By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

The Benefits Of Adoration (cont)

Believers must manifest the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Gal 5:22-25) and to demonstrate wisdom (cf. Acts 6:3; 1Cor 2:6-16: Eph 1:17; Jas 3:13-18). All of these are the inheritance of those filled with the Spirit and power (cf. Acts 1:4-8: 2:4).

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments,” (Deut 7:9).

“Mercy with those who love him.” God’s choice of Israel was motivated by His love for them (vv. 7-8). Moreover, God promised to faithfully keep His covenant and show mercy to generation after generation of “those that love Him and keep commandments,” (cf.6:4-9). Not only was God’s love contingent upon this response of love and obedience, but also their prosperity (vv.13-14), good health (v. 15) and military success (v.16).

(5.3)  Adoration infuses in you a feeling of contentment; it is refreshing

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the City of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High,” (Ps 46:4).

“There is a river.” God’s “river” is the continual flow of His grace, glory and power amid His faithful people (cf.v.11; Is 8:6; Ezek 47:1; Rev 3:12; 22:1). This pure life-giving river flows from God the Father (Jer 2:13), God the Son (Zech 13:1; John 4:14) and God the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39);

This pure life-giving river flows from the throne of God and constantly refreshes believers, both those on earth (John 4:13-14; 7:38) and those in heaven (Rev 22:1). The most significant blessing of this river is that it brings God amid His people (v.5): “The Lord of hosts is with us,” (vv.7,11)
The Love Of Money (1Tim 6:6-10)

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content,” (1Tim 6:8, NKJV)

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content,” (1Tim 6:8, KJV).

“Let us be therewith content.” Believers should be content with the basics of food, clothing and shelter. If special financial needs arise, we must look to God to provide (Ps 50:15), while we continue to work (2 Thess 3:7-8), help those in need (2 Cor 8:2-3) and serve God with generous giving (2 Cor 8:3;9:6-7). Believers are not to be driven by a desire to get rich, as “the love of money is a root of all evil,” (v.10; cf. vv.9-11).
Read Phil 4:10-14

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content,” (Phil 4:11).

“I have learned…to be content.” The key to contentment is realising that God has given you in your present circumstances everything you need to remain victorious in Christ (1 Cor 15:57; 2 Cor 2:14; 1 John 5:4).

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