CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR AUGUST 24, 2022 : TOPIC – AVOIDING ETERNAL PAIN

CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR AUGUST 24, 2022 : TOPIC – AVOIDING ETERNAL PAIN

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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH THE LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

DATE: Wednesday, August 24, 2022

TOPIC: AVOIDING ETERNAL PAIN

READ: Luke 16:19-31

[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

[20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

[21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

[22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

[23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

[24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

[25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

[26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

[27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

[28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

[29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

[30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

[31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

MEMORISE:

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

EXPOSITION

Let us start by considering four types of pain: Physical pain-carried in the body; Emotional pain-resulting from the egerness for that which is anticipated, fading goals and disappearing ambitions; Psychological pain-from past occurrences and mistakes; and Divinely induced pain-like that of Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-8).

Man naturally wants to avoid pains as much as possible, but no one can be free from all of these pains. Many people live in peace with others in order to avoid the consequences of being troublesome. And highest of it all is the fear of going to prison for causing trouble in society. But none of these is everlasting. No experience here is permanent/everlasting, no matter how good or bad it is. But when we leave this earth, then we will face the reality of what is permanent. It is surprising how many are living their lives to avoid these temporary pains and agonies, but not mindful of the eternal agony.

From the text read, we see that there are two possible ways: enjoyment and pain/agony. But is there anyone without pain at all? Secondly, whatever comes our way won’t last forever. Whatever enjoyment or suffering you are experiencing now is not forever. Thirdly, whatever experience you have here, is not a determinant of what happens hereafter. It all depends on how you are handling what you are experiencing now. With all the pains that Lazarus had on earth, he lived a reasonable life to escape a higher pain. The rich man enjoyed his money as he wished, here on earth, but failed to live for God; he ended his life in eternal pain. This will not be your lot, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PRAYER POINTS

1. O Lord, deprive me of everything I am enjoying now that can take me to hell.

2. Lord, help me not to fall from grace, regardless of what I am going through, or I will go through.

3. O Lord, help Your Church on earth to run away from every enjoyment that would deprive her of the fulfilment of Your eternal purpose for her.

HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 231

1. All that draw me I have left behind
Here in Canaan better joys I find;
Peace abiding, blessings unconfined,
For I’m living in Canaan now,

I am living in Canaan now.
Where the showers of blessing abound
Where the riches of grace in plenty are found,
I am living in Canaan now.

2. Sale abiding I will never fear,
For my Saviour ever will be near;
When I call Him He will always hear;
For I’m living in Canaan now.

3. I am drinking from a ceaseless well,
Here in Canaan where I love to dwell,
So to others I am glad to tell,
That I’m liaving in Canaan now.

4. Praises ever I am glad to bring
Unto Jesus, my Redeemer, King
For His mercies I will shout and sing,
For I’m living in Canaan now.

Amen

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Lamentations 1 – 3

AUTHOR
C. A. C. Worldwide
Remain blessed