meet Him daily in His Word. Meet God daily live and direct in His Word. We respond to God's message to us through prayer. Pray intensively everyday. In fact pray without ceasing. Before you read the Word of God ask God in prayer to open your mind to understand the Scriptures.
After Bible study, thank God for His Word to you and ask Him to help you to store His Word in your heart so that it will help you not to sin against Him; Ask Him to help you to meditate on some of the things that came out of the Bible study and to obey His Word, live it out and pass it on to others. This is an overview of what i personally do daily. I have given it to you as a guide. There are many methods of having fellowship with God. Choose the ones that you are comfortable with. Without daily fellowship with God, nothing counts. Also make regular fastings and prayer.
This is a process where you will be subjecting your flesh to the control of the Spirit. For as long as your flesh is kept under control by the Spirit, your fellowship with God is also enhanced. A certain Christian worker once remarked, " The church is looking for better methods, God is looking for better men, women and leaders; men, women and leaders who will trust Him, follow Him, and to look to Him and Him alone for the advancement of His kingdom.
"Meditation: Those who hear the Word of God and respond to Him through faith in Jesus Christ are the people He uses to build His kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, empower me by Your Holy Spirit to carry out Your purpose for me today, in Jesus name, Amen.
Remain Blessed.
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