ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:16 – 18               

Memory verse: v16 - So they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go (New King James Version).           

Usually, when God is at the centre of any movement, it easily receives solidarity and support of the people. There is no need to coax or intimidate people into doing what is right and appropriate. This was the case here. The people after hearing the message from Joshua were moved in their hearts which led to their response in our text. They agreed to obey Joshua. Their response was that whatever you command us to do; we will readily do, without murmuring or disputing. Again, wherever you send us, we will go.

These were assuring words to Joshua as he takes over the mantle of leadership from Moses. They promised Joshua obedience (1:16), they prayed for God’s presence with him (1:17), they pass an act to make it death for any Israeli who disobey Joshua's orders, or rebel against his commandment and they inspired him to go on with cheerfulness in the work to which God had called him; and, in desiring that, he should be strong and of good courage as God admonished him earlier. These words of assurance from the people were enough to inspire Joshua into action. There is no leader that will receive such assurance from his subjects that will not be motivated. 

How much solidarity do you give to your leaders; political leaders, traditional rulers, your boss in the office, your master as an apprentice, your pastors and teachers of the gospel, your fellowship leaders, group leaders in the church, etc? Do you support your Priest/Pastor when he moves motions for evangelism, revival, etc in church meetings or you are there to oppose every move whether good or bad simply because you don’t love the Pastor? The work of God cannot progress where there is rancor and disagreement. We should always work as a team for that is the desire of God (John. 17:11, 22).

Food for Thought: How much solidarity do you give to your leaders in the society and the church?

Prayer: 1. Lord God, may I never be a clog in the wheel of progress in your church in Jesus name. 2. Use me to support those in authority through obedience and moral support. 

CAUSE BLESSINGS TO REST UPON YOU: Devotion for Thursday May 26, 2016

CAUSE BLESSINGS TO REST UPON YOU: Devotion for Thursday May 26, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 44:28 – 31         Memory verse: v 30

Our bible passage for today makes reference to priests. They are God’s inheritance and possession (44:28). What God meant here is that they shall have their maintenance from Him, that is, from the offerings and first-fruits which He assigned to them. This instruction here is from Num. 18:20–24. Thus God gave the instruction that other Israelites should take care of them and He also gave them instruction on the kind of offering they are to eat from. The essence of these instructions is to make the priest concentrate on the work assigned to them. Again it was to help the priest live above reproach that God required the people to give the very best of their offerings to the priest. The effect of giving the best is to cause a blessing to rest on their houses.       

From 44:30, we should understand what God wants us to do. When these instructions were issued, the first recipients were farmers who harvest seasonally. But most of the present day Christians are civil/public servants, business men and women. On our path, God requires us to set aside our tithes to support His work and priests. We should also make provision for their comfort. Unfortunately, most priests have abused this honour but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our duties toward the genuine ones. They need your support. Supporting them will bring more blessings upon you. A friend once told me that some pastors have abused his goodwill so he has channeled his support to other less privileged people. This is also another way to cause blessings upon your family.

Action: If you don’t have any plan for helping priests, draw a plan today and start up something. Ask God to direct you on the best way to do it.

Prayer: God, as I help your priests, may I never lose my reward. Cause more blessings upon me in Jesus name.