April 23, 2025

DEDICATION TO GOD IS DEMANDED (PART 2)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: PSALM 119:11 KJV - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

SACRIFICES SHOW OUR DEDICATION:
Dedication sometimes requires sacrifice. This means letting go of things that do not please God. It may be bad habits, sinful behavior, or anything that takes us away from Him. When we make sacrifices for God, He rewards us in ways we cannot imagine. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (LUKE 9:23).

PRAYER AND DEDICATION GO TOGETHER:
A dedicated life is a life of prayer. When we pray regularly, we stay close to God and hear His voice more clearly. Prayer strengthens our faith and keeps us focused on Him. Without prayer, it is easy to lose our dedication and go astray. "Pray without ceasing" (1 THESSALONIANS 5:17).

STUDYING THE WORD KEEPS US DEDICATED:
Reading and meditating on God’s Word helps us stay dedicated. The Bible teaches us how to live a life that pleases God. It corrects us when we go wrong and encourages us to keep going in the right direction. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (PSALM 119:105).

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, grant me the grace to do away with sinful habits and characters that would not allow me to be fully dedicated to your will, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

ROMANS 12:1 KJV: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."