STAND OUT FOR GOD

DEVOTION FOR: MONDAY DECEMBER 5, 2016

Topic: STAND OUT                                   

Text: Numbers 14:1 – 10             

In some cases, the multitude can be deceptive. There are sometimes in the game WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, the audience failed the contestant by giving wrong answer. It is not always in every case that the majority of people are right in their opinion or belief. Thus it is very important we view issues from different perspectives to enable us draw a true conclusion of matters. This is also very important in our Christianity especially now that many false teachers and prophets are in the Church of Christ.

The best thing we can do as Christians to stand well on God’s side is to be very careful of the multitude. God hardly works with multitude. Rather, He chooses those who will separate themselves from the multitude to stand out. The majority report of 10 men caused a great rebellion among the people (Numbers 14:1–4). Because it is in human nature to accept opinion as fact, we must be very careful when voicing our negative opinions as Christians. Moses was put into more trouble (Numbers 14:5) by the majority report. The action of the multitude in rebelling, grieved Joshua and Caleb that they had to tear their clothes (Numbers 14:6).

Tearing clothing was a customary way of showing deep sorrow, mourning, or despair. Joshua and Caleb were greatly distressed by the people’s refusal to enter the land. They maintained their stand that they are able to take the land despite the majority report (Numbers 14:6–9). By standing out on God’s side, the Israelites wanted to stone them (Numbers 14:10). This is the greatest height of distrust on God and what He can do.

When the chorus of despair went up, everyone joined in. Their greatest fears were being realized. They lost their perspective and were caught up in the emotion of the moment, forgetting what they knew about God’s character. They quickly forgot that with Him all things are possible. They forgot that He can make way where there is no way. Unfortunately, they (those who doubted God) didn’t enter the Promised Land at last. When a cry of despair goes up around you, consider the larger perspective before you join in. You have better ways to use your energy than to grumble. Above all stand out. Don’t join others to do evil in your office, neighbourhood, business arena, etc. Show the people that you are different through being punctual, honesty, integrity, faithfulness, etc. Our call is to come out and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17 and 18).

Food for Thought: A compromising Christian is a thorn on the flesh of the Church of God.

Memory verse: Numbers 4 verse 6

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to stand out for you no matter the situation I find myself in Jesus name. Amen.

A GOOD INTENTION MISCONSTRUED

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2016

Topic: A GOOD INTENTION MISCONSTRUED     

Text: Numbers 13:26 – 33                  

Though the issue of spying out the Promised Land was first suggested by the Israelites themselves but when God later gave the approval, it was His intension that their findings will encourage them to swiftly go into action to posses the land. Unfortunately, it was not so. The Promised Land was indeed magnificent, as the 12 spies discovered (13:27). The Bible calls it the land flowing with milk and honey. Although the land was relatively small (150 miles long and 60 miles wide), its lush hillsides were covered with fig, date, and nut trees. These good descriptions of the land were despised by the majority report given by 10 out of the 12 spies because of the descendants of Anak there (13:28). The minority report of Caleb and Joshua were rejected.

The scenario after the reports was never the intent of God in approving their request to spy out the land. God wanted them to see and believe but it turned out the opposite. Most times, this is how God’s goodwill, providence, grace and mercies are defeated, misunderstood or abused. For example, God has called us into liberty. Many has misunderstood it and abused it by willfully committing immoral sins. This was the reason Paul said, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound (Rom. 6:1b)? We shouldn’t abuse the good intentions of God in providing that spouse, job, vehicle, etc by despising God, neglecting fellowships, church services and programmes. We should make good use of every opportunity God gives us to worship and glorify Him.

Memory verse: Numbers 13 verse 31

Food for Thought: Grace is not a license to continue in sin.  

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to understand the essence of the grace and mercies I enjoy now so I can live my life therein to glorify you.