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Intro: Rev 3:4 – The ultimate goal as a christian is to be dressed in white. This is symbolic of true purity and being without blame. Jesus will only acknowledge those that have not soiled their clothes. Those that have overcome the world. Those that have held on to the truth of the gospel and walked in the ways of Christ. Be a christian of purpose and principle. The bigger picture above all else is to be found acceptable before God. Therefore we need to prepare, be watchful and focused on the second coming of Christ.

Psalms 23 – David makes a declaration of who God is. It reflects his level of spiritual maturity. Note, he has not started this psalm with a request, but rather a confident assurance of who God is to him. It is sad to see that some christians of today make bold declarations that do not come to pass. Why? Because they are not mature enough. They do not understand scripture and lack a true conviction of the fundamental principles that are the essence of Psalms 23. Let us break this scripture down.

• Psalms 23:1 – 3. Is God your “be all and end all?” Do you truly believe that in Him you have no lack. It is vital to know that in Him you have full provision physically, spiritually and mentally. This is the peace and assurance we have as His own.
• Psalm 23:3 – 4. Nothing should distract us from the opportunity that is inheriting the Kingdom of God. Therefore, even in the deepest darkness you must understand that God is still there. You don’t need to question where God is because you are confident He is always with you. Remember going through a challenge doesn’t mean God isnt there.
• Psalm 23:5 -6. Are you one of those people that pray for God to remove situations and enemies? A mature child of God understands that sometimes God does not remove the adversaries that surround us and place us in a little bubble with people that love and support us, contrary, the lesson in this is knowing that in the midst of all adversity God is there. God remains God and He will equip you with all you need to overcome and grow in such situations. Offen we fall in pursuit of goodness and love, but the scripture clearly states that these WILL FOLLOW US through every situation and every moment in our lives. This is achievable only if we truly apply the whole of Psalms 23.
This palms is profound because it really challenges us to understand that God is God. The Ultimate and only! In your daily walk as a christian, always know that there is a place past this world that our spirits will go. A place prepared for us through Christ by our Father in Heaven. Strive to be those that will endure and overcome difficulties and come out on the other side dressed in White. Even through the deepest darkness we may find ourselves in, God is our shepherd and understanding Psalms 23 is the key and weapon to having victory over this world.

Remember the bible is historic because it is evidence of past events that actually happened. It is current because within it are lessons that are applicable in our lives today and prophetic because it gives insight of events to come. Take time to meditate and pray about Psalms 23 and understand the purpose and power it holds.

Intro: Historically, the children of God always faced difficulties, not because God’s hand wasn’t there, but rather because of their own actions. Sometimes we do not learn or develop in life because we do not attach any importance to what we hear. As the children of God we must learn to attach importance to the written and spoken word of God. We need to step away from the world’s teaching that primarily focuses on what we can gain from God and blessings, not focussing on truly understanding who God is and living as he commands. Remember, it is Isaac’s obedience to the command of God, that protected him and he was even blessed in abundance over and above that. What we seek can be granted by God as and when we need it if we are obedient to Him.

Genesis 1:3 & 11. This scripture demonstrates the power of God. He COMMANDED, and it BECAME! God commanded the desolate land and it obeyed Him. When God speaks even nature will obey. It is important to know that God’s power has not changed and it never will. He is the same God as he was in the beginning. The difference in the manifestation of his power is that we have learnt to resist what God says.

Genesis 1:26. The difference between nature and a human being is that nature is just as it was created, but a human resembles God. Man was made in God’s likeness. God gave us the ability to reason, decide and gave us power over certain things. If nature does not resist God’s command, how is it human beings resist what God has commanded? If you look at the meaning of the word “command”, it does not give room for negotiation. Let’s look at Lucifer for a minute. He was created, and just like us, had the ability or freedom to reason, question, and decide. His downfall was allowing this ability to challenge God. He saw himself as superior to God. In our lives today, we too must not allow the favour God has bestowed upon us to hinder our relationship with him. There is a time where we are not supposed to reason with God but simply obey. Humans have a tendency to reason out of God’s will. However if God has favoured us by giving us dominion over all things let us use it to glorify God.

The bible teaches us about the principle of the sheep and the shepherd. We are the sheep and God our shepherd. When you start to resist the voice of God, you are slowly moving away from the flock. God has given us authority and power, let us not use our authority to oppose God or resist His commands. If you look at the story of the Israelites exodus from Egypt, they sinned against God the moment they began to reason and deliberate on their situation. They reasoned to the point they even built an idol to worship. Even in a difficult situation, know and understand that God is in Control. Believe in His purpose in your life and the assurance that He knows the plans he has for you. You have a purpose you must fulfil. You cannot negotiate out of your calling.

In conclusion, what will make you to be the person God intended you to be is found through obedience of the command. The opportunity is now. Your ability to reason should not become your hindrance.

Intro: Recently we have been learning about having and maintaining a relationship with God. How a deep connection with your Father in heaven is the key to a fulfilling life. It is a matter of the heart. When you have the heart for something, you are inspired by it and completely engage yourself in it. This lesson focuses on the state of your heart in maintaining a good relationship with Christ.

Nehemiah 1: 1-10 & Nehemiah 2: 1-6. This is a profound scripture of how a movement in the heart inspires great and might feats! Nehemiah was touched by the condition of Jerusalem. The extent of his anguish towards Jerusalem was such that he mourned and wept for a considerable time and even caught the attention of the king whom he served. What is fascinating is that he did not mourn over a personal matter, but rather, his concern was in the state of a significant city of great importance to the worship of the children of God. Note that Nehemiah’s relationship with God was so deep, he understood who God was. He understood the expectations of God. In his prayer to God he even started by acknowledging his iniquity and that of the children of God. Nehemiah was able to make history because his heart was moved and he started by returning to God in passionate prayer before he acted on what was placed on his heart. It was his heart that drove him to start to rectify the situation in Jerusalem.

When our hearts are moved we can do the supernatural. Begin by asking yourself this, what is in your heart? Remember it was what was in Nehemiah’s heart that determined his actions. As Nehemiah started by correcting his relationship with God, we too should take that as a starting point. Then take time to reflect and pray. The more you grow closer to God, the more your concern grows over His work. You become aware of the needs of others above your own. Are you taking part to ensure the work of God is going forward?

It is important to note that Nehemiah didnt have the resources he needed to rebuild and take on the task at hand. But, as it is said, where there is a will, there is a way. When you have the heart to do something you are moved to create a way. You may have the resources, but if you have no heart, then nothing will be accomplished. Once your heart is in the right place, offen God will inspire others to assist you as did the king in Nehemiahs case. What is touching your heart today? Are you going to church time and time again but fail to be concerned about the work of God? The time has come to start having an impact on others and the community at large.

Matthew 28:18. We as Christian’s need to be selfless and be used by God for the benefit of others not ourselves. Nehemiahs journey started with his heart and he went on to do greater things. With the heart, what’s impossible becomes a world of possibility and opportunity. Let your heart be inspired today!

Recap:
1. Building a relationship with God – We need to understand God wants us to worship him as his children. Problems arise in our lives when we forget who we are, our role and who God is. Always put yourself in a position to learn, just as Jesus was a learner (Hebrews 5:8). So that in turn you can be a teacher.
2. Unforgiving Heart – Reconcile with brethren. “Forgive our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us”. As we recite the Lords prayer, let us be sincere. How can we expect God to forgive us, if we are not in a position to forgive others.

Intro: Our continued goal and aim should be to build a relationship with God until we are so close and intimate that our relationship isn’t dependent on what God can do for us, but rather because He is God.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3) refused to bow down and forsake God regardless of the consequences. Regardless of whether God would save then or not, they refused to compromise their love for Him. Likewise, we need to develop spiritual muscles so that no matter what we encounter, it does not change our faith. God remains God in all manner of situations. “The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” (Psalm 23). That scripture is about acknowledging God is greater than anything else. Though the devil have wealth which he can give you if you sell yourself, God’s wealth surpasses all. In the story of the prodigal son, the lost son was given because he came back. The elder son questioned this and the explanation to him was he did not need to be given a portion, for the wealth was his already. Apostle Paul whilst in prison wrote to uplift those outside. Though his body was imprisoned, his spirit was free. That is the level of maturity in Christ we need to aspire to attain. Another example is Job, even if negativity was upon him, his perception of God did not change.

Ephesians 1:3-4. God has already given us the blessing from the moment we are in union with Christ. When the scriptures take about blessings, we automatically think of worldly possessions, but the true blessing is becoming a child of God. Even in hardship you still have the blessing. Whatever God has proclaimed belongs to us if we remain in union with Him.

As a child of God you need to understand that God spoke and by the spoken word all things became. By the word, all who believe will heal the sick. By the word, God has proclaimed blessing beyond measure. There is power in the spoke word. The manner in which we pray, is a reflection of our level of maturity. The people of God perish because they lack knowledge.

Ephesians 4:1-4. God has called us to a certain standard. Most of the time we are living below par because we do not understand the power of the spoken word. Live according to your calling. If God gives you a task he knows you are equipped to deal with it. The power is there but you have to satisfy certain conditions to be able to use it. If you are still battling minor things then you have not yet reached the level you ought to be.

Romans 8:15. Realise you are not ordinary. We are children of the Most High God. Recognise who God is. He is your father and whatever he has proclaimed belongs to you. Refuse to be impacted by negative situations because God is in control. We are the heirs of the Kingdom.
Once we live in union with God, we gain the spirit of Adoption, of sonship. You are no longer in bondage of anything. As a son, you cannot be excluded in the things of God. You work on behalf of your Father. No one follows you up because you are concerned over your Fathers business.

In conclusion, when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, it was a test to see to what lengths Abraham loved Him. And as a result Abraham is known as a friend of God. Abraham’s maturity and relationship with God was such that nothing would come between his love for his Father. Likewise, track your spiritual journey. What level are you at. Be encouraged to work hard to create a deeper intimacy with God.

Intro: There is a reason why God has kept you alive to this day. Acts 1:8-11. We have a final destination. A place where we are going. Our primary goal should be to refocus our minds to the second coming of Christ. Refocusing will help you to understand why we do what we do. All teaching therefore should be taken in the context of the coming of Christ.

Acts 28: 1-10. There are some keys points that you ought to keep in mind in these verses. Firstly, the bible says that the snake “fastened” itself to Paul’s hand, it is not written if it bit him or not. Secondly, the people of Malta had a preconception about Paul. Regardless of these key aspects, Paul did not waver from his mission. He was focused on what he was doing despite their perception of him and their presumptions. Regardless of the fact that they prematurely concluded judgement against his life and an inevitable death. Paul understood the concept of relationships, focus and purpose.

There are three main types of relationships a person has within their life and environment.
1. There are people who have a negative perspective on your life. They are prejudice towards you even without knowing you.
2. There are those that positively relate towards you and are there to strengthen and encourage you. These are the ones we naturally gravitate towards and hold dear in our hearts.
3. There are those that are seasonal and seem to be dominate in times of your success and stand to celebrate with you.

Understanding these group dynamics will make you better equipped to deal with situations. You need to understand why certain groups of people are in your life. For example, even though you may experience people with a negative perspective on your life, you need to understand that God put these people in your life to bring you an opportunity to improve yourself. Do not rule them out because through the difficult interaction with them, you have the chance to practise the word of God. The bible speaks of loving your enemies and praying for them. How then would you fulfil this, if every relationship you had was positive? To overcome something, you need to practise it, so view this group as that, a practise ground! Detremental to spiritual growth, most Christian’s do not see this in this light. They waste precious time and energy wishing these people to change and thus lose focus of Christ. In the scripture, people expected Paul to die. They stood watch and did not offer to help him even when they witnessed a venomous snake fastened to him. But Paul continued with his mission and proceeded to heal the sick. The name of God was glorified because Paul did not concentrate on the negativity. He held no grudge but rather demonstrated the power of God. You see the power of God can only be seen within a difficult situation. God does not put you in a situation to break you, but rather build you.

Take time to understand relationships in order to deal with them. Learn to categorise the people in your life, both positive and negative. Do not spend unnecessary time trying to change them. But use it as a chance for the Glory of God to be witnessed in mankind with “all the wisdom and understanding that His Spirit gives.”(Colossians 1:9).