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
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
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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