C.A.C Living Water Daily Devotional For October 21, 2024 : Topic - REASON FOR BEING THERE! (II)

C.A.C Living Water Daily Devotional For October 21, 2024 : Topic - REASON FOR BEING THERE! (II)

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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE 

DATE : Monday, October 21, 2024

TOPIC: REASON FOR BEING THERE! (II)

MEMORISE

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25).

READ :Acts 16:20-31

[20].    And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 

[21].    and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 

[22].    Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.

[23].    And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 

[24].    Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

[25].    But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

[26].    Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 

[27].    And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 

[28].    But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

[29].   Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

[31].   So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

EXPOSITION

The case of Paul and Silas in prison without God intervening before their imprisonment is challenging. Despite being on a missionary journey for Him, they found themselves behind bars. Why? God had a divine purpose for them-that the jailer and his household may be exposed to the illuminating message of the Gospel and be saved. This meant that their imprisonment served a greater spiritual objective.

In John 16:7b, Jesus told His disciples that it was to their advantage for Him to depart (die). This raises the question: Is facing death an easy matter? Clearly not. However, Jesus chose to endure the agony of death for the sake of our redemption and salvation (cf. Jn. 3:16). His blood had to be shed for the forgiveness of our sins (cf. Heb. 9:22). This underscores the primary reason for His coming into the world and being present in it.

Have you discovered your own divine purpose, regardless of the challenges and difficulties it may entail? Just as Apostle Babalola found himself in prison for an offence he didn't commit, there may be times when fulfilling your God-given purpose leads you through painful and arduous paths. However, this journey serves the purpose of shining God's light to those in need. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our divine calling and illuminating the lives of others. Amen.

PRAYER POINTS 

1.    Lord, help me to always see Your hand in every situation in my life, so that I will live to fulfil Your purpose alone.

2.    Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my commitment to fulfilling my divine calling.

3.    Pray that God's purpose for instituting His Church would moderate all our activities in our churches everywhere.

SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY: 

CAC GHB: 429

1. Tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is king;

 Tell it out Tell it out:

 Tell it out among the nations, let them shout and sing;

 Tell it out, tell it out:

 Tell it out with adoration that He shall increase,

 That the mighty King of Glory is the King of peace;

 Tell it out with jubilation, though the waves may roar,

 That He sitteth on the waterfloods, our King for evermore.