Today’s Bible Reading
March 10
Old Testament
Exodus 28:15-43
Today, because of the Grace of God which does not allow judgement like the Old Testament, some Ministers of God and Christians have abused the Grace of God by doing things God does not approve. They know there’s no immediate consequence (e.g death) for the priests like the Old Testament, so they tend to live recklessly and become involved in all sorts of abominations which is totally wrong.
If you are in this category, repent before the judgement of God comes on you. The Grace and Mercy of God for us is to set us free from sin not to help us maneuver sin. The Grace of God is to help us become responsible, not to make us irresponsible.
Old Testament 2
Psalms 74 & 75
Psalm 74 is a lament psalm of the community (as is Ps. 80) and a powerful presentation of Hebrew poetry at its best. The poem describes God’s actions in the past and the desire of His people for Him to act in the present. In some ways, Ps. 75 may be regarded as the Lord’s answer to the difficult questions of Ps. 74. This is one of 11 psalms attributed to Asaph (Ps. 50; 73–83).
The outline of the poem is:
a community lament over a foreign invasion (vv. 1–8);
a community complaint that there appears to be no hope (vv. 9–11);
a recounting of God’s historic victories against evil powers (vv. 12–17);
a petition for God to remember His covenant and deliver His people (vv. 18–21);
a call for God to act on His own behalf against His enemies (vv. 22, 23).
Psalm 75, a grand psalm of praise (Ps. 100), contains a lively interchange between the people, the psalmist, and the Lord. For other psalms in which the Lord speaks, see Ps. 12; 75; 87; 91. In some ways this psalm may be regarded as God’s answer to the questions presented in Ps. 74.
The structure of the psalm is based on its varied speakers:
the people’s praise of God for the sense of His presence (v. 1);
God’s announcement of His sovereign determination to judge the earth at the proper time (vv. 2–5);
the people’s declaration that God is the true Judge (vv. 6–9);
God’s declaration of His intention to bring final judgment (v. 10).
New Testament
Acts 16:16-40
16:25 praying and singing . . . prisoners were listening: The word translated listening here means “to listen with pleasure,” as if listening to beautiful music. It is in times of darkness that the light of a Christian witness shines brightest (see Phil. 2:14–16).
16:30–34 what must I do to be saved: The events surrounding the arrest of Paul and Silas, the way they responded to suffering, and the mighty acts of God brought the jailer to his knees. He finally knew he needed God’s salvation. But how could he be reconciled to God? Paul and Silas’s answer was simple—just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. No other work was needed. The jailer and his family placed their trust in God and immediately expressed that faith by being baptized
How do you respond to adversity? Do you think God can be glorified in that situation or do you panic and renounce your faith? Paul and Silas' attitude and response to their predicament got the prison guard saved. We should also note; Paul and Silas who just got out of prison were the ones encouraging the free Christians outside.
Even if you are not in a difficult situation, will the way you live your life daily make someone else ask; what must I do to be saved? Does your life preach Christ? These are the questions we should answer as a Christian.
The guard probably asked what he must do to be saved from being killed since the prison doors were opened and it’s a punishable offence by death. Paul and Silas used that opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Him and his family.
It was recorded in verse 34 that he was rejoicing with his family. Yesterday, we prayed God will give us the understanding of the gospel. This is a clear example of the understanding of the gospel. A man was going to kill himself maybe a few minutes ago or a few hours ago, but a few hours later, he is rejoicing because of the good news of the message of Jesus.
(Stop projecting your experience while preaching to an unbeliever. There is nowhere in the bible where the disciple of Jesus preached that you need to receive Jesus Christ into your life but that doesn’t mean you won’t go through life challenges. They simply preached Jesus Christ, they simply preached to believe in Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Does that save me from spiritual death and literal death? Yes! Does it include saving from depression? Yes! Nobody, nobody ever said, accept Jesus Christ and you may still feel depressed along the way but Christ got you while preaching to an unbeliever in the bible.
Also, no one said believe in Jesus Christ and your depression will be gone in the bible. The disciples weren’t focused on the earthly benefits of believing in Jesus Christ, they believe the power of Jesus Christ is beyond recommending it as a remedy for the symptoms, or a cure for one sickness out of many, the disciples know the power of Jesus is here for the root of all the diseases. As long as the root is cured and you have hope of eternal life, nothing else matters. There approacg has been repent from your sins, believe in Jesus Christ & start experiencing what they (the disciples) are confident of and have been experiencing!
Action Point
do not abuse Grace
be intentional about being responsible with the grace of God
How do you respond to adversity? Do you think God can be glorified in that situation or do you panic and renounce your faith?
don't give up hope
pray without ceasing
have a habit of praises
be intentional about sharing the gospel
Quote
The Grace and Mercy of God for us is to set us free from sin not to help us maneuver sin. The Grace of God is to help us become responsible, not to make us irresponsible.
-Eckleexiastiz
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. Etton Trueblood
To evangelise does not mean to win converts... but simply to announce the good news, irrespective of the results
-John Stott
we are the bible the world is reading; we are the greeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding
-Billy Graham
“Evangelism is not an option for the Christian life.”
— Luis Palau
Our faith, trust and love are proved and revealed in adversities, that is, in difficult and grievous outward and inward circumstances, during sickness, sorrow, and privations.
- John of Kronstadt
They gave our master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?
-Martin Luther King
Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.
- Charles Spurgeon
Prayer Points
Thank God for HIs Grace
thank God for coming to die for our sins
ask God for mercy
pray for the power of HOly Spirit
pray for Holy Spirit help in your walk with HIm and the spirit of obedience
pray for the ability to do God's will
pray for the boldness to witness Christ
#BibleInAYearChallenge
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