CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2023)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Wednesday, July 5, 2023
TOPIC: BE IMITATORS OF GOD (III)
MEMORISE
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God (3 John 1:11).
READ:
2 Corinthians 9:6-13
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
[7] So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
[9]. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
[10]. Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
[11]. while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
[12]. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
[13]. while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
EXPOSITION
Today, the third area that Christians are specifically asked to imitate God is by sharing with one another. Our God is liberal to all alike (Matt.: 5:45). Paul admonishes in his letters to Timothy, *As for the rich in the present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life* (1 Tim. 6:17-19)
According to Paul, God is the Source of the abundance of material goods enjoyed by the brethren at Corinth (1 Cor. 4:7; 2 Cor. 8:1ff), just as he also instructed Timothy. This is an instruction to all believers in every generation. Our God-given physical comforts are not to be spent on ourselves selfishly. God blesses us with so much that we may have much to share with others (Gal. 6:12). God hates selfishness/self-centredness. Look at His attitude to the highly self-centred rich guy in Christ's parable that He adjudged a fool (Lk. 12:16ff). God is merciful and kind to all men (Matt. 5:44-45). We shouldn't be anything less. He commands us to show that kind of selfless sharing with one another. Imagine the effects of Jesus words on the demon-possessed man when asked to *go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you* (Mk. 5:19). Dear devout, richly bless those around you, as an imitator of the merciful God.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 458
1. Lord, Thy word abideth,
And, our footsteps guideth;
Who its truth believeth
Light and joy receiveth.
2. When our foes are near us,
Then Thy word doth cheer us,
Word of consolation
Message of salvation.
3. When the storms are o'er us,
And dark clouds before us,
Then its light directeth.
And our way protecteth.
4. Who can tell the pleasure,
Who recount the treasure,
By Thy word imparted
To the simple-hearted?
5. Word of mercy, giving
Succour to the living;
Word of life, supplying
Comfort to the dying!
6. O that we, discerning
Its most holy learning,
Lord, may love and fear Thee,
Evermore be near Thee!
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. O Lord my God, I am the light of the world; I shall reflect You to humanity, as much as You help.
2. Holy Spirit, totally suppress the spirit of self-centredness in me.
3. Pray that the spirit of mercy and genuine love for others would consume our political, traditional and church leaders.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Psalms 91:14-94:16
AUTHOR.
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 TOPIC: BE IMITATORS OF GOD (III)){kind=link}