CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR JUNE 5, 2022 : TOPIC – NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENT (1)
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Sunday, June 5, 2022.
World Environment Day
NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENT (1)
Read: Mark 8:22-26
[22]And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
[23]And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
[24]And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
[25]After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
[26]And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
MEMORISE: Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town” (Mark 8:26).
EXPOSITION
On this day, which is World Environment Day, make no mistake about it, we live in a negative world and the circumstances we encounter lead to being either positive or negative over daily affairs. One would wonder why Jesus led that blind man out of the village, away from the people before He restored his sight, and then, commanded him to go home and not to the village! That is strange. In today’s world, many people seem genuine in their concern for others’ well-being and wellness, but in the real sense, they aren’t. You don’t have to travel far to find negative Christians that grumble and complain about God, His servants, and acts of miracles.
Jesus was about to heal this man but in an unconventional, though supernatural way, which could be repulsive to many and especially, to those who brought him for healing! Imagine, if Jesus had spat His saliva on the man’s eyes (v. 23) in their presence, that could have been seen repulsive and insulting. Yet, that is how God wanted to work at that time.
For some strange reasons, many people genuinely want God to intervene and put a stop to their horrifying situations, but this on their own terms, following certain norms. So, Jesus healed this man not in their presence and asked him not to go back to the negative environment to share his testimony, which would have increased their negativity about Him and become more offended. Never be offended when God chooses to bless someone other than you. Celebrate their breakthroughs and be sensitive to receive yours too.
The miracles of God are the revelations of His uniqueness and glory. Align your thoughts with His, and be positioned always for unending blessings (Isa. 55:8-11). Walk away today from all toxic environments that are blasphemous to the name of the Lord.
PRAYER POINTS :
1. O Lord, help me not to stumble on You, but rather be blessed by, and in You.
2. Lord, deliver me from the negativity around me in this world of negative people and situations.
3. Lord, deliver believers from being negative as to bringing unbelievers into the fold of Christ through evangelism and missions.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Job 20-22