Be A True Patriot

Devotion for Saturday January 20, 2018

Topic: Be A True Patriot

Text: Nehemiah 1:1 – 4                         

Nehemiah was a cup bearer of a Persian king. He tastes whatever is served the king as drink. Thus he lived at ease, and in honour, but didn’t forget that he was an Israelite, and that his brethren were in distress. He was ready to do them all the good he could through the position he was occupying; and to know how best to show them kindness, he makes inquiries about them. Nehemiah was a man of true piety though, he was in high position in civil office but his piety led him to take a deep interest in the welfare of his people and course of God in the home of his ancestors and brethren. This distinguished him as a great patriot.

Today we have men and women who are in high positions but cannot do anything good for their people. They are so self-centered that they don’t even care what happens in their villages/towns. Some Christians don’t pay contributions for development of their communities. Some don’t pay their taxes and rates to government. Yet they criticize the government. These acts are not Christ-like. Jesus gave us example in Matthew 17:25 – 27.

As Christians we should show the light first among our people and to others. We should have concern about the welfare of our communities and the nation at large. Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem and went into prayers (Nehemiah 1:4). How much do we pray for our nation and communities? We desired change in our nation and communities but wait for someone else to bring it. Why not become the change by being a true patriot? Sing SS&S 798; Abu 29

Food for Thought: What can you do to improve the welfare of your community?

Memory verse: Nehemiah 1:4

Prayer: Grant me the burden to always pray and work for the good of my community and my country at large in Jesus name. Amen.

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday February 23, 2016

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday February 23, 2016

Text: Nehemiah 1:1 – 4      Memory verse: v

Nehemiah was the Persian king's cup-bearer. He lived at ease, and in honour, but didn’t forget that he was an Israelite, and that his brethren were in distress. He was ready to do them all the good he could through the position he was occupying; and that he might know how best to do them a kindness, he makes inquiries about them. Nehemiah was a man of true piety though he was in high position in civil office but his piety led him to take a deep interest in the welfare of his people and cause of God in the home of his ancestors and brethren. This distinguished him as a great patriot.

Today we have men and women who are in high positions but cannot do anything good for their people. They are so self centered that they don’t even care what happens in their villages/towns. Some Christians don’t pay contributions for development of their communities. Some don’t pay their taxes and rates. These acts are not Christ-like. Our Lord gave us example by paying tax (Matt 17:25–27). As Christians we should show the light first among our people and to others. We should have concern about the welfare of our communities and the nation at large. Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem and went into prayers (1:4). How much do we pray for our nation and communities? We desire change in our nation and communities but wait for someone else to bring it. Why not become the change?

Food for Thought: What can you do to improve the welfare of your community first and your nation at large?

Prayer: Grant me the burden to always pray for the good of my community and my country at large.      

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday December 29, 2015

A PATRIOT INDEED      Tuesday December 29, 2015

Text: Esther 10:1 – 6         Memory verse: v 3

Mordecai was truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth, but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good. Mordecai was indeed a patriot who sought for the welfare of his people at all times and as he had the opportunity.

We are not required to do what is not in our power because God doesn’t require us to do so but there are those we should emulate as recorded in the Bible. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says “If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be active according to the ability and opportunities He gives us, in promoting His glory and the best interests of men. If our faith be genuine, it will work by love.” How much do you seek for the welfare of fellow Christian and your pastors? Mordecai has proved himself. What about you? You have opportunity to do something today.

Food for Thought: Any challenge for you in the life of Mordecai

Prayer: Lord, give us men and women like Mordecai in our political offices.