RECEIVE GRACE FOR CONTINUITY

20th January 2013

Beloved,

FOCUS:  O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.  Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth (Hosea 6:4-5).

This year hold a lot for us not only in blessings but also in responsibilities. Not a few of us have pledged so much or made vows to God in these early days of the year 2013.  I will be closer to God; I will start using my skill in the church; I will start being consistent with offering my tithe; I will re-commit to my spouse and so on. The question really is how many continue with this pledge? God hates inconsistency because it breeds disloyalty and unfaithfulness. It is the route of doubts and failures. A lot of times people look for whom to blame for their failures; from God to their bosses or mother or brother of father, or even their Pastor. Stop blaming anybody. You need grace to be consistent. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.  Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).  Our inconsistency does not please God (Revelation3:15).

Because God is a consistent God, he expects people that carry his righteousness to be consistent. You and I can be consistent, and continue on the decisions we take. Yes, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13) because it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

That leads us to why people are inconsistent. There needs to be due consideration before you take a pledge or vow or decide to do something. Jesus said that any one that wants to build a house must first sit down and consider things well (Luke 14:28-30). Is it possible that a lot of people take their decisions without much consideration of what they are doing, what it really means and what the responsibilities are for carrying out such decision?

In the parable of the sower, Jesus showed by the seeds that fell among thorns and on stones the things that can lead to inconsistency. They included temptations, cares, riches and pleasures and pressures of all types. This implies that we need to be watchful. It also places responsibility on where to go and what to do. These things don’t come to announce that their mission is to destroy our destiny; they come in little by little. We need to avoid being clobbered by cares and worries. They change people’s focus from the main things that can impact your life to trivialities. We should not fall for it, like the seed that fell among thorns.

The seeds among stones were received with joy and excitement. I mean we are usually strongly motivated when we make our vows and resolutions. But why do we fail to follow things through? This was what Jesus said But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  Yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended (Matthew 13:20-21). Please note two things: “hath no root in himself” and “he is offended”. Friend, lack of root on the Word of God and offences have destroyed more destinies than sin in Christians. We do everything including working in the church than spend time fellowshipping on the Word. If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small (Proverbs 24:10), and a wise man is strong, yea a man of knowledge increaseth strength (Proverbs 24:5). It is the knowledge of the Word of God that imparts wisdom for continuity. Grace for continuity comes by the word of God (2 Peter 1:2). On its own offences is one of the easiest way to lose inner strength and wither. You should avoid it as much as possible.

I don’t know what you have decided for this 2013. If it is in line with the word of God, it is your covenant right to do that (Philemon 14, Psalms 37:4, Psalms 145:19). But it should not stop there. Go for the Word of God and obey the instructions. This shall impart the wisdom, grace, strength to you for continuity.

Welcome to overflow 

Confession: Father, I receive grace to pursue my vows/decisions which are in line with your word in this 2013. As I study your word, I receive grace for continuity and finishing, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Shalom

Brother Dr.Godwin Enwere

Elder at Temple of Praise Geneva