HE MERITS YOUR COMMENDATION.

Centre verse:( Psalm 92:1,2)"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high: To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night"TEXT: PSALM 92:1-15. A story was narrated of a commercial praise-singer, who sang a well known praise but covetous figure when it comes to a public ceremony. He fluently sought the historical feats of the figure's progeny,he remembered the extraordinary accomplishments over the years and celebrated his charismatic ability to solve difficult problems. Experiencing highly honoured, this well-known skinflint distributed in abundance the singer with a huge sum. As the singer continued, he took off his pair of costly shoes and traditional flowing top and handed it over to them as gifts. He was totally in love by the accolades showered on him that he could not oppose being generous, no matter it was only for that day. Christians who worship God open the websites of heaven. God is not a skinflint: He is always generous. Knowing the willingness of God to do more for us as we appreciate His goodness,David in our reference under consideration today declared that it is always good to give thanks unto the LORD. Neglecting to realize this reality, many people think of what they do not have. Therefore, they do not find it very important to praise the Lord. If we consider that we are still alive is a sufficient reason to worship God always. We have to realize that we are not better than those who have passed away. The psalms of David directs to people who do not appreciate God's life sustaining gifts such as the free air we breath,water, sun,moon,stars,the evergreen leaves,shrubs and trees of the forest as a fools. God is always ready to bless us.He needs righteousness that comes from repentance and faith in Christ's atoning blood of sacrifice that makes Christian flourish like a palm tree and grow like cedar in Lebanon. He also demands greatful heart that ptaise Him. REMEMBER THIS: Commendation is a sweet smelling savour to God. Further Bible verses: Psalm 147:1,89:1.

PATIENTLY WAIT FOR GOD.

CENTRE VERSE: ISAIAH 40:31(KJV). " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,and not faint." TEXT  ISAIAH 40:28-31.Man  has seven basic life flaws which impatience like anger is one of them. Every human being has the potential to be impatient, but for those people who have a concrete fear of missing out,impatience can become a dwelling arrangement. The definition of impatience is irrigation with everything that causes setback; a restless desire for change and excitement. An impatient person is the one that feels and shows hostility towards things which delays one's motives. When you wait for God,it does not show that you are lazy or idle in life. It does not reveal that you abandoned your efforts. It simply means you wait for your expectations to come to establishment. Learn to patient. Always focus on the brighter direction of life. That glory of the Lord shall be risen upon you;" Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged: because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee"( Isaiah 60:5). Therefore, relax!be patient! Further Bible verse: Hebrews 12:1-3.

THE LIABILITY OF UNJUSTIFIED FAMILIARITY.

Centre verse: Matthew 13:57(NIV) "And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them,A prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home." TEXT MATTHEW 13:53-58. A Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in a community organized a competition for young people and a man followed reluctantly his son to the venue. As the competition commenced and his boy was doing well,the crowd started to applaud him. At the conclusion of the programme, he took the first prize. The man was surprised that the entire crowd offered his son a standing ovation while his mates and friends  were singing songs of praise to him. The man at the initial time sitted in the crowd was timid of not desiring to be identified suddenly came forward in tears embraced his son with a sense of pride. The boy being the youngest in the family was never considered to be important in his home. Often,they left him at home at any special outings for they believed that he was just an ordinary son. We have learnt from experience that people are not receiving the best from their environment because they fail to appreciate their gifts and the fact that they may be God's deliverers. The excessive familiarly to a minister of God in the church is too bad,we fail to appreciate that relationship for unlimited blessings for our lives. We take our undue intimacy to a frivolous extent and scorn the gift of God in them with people we are well known. The reference point to our study today,reveals how the Israelites scorned the ministry of Christ and lost their moment of divine visitation only to the fact that they could locate his earthly parent(Joseph),the carpenter. Christ Jesus having seen their unbelief and their contempt for him,he was unable to perform many mighty miracles among them in that city. How frequently many of us enter into the same trap of unjustified familiarity that begets contempt. Are you in that group?retrace your steps today and learn to recognize and respect those whom it has pleased the Lord to make your spiritual head. Remember this: unjustified familiarity with spiritual heads closes the door against the flow of divine favours. Further Bible verses: Mark 6:3,4,John 4:44.

THE CONCEIT IN RICHES.

Centre verse: Revelation 18:17( KJV) " For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ship,and sailors, and as many as trade by sea stood afar off. TEXT: REVELATION 18:9-20. There is a universal statement that has some very elaborate principal about the transient form of the world's riches and popularity. It says the riches has wings and can escape; Popularity is like a rolling wind that is not steady. A wise wealthy and well known king Solomon, during his tenure instructs us that we must not focus our mind on fame and riches. Honesty, one person that has enjoyed riches and fame known to be Greeley Horace says " Fame is vapour, popularity an accident, riches take wings. Character is the only thing that abides." There is a declaration in more pungent way by two Apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost " The world passeth away and its fullness thereof.......," the world and its elements shall melt with fervent heat." It is only those who have the character of God; seeking things above that Will abide forever. Our text gives us firm and frightening image of a future event that has some educative lessons for us. For hundreds of years,Babylon has arrogated itself as a prosperous and well-known city having one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. But it was godless city,full of perversions, immortality, hatred for God and His people. And because judgment was not immediate, the cup of his wickedness was latter full and the righteous judged, God Himself, concluded to punish the city. As a figurative expression, for the present age,much men and women in the world pursue after riches and fame to the detriment of their soul and readiness for eternity. But all this will vanish away and none will be important at the time we close eyes in death. Assuredly, when we admit the care of this life to remote our heart,we lose focus of eternity and become careless to spiritual things that will get us ready for eternity. We need to be wise and have our priorities in the right order. Remember that " it is sheer folly to gather treasures in a decaying world." Further Bible verse: Ezekiel 27:29.

BE FOCUSED ON YOUR BUSINESS.

Centre verse: Ephesians 4:11(NIV) "So Christ himself gave the Apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers" TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:7-13. There was an artisan who was working so hard yo cut a log into two parts. After sawing from morning to noon,he succeeded to cut only half way through. When he was hungry, he resolved to put a wedge into the spilt and move for lunch. There was a monkey from up a tree that was watching the workman who became inquisitive of the wedge. The monkey claimed down and went to the log. The animal tried harder to pull the wedge out but it did not yield. He rested on the log with legs on each side. The monkey prevailed with it tail dangling down through the split. Suddenly the wedge came out,and the log stuck together immediately, cutting off the dangling tail.The animal lost its tail because of its inquisitiveness. You should be careful of trying to do things you see other people do or asking unnecessary question that does not matter. Always make positive research on the business you want to embark on before you attempt to imitate others. As a Christian, you must work through the direction of your own gifts, praying God to assist you succeed in those areas. Do not be a busy body in other people's affairs,concentrate on your own matter. Remember that inquisitiveness could be a dangerous exercise. Further Bible verse: 1Corintians 12:28.

THE LIFE AND COMMITMENT OF FAITH.

Centre verse: Mark 11:23(KJV) "For verily I say unto you,That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea:and shall not doubt in his heart,but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass:he shall have whatsoever he saith." TEXT:MARK 11:20-24.Faith is an indispensable quality that every Christian must have. From our text today,we can see that faith is a firm conviction you have about God's ability to do what he says he will do;The confidence that he can and will meet human needs and expectations. Faith in God makes you committed to Him. And commitment to faith gets you look on God; You are not distracted nor mocked by anyone. The response of the centurion in Matthew 8:8 instructs to Christian essential things. We do not merit God's salvation and blessings, but his love and mercy made Him sacrifice His only son,Christ Jesus for our sins,and through Him,we can enjoy all the blessings He has in heaven for us. (Romans 8:32). God's love for you confers all the gains of the Cross you enjoy today. Therefore, let your heart be stationed on Him. Do not be unstable in your commitment to Him,and do not doubt what your faith in Him can achieve. You must not be moved in face of challenges and oppositions, and frequently put your faith in action. That is the only commitment of faith. Further Bible verses: Matthew 17:20,Luke 17:6.

DON'T BE INTIMIDATED.

Center verse: 1Samuel 17:11( KJV)" When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine they were dismayed and greatly afraid "TEXT 1SAMUEL 17:1-11.The sinner of spiritual strength had boldness to fight the enemy. In today's text,Israel is seen trembling before the adversary. The armies of Israel and Philistine were arrayed against each other on two mountain sides demarcated by a valley. Goliath, a war champion in the land of Philistine, heavily armed and arrogant of his strength and experience challenged everybody from Saul's camp to a personal encounter. When the disobedient king(Saul) and all Israel heard the intimidated statement of the enemy, they were afraid and distressed. Like the old Israel, many of us have our days of fear and discouragement. At times,Devil comes to battle with us using the weapons of doubt, worry and anxiety. He does all possible things reminding us our past sins and failure. He wants our mind to be on ourselves and challenges we are facing instead of looking unto Jesus the great Provider and Deliverer. However, such life brings bad emotion of guilt,failure and despair. It can subject one into self- pity,self management and self destruction when David,who understands the proper handling and has faith to face the threat and intimidation of Goliath does not come to the rescue. To prevent Devil's intimidation, we have to ensure that we are in the good relationship with God regularly. Taking these steps " sinners must repent of their sins so as to receive forgiveness: backsliders should immediately reconcile with God to be able to face the battles of life." Believes must neglect words of unbelief,criticism, mockery and negative feelings that can be a barrier to their faith and cause them to loose confidence in God. Only people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. Remember, the Cross of Jesus who lives in us has totally defeated all Goliaths. Further Bible verse: 2Samuel 21:19.