October 17                                     Col 3 - 4

CHOOSING YOUR PLACEMENT

MEMORISE: '''And he that sent me is with me: The father hath not left me alone; For I do always those things that please him.''' (John 8:29)
READ: John 19:25-27

A king with several wives will always have the special and the ordinary. Jesus, the king of kings, also has several brides (Wives - to -be). These are those who are born again, alternatively called the church. The ordinary wives of the king have certain compulsory duties they must perform, failing which they could be in serous trouble. King Ahasuerus asked his wife Queen Vashti to come and show her beauty to his guests, but she refused. At that moment, she ceased to be queen (Esth 1:9-22).

For every child of God, there are certain basic duties that must be performed. According to Malachi 3:8-11, we are commanded to bring in all the tithes. Leviticus 27:30, 32 tells us that a tithe should be paid on whatever comes into our possession. This means that we should tithe our salaries and incomes as well as our gifts. Apart from this, you should pay the tithe in whatever currency it comes in. further still, Leviticus 27:31 says that if for any reason you do not pay your tithe as and when due, to be acceptable to God, you must add 20% interest - or else no blessings. This is why many Christians pay tithes, but they do not receive the blessings.

Special wives on the other hand perform beyond the basic duties. To become a favorite of God, peter followed the Lord (although at a distance) after his arrest (John 18:10-11). The other disciples did not follow at all. Matthew 23:23 states that beyond paying your tithe as a special wife, you should be merciful do justice and demonstrate faith.

Favourite wives will be required to do extraordinary thing 18:15-16 tells us that while Peter followed afar off, John the beloved, who was his favourite, was right Jesus was. He alone stood by the cross. It was to John that the Lord entrusted the care of his mother. After his resurrection, John was the first of two male disciples to reach the grave. God will not force you. You have to make your choice, which itself will determine the level of sanctification and consecration that will be required of you. It will also determine the reward you will have. Choose wisely!

ACTION POINT
Ask the Lord to fill you with the
Fruits of righteousness to his praise and glory.