Title: God Has Alternatives
Memorize: So Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 1 Samuel 15:28 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Acts 1:16-26 (Nkjv)
[16] “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;
[17] for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”
[18] (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.
[19] And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)
[20] “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’
[21] “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
[22] beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
[23] And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
[24] And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
[25] to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”
[26] And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Message:
God cannot be held to ransom on any issue or event, which is why He always provides alternatives.
When a child of God becomes proud and begins to disobey God in matters like soul-winning, tithing, offering, giving of first fruits, et cetera, such a fellow is on his or her way to being replaced. I pray that God will not replace you in His agenda, in Jesus’ name.
The act of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus had already been predicted in Psalm 41:9, even though no name was mentioned.
Today’s Bible reading tells us that Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. My dear child, learn from this experience so that you will be very careful about the way you lead your life.
There are many examples of people who lost their enviable positions and relevance in society due to careless mistakes or disobedience to God.
Do not be deceived; God has alternatives for any of His children who choose not to obey Him completely.
Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to remain humble so I will not lose my place in You, in Jesus’ name.
HYMN 55: CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE
1 Christian, Seek Not Yet Repose;
Hear Thy Guardian Angel Say,
“Thou Art In The Midst Of Foes:
Watch And Pray!”
2 Principalities And Powers,
Mustering Their Unseen Array,
Wait For Thy Unguarded Hours:
“Watch And Pray.”
3 Gird Thy Heavenly Armour On;
Wear It Every Night And Day
Ambush’d Lies The Evil One:
“Watch And Pray.”
4 Hear The Victors Who O’ercame;
Still They Mark Each Warrior’s Way;
All With One Sweet Voice Exclaim,
“Watch And Pray!”
5 Hear, Above AlI, Hear Thy Lord,
Him Thou Lovest To Obey;
Hide Within Thy Heart His Word:
“Watch And Pra!.”
6 Watch, As If On That Alone
Hung The Issue Of The Day;
Pray, That Help May Be Sent Down:
Watch And Pray.
Bible In One Year: Esther l:1-3:15 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye