Bible in One Year:
Thursday, October 22, 2009
(1 Sam 1 - 1 Sam 3)

Memorise: "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 2:5)

Read: 1 Peter 2:4-6
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
The latter house glory is far more superior to the glory of the former house. Under the former house law, an animal was required to take care of your sins once a year, but under the regulations of the latter house, you are now the sacrifice. Romans 12:1 says, "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". The latter house can also be a group of people. "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). It is expected that each soul in this house must be a living soul. This means, each soul in that house must be a house himself or herself. This is why 1 Corinthians 6:19 says your body is God's temple. When we talk of the former or latter house, you are the one being discussed. You should be perfect as your heavenly Father is.

When I was schooling at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I was accustomed to their grading system. Then, to be awarded an A in a given subject, you must score 95% and above. One day, I got 96% in a particular subject and I was sad. My friend who is now a professor in one of the universities said: "I think you must be crazy. How could you be sad with an A grade?" I replied, "Why must I lose four marks? If it is possible to get 96%, it is possible to get 100%". The reason I continue to emphasize holiness in my message is because that is all you need. According to Exodus 16:24-27, you require holiness - total obedience to enter into God's blessings and to sustain them. Deuteronomy 28:1-12 says if you can listen diligently to God's voice and obey completely, blessings will make you their destination. They will not rest until they locate you. When manna was given to Israel, specific instructions accompanied their arrival. There were days of supply and a day of no supply. Those who followed the instructions had no problem with their provision. But those who could not comply strictly with the instruction saw theirs stinking or went out on the Sabbath day and found none and therefore starved that day. Is God blessing you? Find out Heaven's requirements for retaining them. Or else, you could lose them. You shall not lose your blessings this year in Jesus' Name. 

ACTION POINT:
List out all the blessings you currently enjoy, ask God what to do to sustain them, and obey whatever He says.