CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2023)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Date: Wednesday June 28, 2023
TOPIC: THETRUTH ABOUT SUFFERING (II)
MEMORISE
As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter (Romans 8:36).
READ:
Matthew 23:29-36
[29] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous,
[30] and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’
[31] “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.
[32]. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.
[33]. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?
[34]. Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,
[35]. that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
[36]. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
EXPOSITION
Today, let us see more facts about suffering. Wouldn't it sound paradoxical to say that suffering is curative? Of course, it is. But in reality, it delivers the one suffering from the tendency to sin (1 Pet. 4:1-4). It also works patience in the sufferer, and gives him/her experience. It helps in developing strong character in him/her (Rom 5:34)
Another reality, though somewhat difficult to gulp down about suffering is that, everyone that desires to live godly should expect to be persecuted, and thus endure suffering (2 Tim. 3:12,13). We are not of the world, though we are in it. So, the world hates us and would do everything to want to frustrate and dissuade us. Christians are admonished to prepare for, and endure suffering, for the sake of Christ, the Gospel and the kingdom of God (Jn. 16: 1-4; Php. 1:28-30). However, we must be careful, lest what we suffer be self-inflicted due to lack of knowledge (cf. Hos. 4:6). God doesn't want that for us. Yet, suffering can come as result of God's discipline (Heb. 12.3-11ff). As His children, He would discipline us to keep us on track, so that we do not lose focus of the heavenly prize. We need to be thankful for this.
Most refreshing is the fact that, everyone who endures and overcomes suffering for the sake of righteousness is called *blessed* and and *overcomer* (Matt. 5:10-12, Jas. 1: 12). We aren't suffering in vain (cf. Gal. 6:7)! Above all, the glorious morning is coming when suffering shall be no more (Rev. 21:1-5ff)! Until then, may God see us through every unpleasant situation we may go through in life, in Jesus name Amen.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 871
1. Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o'er shaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark 'tis the voice of angels
Borne in a strong to me,
Over the fields of glory
Over the jasper sea.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o'er shaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
2. Safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe from corroding care
Safe from the world's temptations
Sin cannot harm me there
Free from the blight of sorrow
Free from my doubt and fear
Only a few more trials
Only a few more tears.
3. Jesus, my heart's dear refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of ages
Ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
mp Wait till the night is o'er;
cr Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank God for the good work He is doing in our lives through discipline.
2. Ask Him to help you so that you do not suffer as criminal anytime.
3. Pray that God should intervene in the matters of those prison for no just cause.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Psalms 73:21-76:7
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE Date: Wednesday June 28, 2023){kind=link}