WEDNESDAY JUNE 17, 2020
TOPIC: FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
TEXT: 2 Kings 12:1-16
KEY VERSE:
“Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.” - (2 Kings 12:15)
Franklin Roosevelt’s closest adviser during much of his presidency was a man named Harry Hopkins. During World War II, when his influence with Roosevelt was at its peak, Hopkins held no official cabinet position; however, his closeness to Roosevelt caused many to regard him as a shadowy, sinister figure. When asked by a political foe why he kept Hopkins close to him, Roosevelt replied, “Someday you may well be sitting here where I am now as President of the United States. And when you’ll be looking at that door over there and knowing that practically everybody who walks through it wants something out of you, you’ll learn what a lonely job this is, and you’ll discover the need for somebody like Harry Hopkins, who asks for nothing except to serve you”. The sole source of Hopkins’s power was his willingness to serve.
On assuming the throne, Josiah wanted to ensure all the monies of the dedicated things brought by the people were used to maintain the temple. The men who were appointed by him to be in charge of the collections meant for the repair of the temple were faithful and dependable men. They utilised the fund for its purpose without any accusation of embezzlement or misappropriation.
Today, it is rare to find people who are dependable and trustworthy. There have been reports of corruption, embezzlement of state funds, which is meant for the survival of the masses. Worst still, so called ‘Christian’ officials have been found culpable for these vices.
The Lord expects faithfulness from us, and like the workmen placed over the task in our text, we should deal faithfully and selflessly when involved in public service.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Service without faithfulness has no reward.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Philippians 1-4
HIGHER EVERYDAY
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17, 2020
WISDOM'S WORTH
TEXT: PROVERBS 4:1-10
MEMORY VERSE: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (PROVERBS 4:7).
According to David Chan, "Wisdom refers to the ability to see the 'big picture' and translate one's experience and knowledge into good judgment and decisions," adding that it is less about academic intelligence. Wisdom is one of such things which are indispensable to living a fulfilled and successful life. In other words, wisdom is an acquisition we cannot do without in life. That is why the Bible is so emphatic about the importance of wisdom. The Lord says in Proverbs 3:13 "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
As Michael Bradley insists in his article, "All Knowledge and Wisdom Comes From God," all the "treasures" of wisdom and knowledge are "hidden" in God the Father and Jesus Christ. With such wisdom, you can overcome every problem or crisis in your life, because wisdom will always make you think before talking or acting. Therefore, in your spiritual, academic, and social life, always seek godly wisdom from the Lord, because the wisdom of the world is for the world only.
QUOTE: With such wisdom, you will overcome.
CHALLENGE: Always seek wisdom from God.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, teach me not to depend on my own wisdom.