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Bible Reading For Today : Proverbs 13 : 1 – 13
Song From Hymn Book : Take time to be holy SS&S 608.
Encouragement : Be diligent in prayer.
There are unfruitful human habits, which are done with great diligence.
A dictionary definition of the word diligence says It is a noun which means :
careful and persistent work or effort.
The action word is “diligent.”
Among humanity :
Some are diligent in unholy sex relationships.
Some are diligent in alcoholism.
Some are diligent in smoking cigarette or marijuana.
Some are diligent in sniffing tobacco; and
Some are diligent in taking enhancing drugs and;
Some are diligent in doing evil in all forms: terrorism, killing and or to serve idols.
When some people have the desire of doing any of those thimgs above and cannot do them, they move anyhow as mad people, until that desire is satisfied.
But the word of God wants us to be rather drunk with the power of the Holy Spirit, for it is the power for salvation, the power to receive enabling power for sanctification , holiness and service in righteousness towards God. Let our diligence be focussed on God.
Read the following about Apollos :
18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. (Acts 18 : 24 – 25).
We do not have the baptism of John, but we have the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We should do better than Apollos. He was diligent in the word of God.
A fervent spirited man will do exploits in this life, glorifying God. We are a lucky breed for in our current world the gospel is being preached in every corner and heard by many. This is not with respect to any denomination. We have every reason to be more diligent than those who have gone before us. We have no excuse.
Apollos knew only the baptism of John and many us are being baptised by the Holy Spirit. We should be more committed to God.
Take this caution from the book of Proverbs :
11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. (Proverbs 11 : 27).
There is need to be consistent in being diligent in well doing. Many are looking for good things on earth and also expect heaven as a place of final residence, but some are not consistently diligent in well doing.
And for widows take this caution and note it carefully :
5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. (1 Timothy 5 : 10).
It is a great attribute for any called child of God to have, “diligently followed every good work”.
PRAISE OF EXALTED WIDOWS.
Many christian widows are praised to have the above attributes. There are however, some or wordly widows, who have diligently followed the easy way of life, instead of diligently following the righteous path. They shall not be guiltless.
In conclusion let us take this short and precise message for this sunday :
(1) Therefore be diligent in pursuing holiness;
(2) Be diligent in thinking and living righteously
(3) Be diligent in every good work.
(4) Be diligent to resist the suggestions of evil, whether we are seen or not seen by men.
(5) Be diligent in prayer and pray without ceasing.
Heaven is looking for diligent people, not lazy people.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. (Proverbs 13 : 4).
Since the time of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent takes it by force. (Matthew 11 : 12).
We must be violent to earn heaven,not violent to do evil, but violent to break through evil to receive the kingdom.
Be encouraged.
Prayer for this moment:
Dear Lord, make me diligent towards every good work in Jesus name Amen.
Miracle Valley Sermon 13th March, 2022.
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