SUNDAY JULY 5, 2020
A WORTHWHILE COMPANION
TEXT: JOSHUA 18:11-20
KEY VERSE: "And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph" (JOSHUA 18:11).
Life's journey is fraught with many dangers. Many seek shelter from these dangers, albeit from wrong places. It is saddening to know that some are determined to navigate through this life alone. They fail to realise that nothing is as dangerous as walking through life without a companion.
In our text, the lot of the tribe of Benjamin by providence is cast next to Joseph, his only brother, on one side and that of Judah, the tribe that was chosen for Davidic covenant, on the other side. This lot made the tribe of Benjamin close to the tribe of Joseph for protection and closeness. It may be so difficult to go through life without human companions, material and other things that gratify the flesh. But it is impossible to go through life, even with the comfort you can afford, while neglecting God and His guidance.
Indeed, many today walk alone. They groan under the bondage and oppression of the devil. They are without a guide or protection. They are constantly under attacks of sickness, disappointment, despondence and failure. Walking alone also gives a fuzzy picture of life. Thick clouds of dejection, depression and desperation will always hover around you. Steadily, hopelessness will set in and all sort of evil thoughts.
If you wish to live a fulfilled life, then you must quit searching for happiness where there is none. Only a sound relationship with Christ can guarantee you a blessed life, brighter tomorrow and a glorious heaven in the end. If you choose to ignore Him, not only will you forfeit your happiness here on earth but also your eternal bliss and rest in heaven.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He who walks alone will soon become a prey to the devil.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 KINGS 11-13
HIGHER EVERYDAY
SUNDAY JULY 5, 2020
SACRIFICE FOR SUCCESS
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-27
MEMORY VERSE: "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (1 CORINTHIANS 9:25).
The world acclaimed greatest footballer, Pele of Brazil (full name, Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) declared, "Success does not come by accident. Nothing valuable is easy to come by. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love for what you are doing or learning to do." He scored 1281 goals in 1360 games. There is no cheap success. Success demands sweat and sacrifice. Youths yearning for success must sacrifice sleep, leisure and comfort. Surfing the internet for pleasure must be jettisoned. Unprofitable ventures and time wasting games and films must be avoided and quality time invested in worthwhile tasks.
High level discipline must be maintained when using the social media as it could consume all your precious time unnoticed. Do away with unnecessary social outings. Instead, get involved in activities like church choir. "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (1 Corinthians 6:12). Be guided by the Holy Spirit in all you do.
QUOTE: There is no cheap success.
CHALLENGE: Work hard in silence, let success make the noise.
PRAYER: Father, help me to give all it takes to succeed.