WEDNESDAY JUNE 03, 2020
TOPIC: GIVING: THE SOURCE OF TRUE BLESSINGS
TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 15:1-11
KEY VERSE: "Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto" (DEUTERONOMY 15:10).
Janet Rheine noted that in its wild state, the olive tree is small, thorny with twisted branches. When cultivated and nurtured, it sheds its thorns and reaches a height of twenty to thirty feet and is capable of producing fruits for three hundred to five hundred years. Giving to generations after generations. What blessedness!
Our passage today is about the sabbatical year of release. At the end of every seven years, every creditor forgives debts owed and the debtor is released, particularly an Israelite-debtor. This commandment was given by the Lord for Israel to be blessed as promised. The commandment was to be done cheerfully so that the Lord would bless His people in all their works and engagements.
Many today go from pillar to post in search of "overflowing blessings". Prosperity comes to those who obey the word of the Lord and give cheerfully to others.
There are many around us who are unable to meet basic needs, yet we go about unconcerned. Some believers even complain that they have given enough and should not be the only ones who always give. The scripture says, "...for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto" (verse 10).
Believers are commanded to show kindness even to strangers. We should show love and care for the servants of God under whose ministry we receive spiritual nourishment. We are to render sacrificial service to the household of faith and give to those in need. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." God will return same to us in good and abundant measures.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Sacrificial and cheerful giving attracts God's blessings.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 30-31
HIGHER EVERYDAY
WEDNESDAY JUNE 03, 2020
TOPIC: THEY CAME, SAW AND BELIEVED
TEXT:JOHN 2:13-25
MEMORY VERSE: "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did" (JOHN 2:23).
At the time of the Passover, a yearly commemoration of the deliverance of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt by God's intervention, many people usually went to Jerusalem to observe the feast. People who went for the feast saw the miracles performed by Jesus as our text above says, and many believed in Him.
This shows clearly that miracles activate faith to believe the gospel. It should be made clear however that it is not everything that seems miraculous that is from God. Remember Pharaoh's magicians!
We, as believers, must not miss any opportunity to show forth the glory of God. When people attended the Passover feast, Jesus ensured that they heard the truth and saw God's power at work. Miracles are proof providers. Many people's doubts concerning Christ were cleared and they had no option but to believe on Him.
Pray and use every opportunity to preach Christ, be it at school, camp meeting or social gatherings. Just as T. L. Osborn's miracles drew multitudes to Christ, so did Billy Graham's powerful preaching. Go and do likewise.
QUOTE: Miracles are proof providers.
CHALLENGE: Use every opportunity to preach Christ.
PRAYER: Lord, I believe. You are the Christ.