TUESDAY 4TH JULY 2017
TOPIC: ALONE WITH GOD
TEXT: Matthew 14:23 (NKJV) And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Jesus dismissed a crowd of listeners and fans in order to spend time with His Father in prayer and meditation. As a result, when He returned to the crowd He was empowered to work miracles. Have you realised that; before an airliner takes off, the attendant tells you that if the plane gets into trouble you should secure your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others with theirs. After all, unless you’re getting enough oxygen, how can you help them? So, are your own needs being met? If not, it’s time to start taking care of yourself before you burn out.
You can’t travel quietly through life hoping people will recognise when your plate is full. Speak up, or they’ll just keep pouring on more problems and responsibilities. Personal empowerment begins by taking control of your life. Overloaded people fail at marriage, ministry, and management. They fail at parenting, partnership, and personal endeavours. Like an airplane, if you carry too much baggage you won’t get off the ground. When you’re motivated by the need to please others or impress them, you’ll take on too much and fail to reach the heights God planned for you. Or you’ll crash because you ignored your limitations.
Every situation that arises doesn’t warrant your attention! Was Jesus misunderstood when He dismissed the crowd? Probably and you’ll have to make that same decision too. Jesus private praying and conquest of Satan were the secret of His public power. He received the Holy Spirit by prayer and often used this method to get and keep power- fresh anointing that was required for His daily work( Lk 11:13). People who don’t recognise your needs and respect your goals will drain you, divert you, and keep you grounded. So what’s the answer? Give what you can, and learn when to say ‘enough!’ ALONE WITH GOD- (Jn `15:1-6) Read Eph 6:10-18
MEDITATION: Lk. 24:49
BIBLE STUDY
Josh. 6:6, Ps. 135-136, Isa. 66, Matt. 14