MONDAY JUNE 01, 2020
TOPIC: PECULIAR PEOPLE
TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 14:1-21
KEY VERSE: "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth" (DEUTERONOMY 14:2).
According to a story, the pastor of a church got on the trolley Monday morning to get to work. He paid his fare and the trolley driver gave him too much above his change. The pastor sat down and fumbled with the change; he looked it over and counted it eight or ten times. He realised he was tight that week and this was just what he would need for at least a lunch. He wrestled with himself all the way. And finally, he came to the stop and got up, walked up to the trolley driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change. You made a mistake." The driver said, "No, it was no mistake. You see, I was in your church last night when you spoke on honesty and I thought I would put you to the test."
Our text reveals God's choice of Israel as His children and gave specific commandments. They were not to put marks on their bodies; not even for the dead. They were not to eat any abominable thing, unclean animals as specified, whether on land or in the seas; nor anything that dies of itself. Why? Israel was chosen to be a peculiar people above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Believers are Israel of God today; chosen to be peculiar and secured in Christ. We are chosen not because of our works, but by His grace. As peculiar people, we are partakers of God's nature of holiness and righteousness.
The believer who is peculiar is honest and direct in dealings with others. He is different, separated and uncorrupted. God's grace and abiding presence is sufficient to make you peculiar. Dare to be peculiar!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Be a peculiar Christian.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 25-26
HIGHER EVERYDAY
MONDAY JUNE 1, 2020
TOPIC: PREFERENCE FOR POWER
TEXT: ACTS 3:6-10
MEMORY VERSE: "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (ACTS 3:6).
In everyday life, the word 'power' has a wide range of meanings. In physics, however, it has a very specific meaning. It is a measure of the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. Electricity power, for example, enables our electrical and electronic gadgets to work. Just as power is needed in our daily life, so it is in our spiritual life, especially for youths who want to do extraordinary things for God. According to Warren W. Wiersbe, "It is futile for us to try to serve God without the power of the Holy Spirit. Talent, training and experience cannot take the place of the power of the Spirit."
Like the young David and Bezaleel, you need the Holy Ghost power for exploits. The disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ had to wait for the power from on high. When it came, the first message Peter preached brought about three thousand souls to the Lord. After salvation and sanctification, you should thirst and pray for the Holy Ghost power. Believers should prefer the Spirit power to anything else.
QUOTE: Thirst and pray for the Holy Ghost power.
CHALLENGE: Pray and receive power for exploits.
PRAYER: Lord, give me grace to tarry for the Holy Ghost power.