MORNING
Monday, September 24, 2018
Author : Bishop Julius Okarike
Verse Of The Day : A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied. Proverbs 11:25
LISTEN : God is generous and wants His people to be generous too. He wants His people to live differently from the people of the world. He wants us to be kind to others and give what we have in love. Because generosity is an aspect of God, it should be the nature of every disciple of Christ Jesus. When we are generous as our generous God, we will attract His blessings. What then is generosity? What does it mean to be generous? Generosity is the quality of being kind and unselfish, especially as it concerns sharing money and other valuables with others. To be generous is to show kindness and concern for others: to give in abundance; to freely give or share money and other valuable things to others. Sadly, it is a task too hard for a lot of people because of greed and selfishness. Greed and selfishness close people’s ears and eyes to the needs of others. Until we acknowledge the love and kindness of God toward us we cannot be kind and generous to others. Beloved, your perspective about life will affect your relationship with others. Truly, your generosity defines your perspective about life. (Luke 12:15-21). Beloved, are you generous to others? Have you tried to be generous and it is not working? This is how to do it : fear God and have faith in Him. Why? Because true generosity is an act of faith. (Proverbs 19:17 ; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5); and the key to living a life of generosity is in having a heart that completely delights in God. Friend, be generous. Do not capitalise on the needs of others for your personal gain. Instead, be kind because God is kind; and the blessings of generosity (protection, healing, restoration, health, abundance, life, etc.) will be yours. Be wise!
Having read today’s devotional, what is expected of you?
1. Be kind to others and remember that God has shown kindness to you.
2. Have the fear of God and love for humanity, and it will not be difficult for you to be generous.
3. Hold a right perspective about life and unkind behaviour towards others will cease.
4. Shun greed and selfishness and never close your ears and eyes to the needs of others.
Prayer : Everlasting Father, I thank you because you are generous to me. Therefore, help me to be generous to others and to know that blessing comes from you, amen.
Reflection : Because generosity is an aspect of God, it should be the nature of every disciple of Christ Jesus. When we are generous as our generous God, we will attract His blessings.
Quote : “Selfishness closes people’s ears and eyes to the needs of others. Until we acknowledge the love and kindness of God toward us we cannot be kind and generous to others.”
Faith Confession : Today, I confess that God is generous to me. Therefore, I will be generous to others as long as I live, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Biblical Fact : Did you know generosity attracts God’s blessings? (Psalms 41:1-3).
Today In History : September 24, 1904 Sixty-two die and 120 are injured in a head-on train collision in Tennessee.
Stunning Fact : Did you know you burn more calories sleeping than watching TV?
Prophetic Declaration : You will make a difference. Today I prophesy to you, may God cause you to acknowledge His kindness and grace to you; and may you be kind to others as God is kind to you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
EVENING
TOPIC : SEEK WISDOM
Monday, September 24, 2018
Bible Verse : For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from the LORD. But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:35,36 NHEB
LISTEN : Are you opened to wisdom? Does your life express wisdom? What is wisdom? Wisdom in a nutshell is good sense. It is the right application of knowledge and the ability to understand what others do not understand. Life is nothing without wisdom. Wisdom gives meaning and glory to life; hence, to be bankrupt of wisdom is to be bankrupt of real life. Wisdom plays a vital role in all aspects of life. This is why the Scripture commands us to gain wisdom no matter what it takes. The Bible says, “Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7 NHEB). That is how vital wisdom is. When you gain wisdom, especially divine wisdom you have gained life. Wisdom opens doors and releases favour on those who love it (wisdom). To ignore wisdom is to live at the mercy of circumstances. Beloved, wisdom is calling today. “Her” voice is not hidden if you can open your ears. (Proverbs 8:1). God is speaking to you through nature, circumstances, etc., learn and be wise. Above all, we have the word of God to study, meditate and obtain wisdom. God’s word is wisdom bank, so, explore it. Do not reject wisdom, for anyone who rejects wisdom loves misery and death. Be wise!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Bless the name of the LORD and ask for mercy and forgiveness.
2. Pray for wisdom and understanding to do the will of God always.
3. Pray for Christians all over the world to receive grace to serve God in spirit and truth.
4. Pray against demonic manipulations in your life, and thank God for answers to your prayers.
Prophetic Declaration :
Today I prophesy to you, may God bless you with wisdom and understanding. May His favours locate you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
