Grow In Zeal and In Knowledge	SATURDAY AUG. 20

Romans 10:1-2, 2Peter 3:18, Romans 12:11  
 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. *But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. *Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

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Having zeal is not more important than having knowledge and having knowledge is not more important than having zeal. They are equally as important in our lives and in our walk with God and as such, we must continue to increase in both. We can miss out on a lot of things that God has in store for us when we lack either of them in our lives.

Let's start with zeal. You can hardly get the best out of anything that you are not passionate and zealous about. Slothful people know how to give excuses for why they should not do what they are expected to do. They stay in their beds or in one position instead of rising up and forging ahead, Prov.26:13-14. This is why they don't make progress as they should with their lives. Zealous people, on the other hand, always find a way to ensure that things get done. Their passion and motivation attract solutions and make them successful.

Now in talking about the importance of growing in knowledge, in the NIV, Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, if the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success. Knowledge sharpens your edges and increases the effect of your zealous efforts. It causes you to achieve better results. Some people are very zealous but are not achieving the right results because they are not growing in knowledge. You need to deliberately grow in zeal and in knowledge in every area of your life if you want to become more fruitful and effective.

PRAYER FOCUS: Tell God that you are willing to grow in zeal and knowledge and receive His grace to be committed to doing so.

      BIBLE IN ONE YEAR READING PLAN:  JEREMIAH 41 - 45   Empowered to Occupy Till He Comes...     - See more at: http://www.cgmglobal.org/aboveonly/index.php#sthash.1WNbXL64.dpuf