04-11-2019, 04:31 PM
*THE LIVING WATER*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*
*Thursday, April 11, 2019*
*TOPIC: PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD*
*Read: Luke 3:1-14*
*MEMORISE: _As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight’’’_ (Luke 3:4).*
*EXPOSITION*
When God sent His Son into the world, He ensured that people were prepared for the arrival. God had promised to send a messenger ahead of Christ to prepare the way. God’s arrival would involve a dramatic reversal of the current status quo: *Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low*(Isa 40:4). If God’s people were to be ready for His appearance, they needed to be prepared.
What did that preparation look like? In fulfilment of God’s prophetic Word, the ministry of John the Baptist shows us that preparation meant repentance. John came *preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins*(Lk. 3:3). Of course, true repentance is more than lip service about one’s sin. As John declared, “Bear fruits worthy of repentance” (v. 8).
A life of true repentance means a life reoriented in a new direction, God’s direction in Christ Jesus. When the crowds asked what they were supposed to do, John gave examples. Rather than hoard for yourself, share with others in need. Rather than engage in sinful business practices, conduct yourself with honesty. These life practices are not means of earning righteousness or meriting God’s favour, rather, they reflect repentance in preparation for receiving God.
If we want to embrace God’s arrival with joy, our lives must be oriented towards Him. Unfortunately, many in Jesus’ days would be unprepared for the coming of Christ. “NOW” is the perfect time to prepare for the coming of Christ. After a time of prayer, choose one spiritual habit to begin practicing in your life. whether giving to those in need, serving more in the church, or just spending more time in prayer and Scripture. Offer this new practice as a fruit of repentance in preparation for the coming King.
*PRAYER POINTS*
*1.* Oh Lord, I must not be caught unaware on Your Second Coming.
*2.* Lord, help the Church to do away with worldliness and put on godliness as Your bride
*3.* Lord, destroy the spirit of anti-Christ targeting the lives of our children, so as to frustrate the future generations.
*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Joshua 21:19 – 23:3; Luke 9:44 – 10:3*
*Author: CAC WORLDWIDE*
*Remain Blessed!*
*DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE*
*Thursday, April 11, 2019*
*TOPIC: PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD*
*Read: Luke 3:1-14*
*MEMORISE: _As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight’’’_ (Luke 3:4).*
*EXPOSITION*
When God sent His Son into the world, He ensured that people were prepared for the arrival. God had promised to send a messenger ahead of Christ to prepare the way. God’s arrival would involve a dramatic reversal of the current status quo: *Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low*(Isa 40:4). If God’s people were to be ready for His appearance, they needed to be prepared.
What did that preparation look like? In fulfilment of God’s prophetic Word, the ministry of John the Baptist shows us that preparation meant repentance. John came *preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins*(Lk. 3:3). Of course, true repentance is more than lip service about one’s sin. As John declared, “Bear fruits worthy of repentance” (v. 8).
A life of true repentance means a life reoriented in a new direction, God’s direction in Christ Jesus. When the crowds asked what they were supposed to do, John gave examples. Rather than hoard for yourself, share with others in need. Rather than engage in sinful business practices, conduct yourself with honesty. These life practices are not means of earning righteousness or meriting God’s favour, rather, they reflect repentance in preparation for receiving God.
If we want to embrace God’s arrival with joy, our lives must be oriented towards Him. Unfortunately, many in Jesus’ days would be unprepared for the coming of Christ. “NOW” is the perfect time to prepare for the coming of Christ. After a time of prayer, choose one spiritual habit to begin practicing in your life. whether giving to those in need, serving more in the church, or just spending more time in prayer and Scripture. Offer this new practice as a fruit of repentance in preparation for the coming King.
*PRAYER POINTS*
*1.* Oh Lord, I must not be caught unaware on Your Second Coming.
*2.* Lord, help the Church to do away with worldliness and put on godliness as Your bride
*3.* Lord, destroy the spirit of anti-Christ targeting the lives of our children, so as to frustrate the future generations.
*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Joshua 21:19 – 23:3; Luke 9:44 – 10:3*
*Author: CAC WORLDWIDE*
*Remain Blessed!*