In A Moment Of Weakness

Devotion for Monday January 22, 2018

Topic: In A Moment Of Weakness

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34  

If you have ever given away a valuable possession and later regretted it, you will probably recall that you made that decision of giving out that valuable possession under pressure or in a moment of weakness. At that time, resistance seemed impossible. A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Genesis 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless. 

In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it. Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, Esau could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in Genesis 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt. Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent. 

People often experience similar pressures and face similar decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. What pressures do you face at the moment? You can avoid making Esau’s mistake by comparing an action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Getting through that short, pressure–filled moment is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming a temptation. May God help us in such times in Jesus name, Amen! Sing A&M 184

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Memory verse: Genesis 25:32

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian right for any material gain in Jesus name. Amen

It Is Not Optional

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 25, 2017

Topic: It Is Not Optional 

Text: Romans 12:20 – 21

Four days before I wrote this, we discussed a similar passage (Luke 6:27 – 28) in Men’s Fellowship of our church. Some said it is not possible while others believe it is a difficult and hard task for us. When I rose up to contribute to the discussion, I told them that though it is a difficult and hard teaching, its compliance is not negotiable.

By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing his misdeeds or not condemning the action. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins, just as Christ did for us. The implication of Romans 12:20 is that we should treat those who offend us kindly, well, and when they are in need, we should supply their wants.

This instruction seems very impossible thing to do because of our human nature but we should understand that if we can’t subject our human nature to obey us, then we are not worthy to be called Christians. Until we grow to the level of forgiving our ‘enemies’ we cannot claim that we are truly worthy to be called Christians (see Matthew 5:43 – 48). Matthew 5:44, 45 say, "But I say to you, love your enemies ... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ...” From these two verses, it is obvious that if we can’t forgive our enemies, we shouldn’t lay claims to the fact that we are children of God. This is very important teaching we should take to heart in a time like this when the teaching in vogue is let my enemies fall and die. We should learn to live like our Father in heaven who forgives us freely.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:43 – 48

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 20 – “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head” (NKJV).

Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to forgive and love my enemies in Jesus name.

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS: Devotion for Monday April 11, 2016

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS: Devotion for Monday April 11, 2016

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34      Memory verse: v 32   

Beloved, have you ever given away a valuable possession and later regretted it? If you have, you will probably recall that you took that decision under pressure. At that time, resistance seemed impossible. A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Gen 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of, one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless. In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it.

Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, but He could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt. Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent.

People often experience similar pressures and  make similar decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. A person might feel such great pressure in one area that nothing else seems to matter and the person loses his or her perspective. What pressures do you face? You can avoid making Esau’s mistake by comparing an action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Getting through that short, pressure–filled moment is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming a temptation.

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian rights for any material gain in Jesus name.