TUESDAY, JULY 07, 2020
TOPIC: BE A WINSOME NEIGHBOR
TEXT: Joshua 19:1-9
KEY VERSE:
“Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.” - (Joshua 19:9)
What makes a man or woman so charming and winsome in personality is mostly God-impacted love. Love, otherwise known as charity in Bible terms, is the essential ingredient for a peaceful and profitable co-existence, whether in the family, office, church or neighbourhood. In God’s estimation, it is not great knowledge, lofty gifts, amicable talents or commendable competence that matters but a true heart of devotion and love.
After the conquests of the heathen nations in the land of Canaan, the Promised Land was shared according to the commandment of God. The second lot came to Simeon and his tribe according to the families. The inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. Judah did not complain but lovingly gave up the excess land to them because their portion was too much for them.
Love is a characteristic of God, which makes us resemble Him. It is the divine aroma that exudes pleasantness, peace and progress wherever it is found. It is that fragrance that makes us winsome, even to those who rebuff us. Love makes us offer help to those who cannot repay us. It gives victory over resentment and selfishness. It restrains from doing evil and reaches out in selfless service to all; gives all the time and expecting nothing in return.
Christ’s admonition to all men in all ages is, “love thy neighbour as thyself”. Imagine how better our world, nation, society and family will be if we love others as ourselves! Make your environment a love zone and be a winsome neighbour to all. This cannot be done without righteousness and the grace of God. Through your winsome lifestyle, others will be challenged to receive the gospel and be saved.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Love is the fragrance that makes you winsome.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 16-17
HIGHER EVERYDAY
TUESDAY JULY 7, 2020
VOCATIONAL COUNSELLING
TEXT: PROVERBS 24:1-6
MEMORY VERSE: "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established" (PROVERBS 15:22).
Vocational counselling has to do with guiding someone on which career or job suits his abilities and personality. The famous black American Agricultural Scientist, George Washington Carver, who invented many products from peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans, would have ended up reading art and music if he was not guided by one of his professors, Etta Budd. She did not see a good future for him as a black artist. Carver later earned a master's degree in agricultural science from Iowa State University and became a lecturer and researcher.
Every Christian is created to be brilliant, successful and extraordinary in life. Humility will make us to recognize our limitation and seek counsel from those whom God has placed within our reach to counsel and guide us aright. Ignorance of what direction to go could be very costly. Youths should seek counselling particularly in the area of choice of career. Youths at school have access to trained counsellors who can help with career choice and problems relating to studies, behaviour and friendship relationships. Seek God's face on this matter.
QUOTE: Youths should seek counselling.
CHALLENGE: It is safer to seek counsel from godly leaders.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, choose a career for me.