Rejoicing in the Gift of Life: Choosing God’s Path over the Devil’s Death Row By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
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Introduction
Life itself is a divine gift, yet many live as though unaware of its eternal value. Every breath we take, every moment of awareness, is an opportunity to glorify our Creator and walk in His will. Yet the sobering reality is that multitudes squander this gift, living and dying without cherishing the life God has given. Instead of abiding in the joy of God’s presence, they spend their days imprisoned in what the Lord calls the devil’s death row—existing without hope, purpose, or expectation of salvation.
This lesson invites believers to rediscover the wonder of being alive not only in the flesh but also in the Spirit. Born again of incorruptible seed, we have eternal life through Christ Jesus, yet we must choose daily to walk in that reality. The challenges of the present age—spiritual laziness, self-centered living, and the relentless pressures of the world—seek to distract and derail us. But God calls us to rejoice, to keep our eyes fixed on Him, and to live victoriously above the anxieties and lies that dominate our generation.
We will explore the importance of choosing daily whom we will trust, the dangers of spiritual complacency, and the practical ways to remain steadfast in the path of life. Through this journey, we will learn how to embrace our identity as God’s chosen people, resist the schemes of the enemy, and live in the joy and freedom that come from abiding in Christ.
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Rejoicing in the Gift of Life
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10
The life we have is not a random accident; it is a purposeful gift from God. For those born of the Spirit, this life is incorruptible and eternal. Yet many fail to appreciate its value. They live consumed by the cares of the world, forgetting that true life and joy are found only in communion with God.
Rejoicing in the gift of life requires a conscious shift in perspective. It is choosing gratitude over complaint, faith over fear, and worship over worry. When our eyes are fixed on the Giver, we begin to experience the fullness of life intended for us. The joy of the Lord becomes our strength, enabling us to face each day without dread.
To rejoice is not to ignore life’s difficulties but to acknowledge that, in Christ, we have victory over every trial. This deep, abiding joy comes from the assurance that we are alive in Him—saved, redeemed, and sustained by His unfailing love.
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Escaping the Devil’s Death Row
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
Many live their entire lives trapped on the devil’s death row—enslaved by sin, devoid of hope, and headed for eternal separation from God. This tragic state is not God’s will. His desire is that all would come to repentance and experience the life He offers. Yet countless souls choose darkness over light, yielding to the deceiver’s schemes.
The devil’s death row is marked by spiritual blindness, unending anxiety, and a gnawing emptiness that no worldly pursuit can fill. Those who live in this condition are often unaware of their bondage. They seek refuge in the world’s systems, only to find further disappointment and despair.
Deliverance comes only through Christ. To escape the devil’s death row, we must repent of our sins, receive God’s gift of eternal life, and continually walk in obedience to His Word. The life He offers is not merely survival—it is abundant, purposeful, and filled with hope.
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Choosing Daily Where to Fix Your Eyes
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2
Each day presents a choice: will we fix our eyes on the Lord or on the shifting sands of the world? Spiritual focus determines spiritual direction. When our gaze is set on Christ, we live guided by His Spirit, strengthened by His promises, and anchored in His peace.
Many believers struggle because they divide their attention—partly trusting God while also seeking the world’s approval or solutions. This divided focus leaves them vulnerable to fear, doubt, and compromise. The Lord reminds us that His Spirit is always present, guiding us in the way we should go. We have no need to dread the days ahead when we abide in Him.
Fixing our eyes on God is an intentional, daily decision. It involves meditating on His Word, seeking His presence in prayer, and aligning our priorities with His purposes. As we do, our confidence grows, and our joy overflows, even amid life’s pressures.
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Guarding Against Spiritual Laziness
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:13
Spiritual laziness is a silent killer of faith. When we grow complacent in our walk with God, we become easy prey for the enemy. The destroyer thrives on distracted, indifferent believers who no longer prioritize prayer, Scripture, and obedience.
The Lord warns that spiritual haziness leads to bondage. Those who neglect their spiritual lives are quickly ensnared by the world’s seductions, drifting further from the joy and freedom found in Christ. To guard against this, we must remain vigilant—actively engaging our minds and hearts in pursuit of God’s will.
This vigilance is not driven by fear but by love. We stay alert because we cherish the life God has given and desire to honor Him with it. By keeping our spiritual senses sharp, we can recognize and resist the schemes of the enemy.
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Rejecting the False Guidance of the World
“Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” — Jeremiah 17:5
The world offers many voices promising peace, prosperity, and purpose. Yet the guidance of those who are spiritually blind leads only to destruction. Political systems, cultural trends, and self-help philosophies cannot provide the hope that only Christ offers.
Those who trust in worldly leaders often find themselves disillusioned, as such leaders are frequently driven by pride and self-interest. The Lord calls His people to seek refuge in Him alone, not in the empty promises of men.
True wisdom comes from God. When we build our lives on His Word, we remain unshaken, even when the world around us crumbles. Our hope is secure because it is anchored in the unchanging character of the Living God.
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Living on the Highway of Hope
“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it… but the redeemed shall walk there.” — Isaiah 35:8–9
Believers who cherish the gift of life walk on what Scripture calls the “highway of holiness.” This path is marked by hope, joy, and the assurance of God’s guidance. It is the opposite of the devil’s death row, for it leads to eternal life and unending fellowship with God.
Walking this highway requires intentionality. We must resist the seductions of the world, deny the pull of self-pity, and remain focused on our calling in Christ. As we do, we experience the fullness of life He has promised—life defined not by external circumstances but by the unshakable reality of His presence.
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Summary
The gift of life is a divine treasure, yet many squander it by choosing the world’s ways over God’s path. Those who live without hope are imprisoned on the devil’s death row, while those who abide in Christ walk in joy, freedom, and eternal purpose. Spiritual vigilance, daily focus on God, and rejection of worldly guidance are essential to living victoriously.
We must guard against spiritual laziness, cherish the incorruptible life we have received, and continually rejoice in the Lord. The world offers only anxiety and destruction, but God offers eternal life, hope, and joy.
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Conclusion
God calls His people to live fully in the joy of the life He has given. This requires daily choices—fixing our eyes on Him, resisting the devil’s schemes, and walking in the hope and freedom of the redeemed. Spiritual complacency, worldly reliance, and self-centered living lead only to despair. But those who abide in Christ will rejoice in His presence, guided on the highway of holiness.
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Call to Action
Choose each day to rejoice in the gift of life. Commit to intentional spiritual focus, guarding against complacency, and trusting God above all else. Reject the devil’s invitations and the false guidance of the world, and walk in the joy of your salvation.
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Final Word of Encouragement
You were chosen by God for a life of purpose and joy. No matter the pressures around you, remember that you belong to Him. Keep your focus on the Lord, resist the schemes of the enemy, and rejoice in the incorruptible life you have been given. Each day is a gift—live it in the fullness of His presence.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of life through Jesus Christ. I confess that I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I turn from my old ways and receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. Help me to rejoice in You each day and walk on the highway of hope. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
