MORNING
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Author : Bishop Julius Okarike
Verse Of The Day : Then Samuel said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned. However, don’t turn aside from the LORD. Serve the LORD with all your heart. 1 Samuel 12:20 (NET)
LISTEN : A man known for his unrelenting criminal activities and liking for evil deeds, approached a certain nobleman of his community and asked him thus, “Sir, will God ever forgive me for all the evil I’ve done against humanity?” The nobleman man replied, “I don’t know, because your sins are numerous.” With much frustration he left the nobleman and went to the church. When he saw the Pastor of the church who has equally known him for his criminal activities, he asked him, “Sir, will God ever forgive me for all the evil I’ve done against humanity?” The Pastor smiled and replied, “My dear, God has been waiting for you to return. He will surely forgive you. Only if you won’t go back to your evil ways.” Immediately he screamed, “Pastor, I’m happy! I won’t go back to my vomit.” My dear, when the Israelites sinned against God by asking for a King over them. Samuel was displeased, and God was angry too. Yet, Samuel encourage them to stick with God and not backslide because of their sin. No doubt, sin makes people to lose confidence and feel so unworthy to come to God. But the right time to come to God is when you feel unworthy of His mercy. He will show you mercy when you realise that, you’re not worthy of it. He loves the penitent sinner. He forgives all manner of sin when the sinner comes to Him with all his heart. Yes, the blood of Jesus Christ is powerful enough to cleanse even the worst of sinners. Beloved, when your sin put pressure of guilt on you, repent and cry to God for mercy and restoration. Trust me, if you can repent of your sin, God will lavish His mercy and love on you. Be wise!
Having read today’s devotional, what is expected of you?
1. Boldly come to Jesus Christ as you are, and He will forgive you.
2. Overcome your shame and pride and come back to God for mercy.
3. Don’t allow the guilt of sin to steal your joy, instead, confess your sins to God.
4. Don’t run away from God because you sinned, instead, come to Him and be free.
Prayer : Heavenly Father, you are good and merciful. I confess my sins today and ask for mercy, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection : When your sin put pressure of guilt on you, repent and cry to God for mercy and restoration.
Quote : “God will show you mercy only when you realise that, you’re not worthy of His mercy.”
Faith Confession : In Jesus’ name, today I acknowledge that God will forgive my sin when I confess and forsake them. Therefore, I will confess my sins today, amen!
Biblical Fact : Did you know God changed the name of Abraham’s wife from Sarai to Sarah? (Genesis 17:15)
Today In History : August 24, 1780 King Louis XVI abolishes torture as a means to get suspects to confess.
Stunning Fact : Did you know the electric chair was invented by a dentist?
A Word Of Blessing : You’ll make a difference. May you receive grace to confess your sins and receive forgiveness and restoration. It’s well with you, in Jesus’ name, amen!
EVENING
TOPIC : RESIST LAZINESS
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Bible Verse : The door turns on its hinges— as does the lazy person on his bed.Proverbs 26:14 (ISV).
LISTEN: Resist laziness or be doomed. Lots of people enjoy taking shortcuts. We often find it difficult to filter through our behaviours pointing out traits of laziness. By our actions, we unconsciously cheat ourselves out of God’s best by taking an easy route to life. (Proverbs 14:12). Lots of people enjoy ‘meal of idleness’ instead of labouring honorably and truly to succeed and prosper. Today, laziness has eaten deep into “the fabric of society.” People want to make money without working for it. That’s why we hear virtually everyday of people being kidnapped and tortured for ransom. Laziness in the mind has made a lot of people to live outside the will of God for their lives. (Proverbs 30:12). They don’t like to work hard or to be active in meaningful activities, instead, they encourage inactivity and indolence; thereby offering themselves to the devil as vessels of wickedness. My dear, failing to work hard or be engaged in meaningful activities is a sure way to accept Satan’s offer to do evil. Remember, he who spends his time in idleness can take any offer from the devil. So, resist laziness and embrace diligent hard work. Be wise!
Prayer : Dear Lord, help me to resist laziness in Jesus’ name, amen.
