Born for a Purpose

Matthew 10:40–42 “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (v. 42). Fulfilling the Call to Missions Fundamental to the New Testament’s teaching on the church is that all believers have an important part to play in the extension of the kingdom of God. The body of Christ is made up of a variety of people who possess a variety of gifts (1 Cor. 12:12–31), all of which are necessary for the church to function properly. The church’s task cannot be accomplished by one individual; all of us must work together to advance the Lord’s mission. Furthermore, all who work to achieve the ends for which our Father has created His church will be rewarded, no matter the particular part they play in the kingdom’s advance. This truth is taught clearly in today’s passage, the conclusion to Christ’s missionary discourse. So far, Jesus has called His disciples to ministry and has prepared them for ...

Steps to True Repentance (continued) | Psalm 51:7-12 Today's Passage: Psalm 51:7-12 Key Verses: Psalm 51:7-9 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. David's great sin of adultery led to his great prayer for  repentance . Yesterday we noted where  true repentance  begins. Here are three more important  steps . 4.  Repentance  desires cleansing. Sin stains the soul. Only God can cleanse the heart and wash us clean. Only God can blot out our sin.  5.  Repentance  desires renewed joy. Sin burdens the soul. David feels that his bones have been crushed. He desires that God restore the joy and gladness he once knew.  6.  Repentance  desires the resolve to obey. David asks that God re-create his heart. His "old" heart got him into tro...

Steps to True Repentance Today's Passage: Psalm 51:1-6 Key Verses: Psalm 51:1-2 For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51 is David's prayer after his great sin of adultery. Here we find ­­­­seven important  steps  to  true  repentance . Let's start with these three. 1.     Repentance  is based on the character of God. True   repentance  begins with a plea for mercy based on God's unfailing love and great compassion. We desire what we don't deserve. 2.     Repentance  acknowledges that all sin is ultimately against God. Focusing on people leads to rationalizing my sin. My spouse wasn't "meeting my needs," so I ...

Post by AIC Milimani, Nairobi KE .

LORD INCREASE MY FAITH Many times probably like me, you have found yourself in situations that make you pray and say Lord Increase my faith. The bible says in Hebrews 11:1 (Amplified Bible) 1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. When you and I say Lord increase my faith, many times in the back of our minds we are thinking that the more faith I have then the quicker what I believe for will show up. But is that really the case? When I say Lord Increase my faith, I am saying, just like Abraham, may I have the strength to wait for the promised son even though physically my body is wasting away and it seems impossible to have a child. Once I have that child and you Lord, ask me to sacrifice him, May I have the strength to believe that you will show up even though my only son is on ...

Psalm 49:10-15 Today's Passage: Psalm 49:10-15 Key Verses: Psalm 49:13-15 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Death is the great equalizer. The poor man who lived his life in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya and the rich man who lived in a mansion will both meet the same end. The man no one knew and the man who had lands named after him will both end up in tombs for their final resting places. Eternal death is the "fate of those who trust in themselves." Regardless of their earthly wisdom or wealth they will end up as fools. Death "will be their shepherd." It will lead them like dumb sheep to an eternit...

Psalm 46:1-7 Key Verses: Psalm 46:1-3, 7 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging . . . The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Father, I can relate to this psalm. I am shaken. The foundations of my life seem to be giving way. Waves of fear slam against my soul. My heart is filled with anxiety. "What if's" consume my mind.  I dread what tomorrow will bring. I am desperate for you, so I claim the truth of this psalm. Please be my refuge - I need a place of rest. Please be my fortress - I need a place of protection. Please be my strength - My exhaustion is impacting my decisions. Please be my help - I am not up for this assignment. Please stay close - I need to feel your presence. Please hold me up - I don't want to fall. T...

Psalm 45:16-17 Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever. Investing in Your Memory -  Psalm 45:16-17 Legacy. It's not what you have; it's what you leave. How you live today will determine what you leave tomorrow. Psalm 45 is a song for a royal wedding. The bride and groom have been addressed. The nation has been involved in great celebration. Now it's time for some concluding remarks. The songwriter closes the end of the song with some thoughts about legacy. One day the groom will be gone and his sons will take his place, but the memory of the king will continue through all generations. The song's concluding words are a great reminder about legacy. One day we will be gone and our children will take our places. The memories they have of us will continue. Will they be memories to celebrate or one...