FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2020
TOPIC: FREE WILL
TEXT: Deuteronomy 16:1-12
KEY VERSE:
“And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.” - (Deuteronomy 16:10)
Some years ago, some of the world’s wealthy people decided on an unusual campaign headed by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. These two men ranked among the richest people in the world and were pushing to get other world’s super rich to donate a good part of their wealth to tackle social, political and economic challenges in the world. They had given and were still committed to giving more through their foundations in support of some worthy projects around the world. Commendably, over 50 billionaires and multimillionaires have joined this mega-giving wagon. The big givers’ details can be found in the World’s Top Givers’ list which is reviewed annually.
In commemoration of the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the ordinance of Passover was instituted and was to be observed by Israel in the month of Abib. The ceremony was to be for seven days of eating unleavened bread with no left-over of flesh and to be observed at the place specifically chosen by the Lord. Israel was also to observe the feast of the weeks seven weeks from the harvest of corn. At this feast, they were to give a tribute of freewill offering to the Lord according as He had blessed them.
God is still interested in our giving, especially for the furtherance of the gospel and the expansion of His kingdom on earth. Our attitude in giving is also very important. The greatest of our offering does not consist in the value of the money but the sincerity and sacrifice that goes with it. Giving should be done with a cheerful and willing heart, not by compulsion.
As believers, we are to give our resources, time and talents with clear motive and right attitude to the Lord. Our giving should also be in proportion to our earnings and according as the Lord has blessed us, just like the billionaire givers.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Cheerful giving attracts God’s abundant blessings.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 3-5
HIGHER EVERYDAY
FRIDAY JUNE 5, 2020
CLEAR CONSCIENCE?
BIBLE TEXT: ACTS 24:13-16
MEMORY VERSE: "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (ACTS 24:16).
The conscience is the part of the mind that tells whether one's action is right or wrong. It is situated in the soulical region of man. Our conscience could be clear or guilty depending on our actions or inactions. The conscience raises alarm when we are deciding or acting wrongly. No true Christian can go against his conscience and have peace.
Martin Luther, in his _Diet of Worms Speech declared, "I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me." Indeed, God helped him and delivered him from a planned cruel death. However, some youths are not only going against good conscience today but also God's Word and godly parental instructions. These kinds of youths are said to have "...their conscience seared with a hot iron."
A genuine Christian youth must of a necessity, have a sensitive conscience. This happens when one is born again and made pure. A silent conscience signifies a backslidden state. On the other hand, a sensitive conscience enhances self-criticism which is core to Christian growth.
QUOTE: The conscience raises alarm.
CHALLENGE: Is your conscience silent or active?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to have a guilt-free conscience always.
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