MADE FOR THIS (You have what it takes)

SCRIPTURE READING : JEREMIAH 1

v5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (NIV)

One of the most tragic things that we as the body of Christ struggle with in our daily walk is the internal battle of whether we will or will not make it in our walk of salvation, especially when faced with trials. There is a tendency of many thinking that this means one's faith is weak or inadequate. This is far from it. Our adversary, the devil, has one tactic that he implements when trying to get us off course.... that is PLANTING DOUBT.

He keeps whispering questions that always prove us inadequate of carrying out the work laid for us or even living a successful life faithfully. This is the only way he gets to us. The rest, he leaves to us to make decisions. He cannot force us to do what we decide not to do. We have authority over him, but we don't know how to use it; and so, we give in to doubt.

The first chapter of Jeremiah assures us that we have what it takes to carry out the work laid in front of us. How? WE WERE CREATED FOR IT. In verse 5 God reminds the prophet that, even before he was in his mother's womb his life was already mapped out by God to be a prophet to the nations. Take a second and imagine this.... before your mom and dad knew they'd meet (if they did)... before they even planned on having kids... God had already mapped out what it is you were to do on earth. Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!
So, my life already has a purpose?!? Yes it does! That purpose was set by God even before you saw the light of day (or the darkness of your mom's womb).

Then God continues in this chapter to assure us that He will protect us against all those who rise against us; He says He has given us His Word, so that we know what, when and how to say what He commands us to.
I especially love the last verse, where God says, "THEY WILL FIGHT AGAINST YOU BUT WILL NOT OVERCOME YOU' FOR I AM WITH YOU AND WILL PROTECT YOU,"...
God doesn't promise a life without battles, but He does promise victory. This is awesome.

So, let's take heart and be encouraged, knowing that our struggles are not here to tear us down, for our victory is certain if we trust in God.

PRAYER:
Father I thank You for my life; I thank You that I have all that I need to carry out the life You created me to live; I thank You for reminding me that the battles I have are already won because You fight for me. From this day forward, I will no longer feel inadequate, but I will do what You say confidently and excellently. With You by my side, I will prevail. All this I declare in the Name, Jesus, AMEN

WARNING AGAINST IDOLATRY

SCRIPTURE READING: HOSEA 8

In this day, the church has been made into a circus of crazy blessing-seeking holiness-rejecting congregants. All we want to hear is how God will make us rich and prosperous. At the beginning of every year, we always get prophecies that make us jump up and down like crazy, because we will get this and that; because we're in line to receive, receive, receive. I haven't seen or heard prophecies that are in line with the purging of sin in the church; how God is displeased with the sinful church, as He used to do in the bible days. We don't want to hear such prophecies; even though they're more profitable than the 'bless-me-now' prophecies we prefer.
We have mastered the man-orchestrated procedure of worship, yet neglected the biblical requirements of the worshiper. We have chosen to squeeze our perverted view of "God's will" into our man-made patterns.
By so doing, we have become accomodative of sin and all that is displeasing to God.

I, therefore, declare 2013 a year of REPENTANCE! This is the year of building a church that will be pleasing to God in every aspect of life; a church that will seek God above fame and wealth; a church that will model Christ as Christ wants, through the leading of the Holy Spirit; a church that will stand out to please God against all odds and norms. I decree and declare that in 2013 we will be a church that will seek God until there's ALL OF GOD and NONE OF US to show.

PRAYER
Thank You Father for all Your goodness to us as Your people, even when we err. Thank You for the reminders about who we ought to be in You. May Your Name be glorified in our time and time to come because of the lives that we live. We decree and declare that we will adhere to Your Word everyday of our lives. We will be a church that will be blameless as You have said in Your Word. Tis all we will do if Your Holy Spirit enables us. We therefore ask that You constantly revive us as we seek Your face each day. This we ask believing thankfully in Jesus' Name. AMEN

My Mandate

While the year begins and people chase their own resolutions, I see it fit and profitable for me to be always found in the will of God who called me.
So, I, therefore, am determined to do one thing in 2013; TO COMPLETE THE MANDATE FOR WHICH I AM CHOSEN BY YHWH.

I have learnt that if, in life, one puts first God's business, all else falls well into place. This may seem far fetched, but I am first hand experience witness to God's faithfulness when it comes to Him honoring His word. So I dare you to take it as your own plan for 2013 to do His will; to surrender your will for His. I know He will perfect all that which concerns you, if you stay in His will.

So i ask, What is your goal?

PRAYER
Father, thank You for the gift of life; that You saw it fit for me to enter 2013 is because of Your never ending grace and not my good works; so I therefore just want to say thank You. I purpose to always be found in Your will this year. Please help me in this regard; for I cannot do it on my own strength. This I ask believing and thankfully in Jesus' Name, AMEN