C.A.C Living Water Devotional For December 29, 2023 : Topic – YOU, BEING POURED OUT?
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2023)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Friday, December 29, 2023
TOPIC: YOU, BEING POURED OUT?
MEMORISE: For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand (2 Timothy 4:6).
READ: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
[6]. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
[7]. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
[8]. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
EXPOSITION
Paul told us in today’s memory verse, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” These were Paul’s last words in the last letter he wrote. Paul knew that he had come to the end of his life, and he was eventually beheaded by the Romans, according to Jewish history.
Paul saw his life as having been poured out as a drink offering – a secondary offering, not the main sacrifice. He could have either meant that he was a secondary offering compared to the sacrifice of Jesus or a secondary offering compared to the sacrifice and service of those whom he served and discipled (cf. Phil. 2:17). Whichever he meant, Paul had lived a life of sacrificial service to the Lord and to God’s people – the Church, while boldly and fearlessly preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.
What about us? Will you and I be able to say that we have been poured out like a drink offering at the time of our departure? Will we be able to look at our children and grandchildren, friends and loved ones and say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have kept the faith?” By the grace of God, may we all live a life worthy of our calls and be able to say what Paul said at the time of our departures.
Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, love your neighbour as yourself, and love NOT the world. May you be an acceptable offering. Shalom!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 264
1. With joy we meditate the grace
Of our High priest above;
His heart is made of tenderness,
And ever yearns with love.
2. Touched with a sympathy within,
He knows our feeble frame;
He knows what sore temptations mean,
For He hath felt the same.
3. He in the days of feeble flesh
Poured out His cries and tears
And, though exalted, feels afresh
What every member bears
4. Then let our humble faith address
His mercy and His power;
We shall obtain delivering grace
In the distressing hour.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord Jesus, help me to give my life unto You and save me from the spirits of layback and excuse.
2. Lord, deliver me from the spirits of fear and anxiety that often prevent me from giving my best.
3. Pray for people who are on the sick or death bed, that the Lord Jesus will manifest Himself to them before they see death.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Revelation 9:12-14:8