RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL ;
16TH JUNE, 2018 ; PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME;
BE QUICK TO ACT;
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).
One of the ways to make the Word of God effective in your life is by acting quickly on it. Never be hesitant or slothful to act on God’s Word. Many miss too much without realizing it when they’re slow or hesitant to act on the Word.
Whatever instruction the Lord gives to you, whatever inspiration comes to you as you study the Word or listen to it preached and taught in church, respond swiftly. That’s the kind of faith-response that gets God’s attention. When you respond swiftly to God, He’ll always respond quickly to you as well.
The Bible says, “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). That means you can quench the Spirit, after He has tried to no avail to stir you up and have you do something for which you were either hesitant or unresponsive. When your faith is stirred, it’s an indication of the Spirit of God working in you; don’t suppress His work in you. Act immediately on whatever instruction, guidance or direction He gives you, even when such doesn’t seem to appeal to the senses.
Think about it: To the man who had a paralyzed limb, and couldn’t move his hand, Jesus said, “…Stretch forth thine hand…” (Matthew 12:13). If the man had tried to rationalize the instruction instead of responding swiftly, perhaps he’d have lost his miracle. Peter and John did the same thing to the man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful.
After Peter ministered healing to him, he yanked the man up, and the Bible says, “…and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” The man was smart; he dared to act on his healing: “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8).
Don’t be hesitant or reluctant when it comes to acting on God’s Word. Be smart to respond boldly and swiftly in doing the Word, for that’s how to honour the Lord in your life.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m quick to act on your Word, and have it produce in me the message that it carries. I’m transformed, strengthened and energised for the glory-life as I live in, and by your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 13:13; Philippians 2:13; Luke 5:5
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 6 & 2 Chronicles 26-28
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2