“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
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In our walk with Christ, God often entrusts us with visions, instructions, or divine appointments—moments when heaven’s timetable intersects with earth’s. Yet too often we hesitate, weighing pros and cons, worrying about our own readiness, or comparing ourselves to others. The truth is clear: delayed obedience is disobedience. When the Lord speaks, He expects prompt, wholehearted action. Lives hang in the balance, and every moment of hesitation can cost someone an encounter with His grace.
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The Urgency of Obedience
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15 KJV)
“Do not delay to do good…” (Proverbs 3:27 NKJV)
Why Speed Matters:
1. Soul Impact: The gospel, healing, or encouragement you carry may be the very lifeline someone desperately needs today.
2. Spiritual Momentum: Prompt obedience builds faith and sharpens our sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading, making us more responsive next time.
3. Satan’s Delay Tactics: Every moment we stall, the enemy gains a foothold of doubt and fear.
Reflection: What vision or instruction has God placed on your heart that you’ve been putting off? How might your immediate obedience bring hope or healing to someone right now?
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Excellence in Service to God
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV)
“And whether… we eat, or drink, or whatsoever we do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)
Pursuing Excellence Means:
1. Preparing Your Heart: Cultivate humility, integrity, and a teachable spirit.
2. Developing Skills: If God has called you to teach, preach, mentor, create, or lead—hone your gifts through study, prayer, and practice.
3. Offering Your Best: Even the small tasks (greeting newcomers, folding bulletins, sending an encouraging text) deserve your very best, as though serving the King of kings.
Challenge: Choose one routine ministry task this week and ask: “How can I do this with greater excellence for God’s glory?”
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From Competition to Cooperation – God’s Design for Unity:
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 KJV)
“There should be no divisions in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:25 NIV)
Dangers of a Competitive Spirit:
1. Distracts from the Mission: When we compete for status, platforms, or praise, we hijack our focus from Christ-centered outreach.
2. Breeds Comparison: Comparison cultivates envy, discouragement, and pride—none of which belong in the body of Christ.
Cultivating Cooperation:
1. Celebrate Others’ Gifts: Speak verbally and publicly about what you admire in fellow servants.
2. Share Resources Freely: Training materials, graphic designs, teaching notes—let generosity flow.
3. Pray Together: Lift each other’s visions before the Lord; intercession binds hearts and multiplies fruit.
Action Step: Identify one ministry partner today and reach out to encourage them. Ask how you can pray for or support their vision.
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God’s kingdom advances not by our timidity or rivalry, but by our prompt obedience, relentless pursuit of excellence, and joyful cooperation. When we answer His call without delay, work as though serving Christ Himself, and serve alongside our brothers and sisters in unity, we become a powerful, unstoppable force for the gospel.
Final Reflection:
• What step of faith will you take now?
• How will you refine your gift to serve with excellence?
• Who will you encourage toward unity today?
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“For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
May we never treat God’s instructions lightly, for the destiny of many rests not on what we dream we could do—but on what we do today, together, for His glory. Let us move in peace, purpose, and power—together.
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 