1. How to grow in Christ
Prayer: Prayers should be first transformed, for the believer to be transformed in to Christ’s likeness. “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 (KJV). Here we find the disciples’ desire to grow in God growing in intensity. Pray more…. pray with love for God.
2. How to read the Bible
Read the Bible in a systematic manner, rather than in a random way. Some read only selected portions from the Bible. For example, The Psalms or The Proverbs. Some read by opening the Bible randomly and read the portion where they place their fingers on.
We should read the Bible systematically, chapter after chapter. This gives us wholesome nourishment.
3. Freedom with a purpose
Ezra 1:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. 3 Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem.
God stirred the heart of King Cyrus and gave freedom to the Israelites who were bound in slavery until then. A heathen king, even before he was born, God had ordained him to regard God’s people and to help them regain their freedom. Today, through the blood of His beloved Son, God gives freedom to all people. He has opened a great door for them to step into a new future. To deliver you, He will stir up the heart of someone somewhere, to help you to reestablish yourself. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Help comes to you even from the remotest corner. However, you should understand that God gives you deliverance and freedom for nothing. There is a divine purpose. It is more than for your personal use. God has a greater purpose and vision. If you are basking in your freedom and enjoying all the benefits just for yourself, then be careful. God did not free the Israelites for nothing. It was all for one reason…. for them to be an honour for His great and Almighty name and to rebuild a house for the Lord God Almighty in Jerusalem and You too dear friend, God is delivering you from all your troubles so that you too would be an honour and glory for Him. Real meaning for freedom comes to play when you begin to serve Him in some way or the other to bring a perishing soul to Christ. Blessings enjoyed without being useful for God will only end up powerless and useless.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to serve you at all times. I have taken many of your blessings for granted and had walked a casual life until now. Today, having enjoyed countless blessings from your abundance, I want to be an honour and a glory for your name. Let your blessings empower me to come closer to you. Amen!