Topic: 8 PRINCIPLES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY CHRISTIAN (TIME AT HIS FEET LESSON)
Bible Reading: Genesis 41
Good morning ladies and gentlemen! Sammie’s Daily Dose is back after a long break. I am sure the thought of us not returning; crossed you mind! We are back; in full swing. This week, we would be going over some highlights (and pitfalls) of Sammie’s Daily Dose’s maiden event “Time at His Feet!” Are you ready? I am! Let us get right into today’s message.
The “8 Principles for the 21st Century Christian” is the Bible study message I shared on Saturday, 31st August 2019. The Holy Spirit gave me this message because we need to be reminded of these Principles. Each day, I will be sharing 2 principles with you- you may learn a lot from the message.
To begin, I will like you to take your Bible and read Genesis 41, at least, once. As you read, pay attention to the choice of words and the events that occur in the course of the chapter. Give yourself about 10 minutes to carefully go through the text (before you continue this message).
Let us get into it….
PRINCIPLE 1: A 21st Century Christian must stand the test of time!
As a 21st Century Christian, God wants to test our loyalty to Him. You must stand the test of time. In Genesis 41:1, the Bible says “When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream…” I want us to pay attention to the word “full.” This word is not associated with time; it is usually used (as an adjective) when describing the volume of an item or container.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word “full” means holding or containing as much as possible or a lot.
This word was used to make emphasis on the fact that two whole years passed by. At times, we round off our numbers and the years. God was telling us that it was exactly two years. No minute or second lost. Exactly two years.
The length of time is very important to us because it gives us an idea of the time Joseph spent in prison; waiting upon God- to take Him out of that situation. Just like Joseph, we would have to prove ourselves to God and allow Him to train us. (Even in situations which are outside our comfort zone). God is testing you and preparing you for the great things He has in store for you. It is a necessary step for your breakthrough. Always remember that!
Every Christian has gone through it and will go through it- it happens differently for every individual. So do not expect that you would have to go to prison. For some, they may; not for everyone. God knows your capacity and your capability. He would not test you more than you can bare.
To pass this test of time, you need to stand firm in faith. Faith is easy when things are in our favor, however, when we are in a difficult situation we begin to falter. That is why as Christians you must always build your faith; by watering your seed with the Word. You must reach a point whereby your body, soul and mind are in sync with God. A point whereby He is in total (and I mean total), control of your life and your thoughts.
I have been on a journey of soaking myself in God’s Word (to build my faith) these past weeks. I will say that it has been awesome. It has changed my way of thinking and the dynamics of my conscience. I am amazed at how differently I think and act in certain situations.
I hear God's word clearer- a more distinctive voice. There is an inner fulfillment and peace that you enjoy in this process. I will encourage you, yes you, reading this piece to join in.
I would like to have a “Christian Sibs” program whereby we share our growing Bible study journey and hold each other accountable. As Christians, we must help each other grow. We must encourage each other and motivate each other. Leave a message if you are interested in joining this program.
Here are a few verses you can meditate on as you stand the test of time: Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 4:15-16, James 1: 2-3.
PRINCIPLE 2: As a 21st Century Christian, God prepares you and provides the best opportunities- with your gifting.
Preparation- In Joseph’s case, God had been preparing Him from a young age. God revealed Joseph’s assignment to him through a dream. All that Joseph went through (the pit, becoming a slave, Potiphar’s wife, jail) were all preparation stages. Each stage was tougher than the previous. God knew the end and knew that he would have to break Joseph in every way possible so that His Glory will be revealed. As a 21st Century Christian, it is necessary to go through all the preparation stages and pass them. At every stage, there is a test and God has given you everything you need to succeed- plus He is with you through it all.
It is common to see many Christians give up when they get tired or weary. It is important to note that the preparation stage is not the final stage. Keep your eyes on the goal and most importantly, on God. He knows what He is doing. He would never let anything, or anyone harm you.
At the same time, God is training your gifting. Do you think it is by coincidence that God spoke to Joseph through dreams? No! God was sharpening Joseph’s understanding of dreams by first of all, showing him what he would be. He is not only preparing you physically, mentally, emotionally but also spiritually. Joseph could dream and (eventually) interpret dreams.
God is also preparing your gift as well for your assignment. Do not run away from your gift, to follow the ways of this world. It may be tempting but trust me; it is not worth it. God gave you that particular gift because He knows that you are the right person to handle it.
Most importantly, a preparation journey without your giftings is no preparation. It is getting the job half done. Doing this, would just prolong the preparation process. You will feel like you are in a stagnant situation or you may realise that you are going through the same test/ preparation stage once again. This should prompt you that you are not giving up something or perhaps you are not learning what God wants you to.
Most importantly, God prepares you for the best opportunities…
Opportunity- The opportunity we are speaking of, is the platform God gives you to elevate yourself into your breakthrough (your promised land). All the preparation is for this moment.
In Joseph’s case, it was the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. These opportunities only happen when:
You have stood the test of time, and
You are adequately prepared.
It is usually through your giftings that God would use to elevate you; to reveal His Glory. However, it is the mental, physical and emotional preparation that builds your character for your land. This is because it is your character that will determine the length of stay on your land. Is God not amazing.
By reading Genesis 41, you see how God elevated Joseph and how his preparation had made him the best candidate to be Pharaoh’s second-in-command.
Always remember that as a 21stCentury Christian, it is important to go through all the preparation stages and to willing accept your spiritual gifts. Allow God to work on you and reap the wonderful, mind-blowing benefits in the end. Look to God and the future. Have faith and stand firm in God.
Here are a few verses that talk about preparation stages of our Christian lives: Galatians 6:9, Psalm 121:8, 1 Peter 1:13
Amen!
Today’s message is a lengthy one! I pray that you have learnt a lot from it. We continue with Principles three and four tomorrow.
I pray that as you read these Principles, you be convicted, and you will prepare your hearts and minds for God. God bless you!
If you are reading this blog for the first time and you do not have Christ living in you, or you have the strong urge to come to Christ; kindly say this prayer wholeheartedly;
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Congratulations! You are a part of God’s family. Leavse a message and let us have a conversation. God bless.
Have a wonderful day and let God inspire you!