Today’s Bible Reading
January 24

Old Testament 1
Genesis 30

[30:2 And Jacob's anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?]

There are cases of broken homes caused by barrenness.

This shouldn't be, as Christians, we need to realize neither the husband nor the wife gives a child,

God is The Giver of children. Even when there is a medical report that proves that either the wife or husband can't have a child. Trust God. What God cannot do doesn't exist. Pray to God for the blessing of children, He will answer you.

Yesterday's exposition talked about exercising our authority in Christ on earth. Speak to your body. Command it in Jesus Name.

This is a time for husband and wife to unite more than ever, rather than putting the blame on each other.

Rachel was later blessed with two children and if you have faith in Jesus, that can be your testimony.


Old Testament 2
Job 40 & 41

This scripture talks about the power of God and His mighty works of creation


New Testament
Matthew 16:18 – 17:13

[16:19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven]

Jesus said this to Peter and it stands for us as Christians too because we are His disciple.

We have authority in Christ on earth. But unfortunately, there are Christians who don't exercise this authority.

Speak to that situation, speak to that challenge, command it in Jesus Name.

[16:21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

16:22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You

16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men]

Jesus began to tell His disciples what will happen to Him, Jesus told them about how He's going to be crucified and resurrect the third day.

Which was Jesus' main mission on earth.

Peter pulled Jesus privately and rebuked Him. We could say it was because Peter cared about Jesus.

But Jesus knew the real reason behind Peter's concern, Jesus knew what Peter's concern would do to His main mission on earth so He rebuked the source of that concern which is Satan.

We learn here that people could rebuke you or try to advise you against God's vision for you that they don't understand. It might even appear from a place of care. Turn them away and stay focused like Jesus did to Peter.

[16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me]

Following Jesus requires us denying ourselves.

What does it mean to deny oneself?

It means we will let go of our will. We only do what God approves. We are not controlled by the flesh.

Something could be pleasurable, but is it Godly ?

Denying oneself isn't easy but with God nothing is impossible. (Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37)

[16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?]

Furthermore, in Chapter 16 verse 26 we learn that nothing in this world is worth your soul.

The riches and everything in it.

Do not sell your soul for what is temporary.

This world shall pass away and everything in it (Matthew 24:35).

[17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him]

Can God testify that He is pleased with you ?

[17:9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead

Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone about the vision they were shown before it was fulfilled.

We learn here that everybody doesn't have to know about God's vision for you.

[17:12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands]

They didn't know God's prophets or recognize Jesus because the god of this world has blinded them (2 Corinthians 4:4)

This is why praying for unbelievers for their eyes to be opened is as important as telling them about the Gospel.

There's a quote, "don't preach to who you haven't prayed for"

If the Holy Spirit convicts and not our sermon, then it is important to talk to the Holy Spirit about them even before we share the Gospel with them.


Action Point

Make it a habit to pray for souls that aren't saved

Let go of what is stopping you from following Jesus

Support Christian missionaries with your resources


Quote

“Don't expect people to understand your grind when God didn't give them your vision”

 

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

Prayer Points

1. Thank God for His blessings in your life and praise Him for how great He is.

2. Ask for His mercy.

3. Pray that the Holy Spirit helps you to deny yourself and follow Jesus (you know the things holding        you back, mention them to God).

4. Rebuke Satan and his agents over God's vision for you.

5. Pray that God's vision for you be fulfilled.

6. Pray you will always do what pleases God.

7. Pray that God should help you not to get carried away by anything in this world.

8. Pray for souls that aren't saved yet that God should open their eyes to see Jesus.

9. Pray for Christian missionaries all over the world that God strengthens and blesses them.

10. If you are trusting God for the blessing of children, talk to Him now in Prayer and Have faith that         your prayer is answered!


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