Dear children of God, welcome to the column «Daily word for spiritual strength»! Our God is a living God, He wishes his children to be alive through His Word, ready for every good work.For a few days we have been discussing the importance of our surrounding. As it was said, your friends greatly determine whether you enter your destiny God has prepared for you or you don´t, whether you fulfil your purpose from God or you don´t.Looking at Abraham and Lot we noticed that Abraham had not been able to hear the voice of God and see the promised land unless Lot was separated from him. Then he began to hear the voice of God again and continued to develop his vision.Lot was Abraham´s relative, but it´s not necessary to build a friendship based on your kinship. If you and your relatives go the same way, it´s great, thank God for that! Though, if your relatives are like a brake or an extinguisher that puts out the fire of your consecration and determination, then it´s better to love them at a distance just as Abraham did with Lot. Abraham helped Lot even after they had been separated from each other but it happened at a distance.To sum up, a person consecrated to God builds friendship based on his or her purpose and consecration to God spending more time with those who follow the same way as him. Look at the relationships between Jesus and His disciples.Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, when disciples returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
«The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.”». (Luke 10:17-21).
Jesus rejoiced with all His heart, because He saw the God´s will was fulfilled. Meanwhile, He corrected His disciples, stressing what should be the real subject to rejoice. He said: «…nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven…»
There are many things that make people joyful and that´s great. However, Jesus pointed out that His disciples joy should rather be based on the goals and values of the Kingdom of God. Being glad about passing things is not the true joy, yet. The true joy comes when you can connect all the events of your life with fulfilling of the eternal purpose, one you are even ready to suffer for. «… let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.» (Hebrews 12:1-3)
God bless you with good friends, those who can join you on your way towards your vision received from God and fulfilment of His will!See you tomorrow!Rufus Adjiboje, pastor
