DAILY DEVOTION

SEEK DAILY (NBC)

Wednesday, August 27

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

GIVING IN LOVE
If I give all I possess to the poor… but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3, NIV

The hallmark of Christianity is love. Our salvation is a product of love; it was out of His love that God gave us His only Son (John 3:16). In fact, the Bible says that God is love (1 John 4:8).

So, whatever we do that is not borne out of love is not of Him. It has no eternal value. This was the emphasis of Paul's letter to the Corinthian believers. He told them categorically that if they did not have love, nothing else mattered. The truth is, there is no sense in giving when it is not motivated by love.

Love is a commitment to act in a certain way towards others. If you love, then you will give selflessly, sacrificially, without grudge and without expecting any appreciation. These are the kinds of giving acceptable before God.

Beloved, think about all the help you have rendered to people, what motivated you? Even your gifts to the church and brethren, what is motivating you? If it is not love, then you have been merely engaging in religious exercises.

It is expedient for you to begin to give in love. Remember, God can never forget your labour of love. In due time, He will repay you bountifully, both now and in eternity.

• Birthday Blessing: "Therefore thy gate shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought" Isaiah 60:11

Read Bible Through Passage: Psalm107-110; 1 Corinthians 6

Too much analysis of a thing or decision leads to paralysis of not taking any step on the matter. - Anonymous

DAILY DEVOTION

SEEK DAILY (NBC)

Monday, August 25

Mark 10:17-27

TREASURE IN HEAVEN

…Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven…. Mark 10:21, NIV

The beauty of our lives as Christians is in how many lives we touch for God while we live. A Christian's blessings are useless when they are not extended to others, especially the poor.

Giving to the poor is one way by which we lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven (Matthew 6:20). This is one act that defines Christianity.

The man in today's text had fulfilled all the commandments from his youth, except the aspect of generosity. His wealth and possessions had a hold on him such that he could forego the kingdom for them. He had treasures on earth, but none in heaven. What a fool!

A fool is someone who lives for him/herself alone. Such a person has no hope of eternity; he/she is an accident about to happen. God does not want you to be a fool. He created you to be wise. He would want you to replicate that wisdom in your decisions. He desires that you reign with Him in His kingdom.

Thus, whatever God has blessed you with (your gifts, time, intelligence, position, money, material things etc.) are meant to bless others, especially the poor and needy.

Do you want to have treasures in heaven? Do you want to be reckoned with in eternity? Then, learn to give to the poor. No matter how small, always consider it a privilege and make it a point of duty to be a blessing to someone today. You will not miss your reward.

• Birthday Blessing: "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:6

Read Bible Through Passage: Psalm 102-104; 1 Corinthians 4

What you do for others determines what God does for you. - Anonymous
***********************

Endeavour to rebroadcast this devotional message to others on your contact list. Have a heavenly blessed day