CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2024 : TOPIC – FAITHFULNESS BREEDS FRUITFULNESS
READ PREVIOUS CAC DEVOTIONALS HERE
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Monday, February 19, 2024
TOPIC: FAITHFULNESS BREEDS FRUITFULNESS
READ: Luke 16:1-12
[1]. He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.
[2]. So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
[3]. “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg.
[4]. I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’
[5]. “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
[6]. And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
[7]. Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
[8]. So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.
[9]. “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.
[10]. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
[11]. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
[12]. And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?
MEMORISE
And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? (Luke 16:12)
EXPOSITION
There is dignity in labour. Serving, whether in the public sector, private industry or within a spiritual context is a rare privilege and an honourable endeavour. Today’s devotional aims to challenge the prevailing but deplorable mindset captured in the phrase, “No one does government service with sweat! Whether you are employed in a private or public institution, your accountability is not only to earthly authorities but also to God, especially if you are a heaven-conscious believer (Heb. 13:11). You are a representative of God wherever you find yourself. Thus, faithfulness is an essential quality expected in all your services (1 Cor. 4:2). Faithfulness encompasses various aspects, including punctuality, regularity, dedication, loyalty, and a commitment to excellence. Your faithfulness begins from the moment you set foot in your workplace and extends throughout your service.
The story of Daniel (6:1ff) is as a remarkable example of how a godly individual can excel in the public and political service. Sadly, some government workers who identify as Christians may not exhibit the same level of diligence and commitment in their roles. Do you arrive at your duty post on time? Does your attendance reflect the expected regularity? Those who mishandle their roles in other people’s establishments are likely to do the same when in theirs. People who live by the notion that government service should not involve any effort often come to regret their choices later on. The message is clear: Stay faithful in your service, from start to finish. The Owner is watching!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to be faithful in that which You have committed into my hands
2. Lord, help me to pass the test of faithfulness in little things.
3. Lord, help Your Church to be faithful in this world of lies.
SUGGESTED HYMN TODAY:
CAC GHB: 791
1. Be loyal to the master
Who gave His life to you
In peril and disaster
Be faithful, brave and true
Be loyal to Jesus
Uphold His banner ev’ry where
Be loyal to Jesus
Be strong in Him to do and dare
When fierce the battle rages
Just trust the God of ages
Good serving bring
His glory sing
Be loyal to your king
2. Be loyal where He needs you
Thro sunshine or thro rain
And follow where He leads you
In pleasure on in plain.
3. Half hearted measures scorning
Stand steadfast in His might
And help to bring the morning
The day with vict’ry bright.
4. Be loyal though around you
The pow’rs of evil throng
His angel guards sorround you
His strength shall be your song
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Numbers 25, 26