Open Heavens July 7, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Tim 4-6
PRIORITIZING WORK
MEMORIZE: "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (Daniel 2:21) READ: Matthew 6:31-33 In Luke 5:1-11, there were two boats at the seaside, but Heaven chose Peter’s. God always sets up those who are determined to please Him. Favor comes to their door steps even without asking for it. Initially, the situation may come like a problem, but at the end, it would birth the testimony contained inside it. Are you going through a particular problem presently? Fear not. As you hold on to God, that situation would birth your testimony. For instance, in 2 Samuel 6:6 11 there was a problem. God killed Uzzah for wanting to prevent the ark of God from falling while returning it to Israel. David feared. He refused to take it to the City of David. But Obededom welcomed it into his house and prospered. From now on, what is killing others would give you life. What is making others to fall would cause you to stand. The basis for sack of others would be the reason for your promotion at work in Jesus’ Name. Another lesson from God’s choice of Peter is that those who want to please God not only serve Him with their resources, but also with their time. Peter did not only surrender his boat to the Lord: he also stood by Him. As a result of this, God changed time and season to favor him. Paul said he is both willing to spend and be spent for the Master (2 Cor. 12:15). Have you been serving God with your resources - money, car, house, intellect, etc.? Praise God. Heaven requires you to take a step further. Beyond your money for missionary work, make your time available for Him. Another attribute of those who please God is that they suspend their work to attend to God’s. Peter was mending his net when Jesus needed his service. So he suspended what he was doing to attend to Jesus. Whenever the work of some believers clash with God’s work, they will allow God’s own to suffer. God is watching us keenly. When I finished my Ph.D. dissertation, I submitted it. Although I needed to study to defend it, the period clashed with a crusade in my village so I attended to God’s business. Meanwhile, God was working for me while I was working for Him. The External Examiner who was to examine my defense read through and told my Head of Department he has no question for me, and that I should be awarded the Ph.D. But my Head of Department protested that it has never been done to award a Ph.D. without an oral examination: even if it was just to ask of my name. So the External Examiner asked him: “Who is the expert in this field? You or me?” He insisted he has no question for me and that I be given my Doctorate Degree. And that settled the matter. Can you abandon your work for God’s? ACTIONPOINT:When personal and divine priorities clash, it is wisdom to attend to God's. That will corner God into doing yours.