Text: Acts 17: 22-34
Memory verse:
âFor He says: âIn an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.â Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.â
ââII Corinthians⏠â6âŹ:â2âŹ
The adversary of your destiny has enough excuses in his treasury on why you canât and shouldnât do that which you should do. His goal is to stop you from fulfilling your destiny.
Our text today shows three different responses to Paulâs preaching. Some mocked, another postponed their decision while others believed (Acts 17:32-34). The most pitiable was the second and middle, neither hot nor cold group! They said, âWe will hear you again on this matter.â (Acts 17:32). What was their excuse? What was so pressing that made them postpone their salvation.
The devil floods your mind with attractive but unacceptable excuses like these. Why do you need to make commitment to God now when you can always do it later? You are okay with attending Sunday service, as everyone knows that you are very busy. If he or she doesnât change, there is nothing else you can do about the marriage. You donât have to feel bad about that sin: just minimize it because no body is perfect. Itâs okay to drink alcohol occasionally, after all, you are not intoxicated by it. Lust and caressing are not sins as long you are not having sex. There is nothing bad about having sex with your friend as long as you have decided to marry. Why will you risk financial embarrassment to give firstfruit or give tithe with all these bills?
Nothing comes from the devil for free except excuses. Yes, itâs free but it will cost you a life of mediocrity and even eternity.
Friends, donât take the devilâs free gift of excuses. Donât postpone to make right your life with God today. Remember that yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery but today is the gift which you have at present from God. Use it wisely.
Prayer points
1. I renounce the spirit of procrastination and I stand against all devices of the devil to oppose me through excuses in Jesus name.
2. Father, help me never to justify or rationalize any excuses and not to hinder my destiny and endanger my eternity in Jesus name.
Todayâs declarations
1. I donât regret about yesterday because itâs history nor postpone my decision of today because tomorrow is mystery but I receive today as Godâs gift to me by making the best use of it and challenging all excuses.
2. Excuses are the devilâs free gift but they cost a life of mediocrity, wasted potentials, defeat, sorrow and even eternity.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng