Solid Rock Devotional
18th January, 2018
OBJECT OF WORSHIP
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. Colossians 2:18
Angels have become popular in certain sections of our culture. We can even find models of angels for sale in different shops. People apparently buy an angel for their homes, their cars, or their bookshelves.
The Bible makes it clear that there is one mediator between God and man and it’s *Christ* Himself. The worship of angels was one of the false doctrines being taught in the church at Colosse. We can be encouraged, and even comforted that angels are involved in life. *The name angel means ‘messenger’, but they are carriers of messages not the origin of the message.*
The constant warnings against idolatry in Scripture, is the warning against elevating anything to a place it was never to be given. One thing we know angels say is this: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ (Revelation 5:11-12).
*We are never to worship angels not to talk of human beings. Let’s not elevate them, let’s join them to worship the king of Kings and Lord of Lords.*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Please help me keep my focus on You. You are the object of my worship and forever you will remain, in Jesus name.....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 16:13-28
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HAVE A BLESSED DAY
Thursday, 18 January 2018
GLORY BOUND
Solid Rock Devotional
17th January, 2018
GLORY BOUND
Praise be to the God and Father of our lord jesus christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of jesus christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
The old spirituals that we still sometimes sing are mostly about the future, because in those dark days of slavery, there wasn’t a lot to be glad about in the here and now.
Those songs brought joy into the hearts of ill-treated, trodden down slaves, being denied the dignity and freedom every human being deserves. *They sang about ‘crossing the Jordan’, about ‘glory’ and although ‘Soon and very soon we are going to see the King’ was a later song* , that was the spirit of their music.
This is not escapism. We can sing about the future because in the darkest times of life, one thing remains sure. *God raised Jesus from the dead, and ‘Because He lives, you also will live (John 14:19).*
We enjoy His resurrected life today, indwelling and enabling us to live well, but we also have the certain hope of a future resurrection from the dead. This ‘living hope’ overrides the worst nightmares of life and gives to us one of the most important ingredients of life - hope.
We can say with Paul about the present and the future, ‘ *For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21).*
Is your Christian life about what God does in you, or about your human efforts?
PRAYER: My Father and my Lord, I thank you for life and the hope you have given me. Am so grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ......Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 11:20-30
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17th January, 2018
GLORY BOUND
Praise be to the God and Father of our lord jesus christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of jesus christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
The old spirituals that we still sometimes sing are mostly about the future, because in those dark days of slavery, there wasn’t a lot to be glad about in the here and now.
Those songs brought joy into the hearts of ill-treated, trodden down slaves, being denied the dignity and freedom every human being deserves. *They sang about ‘crossing the Jordan’, about ‘glory’ and although ‘Soon and very soon we are going to see the King’ was a later song* , that was the spirit of their music.
This is not escapism. We can sing about the future because in the darkest times of life, one thing remains sure. *God raised Jesus from the dead, and ‘Because He lives, you also will live (John 14:19).*
We enjoy His resurrected life today, indwelling and enabling us to live well, but we also have the certain hope of a future resurrection from the dead. This ‘living hope’ overrides the worst nightmares of life and gives to us one of the most important ingredients of life - hope.
We can say with Paul about the present and the future, ‘ *For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21).*
Is your Christian life about what God does in you, or about your human efforts?
PRAYER: My Father and my Lord, I thank you for life and the hope you have given me. Am so grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ......Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 11:20-30
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KINDLY SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Tuesday, 16 January 2018
WATCH YOUR MOUTH
Solid Rock Devotional
16th January, 2018
WATCH YOUR MOUTH
All of them were filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:4
If you want to know what’s going on in somebody’s heart, just stay around and listen to what comes out of their mouth especially when they are off guard. What happens in the heart will find its way out through the mouth.
In all Post-Pentecost references to people being filled with the Spirit, something immediately happened to their mouth. On the day of Pentecost they spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. On other occasions they spoke the Word of God boldly, or on one occasion issued a rebuke: ‘Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” (Acts 13:9-10).
After Paul tells the Ephesians to ‘be filled with the Spirit’ he immediately says, ‘ *Speak* to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit,’ (Ephesians 5:18-19).
When the Holy Spirit fills us, there will be something to talk about and something to sing about. Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts.
Therefore to not speak good words and to not sing good songs will be to grieve the Holy Spirit, and quench the outworking of His fullness.
Is there evidence of the Spirit in what comes out of your mouth? Think about this.
PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, I humbly ask that you will be seen in me, my speech and all that I do, In Jesus name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 11:1-19
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HAVE A LOVELY DAY
16th January, 2018
WATCH YOUR MOUTH
All of them were filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:4
If you want to know what’s going on in somebody’s heart, just stay around and listen to what comes out of their mouth especially when they are off guard. What happens in the heart will find its way out through the mouth.
In all Post-Pentecost references to people being filled with the Spirit, something immediately happened to their mouth. On the day of Pentecost they spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. On other occasions they spoke the Word of God boldly, or on one occasion issued a rebuke: ‘Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” (Acts 13:9-10).
After Paul tells the Ephesians to ‘be filled with the Spirit’ he immediately says, ‘ *Speak* to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit,’ (Ephesians 5:18-19).
When the Holy Spirit fills us, there will be something to talk about and something to sing about. Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts.
Therefore to not speak good words and to not sing good songs will be to grieve the Holy Spirit, and quench the outworking of His fullness.
Is there evidence of the Spirit in what comes out of your mouth? Think about this.
PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, I humbly ask that you will be seen in me, my speech and all that I do, In Jesus name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 11:1-19
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
HAVE A LOVELY DAY
Monday, 15 January 2018
CONVICTION OF SIN
Solid Rock Devotional
15th January, 2018
CONVICTION OF SIN
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. unless I go away, the advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. when he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me.
John 16: 7-9
The Bible tells us that both the Holy Spirit and the devil talk to us about our sins but their voices are very different.
When God speaks to us about our sin, He convicts. When the devil speaks about our sin, he condemns. He is called ‘the accuser of our brothers and sisters’ (Revelation 12:10).
The difference between his voice and God’s is this: The devil’s condemnation is like a wet blanket that sits on us, we can’t move from under it. The devil heaps on us a sense of guilt and condemnation.
The Holy Spirit’s conviction however, makes us aware of our sin but at the same time, an awareness of the way out.
The Holy Spirit has no interest in exposing our sin simply to condemn us, or humiliate us. The reason the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin is so that He may remove it and liberate us. *With conviction of sin comes the awareness of the Cross of Christ by which we may be forgiven, and the resurrection of Christ by which we are equipped to live a new life.*
PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, please strongly convict me of any sin that I might desist from them, in Jesus mighty name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:32-42
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HAVE A FRUITFUL WEEK.
15th January, 2018
CONVICTION OF SIN
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. unless I go away, the advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. when he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me.
John 16: 7-9
The Bible tells us that both the Holy Spirit and the devil talk to us about our sins but their voices are very different.
When God speaks to us about our sin, He convicts. When the devil speaks about our sin, he condemns. He is called ‘the accuser of our brothers and sisters’ (Revelation 12:10).
The difference between his voice and God’s is this: The devil’s condemnation is like a wet blanket that sits on us, we can’t move from under it. The devil heaps on us a sense of guilt and condemnation.
The Holy Spirit’s conviction however, makes us aware of our sin but at the same time, an awareness of the way out.
The Holy Spirit has no interest in exposing our sin simply to condemn us, or humiliate us. The reason the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin is so that He may remove it and liberate us. *With conviction of sin comes the awareness of the Cross of Christ by which we may be forgiven, and the resurrection of Christ by which we are equipped to live a new life.*
PRAYER: Precious Holy Spirit, please strongly convict me of any sin that I might desist from them, in Jesus mighty name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:32-42
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
HAVE A FRUITFUL WEEK.
Saturday, 13 January 2018
TOGETHER AS ONE
Solid Rock Devotional
13th January, 2018
TOGETHER AS ONE
‘This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.’ Ephesians 3:6
When God created Adam, He created an individual. When He created Eve, He created something different. He created community. With the sin of Adam and Eve, individuals fell and community fell apart. The fragmentation of humanity comes to a climax in only eight more chapters of Genesis, at the Tower of Babel where humanity became utterly fragmented geographically, socially, linguistically and spiritually.
We know the Gospel reconciles us as individual men and women to God. That’s the message of Romans. However, the Gospel also restores community. That’s the message of Ephesians. Christ is the answer to fallen individuals, but the Church is the answer to fragmented society. The Church is a demonstration of a new unity of humankind.
The Apostle Paul wrote of the Jew and Gentile divide, ‘For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility... His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near’ (Eph 2:14-17).
How are you experiencing the unity of His people, purchased by Christ? *The dream of the world living together as one is a God-given dream.*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I humbly ask that you continue to help the world to love you and to live in harmony in Jesus name....Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:1-15
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Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
13th January, 2018
TOGETHER AS ONE
‘This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.’ Ephesians 3:6
When God created Adam, He created an individual. When He created Eve, He created something different. He created community. With the sin of Adam and Eve, individuals fell and community fell apart. The fragmentation of humanity comes to a climax in only eight more chapters of Genesis, at the Tower of Babel where humanity became utterly fragmented geographically, socially, linguistically and spiritually.
We know the Gospel reconciles us as individual men and women to God. That’s the message of Romans. However, the Gospel also restores community. That’s the message of Ephesians. Christ is the answer to fallen individuals, but the Church is the answer to fragmented society. The Church is a demonstration of a new unity of humankind.
The Apostle Paul wrote of the Jew and Gentile divide, ‘For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility... His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near’ (Eph 2:14-17).
How are you experiencing the unity of His people, purchased by Christ? *The dream of the world living together as one is a God-given dream.*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I humbly ask that you continue to help the world to love you and to live in harmony in Jesus name....Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:1-15
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Thursday, 11 January 2018
TRUE LAMP
Solid Rock Devotional
11th January, 2018
TRUE LAMP
‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.’ Psalm 119:105
When we see Scripture as a self-help manual for living our lives well, a handbook on psychology, or a manual on fixing problems, the focus is on us, instead of God. We have active responsibility of course, but our responsibility is our ‘response to His ability’. The initiator and enabler of our lives is God.
The Gospel is firstly about being reconciled to God, in order that He becomes the source of our strength. Paul writes, ‘It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). He has not given us a manual for do-it-yourself improvement, but He has given us Himself to be our redemption and righteousness. *Therefore we read the Scripture that we might get to know Christ, and as we get to know Christ we increasingly relate everything to His sufficiency, not our own* . This does not leave us passive, but active in our response to His presence and agenda in our lives.
He has given us Himself (Word) as our guiding lamp.
Unless we take the Scriptures as the source of our spiritual sustenance, we will wallow around in shallow and stale waters.
PRAYER: Teach me thy ways oh God and let thy word guide my path in Jesus mighty name....Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 9:1-17
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Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
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11th January, 2018
TRUE LAMP
‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.’ Psalm 119:105
When we see Scripture as a self-help manual for living our lives well, a handbook on psychology, or a manual on fixing problems, the focus is on us, instead of God. We have active responsibility of course, but our responsibility is our ‘response to His ability’. The initiator and enabler of our lives is God.
The Gospel is firstly about being reconciled to God, in order that He becomes the source of our strength. Paul writes, ‘It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). He has not given us a manual for do-it-yourself improvement, but He has given us Himself to be our redemption and righteousness. *Therefore we read the Scripture that we might get to know Christ, and as we get to know Christ we increasingly relate everything to His sufficiency, not our own* . This does not leave us passive, but active in our response to His presence and agenda in our lives.
He has given us Himself (Word) as our guiding lamp.
Unless we take the Scriptures as the source of our spiritual sustenance, we will wallow around in shallow and stale waters.
PRAYER: Teach me thy ways oh God and let thy word guide my path in Jesus mighty name....Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 9:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Wednesday, 10 January 2018
A HEART AFTER GOD
Solid Rock Devotional
10th January, 2018
A HEART AFTER GOD
‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ Psalm 51:10
David was described as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). This did not mean he floated twenty inches above the ground, with no cares, trouble, failure or sin. David experienced all of those. Human frailty does not permit perfection, but the issue of the heart lies in how we relate to the life of God who indwells us in all of our imperfections.
The Holy Spirit, who by definition is holy, indwells our unholy fallen humanity. Do we face everything in life with dependence on Him, or do we relate things only to human perspectives and abilities? Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance after his adultery with Bathsheba. He is utterly honest about his transgressions and sin, he pleads for mercy and cleansing, but then he addresses the heart: ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ (Psalm 51:10).
The word translated ‘pure’ has connotations of ‘clean’ but also of single mindedness. David pleaded for a clean conscience, but now he prays for ‘purity’. He is asking for a heart that does not deviate from God, that is single minded in love, allegiance, dependence and obedience to God. This is the antidote to his failure.
A person with a heart after God does not model perfection but knows where to go when he or she fails.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please create in me a pure heart which will always be after you, in Jesus mighty name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:18-34
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Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
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10th January, 2018
A HEART AFTER GOD
‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ Psalm 51:10
David was described as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). This did not mean he floated twenty inches above the ground, with no cares, trouble, failure or sin. David experienced all of those. Human frailty does not permit perfection, but the issue of the heart lies in how we relate to the life of God who indwells us in all of our imperfections.
The Holy Spirit, who by definition is holy, indwells our unholy fallen humanity. Do we face everything in life with dependence on Him, or do we relate things only to human perspectives and abilities? Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance after his adultery with Bathsheba. He is utterly honest about his transgressions and sin, he pleads for mercy and cleansing, but then he addresses the heart: ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ (Psalm 51:10).
The word translated ‘pure’ has connotations of ‘clean’ but also of single mindedness. David pleaded for a clean conscience, but now he prays for ‘purity’. He is asking for a heart that does not deviate from God, that is single minded in love, allegiance, dependence and obedience to God. This is the antidote to his failure.
A person with a heart after God does not model perfection but knows where to go when he or she fails.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please create in me a pure heart which will always be after you, in Jesus mighty name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:18-34
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF GOD
Solid Rock Devotional
9th January, 2018
LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF GOD
‘In those days the word of the lord was rare; there were not many visions.’ 1 Samuel 3:1
The Book of 1 Samuel records the transition of Israel from a theocracy, to a monarchy. As a theocracy, it was a nation which operated under the rule of God. After the conquest of Canaan, some 250 years earlier, God raised up judges to govern the nation, and poured His Spirit on them to equip them to lead.
The people did not elect them, but in time they would recognize them as God’s appointee for the task. In the course of time, the people of Israel wanted to be like all the other nations around them. They grew tired of their uniqueness, of having to explain their lack of a king, of not knowing where the next leader was coming from until God revealed him.
Their desire for a king was an act of rebellion against God, but though it appeared as a material and nationalistic issue, its roots were spiritual. Before the rebellion took place, in the days when Eli was judge, scripture tells us, ‘ *In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions’ (1 Samuel 3:1).*
When a people no longer hear the Word of the Lord, they have only their own voices to listen to.
God’s ways are different to ours so we often don’t like His ways, and it becomes convenient to substitute them with our own good ideas, and not to listen to the Word of God.
The moment we stop listening to God, everyone’s opinion is as good as the next.
*Is the Word of God getting rare in your life?*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to hear and listen to your voice. I humbly ask for divine assistance.... in Jesus' name I have prayed.....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
9th January, 2018
LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF GOD
‘In those days the word of the lord was rare; there were not many visions.’ 1 Samuel 3:1
The Book of 1 Samuel records the transition of Israel from a theocracy, to a monarchy. As a theocracy, it was a nation which operated under the rule of God. After the conquest of Canaan, some 250 years earlier, God raised up judges to govern the nation, and poured His Spirit on them to equip them to lead.
The people did not elect them, but in time they would recognize them as God’s appointee for the task. In the course of time, the people of Israel wanted to be like all the other nations around them. They grew tired of their uniqueness, of having to explain their lack of a king, of not knowing where the next leader was coming from until God revealed him.
Their desire for a king was an act of rebellion against God, but though it appeared as a material and nationalistic issue, its roots were spiritual. Before the rebellion took place, in the days when Eli was judge, scripture tells us, ‘ *In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions’ (1 Samuel 3:1).*
When a people no longer hear the Word of the Lord, they have only their own voices to listen to.
God’s ways are different to ours so we often don’t like His ways, and it becomes convenient to substitute them with our own good ideas, and not to listen to the Word of God.
The moment we stop listening to God, everyone’s opinion is as good as the next.
*Is the Word of God getting rare in your life?*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to hear and listen to your voice. I humbly ask for divine assistance.... in Jesus' name I have prayed.....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Sunday, 7 January 2018
WORRIES OF THE WORLD
Solid Rock Devotional
8th January, 2018
WORRIES OF THE WORLD
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:25
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems. Without being simplistic, I believe that many anxieties have a spiritual cause. Certainly not all anxieties are spiritual there are also clinical, biological and circumstantial causes; but it’s the spiritual causes of anxiety that Jesus addresses in the Sermon on the Mount.
Five times Jesus says, ‘ *Do not worry,’* (Matthew 6). In case His listeners didn’t understand, Jesus gives a whole range of things that people might worry about. He made mention of clothing, food, the body, length of life etc.
Jesus wasn’t just randomly talking about worry. This section begins with Jesus talking about having treasure, either on earth, or in heaven. The reason this is important is that, ‘ *where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’* (Matthew 6:21)
Our treasure is whatever our heart is pre-occupied with. It is either earthly, or heavenly; human-oriented, or God-oriented. When our hearts are fixed on things eternal, we have no reason to worry about events on earth for our trust is in God.
In this world, it is that which captivates us that motivate us, and that which motivates us will control us, so let us be vigilant.
PRAYER: My Father and my Lord, please enable me to cast my cares on You.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
8th January, 2018
WORRIES OF THE WORLD
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:25
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems. Without being simplistic, I believe that many anxieties have a spiritual cause. Certainly not all anxieties are spiritual there are also clinical, biological and circumstantial causes; but it’s the spiritual causes of anxiety that Jesus addresses in the Sermon on the Mount.
Five times Jesus says, ‘ *Do not worry,’* (Matthew 6). In case His listeners didn’t understand, Jesus gives a whole range of things that people might worry about. He made mention of clothing, food, the body, length of life etc.
Jesus wasn’t just randomly talking about worry. This section begins with Jesus talking about having treasure, either on earth, or in heaven. The reason this is important is that, ‘ *where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’* (Matthew 6:21)
Our treasure is whatever our heart is pre-occupied with. It is either earthly, or heavenly; human-oriented, or God-oriented. When our hearts are fixed on things eternal, we have no reason to worry about events on earth for our trust is in God.
In this world, it is that which captivates us that motivate us, and that which motivates us will control us, so let us be vigilant.
PRAYER: My Father and my Lord, please enable me to cast my cares on You.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Friday, 5 January 2018
MORE THAN HISTORY
Solid Rock Devotional
6th January, 2018
MORE THAN HISTORY
When jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
A man once said that eventually, ‘Jesus would be relegated to a footnote.’ It hasn’t happened, and it will never happen ever. After 2000 years, Jesus Christ stands as the pivot of history, split into BC and AD.
Every time we write the date, we acknowledge Him. People have opposed Jesus throughout history but His truth marches on because He Himself lives on. Historical figures die, are buried and quickly forgotten and some become footnotes of history. But Jesus, though He died, was raised from the dead on the third day and today He lives.
We do not follow only a historical figure, but are in relationship with the living, active Christ who through His Body, the Church, is still making His presence felt in the world today, and still transforming lives.
His invitation remains the same, ‘ *Come to me’, ‘abide in me’ and ‘learn of me’.* As we do so, we experience His presence that gives to us the ‘light of life’ that keeps us from walking in darkness and confusion.
Christianity is all about Jesus and if we get the person of Jesus wrong, we’ll get everything else wrong about the Christian life.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to trust Your living presence in me today.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:1-12
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
6th January, 2018
MORE THAN HISTORY
When jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
A man once said that eventually, ‘Jesus would be relegated to a footnote.’ It hasn’t happened, and it will never happen ever. After 2000 years, Jesus Christ stands as the pivot of history, split into BC and AD.
Every time we write the date, we acknowledge Him. People have opposed Jesus throughout history but His truth marches on because He Himself lives on. Historical figures die, are buried and quickly forgotten and some become footnotes of history. But Jesus, though He died, was raised from the dead on the third day and today He lives.
We do not follow only a historical figure, but are in relationship with the living, active Christ who through His Body, the Church, is still making His presence felt in the world today, and still transforming lives.
His invitation remains the same, ‘ *Come to me’, ‘abide in me’ and ‘learn of me’.* As we do so, we experience His presence that gives to us the ‘light of life’ that keeps us from walking in darkness and confusion.
Christianity is all about Jesus and if we get the person of Jesus wrong, we’ll get everything else wrong about the Christian life.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to trust Your living presence in me today.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:1-12
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
LIVING IN A LOVE RELATIONSHIP
Solid Rock Devotional
5th January, 2018
LIVING IN A LOVE RELATIONSHIP
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:7
The surprise at the end of the New Testament is to discover that the story of the people of God is all about preparing a bride for Christ. It culminates in the great marriage supper of the Lamb.
In a marriage, the couple is deeply in love with each other. The wedding is one of the greatest days of their lives and there’s a wonderful celebration of their relationship together. The groom is concerned for his bride; and the bride is concerned for her groom. It’s a reciprocal relationship.
There’s a difference between loving someone from a distance, and being in a relationship of mutual love. A teenage girl might fall in love with a musician, putting his posters all over her walls but it means nothing to the singer because there is no relationship. It’s just onesided admiration.
We cannot love Christ from our side only; we must equally enjoy His love for us. A marriage is built on the mutual enjoyment of shared love in a full and active relationship together. We are brought into a love relationship with Christ. We not only love Him, but are loved by Him, and it is the experience and enjoyment of being loved by Him that brings to its fullest, our capacity to love Him back.
Are you enjoying a mutual love relationship with Jesus?
PRAYER: My Father in heaven, I thank you for your love for me and my family. I humbly ask that you help me Love you more, in Jesus mighty name.....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:18-25
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
5th January, 2018
LIVING IN A LOVE RELATIONSHIP
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:7
The surprise at the end of the New Testament is to discover that the story of the people of God is all about preparing a bride for Christ. It culminates in the great marriage supper of the Lamb.
In a marriage, the couple is deeply in love with each other. The wedding is one of the greatest days of their lives and there’s a wonderful celebration of their relationship together. The groom is concerned for his bride; and the bride is concerned for her groom. It’s a reciprocal relationship.
There’s a difference between loving someone from a distance, and being in a relationship of mutual love. A teenage girl might fall in love with a musician, putting his posters all over her walls but it means nothing to the singer because there is no relationship. It’s just onesided admiration.
We cannot love Christ from our side only; we must equally enjoy His love for us. A marriage is built on the mutual enjoyment of shared love in a full and active relationship together. We are brought into a love relationship with Christ. We not only love Him, but are loved by Him, and it is the experience and enjoyment of being loved by Him that brings to its fullest, our capacity to love Him back.
Are you enjoying a mutual love relationship with Jesus?
PRAYER: My Father in heaven, I thank you for your love for me and my family. I humbly ask that you help me Love you more, in Jesus mighty name.....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:18-25
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Thursday, 4 January 2018
BORN AGAIN
Solid Rock Devotional
4th January, 2018
BORN AGAIN
Jesus replied, “very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
John 3:3
A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus one day. He was a teacher of theology, a leading Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin Council, and all in all, a highly respected man. He came to Jesus because he recognized in Him something that was inexplicable apart from the fact that God was actively at work in Him. ‘No one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him’ (John 3:2).
Jesus throws Nicodemus into a quandary by saying that not only is he right in his observation, but that Nicodemus too could experience a life that would be inexplicable apart from the presence of God in him. In fact this was essential, for Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again’ (John 3:3).
This only confused Nicodemus all the more. He could only think in physical terms of physical birth. But, Jesus said, this is a spiritual birth, which comes with the reception of spiritual life. Nicodemus had rightly recognized in Jesus that the presence and working of God was indispensible to what He was and did. But this was not because Jesus was divine (though He was), but because He was living as a real human being. The nature of the human constitution is such, that unless we are the recipients of spiritual life we cannot live as we are intended.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray for your ability to live the spiritual life that you intended for me to live. It is in Jesus' name I pray...Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
4th January, 2018
BORN AGAIN
Jesus replied, “very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
John 3:3
A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus one day. He was a teacher of theology, a leading Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin Council, and all in all, a highly respected man. He came to Jesus because he recognized in Him something that was inexplicable apart from the fact that God was actively at work in Him. ‘No one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him’ (John 3:2).
Jesus throws Nicodemus into a quandary by saying that not only is he right in his observation, but that Nicodemus too could experience a life that would be inexplicable apart from the presence of God in him. In fact this was essential, for Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again’ (John 3:3).
This only confused Nicodemus all the more. He could only think in physical terms of physical birth. But, Jesus said, this is a spiritual birth, which comes with the reception of spiritual life. Nicodemus had rightly recognized in Jesus that the presence and working of God was indispensible to what He was and did. But this was not because Jesus was divine (though He was), but because He was living as a real human being. The nature of the human constitution is such, that unless we are the recipients of spiritual life we cannot live as we are intended.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray for your ability to live the spiritual life that you intended for me to live. It is in Jesus' name I pray...Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:1-17
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
CROWD PLEASERS
Solid Rock Devotional
3rd January, 2018
CROWD PLEASERS
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues(churches) and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2
The question this morning is *" Do we as Christians sincerely follow this teaching of Christ?"* There are many Christian gatherings today where offerings are announced for people to know how much money individuals give as their offerings. I recently visited an unusual church where the treasurer stepped up to the platform, and told the congregation that giving was down. When the offering bag went around, he said everyone was to announce out loud how much they were putting in the bag.
He then proceeded to write the amount each member reported by their name for their records. As the bag went around people began to speak their amounts. ‘One Cedi,’ said one. Another said, in a louder voice, ‘Five Cedis.’ Then another, even louder, ‘twenty Cedis.’ I noticed that people began to get louder and more expressive as the Cedi values went up.
I found it unusual though amusing, but Jesus had something to say specifically about this in Matthew 6. Quite simply Jesus said *"don’t do that."* Our giving is to be so secret that you, ‘do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’ (Matt 6:3).
If we are after peoples’ applause, we will get our reward in full here and now, the idea other people think we are generous, but will have no reward from heaven. But when we act before God alone, we are investing with returns that will come back to bless us sometimes when we least expect it.
Kindly ask yourself these two questions and sincerely answer them in your chamber.
*1. Do we live before men, or before God?*
*2. Are your deeds of service for those watching, or for God?*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help us to adhere to your teachings in Jesus name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:35-51
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
3rd January, 2018
CROWD PLEASERS
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues(churches) and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2
The question this morning is *" Do we as Christians sincerely follow this teaching of Christ?"* There are many Christian gatherings today where offerings are announced for people to know how much money individuals give as their offerings. I recently visited an unusual church where the treasurer stepped up to the platform, and told the congregation that giving was down. When the offering bag went around, he said everyone was to announce out loud how much they were putting in the bag.
He then proceeded to write the amount each member reported by their name for their records. As the bag went around people began to speak their amounts. ‘One Cedi,’ said one. Another said, in a louder voice, ‘Five Cedis.’ Then another, even louder, ‘twenty Cedis.’ I noticed that people began to get louder and more expressive as the Cedi values went up.
I found it unusual though amusing, but Jesus had something to say specifically about this in Matthew 6. Quite simply Jesus said *"don’t do that."* Our giving is to be so secret that you, ‘do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’ (Matt 6:3).
If we are after peoples’ applause, we will get our reward in full here and now, the idea other people think we are generous, but will have no reward from heaven. But when we act before God alone, we are investing with returns that will come back to bless us sometimes when we least expect it.
Kindly ask yourself these two questions and sincerely answer them in your chamber.
*1. Do we live before men, or before God?*
*2. Are your deeds of service for those watching, or for God?*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help us to adhere to your teachings in Jesus name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:35-51
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
Tuesday, 2 January 2018
SOLD ROCK DEVOTIONAL - 2ND JANUARY, 2018
Solid Rock Devotional
2nd January, 2018
Dear Family,
Another New Year is upon us and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our journey with Christ. We encourage you to use the New Year as another opportunity to refresh your relationship with Jesus and to submit your life to Him, and experience the inner transformation of His presence. Thank you.
Today's Devotional
COMPELLED BY THE SPIRIT
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts 20:22
If people subjected everything to their own understanding, the Bible would lose some of its key stories. Noah would never have built the ark. Abraham would never have left Ur of the Chaldees. Moses would never have led Israel out of Egypt. David would never have gone to fight Goliath. Jonah certainly would have stayed at home and not gone to Nineveh. Paul too, might have stayed in Antioch, and not gone on his missionary journeys.
The compelling of the Spirit often counters our sense of reason. It’s wise not to just act on impulse. Scripture speaks of the wisdom of ‘two or three witnesses’ (Matthew 18:16), but often and in different ways, God may reiterate His mind to us.
Even though His direction may not seem logical, we are wise to take it seriously and respond in obedience. Often it is only as we step out in faith that the confirmation comes that this is His will, and that it is for a good purpose.
As we begin 2018, we want you to have in mind that our circumstances often become the test of our trust in God.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Please help me to be sensitive to your Spirit in Jesus name....Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:19-34
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
2nd January, 2018
Dear Family,
Another New Year is upon us and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our journey with Christ. We encourage you to use the New Year as another opportunity to refresh your relationship with Jesus and to submit your life to Him, and experience the inner transformation of His presence. Thank you.
Today's Devotional
COMPELLED BY THE SPIRIT
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts 20:22
If people subjected everything to their own understanding, the Bible would lose some of its key stories. Noah would never have built the ark. Abraham would never have left Ur of the Chaldees. Moses would never have led Israel out of Egypt. David would never have gone to fight Goliath. Jonah certainly would have stayed at home and not gone to Nineveh. Paul too, might have stayed in Antioch, and not gone on his missionary journeys.
The compelling of the Spirit often counters our sense of reason. It’s wise not to just act on impulse. Scripture speaks of the wisdom of ‘two or three witnesses’ (Matthew 18:16), but often and in different ways, God may reiterate His mind to us.
Even though His direction may not seem logical, we are wise to take it seriously and respond in obedience. Often it is only as we step out in faith that the confirmation comes that this is His will, and that it is for a good purpose.
As we begin 2018, we want you to have in mind that our circumstances often become the test of our trust in God.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Please help me to be sensitive to your Spirit in Jesus name....Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:19-34
http://www.solidrockchapel.org/site
Facebook Page: Ambassadors for Christ@solidrockchapelint
Email: solidrockchapel.cityoffaith@gmail.com
+233277605065
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