CAC Living Water Devotional For January 15, 2024 : Topic – STOP LIMITING THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL
Read previous CAC Devotionals here
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE : Monday, January 15, 2024
TOPIC: STOP LIMITING THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL
MEMORISE : Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel (Psalm 78:41)
READ : Psalm 18:40-55
[40]. How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert!
[41]. Yes, again and again they tempted God,
And limited the Holy One of Israel.
[42]. They did not remember His power:
The day when He redeemed them from the enemy,
[43]. When He worked His signs in Egypt, And His wonders in the field of Zoan;
[44]. Turned their rivers into blood, And their streams, that they could not drink.
[45]. He sent swarms of flies among them, which devoured them, And frogs, which destroyed them.
[46]. He also gave their crops to the caterpillar, And their labor to the locust.
[47]. He destroyed their vines with hail, And their sycamore trees with frost.
[48]. He also gave up their cattle to the hail,
And their flocks to fiery lightning.
[49]. He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, Wrath, indignation, and trouble, By sending angels of destruction among them.
[50]. He made a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave their life over to the plague,
[51]. And destroyed all the firstborn in Egypt,
The first of their strength in the tents of Ham.
[52]. But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;
[53]. And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
[54]. And He brought them to His holy border,
This mountain which His right hand had acquired.
[55]. He also drove out the nations before them, Allotted them an inheritance by survey,
And made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tents.
EXPOSITION
In our spiritual journey, some people often underestimate God’s boundless power, placing restrictions on His abilities and limiting what He can do. But the Psalmist in Psalm 78:41 reminds us of the danger of limiting the Holy One of Israel. How do we break free from these self-imposed limitations? Psalm 78 is a recounting of Israel’s history, highlighting their persistent rebellion and unbelief despite the miraculous works of God. Line 41 emphasises the Israelites unbelief and how it hindered God’s mighty works in their lives. Limiting the Holy One of Israel refers to Israel’s lack of faith and trust in God’s power to provide, protect, and guide them, despite witnessing incredible divine miracles.
To break free from this terrible tendency, we must cultivate unwavering faith in God’s power and promises through Christ Jesus Just as Israel’s doubt hindered them, our lack of faith can limit God’s work in our lives. Secondly, reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. Recount past victories, answered prayers, and moments of provision to bolster your trust in His limitless power. Also, admit your limitations and ask God to work in your life according to His divine plan, not your perceived boundaries. Then, learn to embrace God’s timing, understanding that His plans may not align with your schedules. And, rely on His strength, seeking His guidance in decision-making and lean on His wisdom to overcome limitations. Psalm 78:41 warns us not underestimate the Holy One of Israel.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 809
1. When we walk with the lord
In the light of his word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey
2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil he doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the alter we lay;
For the favour He shows,
And the joy he bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, guide me never to underestimate the power of the Holy One of Israel.
2. Oh Lord, henceforth, I will continually recognise and appreciate the immeasurability and indispensability of Your might
3. Lord, prove the greatness of Your power in the deliverance of Your Church from its tormentors in the land, so that it can spread Your Gospel effectively.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Genesis 40, 41, 42