DAILY MANNA
TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021
NOT A CHEAP CALL
TEXT: Luke 14:25-35
KEY VERSE:
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” - (Luke 14:33)
The value one places on a thing determines how much one is willing to pay for it. Precious things do not normally come cheap. This is why investors and speculators after having done very careful and thorough calculations and projections are willing to commit and stake so much into a particular investment.
In this teaching on discipleship, our Lord Jesus wanted the huge crowd following Him to know that the cost of following Him is not cheap. There were many who obviously were following for wrong reasons. They either had been impressed by the many miracles and wonders He did or were hoping He was their expected Messiah to give them political independence. But Jesus did not want anyone to follow Him for the wrong reasons. He wanted them to be sure they knew why they were following Him. To all who are willing to follow Him, Jesus made it clear that the cost of discipleship is high.
There are many churchgoers today who profess to be following Christ but are not ready to pay the price. There are those who are madly in love with their denominations but do not have love for Christ. Unfortunately also, there are pastors who are satisfied with having large crowds but are not ready to spell out the true cost of disciples to their members.
As a Christian and follower of Christ, have you counted the cost and are you willing to stake all for Him? Are you willing to give up all your sins and indulgences that give you joy and pleasure but are displeasing to the Lord? How about those ungodly relationships and all the unlawful gains that seem to add some pep to your lifestyle? If family members, friends and colleagues should turn their backs on you because of your decision to follow Christ, will you still be willing to follow Him all the way?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The cost of following Christ may be high, but the gains are higher.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Samuel 10-11
HIGHER EVERYDAY
TUESDAY MAY 25, 2021
APPRECIATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
TEXT: LUKE 17:11-19
MEMORY VERSE: "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger" (LUKE 17:17, 18).
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, appreciation is a feeling or expression of admiration, approval or gratitude. And C. Neil Strait said, "He who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness." The text under consideration presents ten lepers who could not associate with the society, for they were considered unclean because of their leprosy (Leviticus 13:45, 46). They were healed by Jesus Christ and were ordered to present themselves to the priests for confirmation of their healing. Later, one of them, a Samaritan, returned to glorify God.
An appreciative attitude always attracts additional benefits from God and man, such as our parents. There are always things for which to show sincere appreciation to God - our salvation from sin, academic success, freedom from afflictions, answers to prayers, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus acknowledged the thanksgiving of the Samaritan (Luke 17:17-19). When Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with ointment of spikenard, He also acknowledged it (John 12:3-8; Mark 14:3-9). This shows that God is pleased when we praise Him. Brethren, show gratitude.
QUOTE: God is pleased when we praise Him.
CHALLENGE: Express your appreciation verbally.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, give me an appreciative heart.