CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR DECEMBER 31, 2021 : TOPIC – ANSWER HIM IN TIME
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Friday, December 31, 2021. – New Year Eve
ANSWER HIM IN TIME
Read: Mark 8:34-38
Mark 8:34-38 And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me].
For whoever wants to save his [higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the lower, natural, temporal life which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it [his higher, spiritual life in the eternal kingdom of God].
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [in the eternal kingdom of God]?
For what can a man give as an exchange (a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [in the eternal kingdom of God]?
For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels.
MEMORISE:
And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. (Mark 8:34).
EXPOSITION
There is a narration of a published cartoon in three different scenes. The first scene pictured a young man who seated behind a desk. Jesus stood at his shoulders, calling on him and asking him to serve Him. Arrogantly, he declined and told the Lord that he was just launching his career and have no time for that. The same man at his middle age in scene two was heavier and well dressed, and his desk filled with papers and reports. Again, at his elbow, Christ stood and called, but yet declined as at first time. “No, I have no time, can’t you see am very busy, I will do that tomorrow.”
The last scene shows the picture of an old and grey-headed man at his desk. At his shoulder stood, not the Saviour, but the gaunt bony specter of death. Speaking in hollow tones. Death decleared, I have come for you. The businessesman ever busy shouted, “Go away. I did not send for you, O death! But death refused and the man was ushered into eternity without God.
Dear reader, Christ is calling to everyone today, being the last but not the least day in this passing year 2021, new year eve. He keeps inviting everyone, the sinful, backslidders, idolaters, etc. to enjoy His salvation (Matt.7v13,11v28). The Bible says now is the day of salvation… and when you hear his voice do not harden your heart. Were you with the Lord and now you are no longer in, and with Him? Christ is still waiting for you with an open arm. Come, O sinner, come home to your Father. You should no longer delay. As a child of God, it is high time you did what God has been telling you to do. You don’t have to keep vacillating. Receive the needed help in Jesus name.
Only what He allows would bring lasting success. Why do you plan without Him (James 2v3-17).
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, bring me closer to Yourself, and don’t let me wander again.
2. I refuse to put You on hold in my life again, in Jesus name.
3. Jesus as You arrested Paul on his way to Damascus, arrest everyone who is yet to come to term with You.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Zechariah 14:14 – 14:21, Malachi 1:1 – 1:7, Revelation 21:27 – 22:21