Today’s Bible Reading

January 6

Old Testament 1

Genesis 7:11 to 8:19

Noah found Grace with the Lord.

Noah's son's wives may not necessarily be righteous, but the Grace was extended to them because of Noah and they were saved. The family you marry into is very important. (Same way we are the bride of Christ, we do not merit it but we are saved by Grace).

Every living thing living on land was destroyed like God said, because of the evil heart and corrupt mind of men.

Have you ever wondered how it was possible for Noah to guide all animals in pairs into the ark??

That's because he didn't. That's the power of God. The animals came to him (Genesis 6:20).

 

Old Testament 2

Job 9&10

These chapters describe the sovereignty of God, the mercy of God and the Grace of God to man.

Chapter 9:20(KJV) says “if I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse”

This is to tell us how imperfect our human perfection is before God. If not for the Grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ, where would we be?!.

(“…all our righteousness are as filthy rags” Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

 

 New Testament

Matthew 5:21 to 48

Yesterday we talked about how Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfil it.

Today’s scripture takes it a bit further, most people think Jesus lowered the standard of Christianity (as regards Grace, no demands for sacrifice, no stone-to-death penalty…) but the truth is Jesus raised the standard.

Jesus said it is true the law states thou shalt not kill, but I am here to tell you “if you are angry with your brother without cause or you say to your brother Thou fool, you are already in danger…” Matthew 5:22 KJV.

Also in verse 29 & 30, Jesus said if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee… if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it away from thee…”

Jesus was only saying you should be ready to make painful sacrifices. If whatever you are holding on to will stop you from making Heaven, no matter how dear it is to you, let it go!

Jesus gave several other principles and standards Christians should live by in this scripture.

Which includes love your neighbor and even your enemy –verse 44

Jesus concluded in Matthew 5:48 by saying

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is heaven is perfect.

 

 Action Point

Think of anyone who has offended you, forgive them even if they haven’t or won’t apologize. Forgive them because Jesus said so, and you are His follower. Forgive them for your own good.

Decide to be conscious of every word you say from now. Desist from words that don't edify. 

Determine to do whatever it takes to make Heaven. Think of what or who you need to let go now. It could be a relationship that isn’t drawing you closer to God. It could be your job. It could be a personal trait (anger, lust…), etc.

 

Quote

The family you marry into is very important.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is heaven is perfect.

 

 Prayer Points

1.        Dear God, I thank you for your Saving Grace

2.        I ask for mercy for all my imperfections

3.        Grant me the spirit of obedience like Noah to follow all your instructions

4.        Dear God help me to be perfect like you as Jesus instructed

5.        Dear God help me to recognize Your Sovereignty

 

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