CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR AUGUST 6, 2024 : TOPIC – LEVELS OF INTIMACY WITH GOD (II)
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
TOPIC: LEVELS OF INTIMACY WITH GOD (II)
MEMORISE :So Moses and his assistant Joshua climbed up the mountain of God (Exodus 24:13).
READ: Matthew 17:1-8
[1]. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;
[2]. and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
[3]. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
[4]. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
[5]. While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
[6]. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
[7]. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
[8]. When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
EXPOSITION
The second level of intimacy is for THE COMMITTED In every local church, there must be committed believers, no matter how few they are. These commit their time and other resources to God’s service. They give God the first place in their lives (Matt 6:33). They may not be as close to God as those who are in the ‘core’ as mentioned yesterday. Yet, they soon move to the first level as they continue to maintain their relationships with God. Joshua alone qualified for this level among the children of Israel, having submitted as Moses’ assistant (cf. Exod. 24 13-18). You cannot stay at the lower level of your spiritual life and go far with God. Unlike others, Joshua used to make his way to the Tabernacle with his leader, Moses (33:10-11). The more you exceed expectations in your spiritual journey, the closer you get to a deep connection with God. Among the disciples, only Peter, James and John were qualified for this level. Only this circle of the three was invited in special events: the healing process of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5: 37). Transfiguration Mountain (Matt 171-8), and the Garden Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37). They enjoyed some privileges of the inner circle. The deepening intimacy of these three with Jesus was as a result of the depth of their responses to His love and training. We are as close to God as we really choose to be; no more, no less.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Today, I am determined to get closer to God, in Jesus’ name
2. Let us pray for the spiritual growth of all our local churches, just like the early Church experienced.
3. Pray for CAC Ministers’ Wives’ Fellowship, our mother in the Lord the leader and the members as led by the Spirit of God.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY
CAC GHB: 798
1. By faith, I crave to walk with God
The end of my journey is heaven
”Thy rod and staff, they comfort me’
The way Thou has pav’d is the best.
2. I walk amidst great wilderness
Where many souls have lost their way
But He that leads me on the way
Will not allow my foot to stray.
3. I walk amidst dangers and snares
Earth and hall against me arrayed
Through Thy great pow’r I have gone through
By faith alone, I have vict’ry.
4. I pity those who are boasting
Of fleeting pleasures of this life
Oh, Jesus, let me walk with Thee
My Lord, my Saviour and my friend.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 21, 22, 23