Topic: Proof Of Love [Thursday 14, December 2017]

Memorise: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

Read: John 21:15-19

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Bible In One Year: 2 Thessalonians 1-3. Hymn: Sing Hymn 3: Deeper, Deeper in the Love

MESSAGE:

The Bible teaches Christian to love God. The Bible also teaches that such love should be expressed in worship and practical service. One of the most important lessons that the Bible teaches on love is that love in unconditional, and that the ultimate test of love is sacrifice. Therefore, any declaration of love that is devoid of sacrifice is questionable (John 3:16).

When you are genuinely in love, making sacrifices for the one you love will be a thing of pleasure and not a burden. Jacob was in love with Racheal and asked her father what he must do to marry her. Rachael’s father told him to serve for seven years and he willingly did so. Because of his love, seven years were like seven days to him. When he was deceived, he yet agreed to serve another seven years for his heartthrob (Genesis 29:18-28). No price is too much to pay for the one you love. Sacrifice helps to gauge your love for God. We can say God loves us exceedingly because He was prepared to part with His only begotten Son. What do you have to show for your love for God?

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to fully appreciate Your sacrificial love for me.

Sing Hymn 3: Deeper, Deeper in the Love

1. Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.

Refrain:
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

2. Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.

3. Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

4. Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

5. Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow’r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue

Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

Topic: Irresistible Cry Of Faith — Thursday December 14, 2017.

Text: Luke 18:31-43

Key Verse: “And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:39).

“Three boys gave their definition of faith. One said, “Faith is taking hold of God”. The second said, “Faith is holding on to God”. And the third said, “Faith is not letting go”. Each boy was right. “Doubt sees the obstacles, Faith sees the way! Doubt sees the darkest night, Faith sees the day! Doubt dreads to take a step, Faith soars on high! Doubt questions, ‘who believes’, Faith answers “I believe”.

The story of the blind man by the road to Jericho has instructive lessons to teach the believers today. He would not allow his condition of blindness get in the way of his vision or make him yield to inner “shortsightedness”. He demonstrated unrelenting FAITH for being: Focused even though sitting by the road side with many passing by him; he was able to single out the Saviour’s steps and grabbed the opportunity to get his healing.

Attentive: for he was careful to discern the change in the voices around and asked what was going on. Intelligent as he was intuitive enough to raise his voice to the level that would draw the attention of the great Physician. Tenacious as the people’s instruction that he should hold his peace could not stop his mouth from crying out the more until he was able to draw the attention of Jesus; Humble to cry to be heard. The blind man got his desired miracle. He neither refused to accept his predicament as final nor was he satisfied with the life of perpetual begging by the way side.

He would not allow the opinion of people around him to stand in the way or be coerced into silence. Though without sight, his inner vision and intelligence made him use his mouth to shout aloud for his miracle. He remained focused to the end, being specific about what he wanted. Do not allow your situation or people around to coerce you into silence, cry out to God when the need arises, and your miracle is sure.

Thought for the day: God rewards the diligent seeker.

Bible Reading in one Year: Revelation 4-6

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.