Memorize : And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22: 31
Devotional Reading: Luke 22: 31-40
As you begin the journey in this new year 2022, I want you to pray that God will renew and increase your strength so that you too can give strength to others. Everyone need strength to perform or progress in life, it can either be spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional, mental or even financial strength, whatever form of strength you can be to others, be strength to someone.
Before Jesus revealed to Peter that Satan had desired to have him, Jesus must have observed the life of Peter and noticed a change or tendency to change and drift back to his old person.
This was an indication that Satan was already at work behind the scenes in the bid to pull him down and make him look back. This was further corroborated by Peter’s involvement in the argument that ensued amongst the disciples about who would be the greatest, which happened at a time that they should have been more concerned about who will betray Jesus. Why did the devil target Peter out of all the disciples? I believe it was because Peter had assumed the leadership position and he was the one that got the revelation from God that Jesus is Christ the son of God. By receiving this revelation, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter signifying that he had been delivered from a particular negative influence associated with his former name by which Satan held him captive. What negative name has been associated with you or your family? What label have you been tagged with, resulting in situation you are going through? As you receive the revelation of CHRIST this new year 2022, you will be delivered from that situation, and your entire life will be turned around and rebranded for good in Jesus Name.
In John 21:15; After Jesus had dined with his disciples, “He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. We all know that food produce strenght, what Jesus said to Peter was that, he should be strenght to others, especially the sheep that Christ gave him. I ask you today, are you a source of strength to others, or are you a strenght drainer? Are you an encourager or do you discourage others from achieving their good dreams or visions? Are you happy at the progress of others or do you feel sad and unhappy if you are not the one celebrating? Some people are selfish, they just want all the good things of life to happen to them and let others have the left over if they get any at all. This is not the attitude that is expected amongst God’s children. Some are envious, this is wickedness and wrong. There is a rule in the kingdom of God, and the rule according to Proverbs 27:17; is “Iron sharpeneth Iron” You must be a compliment and added value to others and seek the good of others regardless of your personal interest.
Another great rule in the kingdom of God is “Love” You must love everyone around you especially those of the household of faith and prefer one another; Romans 12:9&10; Let love be without dissimulation, Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. This rule is for everyone in God’s kingdom to follow and obey, I ask you today, do you follow that rule, or do you jealous others. The attitude of some people even amongst some believers is – ME-ME-ME: this is not the attitude Christ want you to have, you must think about others, help others, encourage others; be sources of joy and strength to others, give good advice to others, help others achieve their positive dreams and goals and be a blessing, as you do this, the LORD will make others be source of joy and blessings to you in Jesus name.
We must also obey the commandments of God. Remember Lot’s wife Luke 17:32; don’t be a snare or discouragement, you must be strength to others
May the LORD help you to be strength and joy to others in Jesus name
Prayer point: Almighty father, uphold me by your powerful hand and help me be strength and joy to others this new year in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Don’t be a snare, be strength and joy to others.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
