Topic: The Gospel Is For All [DCLM Daily Manna 21 December 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: Acts 10:34-48 (KJV)
Key Verse: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him”(Acts 10:34,35).
MESSAGE:
Cornelius, the centurion was a devout man who feared God with his household, gave much alms to the people and prayed always. But he was not saved. God was concerned; so, He sent an angel directing him to send for Apostle Peter who was to instruct him on how he could be saved.
Peter came and met him with some near relatives and friends gathered to hear him. After explaining how “unlawful” it was for the Jews to associate with men of other nations, he proceeded to tell them of the redemptive work of Christ. He explained how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power to do good works of preaching, healing and delivering the oppressed, and how the gospel message was spread throughout the land, even at Jerusalem where He was crucified. But then, He rose up the third day and showed Himself to His disciples and commanded them to take the message of forgiveness of sins through His name to all men. As he was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles to the surprise of the Jews that were with Peter.
The will of God is that all men should be saved by faith in the finished work of Christ. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ which encapsulate the gospel message are the most important news item ever given in world history. That the vilest of all sinners who places his faith in Christ can be saved and made a saint within minutes is the greatest miracle of God.
No one today, no matter how sinful, has any excuse not to receive the free salvation Christ has purchased for all. Every living person must take advantage of the gospel message to receive pardon and salvation and avoid an eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Thought For The Day: God is not willing that any should perish.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
AP Reports Jesuits Provided Housing to Alleged Sexual Abuser Priests on Gonzaga University Campus for Decades
For several decades, the Jesuit order used Gonzaga University’s campus to provide housing for priests who had been dismissed from actively serving in the priesthood. According to an report recently published by the Center for Investigative Reporting and republished by the Associated Press, the reason for the removal of these priests was often traced back to allegations of sexual abuse.
The report states that the Jesuit order’s Oregon Province sent at least 20 Jesuit priests who had been accused of sexual misconduct to the university, in most cases during the same time they were active in the order’s missions in isolated Alaska villages populated by indigenous people in addition to Indian reservations located in the northwestern U.S.
These priests were housed in a building located on the campus which is referred to as the “Cardinal Bea House,” situated on the Gonzaga campus but belonging to the Jesuit order itself instead of the university.
It is noted in the report that one of the most infamous abusers who came to live on campus had a strong supporter – one who is currently vice president of Gonzaga, Father Frank Case, who was then the head of the Jesuits’ Oregon Province. In 1989, Case penned a glowing letter of recommendation for the abuser priest’s appointment to a hospital chaplaincy position, mentioning that the…
Christian Comedian John Crist Defends Lauren Daigle, Tells Critics to ‘Just Shut Up’
Christian comedian John Crist told critics to “just shut up” after many people criticized Lauren Daigle for avoiding answering a question about her views on homosexuality.
The comedian, who is known for being blunt took to Instagram on Wednesday to address the recent string of criticism Lauren Daigle has been getting. He said, “Lauren Daigle, has done more for the kingdom in a year, then you will do in five lifetimes, I’m sorry.”
He continued asking his followers if they were not yet tired of the “Wow, I thought she was a Christian?” argument, calling it “shallow.”
In typical brash comedic fashion, Crist then joked that he “probably did 27 things yesterday that if you would have witnessed, you would be like ‘Wow, I thought he was a Christian.’”
The comedian went on to note Daigle has made “hundreds of songs lifting up the name of the Lord and led people to the Kingdom and articles and stories about her,” he said, “and one time she doesn’t say something that isn’t how you liked it? Get out.”
Crist then pointed out the phenomenon of “cancel culture” saying that “If you have a negative opinion about another person that you don’t know personally, just have it, and then just throw it away.”
Noting that he was very passionate about the topic Crist then said, “If you’re gonna come out with your…
Spike in Arrests of Christians in Iran Especially Severe this Christmas Season, Sources Say
(Morning Star News) – Arrests of Christians in Iran usually spike as Christmas approaches, but this year has been especially severe, sources said.
More than 150 Christians have been detained across the officially Shia Muslim country in the last month, and arrests are expected to continue.
“The current situation has been described by some as unprecedented,” Miles Windsor, advocacy and development manager at Middle East Concern (MEC), told Morning Star News. “There are a huge number of arrests and detentions.”
An uptick in arrests is expected around Christmas, Windsor said, when many Iranians are attracted to Christianity and the government seeks to deter interest through intimidation.
“Recently it seems there is definitely a coordinated and determined campaign to decimate the Christian community and to spread fear and intimidation,” Windsor said.
This year has been especially severe, however, according to MEC. Some analysts speculate that security branches, fearful of funding cuts, are trying to show their effectiveness and justify payments from the government by showing how many Christians they can arrest.
Among them, Amir Taleipour, 39, and his wife Mahnaz Harati, 36, were arrested in front of their 7-year-old daughter by intelligence agents who raided their home in Mashhad, northeast Iran on Dec. 6. The couple has not been…
Open Heaven 21 December 2018 Friday Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – His Grace is Sufficient
Topic: His Grace is Sufficient (Open Heaven 21 December 2018)
Memorise: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”– 2 Corinthians 9:8
Read: Matthew 22:8-13, Philippians 3:1-9 (KJV)
Matthew 22:8-13: 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Philippians 3:1-9: 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Bible in One Year: Obadiah 1, Jonah 1-4, John 15:1-17
Open Heaven 21 December 2018 Friday MESSAGE:
Many people may miss heaven not because their sins were more grievous that the sins of those enjoying eternal bliss with the Father, but because they did not see the grace of Jesus Christ as being sufficient for all that they needed in this world, nor enough to grant them the required right standing with God. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave us a parable to this effect about an arrogant man who was graciously invited by a king to the wedding feast of his son. This man was also offered a wedding garment free of charge to wear to the feast. However, he refused to wear it. While the king was going round to thank those who came to the feast, he discovered this man without his wedding garment. Matthew 22:12 says:
“And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.”
The king subsequently ordered his arrest, and he was thrown out of the feast. My prayer is that arrogance and faith in your own righteousness will not disqualify you from the marriage of the Lamb in Jesus’ name.
Thank God for His grace that qualifies Paul to be part of the heritage of the Lord, in spite of all he did against the early Church. Further down the road in his Christian life and ministry, he still acknowledged that he needed the grace of God to help him make it, due to the circumstances of life that take people away from the narrow path to heaven. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, he wrote:
“7…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Beloved, let the grace of Jesus Christ be sufficient for you, even in the face of life’s challenges. Don’t allow miserable comforter derail you from reliance on His grace. In Philippians 3:2, Paul warns us to beware of dogs. Such people will advise you to seek alternatives to Jesus; please don’t yield to their advice. Don’t compromise your faith, because the grace of Jesus has always been sufficient for all those who believe. May His grace be enough for you until you see Him in glory.
Open Heaven 21 December 2018 Friday Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to accept the sufficiency of Your grace for everything I need here and in the life to come.
Open Heaven 21 December 2018 Friday Hymn 5: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though- none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Open Heaven 21 December 2018 Friday Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 21 December 2018 Friday Daily Devotional.
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
The president also posted a video to Twitter regarding the situation confirming that the troops in Syria would be coming home. Trump said, “We have won against ISIS. We’ve beaten them, and we’ve beaten them badly, and we’ve really taken back the land,” He continued, “And now it’s time for our troops to come back home.”
After historic victories against ISIS, it’s time to bring our great young people home! pic.twitter.com/xoNjFzQFTp
According to the Guardian, the President’s decision to withdraw troops from the middle eastern country was one that came as a surprise to Trump’s advisers and U.S. allies.
The Guardian reports that Trump’s advisors were informed of his decision on Tuesday night, only hours before the president made the announcement on Twitter.
While some people are praising the President’s decision, others have found it to be a premature…
RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 23 December 2018 Lesson 17 – Before You Say “I Do”
TOPIC: Before You Say “I Do”
OPENING PRAYER:Father, help our youth to comport themselves decently and orderly on the matter of marriage. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 23 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)
MEMORY VERSE:“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 23 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 29:11-20 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 23 December 2018)
11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father.
13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.
15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The foundation of a godly marriage must be properly laid on sound moral and Biblical principles. Before the exchange of vows, where the Christian brother and sister will say ‘I do’, they should have passed through the phase of courtship and ensure that all things are done decently and in order. 1 Cor. 14:40; Amos 3:3. The intending couple should also watch out for some ‘red flags’ before saying ‘I do’.
TEXT REVIEW: GENESIS 29:11-20 “HE IS MY SISTER’S SON” The seven years’ service given to Jacob by Laban to marry Rachel which was later increased to fourteen years could be considered as a time of courtship between the intended couples. This period provides the opportunity for the couple to know each other and their parents too. i. In today’s Bible passages, the “know-your-selves” escapade began with Jacob who introduced himself to Rachel(his future wife) as the son of Rebekah and that he was her father’s(Laban) brother (cousin). Gen 29:12a. ii. Rachel on her part passed the information to her father. It wasn’t a secret affair as some prefer to do in our days. Gen. 29:12b iii. The father of Rachel (Laban) on his part knows the genealogy of the extended family and with gladness and enthusiasm embraced his sister’s son and brought him to his house. This is the parental acceptance of the son-in-law. Gen 29:13. In our days, many husbands-to-be are rejected by the in-law from day one. Many don’t even know the origin of their spouses. They just meet at eatery, joints, concerts and off they cohabit as couples. This is wrong. iv. Jacob loved Rachel. This was not in despute as evidenced in the phrase, “Jacob kissed Rachel”. Laban loved Jacob too. He embraced him and brought him to the house. Gen. 29:11-13. In our days, many entered into marriage agreement without true love. v. True love has a prize which must be paid. Jacob was willing to pay the prize for love. He said, “I will serve the seven years for Rachel”. Gen.29:18-20. vi. Through the period of service for love, Jacob was able to discover the other side of Laban which showed that he was a deceiver. He accommodated the flaw and later in life had to flee to free himself from his father in-law’s twist. Gen. 31:20-21. God had to intervene. Gen. 31:24, 40-42. Pure yes of understanding must not be beclouded in our courtship.
LESSON OUTLINE 1: IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP QUESTION 1: Why is courtship important? ANSWER: i. To make plans, relate and reach a compromise on so many issues pertaining to their future together. ii. To lay a Biblical foundation of a happy married life. 1Thess. 5:21. iii. To secure parental consent. Gen. 4:54-59. iv. To get to know each other intimately apart from carnal knowledge and illicit romance. 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Rom. 12:1-2. v. To know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, parents, etc
QUESTION 2: What are the Bible-based activities which the intended couple should carry out during courtship? Answer i. Prayer and study of the word God together. 1 These. 5:17 ii. Counselling with Pastors or spiritual parents. Prov. 11:14.
QUESTION 3: Why should secluded places to be avoided in courtship? Answer: To prevent satanic advances/temptation 2. Cor. 2:11;1Thess.5:27.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: RED FLAG TO WATCH OUT FOR QUESTION 1: What ate the dangers signs which the intended couple should look out for during courtship? Answer: Irrational jealousy, deception, domineering tendency, physical/emotional abuse, violence, aggression cruelty toward animal or man, alcoholism, heretic influence, isolation, drug abuse, smoking, disrespect for boundaries, privacy/personal space or low moral values and host of others.
NOTE: Student could add to the list
QUESTION 2: Why must intended couple look out for these signs? Answer: Because human being has tendency to hide their true personality to achieve their purpose.
QUESTION 3: What should you do if you see any of the warning signs? Answer: i. Seek advice of Pastors, spiritual leaders or marriage counsellors. Mark 14:38; Prov. 15:22; 19:20. ii. Avoid do or die affairs that could jeopardize your future like Jacob. Jer. 29:11; Gen. 31:24-42. iii. You may consider a broken courtship instead of a broken home. Eccl. 10:10; 1 Cor. 7:15b.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1 & 2: Students who participated in the questions and answers activities should score 20 marks.
SUMMARY: Courtship is very essential in marriage.
CONCLUSION: Watch and pray before you say I do.
EVALUATION: What are the benefits of courtship?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, don’t let our youth lose their marriages to faulty counselling/ courtship.
ASSIGNMENT: Find out five (5) things which parents should avoid in their children’s courtship.
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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 23 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
TOPIC: Before You Say “I Do” [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 23 December 2018]
MEMORY VERSE:“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 23 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 29:11-20 (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 23 December 2018)
11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father.
13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.
15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The foundation of a godly marriage must be properly laid on sound moral and Biblical principles. Before the exchange of vows, where the Christian brother and sister will say ‘I do’, they should have passed through the phase of courtship and ensure that all things are done decently and in order. 1 Cor. 14:40; Amos 3:3. The intending couple should also watch out for some ‘red flags’ before saying ‘I do’.
LESSON OUTLINES
IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP
RED FLAG TO WATCH OUT FOR
1. IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP Christian courtship is that period before marriage when a Christian brother or sister make plans, relate and reach a compromise on so many issues pertaining to their future together. Courtship is very important and necessary for the intending couple to observe during which proper biblical foundation must be laid in order to have a happy married life (1 Thess. 5:21). One vital issue that must be addressed during this period is to obtain the consent of both parents ( Gen.24:54-59). Courtship is a period to get to know each other intimately apart from carnal knowledge and illicit romance. (1 Cor. 6:18-20; Rom. 12:1-2). You can pray, study the Bible or attend Christian programs together but avoid hanging out in deviled and tempting places (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Thess. 5:22). Know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,likes and dislikes, parents, etc. It is also expedient that you undertake marriage counselling lessons together during courtship (Prov. 11:14).
2. RED FLAG TO WATCH OUT FOR There are a number of “red flags” to watch out for before entering a permanent marriage relationship. Unfortunately, these indicators may not be visible until after the wedding takes place, since some Christians are skilled at hiding their true natures or change with circumstances. However, a short list of things to look out for includes irrational jealousy, deception,
the strive to be in control( dominate the other partner), physical or emotional abuse/violence, a quick (hot) temper, cruelty towards animals, adherence to unscriptural traditional values, attempts to isolate the other person from his or her friends and family, drug abuse, smoking, disrespect for boundaries, privacy/personal space or low moral values.
If you see any of the warning signs or other strange behaviours in a persist you are entering a marriage relationship with, please pray and seek advice from spiritual leaders or marriage counsellors before you say ‘I do’ (Mark 14:38; Prov. 15:22; 19:20). Marriage should not be view as a ‘do or die’ affairs. You have a destiny to fulfill ( Jer. 29:11). You may consider the saying that ‘a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage’ and make a wise/ informed decision (Eccl. 10:10; 1 Core. 7:15b).
CONCLUSION: Watch and pray before you say “I DO”.
QUESTIONS
Discuss the importance of courtship.
Mention some of the red flags to watch out for before you say ‘I do’.
ASSIGNMENT: Find out five (5) things which parents should avoid in their children’s courtship.
For Further Reading: Eze. 36:26-27; Eccl.. 3:1-7; Eph. 3:16-20; Matt. 5:13; 2 Cor. 6:17, 1 Tim.6:6.
Biblical Scholar Speaks about Pope’s Switch to Our Father: A Loving God Can Still Lead Us into Temptation
Biblical scholar and Swiss linguist Fr. Reto Nay says the possible change of the sixth petition of the “Our Father” prayer isn’t accurate.
Nay’s comments to LifeSiteNews came after a 2017 interview with Pope Francis on Italian TV where he said the traditional translation of “and lead us not into temptation” is “not good.”
“It is not He that pushes me into temptation and then sees how I fall,” Francis said in Italian. “A father does not do this. A father quickly helps those who are provoked into Satan’s temptation.”
In English and in Italian, the sixth petition says, “and lead us not into temptation.”
“The text of the Our Father is passed down to us in the New Testament, which was written in ancient Greek,” Nay said. “The phrase “and lead us not into temptation” is contained both in Mt 6:13 and Lk 11:4 with identical wording.
“This means that the wording of the petition in question cannot be blamed on a transmission error or misunderstanding.”
Nay said that the Pope does not have power “to change the Faith or to make up his own Our Father” for the church.
“The alteration of the Our Father (or of the words of consecration) gives the impression that the Pope believes that he is cleverer than the Word of God, and the theologians and saints before him,” he said.
Topic: Stick to Your Calling [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 21 December 2018]
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God…. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. – 2 Timothy 1:6-9
Are you doing what God called you to do?
If you haven’t ever thought about it before, that may sound like an odd question to you. You may be tempted to shrug it off and say, “Oh, I’m not really called to do anything. I’m not a pastor or a teacher or a minister of any kind…I guess I’m just what you might call a little finger on the Body of Christ.”
Let me tell you something: No matter who you are, God has put a holy calling in you. He’s designed you and called you to meet a need in the Body of Christ that nobody else can meet quite like you can.
You may be called to be so successful in business you can finance the gospel worldwide. You may be called to a ministry of prayer and intercession. You may be called to a ministry of healing right there in your own neighborhood. But no matter what that calling is, it’s important and you need to follow it!
If you’re like many believers I know, you may have let your life become so overgrown with other things that you just don’t have time to pursue your calling. You may be so overwhelmed with the cares of life that you can’t imagine how you can fit in anything else.
Over the years, a pastor friend of mine got involved in so many different areas of ministry that he was about to fold up physically under the strain of it. The overload was actually about to kill him. Finally, the Lord spoke to him one night and said, John, it’s not your calling that’s nearly killed you. It’s everything else you’ve added to it.
I’ve had to deal with that in my own life. I’ve had to quit doing things just because they need doing. I’ve had to discipline myself to sticking to what I’m called to do.
Make up your mind to prayerfully trim away the extra things you’ve added to your life. Stir up the gift God has placed inside you. Get back to what He has called you to do.
After all, that calling is vital. It’s holy…and it’s yours. Don’t ever let it slip away from you.
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
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