Today’s Bible Reading
January 12

Old Testament 1
Genesis 17

In the previous chapter God told Abraham He will give him a biological child

After that, Abraham took Sarai's advice to have a child by Haggai.

Here God told Abraham I will give you a child and it will come from Sarah your wife.

God didn't specify for Abraham so Abraham must have thought if I impregnated Haggai then the child is actually from me. The mistake Abraham made was, after Sarah suggested, he was supposed to ask God if this was God's plan.

We learn here we shouldn't assume God's instruction, if it's not clear, God is our father, we should ask, rather than make decisions that would land us in trouble.

Eve could have also waited for God to come visit them in the evening like He used to after the serpent tried to deceive her with God's instruction, she could have asked God for clarity. The results could have been different.

God is our friend, our father, if we are not clear about anything we should feel free to ask Him.

Remember when Abraham asked God about God’s promises for him but he doesn't have an heir. God answered I will give you an heir who is also your child, not (Elizar).

When Abraham slept with Haggai to fulfil that promise without asking God if that's what He meant when he said the child will be His own, it's the same as if Abraham had chosen Elizar to be his heir without asking God if He had an heir in His plan for him.

Likewise in this passage, we read how God changed Abraham and Sarah's name before God’s promises for them were fulfilled. Your name needs to change for you to receive or walk into some certain capacity and blessing God has for you. You have to be called a child of God to have access to the blessing God has for you. Your new name is the name God calls you after you have surrendered your life to Him.


Old Testament 2
Job 20

[20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?

His children will seek the favor of the poor, And his hands will restore his wealth.

20:29 This is the portion from God for a wicked man, The heritage appointed to him by God]

This scripture is about the reward of the wicked.

There's no gain in wickedness. We should shun wickedness in every form.

But what's wrong here is, Job's friends were suggesting he's afflicted because he's not righteous and he must have been wicked even if they don’t know about it.


New Testament
Matthew 9:18-38

[9:21 For she said to herself, If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well]

Contrary to how people expect to receive miracles these days. You don't need a man of God's faith to receive your miracle. You have access to Jesus Christ. Touch His hem with your faith and receive your miracle.

Just believe Jesus can do it. Jesus asked the blind men, Do you believe that I am able to do this?

Again, according to their faith, they were healed

Furthermore,

In chapter 9:37 Jesus said to His disciples, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

We have a lot of work to do as Christians. There are souls that need to hear the Gospel. Let's do our Father's business while it's still day, because the night comes soonest. (John 9:4).


Action Point

Did God make you a promise? is it clear enough or you need to ask God for clarity

Repent if you are wicked.

Exercise your faith in Christ over that situation

Determine to evangelize, set a goal for yourself (how many souls do you want to reach out to in a week, pray, fast, study the bible and prepare yourself for Jesus mandate.


Quote

Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men, but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus.
-D. Elton Trueblood

Prayer Points

Thank God for His promises for you

Ask for mercy in ways you have act on your own against God’s promise

Pray that God gives you clarity for His promises

Pray to be more like God every day of your life

Pray to have that boldness and consciousness of your righteousness in God

Pray for unsaved souls that God should open their eyes to see Him and believe in Him

Pray that God should use you to reach out to unsaved souls

Pray for strength and provision for Christian missionaries all over the world.

If you are yet to give your life to Jesus pray this prayer

My Father and my God, I accept you today in my heart. Take hold of me that I will do your will all the time.


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