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Sunday, January 26
Luke 16:19-31

COMFORT AND AGONY
Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' Luke 16:29, NIV

At the appointed time, both Lazarus (the beggar) and the rich man died (v. 22; Ecclesiastes 3:2, Hebrews 9:27). This proves the fact that death is no respecter of anyone.

Whereas, after death, Lazarus entered into life (comfort), the rich man ended in hell (agony) (v. 25) because:
(a) he trusted in worldly riches, such that he could not accommodate God in his thought (Luke 12:16-21);
(b) he had no concern for the poor (v. 19-21);
(c) he did not yield to the Lord's warnings (v. 27-31).

God would punish whoever violates His warnings. Sometimes, the punishment could be eternal. Some of us who are fortunate to be born into comfortable families or who suddenly find ourselves in comfort seldom think of the hereafter. We think only of our enjoyment, not minding people who are suffering around us.

Note that once we die, our eternal positions will depend on how we spend our lives on earth.

Therefore, if your lot is comfort today, care for the poor around you so that you will not end in agony.
In case your portion now is pain, be of good cheer, comfort is awaiting you in heaven, if you continue steadfastly to live for God.

• Birthday Blessing: Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken. Psalm 125:1

Read Bible Through Passage: Exodus  10:11,12; Matthew 18

As the way to Canaan lay through a howling wilderness and desert, so the path to heaven lies through much affliction. - Thomas Manton

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Saturday, January 25
Luke 16:10-17

MASTER OF THE HEART
So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Luke 16:11, NIV

There is this anonymous saying that some people are poor because God knows that they cannot manage riches. Actually, if the statistics of rich people are taken, only few of them will pass the test of godliness.

As Jesus noted, there is a difference between worldly wealth and "true riches" (v. 11). Worldly wealth includes things like cars, houses, clothes, and trinkets. They give false security to those who have them.
But true riches are those things that abound in all godliness, such as love, peace, kindness, joy, faith, and perseverance. They are treasures with eternal values.

Unfortunately, many of us are labouring hard to get worldly wealth while undermining the true riches. The truth is, true riches come only from God and are a product of trustworthiness, honesty, faithfulness, commitment and reliability.

So, if you lack these qualities, God cannot entrust you with true riches. If you are enslaved by worldly wealth such that it tosses you about, God will not give you true riches (v. 15b; 1 Timothy 6:10).

What value do you place on worldly wealth (Matthew 4:19)? Living by the Word of God is costly but valuable for all time (v. 16-17). So, be trustworthy!

• Birthday Blessing: Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Read Bible Through Passage:  Exodus 8, 9; Matthew 17

The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. - D.L. Moody

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Thursday, January 23

Luke 19:1-10

I WILL GIVE TO THE POOR

"But Zacchaeus…said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor…"Luke 19:8, NIV

Zacchaeus' story always fascinates me.
It illustrates some salient points: he had a strong desire to see Jesus at all costs and he made all efforts towards achieving this. Barring all limitations, he sought after the Lord and fulfilled his desire (Jeremiah 29:13). In the process, he did the unusual to draw the attention of Jesus (Luke 19:5); he climbed a tree.
His encounter with Jesus was a turning point in his life such that he could no longer harbour sin.

Christ's unreserved acceptance of him humbled and spurred in him a life of compassion towards the poor and those he had cheated. Thus, He proved his new life by restitution (v. 8).

While it is good to give to the poor, it is best to do so in response to the Lord, and His will. Every motive of our service to God will be x-rayed before a reward will be awarded. It is good to root all our good deeds in the will of God.

One of the changes our new life in Christ should bring is a compassionate attitude towards the poor. Instead of cheating them, we make efforts to better their lives, making life worth living for them.

So, you are enjoined to give to that poor neighbour of yours, today.

• Birthday Blessing: The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Exodus 14:13
Read Bible Through Passage: Exodus 4, 5; Matthew 15:29-39

Live near to God, and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities. – Robert Murray M'Cheyne

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

John 12:1-8

FALSE CONCERN FOR THE POOR

"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." John 12: 7-8, NIV

Three types of giving are mentioned in today's text. The first is typified by Martha, who invited Jesus for a dinner (v. 2); The second by Mary, who anointed Jesus' feet with a costly perfume worth a year's wage, and also cleaned it with her hair (v. 3). The third type was proposed by Judas Iscariot, who suggested that the money spent in buying the perfume could be used to help the poor. The three were great, except for the various intentions behind each.

Martha may just want to impress Jesus, while Judas, though appearing to be concerned with the plight of the poor, was actually out to "help himself from the proceeds" (v. 6). But, Mary gave to appreciate God's mercy, and demonstrate her submissiveness (v. 3; Luke 7: 37-38).

People give with different motives. That is why God always checks our intentions before He rewards our acts of giving (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Mary's giving was not only costly, it was also accompanied by selfless service (using her hair to wipe Jesus' feet - v. 3). With what intention do you give to people, in the church or even to your family members? Do you give to show off or to show Jesus' love to others? Is your giving sacrificial and selfless , as unto the Lord?

Remember, the Corinthians gave themselves first to God and then to His people. Do likewise, then you can get your reward.

• Birthday Blessing: Since you are precious and honoured in my sight I will give men in exchange for your life- Isaiah 43:4

Read Bible Through Passage: Exodus 1, 2, 3; Matthew 15:1-28

The highest form of selfishness is that of the man who is content to go to heaven alone.  - J.C. Ryle

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Tuesday, January 21

Job 34: 17-30

THE CRY OF THE POOR AND AFFLICTED

They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy. Job 34: 28, NIV

God has never ignored the cry of the poor and the afflicted. Each time they cry unto Him, He hears and comes to their aid. He executes judgment on the high and mighty whenever they take undue advantage of  the poor. Note that even before the poor and the afflicted cry unto Him for judgment, God has already seen it (v. 21-23).

The implication of this is that whoever cheats the poor and afflicts people in any way will not go scot-free. Thus, those who occupy exalted positions should tread cautiously; for God can, through any means, remove wicked people from power and
then replace them.

The main issue today is that God loathes oppression. The rich who oppress the less privileged in the society are offending God. No matter how long it takes, God shall execute judgment on  them. This is to underscore the fact that all men are equal before Him.

Are you poor and being afflicted?  Cry no more. Your tears are 'liquid prayers' and Your Maker has heard them all. He will soon come to help you. Are you afflicting people? Stop it now; else you will court the anger of God. Always remember that God is the Defender of the less privileged.

• Birthday Blessing: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Read Bible Through Passage: Genesis 49, 50; Matthew
14:22-36

Times of affliction are usually gaining times for God's  people. -Joseph Alleine

TIMING BELT OF LIFE - Mrs C.M. Adegoke

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
(Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV)

ENVIRONMENTAL INTELLIGENCE- Pastor Stephen Ife Adediran FCA

When you look will determine what you will see. Where you live will inform environmental experience-Kehinde Babarinde