Remember to Help Others

A foundational element of the Christian walk is service. Christ commanded His followers to love and serve one another. This is in direct opposition to the course of the world. Society tells you to look out for yourself. You worked hard to achieve and acquire what you have and others just need to do the same. However, God is merciful and compassionate demonstrating undeserved kindness and favor to all.

But ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it…Josh 1:14-15 (KJV)

As Israel prepared to enter into Canaan, two and half of the tribes had already received their inheritance in the land. However, Joshua urged them to leave their promise and help the other tribes possess theirs as well. What? They were told to help others accomplish what they had already achieved. This was so that all of the tribes could enjoy God’s blessings.

As Christians, we should not withhold help from others in the church. If God has blessed you and allowed you to accomplish some things, allow God to use you as a source of blessing and encouragement to others. Allow others to experience the same blessings as you. This is the love of God in action.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for your blessings. On this day, I remember your works in my life. Help me to demonstrate the same to others. Amen”

Time to Make Some Changes

Life can be unpredictable. Events occur that force us to make changes – sometimes quickly and unexpectedly. Some are able to adjust and recover quickly. Others are able to accommodate the changes with a little effort and time. However, some are not able to respond to the changes that certain situations demand.

 As Christians, we have to remember that we can do all things through Christ. In our Christian walk, though, there are times when God will require us to make changes as we strive to live for Him.

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. Josh 1:11 (KJV)

Israel was preparing to enter into Canaan. For forty years, they have received bread from heaven, but now they had to go and gather their own food. They had to change their approach to living as they entered into God’s promises.

If we are to receive certain things from the Lord and progress in our relationship with Him, we will have to change our way of doing certain things. At this time in your life, take inventory. Are there things in your life that He is challenging you to change or modify? If so, do not resist it. Though work is involved, it will bless you in this life.

Prayer of the Week:

“God, give me strength to make the necessary move and adjustments in my life. I thank you that your plans for me are for good. Amen.”

Don’t Pass the Blame

 Growing up, I never liked to get in trouble. Well, who does? So, when questioned as to why I   did certain things, I would give many reasons except the only true one – I wanted to. Even from the earliest records of man’s existence, we find that blame-shifting was employed to escape trouble. In the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve for his disobedience and Eve blamed the serpent.

And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Gen 3:12-13 (KJV)

As Christians, we have to avoid blame-shifting when it comes to our relationship with Christ. Sometimes we blame others at church for our negative dispositions. We can blame family members for our troubles and burdens. The list can go on. However,  we  must  be responsible for our walks with

Christ (owning up to the good and the bad).

In confessing your personal faults and weaknesses, you leave the door open for God’s grace and help so that you can overcome. Do not pass the blame, but be honest. In doing so, you prove yourself to be a servant of Christ indeed.

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you for your mercy and grace. I trust that you will help me overcome every area of weakness brought to you in faith and assurance. I thank you now. Amen”