THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 202
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Thursday, August 3, 202
TOPIC: DON'TBOAST OF TOMORROW (1)
MEMORISE
Do not boast about tomorrow. For you do not know what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1
READ
James 4:13-1
[13]. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom
[14]. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth
[15]. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic
[16]. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there
[17]. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocris
EXPOSITI
Is it wrong for Christians to make plans? No. What James 4 warns against is living our lives and making plans as if God doesn't exist. Such amounts to practical atheism. As simple as life is, it is not as easy as ABC. It takes God to take care of the good, the bad and the ugly of tomorrow. The stern warning here by James is not the desire to make a profit out of business, nor is he condemning careful planning, but rather, the foolish presumption that characterises people's planning without God in it. He says, *Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that" (Jas. 4:15
The writer of Proverbs 16:3 counsels, *Commit your works* (actions) *to the LORD, and your thoughts* (plans) *will be established* (succeed). Believers in God are not to arrogate anything, especially success, to themselves, because that amounts to pride and free-thinking. The Scripture says, *For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have* [talents, treasures, opportunities, and etcetera] *that you did not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?* (1 Cor. 4:7). Give every praise and glory to God, the Giver of all things, in whatever you plan or anticipate. Take lessons from the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:15-20. James warns, *But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil* (Jas. 4:16). Brethren, let us cease from living as atheists claiming to be Christian
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY
CAC GHB 82
1. My faith looks up o The
Thou lamb of Calvary
Saviour divine
Now hear me while I pray
Take all my guilt away
O let me from this da
Be wholly Thine
2. May Thy rich grace impa
Strength to my fainting heart
My zeal inspire
As Thou hast died for me
O may my love to The
Pure, warm, and changeless be
A living fire
3. While life's dark maze I trea
And griefs around me spread
Be Thou my guide
Bid darkness turn to day
Wipe sorrow's tears away
Nor let me ever stra
From Thee asid
4. When ends life's transient drea
When death's cold, sullen strea
Shall o'er me roll
Blest saviour, then in love
Fear and distrust remove
O bear me safe above
A ransom'd soul
Ame
PRAYER POIN
1. O Lord, my faith is anchored on You; I know my future is secure in Yo
2. I have no power of my own. I confess to You, O Jesus: I have no power of my ow
3. Pray for the Department of Christian Education in Christ Apostolic Church, the Director and the staff as led by the spirit of Go
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY
Proverbs 27:11-30:3
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
){kind=link}