Stand Out From The Crowd

Devotion for Monday December 4, 2017

Topic: Stand Out From The Crowd

Text: Revelation 1:1 – 6

In this message God sent to the church at Sardis, He noted that despite the depraved nature of the city, there were still some who did not defile their garments. They stood out from the crowd. Ephesians 5:27 speak about the spotlessness of the Church when she shall be presented to Christ; while Revelation 19:18 also say that the “fine linen, clean and white are the righteousness of the saints,” in which it shall be arrayed for the “marriage supper.” The garment of Christian profession is white. At baptism, candidates are arrayed in white, the symbol of holiness and righteousness.

It gladdens the heart to know that even in a place so depraved and where religion had so much declined, there were few persons who had kept themselves free from the general contamination. In most cases, where error and sin prevail, there may be found a few who are worthy of the Divine commendation; a few who show that true religion may exist even when the mass are evil. Can such be said about you? They will be rewarded with a walk with Jesus. 

Do you compromise your faith and allow corruption just because it is in vogue or that is what people want? Are you standing for righteousness and people are making mockery of you as old fashion or old school? Don’t be disheartened; stand out from the crowd for God knows His people.

Food for Thought: There is always danger in mixed multitude

Memory verse: Revelation 1:4

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to stand out from the crowd and never to compromise my faith in this present generation in Jesus name. 

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.

STAND IN THE GAP: Devotion for Monday October 3, 2016

STAND IN THE GAP: Devotion for Monday October 3, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 22:23 – 31      Memory verse: Ezekiel 22 verse 30

Whatever we do as leaders or priest will always have effect on the people we lead whether good of bad. If only we hope to make great impacts on the people we lead, we should be very cautious of what we do; the kind of policies we introduce and the kind of advice we receive from people. When wicked leaders collaborate with wicked and false prophets, and priests to ruin a nation and corrupt its faith and practices through false doctrines, ungodliness and iniquity, it will bring unbearable consequences because it will definitely permeate the masses.

This is the case in this our country and most other countries of the world. Unfortunately, the deceiver and the deceived cannot escape God’s anger. At the revelation of His anger, the people with their rulers and teachers will become like briers and thorns ready to be consumed by the fire of His wrath. None of them will be spared. That is the extend God can go in dealing with us in His anger.

As Christians who fear God, we should unite to promote His truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down. This is what is expected of us if only we can make our world a better place for all of us to live in. A situation where we who ought to be bearers of light turn out to become agents of darkness will at the long run receive the wrath of God.

When the society is morally bankrupt, it will be hard to see anyone who seeks the face of God in fasting and prayers. This was the reason God expressed sadness over the situation in Ezekiel 22:30. God sought for a man that would stand in the gap; that would faithfully exhort, reprove and counsel, with all long-suffering and doctrine because there was a serious breach made in the moral state and feeling of the people. But none was to be found! Today, most of us instead of standing at the gap because of the moral decadence in our society, we resort to joining them or complaining. We should stand at the gap always for that is what God expects from us.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 59:16

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace I need to stand at the gap always for my family and my nation in Jesus name.

Why Stand Aloof, O Lord? Devotion for Tuesday February 9, 2016

Why Stand Aloof, O Lord? Devotion for Tuesday February 9, 2016

Text: Psalm 10:1 – 11                Memory verse: v 1

When God withdraws His grace from us and trouble comes, it is usually very severe. Most times, we stand afar off from God by our unbelief, fear, etc and then complain that God stands afar from us. God is represented here as standing at some distance, seeing the oppression of His people, and yet apparently feels unconcerned about it. The Psalmist went further to complain about wicked people (10:2–11). The sinner proudly glories in his power and success. They do not call upon God nor seek His guidance (10:4).

As soon as affliction comes to us, we think God should help us, but it may not always His due time. Sometimes, when He has not acted, we, like the Psalmist here, will start querying God for being aloof and inconsiderate. It is not always so. God has His timing for everything. He does not respond to our call because our tears are much or the severity of our problem. Isa 59:1, 2 give us insight into why it will look as if God is standing aloof. However, God’s concern for us far outweighs all our worries and cares. We should not just assume that He is standing afar. We should go to Him and ask. He will certainly answer us. He was not complaining but simply asking God to hurry to His aid. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.

Food for Thought: Are you sure that you are not the one standing afar from God with your unbelief?

Prayer: God, draw me closer to yourself so that I will not have reason to accuse you of being far from me.