June 14, 2021 CAC Living Water Devotional : Topic – SHOW SOME CONCERN.
Read previous CAC Living Water Devotionals here
CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE.
Monday, June 14, 2021.
(World Blood Donor Day)
SHOW SOME CONCERN.
Read Nehemiah 2:1:11
MEMORISE: Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15)
EXPOSITION
Nehemiah, in today’s devotion gives us example of how we ought to behave when people are passing through hard times and difficult situation around us. We are not to mock them or add to their predicament since hard times does not really mean God has forsaken someone. It is bound to come. It is no respecter of anyone, and is inevitable.
As a matter of fact, trying times are crucible from where the rear gems in us are formed. As for Nehemiah, he was well off in the king’s palace where he was serving as cupbearer. In fact, there would not have been any reason for any sad moment for him, if he had not gotten the news of the dilapidated position of Jerusalem. The truth is, many of us will develop a thick skin since we are not directly invoice.
Nehemiah was different; he was greatly disturbed at the predicament of his people and what has befallen Jerusalem. This shows he was a true leader and burden bearer. Leaders must imitate Nehemiah and show concern for those they are leading. They must include them in their policies and have compassion on them. How did Nehemiah show his concern?
1. He prayed and fasted (v.4)2. He asked for forgiveness for himself and his people (v.5,6)3. He sought the king’s favour through his prayer (v.11)4. He used his position to secure help for his people (chap.2:4-7).5. He took a trip to Jerusalem to see the situation himself (chap 2:12)6. He worked with people of likes minded (chap 2:17-20).
The lesson: You don’t merely claim that you are concerned, you act it out. How?
1. Pray and fast for people
2. Intercede on their behalf: follow Moses, as he interceded for God’s people rather than allowing God to wipe them off and bring another new race through him.
3. Be kind to them in words and deeds.
4. Visitation: James talked about true religion as visiting the widow and fatherless.
5. Share their grief.
6. Don’t stand the judge: Job’s friends, with n the bid to sympathise with him, resorted to judging him. That was rubbing salt on his injury.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, endow me with love, mercy and kind heart to be compassionate with those who need compassion and love.
2. Lord, help me not to be standing on the throne of judgment, playing the judge over anyone in their predicament.
3. Lord, help our leaders to feel what the people they are leading are feeling.
EXTRA READING FOR Today : I Chr. 6:28 – 7:9; John 26:27 – 17:15.