Saturday, August 12, 2023.
International Youth Day
WEAPON OF SELF-DESTRUCTION (II)
Read: Genesis 13:10-13
[10]And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.
[11]Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.
[12]Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.
[13]But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.
MEMORISE: Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
EXPOSITION
We are affected by those with whom we associate. Children who see physical violence between their parents and probably also brutalised by such parents are more likely to abuse their own siblings, spouses and children, later in life. Most saddening, the waves of societal behavioural malady among teenagers and youths, as today commemorates International Youth Day, even in churches, are alarming, today. Alas, the devil has taken the driver's seat of many who profess salvation, masquerading in the keeping of bad companies.
Immediately, Mr Lot, Abram's nephew, settled in the cities of the plain, pitching his tent as far as Sodom whose men were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD, the destroyer (Satan) launched the campaign to wreck his home; his sons-in-law perished in the heat of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction; his wife became a pillar of salt; and his two husbandless surviving daughters lured him into incest (Gen. 19:12ff). The Scripture warns, Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion offools suffers harm (Prov. 13:20).
A very strong specialised weapon of destruction the devil uses is the keeping of bad companies under the guise of freedom of choices. Paul warns, Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1).
Dear reader, keeping an evil company after professing salvation is a bait of the devil against your soul. Do not walk a path, even the holy angels dare not tread. Check who you befriend (Prov. 18:24)!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY: CAC GHB 635
1. He will answer every pray'r
This, His promise and His will
He has never chang'd nor fail'd
Glory to His name.
2. He will answer every pray'r
To His promise I will cling
I know He'll ne'er deceive me,
Glory to His name
3. He will answer every pray'r
Let us ask from Him in faith
With his Holy Spirit's help
Glory to His name.
4. He will answer every pray'r
Come thou to the mercy seat
Blest assurance you'll receive
Glory to His name.
Amen
PRAYER POINTS:
1. In Jesus name, I receive deliverance from the company of evil people.
2. Lord, protect my children aga inst evil! companies/communications.
3. Pray that God should liberate children who have been trapped in evil gangs.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Isaiah 24:7-28:22
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