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Living Water - CAC Daily Devotional Guide

Friday, January 1, 2016

GIVE GOD HIS PRAISE
READ ACTS 12:21-23

MEMORISE: So whether you eat or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)

It is common today to hear the boasts of many highly placed people in the society and even in the church, praise-singing their own assumed worth.
We learn from Josephus, that Herod, having reigned three years over all Judea (and had reigned over the tetrarchy of his brother Philip four years before this), went down to Caesarea, and there exhibited shows and games in honour of Claudius, and made vows for his health. On the second day of these shows, he put in a garment made of wholly of silver, and of most truly wonderful contexture, and came into the theatre early in the morning where his flatterers cried out, 'He is god'. And they added, 'Be thou merciful to us, for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.'

The king did not rebuke them or reject their ungodly flattery, unlike Peter (Acts 10:26), and Paul (Acts 14:13-15).

Mark this: the Scriptures indicate that those who make and accept such boasts are:
1. wicked - Psalms 10:3;
2. the rich fool - Psalms 49:6;
3. workers of iniquity- Psalms 94:4;
4. idolaters - Psalms 97:7; and
5. the unwise- Proverbs 27:1

This is Satan's deception. Do not be caught in it. Never allow man or your ego to cause you to sin against God over the privileges given to you lest you rot away in sickness like Herod.

In this new and glorious year, learn to give God the glory and praise due Him in all you do, always. May you not be accused of trying to share God's glory with Him (cf. Isa 42:

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace of gratitude so that I will always appreciate You.
2. O God, receive all praise over my life. Amen
3. Pray that God should give our political and religious leaders the will to do only those things that will bring glory to God and blessings to their citizens/followers.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: GENESIS 1-3.
Happy New Year, may God be our guide all through the year in Jesus' name. Amen

Living Water - CAC Daily Devotional Guide

Saturday, January 2, 2016

EXTOL GOD'S GREATNESS (1)
READ PSALM 86:6-10

MEMORISE: ...Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. (Col 1:12)
Critically examining the nature, one discovers that it manifests the greatness of God. Trees, seasons (rainy, dry, winter and summer), flowing rivers, beautiful flowers, mountains, valleys, daybreak and nightfall, all point to His inexplicable, unfathomable greatness.

David's life speaks more of God's greatness. Consider how he became king in 1 Sam. 16:1-13, after the LORD God Almighty had rejected the erring and recalcitrant King Saul and instructed Prophet Samuel to proceed to David's father's house to anoint Saul's replacement. The mantle graciously, undeservingly, miraculously and unexpectedly fell on David, the last born of his father, over his humanly more qualified brothers. So, if David exclaimed, For You are great and do marvellous deeds; You alone are God (Psalm 86:10), he knew very well from God's dealings with him God's greatness.

Your life is due for divine promotion and greatness, but first, give God the praise and glory due Him. If David's life manifested God's greatness, your life can do too. No wonder David would confidently say, Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. (Psalm 145:3) He regularly and constantly announced the greatness of God.

Reconsider from where God has been bringing you from, and compare your life with David's. Have you found any reason to praise and thank Him? Stop complaining! Praise Him NOW!

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Count your God-given, all-round blessings and burst into the mood of praise and thanksgiving to Him.
2. Ask God to forgive you on occasions you have complained instead of thanking and praising God thoughtfully.
3. Ask God to help the children overcome ungrateful attitudes/actions to their parents.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: GENESIS 4-7

Do Share with others

Living Water - CAC Daily Devotional Guide
Monday, January 4, 2016

PRAISE AND THANK HIM
READ PSALM 100:1-5

MEMORISE: For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psa 100:5)

Today, there is a clarion call to give thanks and praise to the Almighty God. Praise and thanks might be interchangeably used. Yet, that doesn't mean that they are the same.

Thanksgiving simply means an act of showing gratitude to God, expression of appreciation to Him for His goodness to us in all ways. It is a way of acknowledging and appreciating God as the owner and giver of all that one has - spiritual achievements, health, material wealth, promotion, safety, etc. He is worth thanking with all sincerity (Psa 100:1-2), i.e. appreciating HIM for WHAT He has done.

Praise, on the other hand, is an exhibition or proclamation of God's virtues/attributes, such as His omnipresence (being everywhere), omniscience (being all-knowing), and omnipotence (being all-powerful). When you praise Him, you are adoringly declaring who He is (Psa 100:3-5). It is saying sweet things about His very person, personality and power. It is recognising and making declarations for Who He is.

Finally, the key to achieving the two together is given in Psalm 100:4. As you approach His presence for worship, take time to remember and recount all He has done to, and for you, as many as you can, thanking Him for them all. In praise, tell Him and everyone who cares to listen, of the fact that He is our Creator, sustainer, power, etc., and all in all.

None of these two should be neglected as you worship the Ancient of Days who has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We are created and recreated (saved) for these duties.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. God Almighty, I praise You for Who You are.
2. Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your provision and blessings upon my household, Your Church and our nation.
3. Father, let there be revival of true worship in our lives, homes and churches, in Jesus' name.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: GENESIS 12-15

Remain blessed.