Today’s Bible Reading
January 19

Old Testament 1
Genesis 25

Esau thought that the birthright will do him no good; he carelessly sold it for food. So many people have also been careless with theirs until they lost it and to retrieve it is impossible. Esau did not know that being the first born is a great blessing in his own time because the first born steps into his father's shoe of authority which he had been struggling for from the womb innocently. I am often surprised whether a day's hunger would kill Esau or what gave him the ideas that he was dying, but I can see the impatience and indiscipline of man that made him to rubbish his future for a morsel of food. But many of us don't know our birthright, it may have nothing to do with our position of birth but something unique with you, something that has been destined to lift us up, something that was created to announce your glory, some have been careless with such things, you need now to seek for it before it will be demanded for, you need to have it before it will be difficult to get. Some people lost their birthright though recklessness of drinking, sex, talk, and other things, though some repented from their actions but they didn't get back those things lost, but with the mercy of God you can still get it by the power in the blood of Jesus Christ. You better get it back now before it is too late. Let the youth be careful of selling their birthright to their boyfriend, girlfriend for the sake of lust. Those things you think are of no value might be something that will announce your glory; keep it jealously.

(Pastor M. O. Shodipe)


Old Testament 2
Job 31

Job was so sure of his righteousness.

Are we also sure of our righteousness?? Can we look back and be guilt free??

And we should understand that when we are in Christ we are a new creature, old things have passed away, all things have become new! ( 2nd Corinthian 5:17).

But since we gave our life to Christ? Have we honestly been living that transformed life?? If you haven't, Repent. Come boldly to the throne of Grace, and ask for mercy (Hebrew 4:16). God is ever ready to forgive you. Then go and sin no more.

So you can be bold and testify like Job did.


New Testament
Matthew 13:24-43

[13:37 He answered and said to them: He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.

13:38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.

13:39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.

13:40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.]

Do you know the devil has sown bad seeds (tares) in this world. As Christians we have to be careful of the tares. They come in different forms. From the music industry to the movie industry, fashion industry e.t.c. We should run away from any content that is harmful to our faith. Focus on contents that are gracious and edifies your soul. Remember, if it's not drawing you closer to God, it's drawing you away from God.

At the end, there will be separation between those who represent God's kingdom and those who represent the devil's kingdom.

It's not easy to stay focused in this corrupt world but keep on, persevere, the kingdom of God awaits us in heaven.

[13:43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear]

The end of the devil and his workers is destruction.

[13:41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness

13:42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.]


Action Point

Value and guide jealously what God gives you

Control your appetite (the bible says we shouldn’t be slave to anything-scriptural reference)

Declare that you are righteous. Say it out loud more than 7 times

Return to God if you have gone astray

Delete the music, movies, unsubscribe that platform, cut off friends, and take that step that you know is drawing you away from God


Quote

Quote about controlling appetite

About being careful of what you consume or association

Prayer Points

Thank God for the salvation of your soul

Ask for mercy where you have sinned

Pray for the power not to go back to your vomit (scriptural reference)

What talent have you given away or let go, reclaim it in Jesus Name

Pray for the power to let go off things that draw you away from God


#BibleInAYear