Be Eager To Do Good - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) April 30, 2024

Why is it so easy to do what is wrong? Some of us don't hesitate to tell lies and they flow off the lips effortlessly. Why is it so simple for some of us to ignore the poor we see in our communities while spending copious amounts of time paying attention to the rich and famous people we will never meet? Even for us Christians, things are no better. It is much easier to scroll on social media than to study our Bibles or watch a sermon. In that regard, we are not unique, because Apostle Paul himself admitted to such struggles in Romans 7:15 - For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity] (AMP).

Unfortunately, it is so much easier to be naughty than it is to be good. And yet, Christians are called to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 tells us "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We were therefore predestined to do good here on earth. This is why Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 1025-37). He used it to teach every believer to take pity on others and show them kindness.

But that's not all. Christians are supposed to be eager to do good according to Titus 2:14, which states, He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good (GNT). Christ therefore died to make us the sort of people who don't just do good works but are eager to do so. Think about how He didn't hesitate to heal people. He also didn't hesitate to make sure thousands were not left hungry, feeding thousands not once but twice. Then, there was his desire to ensure that the dead came back to life. He did this for Lazarus, for Jairus's daughter, and also for an unnamed widow who had lost her only son (Luke 7:11-17).

The good He did while on earth varied depending on the need of the person involved but we can learn from HIs compassion and equally be eager to do good for others. Some people need a listening ear. Another person may need funds. And then some want nothing more than prayer.

Titus 2:14 is a challenge to each of us to develop a heart that is eager to do good. Sadly, many resist this because of the fear of being exploited by those looking to take advantage of kind-heartedness. While there are risks, God's instructions haven't changed. We are to help others. Let us never forget Proverbs 11:25 - A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. And there are more promises for those who do good in the Bible. Proverbs 14:31 tells us that those who give to the poor honor God. And for those who are generous, their kindness will be rewarded for the Lord will make them powerful and respected (Psalm 112:9). Jesus is also quoted as saying, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Plus. We are told in Isaiah 1:17 and elsewhere to care for orphans and widows, and defend the oppressed, for instance.

As we begin our day, let us ask God how we can do good today. Let us look out for those whom we can show the love of God as we are called to by the Royal Law. Who can we pray for? Who can we extend a hand of help to? We must also study the Word because God will use it to teach us how best to do good works. It might not be easy at first, but by God's grace, we will grow in our eagerness to do good and thereby serve Him.

To learn more, please read these related messages:

1. God's Word & Good Works​

2. Continue In God's Kindness​

3. Your Miracle Is On The Way​

4. Freely Give

5. Give Generously

The Lot Lesson - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) April 26, 2024

As human beings, we are tasked with making many decisions. What to eat or wear, for example. There are so many decisions and micro-decisions that we get used to making choices by ourselves and soon ignore that God is supposed to guide us on even the smallest decisions.

Lot's experience is a great reminder that no matter how intelligent we are or how simple a decision may appear, we need the Lord to direct us. The most insignificant choices could have the most significant impacts on ourselves and others.

Genesis 13 tells us that at one point, he and his uncle Abraham lived together, their herds of animals (and wealth) growing in numbers. That, however, led to quarrels between their herdsmen. Genesis 13:8-9 - So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”

Lot chose to live near Sodom and Gomorrah because the land in that area was "well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt" (Genesis 13:10).

Seemed like a straightforward choice, correct? Most of us would have done the same. However, this choice was ultimately disastrous for Lot and his family.

Firstly, when war broke out between the King of Elam and some lesser kings (which included the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah), Lot, his family, and his possessions were captured. Fortunately, and by God's grace, Abram was able to rescue them from captivity.

Things worsened when God sent His judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah for the people's sins. Angels visited Lot telling him to get his family far away to escape the coming punishment. Sadly, his sons-in-law ignored the warning and chose to stay behind losing their lives in the process. Lot's wife turned to see the destruction, despite being instructed not to do so. She became a pillar of salt. His two daughters decided that there were no men to have children with, and tricked their father into sleeping with them. With this Lot also lost his dignity.

That choice of a well-watered area that looked capable of increasing his wealth proved to be destruction for Lot and his family. In the end, he left that land with his life and not much more. It is easy to dismiss Lot's story and think this could never happen to us, but a lack of wisdom and pride creates great risk (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Every Christian must slow down and invite God into their decisions. We need to seek His direction so we don't make a choice that seems easy in the short term but costs us dearly in the long run. We are so blessed to have Jesus who serves as our High Priest and intercessor at the right hand of God. He has assured that all who call on Him will receive His help. He has taught us how to seek God in prayer by giving us the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. And, He's given all who believe the Holy Spirit so they walk with the Spirit of the Lord everywhere they go.

These gifts shouldn't be squandered but treasured and put into practice in faith. We may think there isn't enough time to seek God's face on everything but once we start, we'll soon learn that He will ensure we have the time to receive guidance. We'll notice that as we open our Bibles the answers are already waiting. He'll also tell us what is to come so we are prepared. All because God wants us to walk in His light. He wants His people to experience success and goodness in all areas of their lives.

And by His grace, we will cultivate the habit of looking to Him before we make the big and small choices that can determine the course of the rest of our lives. Praise the Lord.​

To learn more, please read:

1. The Impact of Your Relationship With God

Miracle Alley: Cartier McDaniel, A Prayer & A Miracle

There is power in prayer and power in the great name of Jesus Christ.

a family lost their son But they prayed and the 'impossible' happened. Let us never forget that God is still moving and that miracles aren't a problem for Him.

Father, we thank You for Cartier and his family who knew to pray. Thank You for the doctors who didn't give up. Thank You for this testimo you of a miracle that highlights Your great power when we believe in You to do the impossible.

Bless this child, his family, and all involved IJN, Amen. We look forward to more testimony ies as he grows in You and steps into the calling You have for Him, great King. To You be allthe glory, IJMN, Amen.