MEMORISE
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away: behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5: 17).
READ:
1 Peter 4:1-6
[1]. Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
[2]. that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
[3]. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
[4]. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
[5]. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
[6]. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
EXPOSITION
Past mistakes and pains are often used by the enemy as tools of distraction from the new life God offers His people. Also, it can debar you from enjoying the fullness of the joy of salvation. Your past cannot be changed! Your present can only be protected and nurtured towards the realisation of your future. No driver in the forward motion reaches his destination while fixing his gaze at the rear mirror. Trying to rewrite the past seldom helps. Firstly, allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of your present, to continually lead you (Rom 8:14; Gal 5:16). You must continue to sow in the Spirit (study of the Bible, devotionals, retreat, and fellowship with brethren, among others) so that you can grow. You are a new creature, brand new person on the inside. You have a new life given to you by the Holy Spirit. Regularly confess, declare and live it
Secondly, let the old things that have passed away remain bygone: *sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like* (Gal. 5:19-21). They are weights that can slow you down, or even totally stop you from progressing in life and the faith. As a child of God, it is unwise to be moving close to godless lifestyles you wouldn't want to practise (cf. 1 Cor. 15:35). Lastly, shut the door against condemnation and guilt the devil might be confronting you with (Rom. 4:5, 8:1). Resist the devil and his works wrapped in ungodly relationships, illicit offers, shady deals, etc. I see you perpetually living like a saint!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 565
1. More holiness give me, more strivings within:
More patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin:
More faith in my Saviour, more sense of His care:
More joy in His service, more purpose in prayer.
2. More gratitude give me, more trust in the Lord
More zeal for His glory, more
hope in His word;
More tears for His sorrows, more
pain at His grief;
More meekness in trial, more
praise for relief.
3. More purity give me, more strength to o'ercome;
More freedom from earth-stains,
more longings for home.
More meet for Thy kingdom O
Lord, would I be,
More fruitful, more holy, more
Saviour, like Thee.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank You Lord, for redeeming me from the power of sin and sorrow.
2. Father Lord, rid me of every guilt, unforgiving spirit and bitterness limiting my walk with You.
3. Pray for CAC Anosike Region, our father in the Lord, the Superintendent, and its officers at the various levels, as led by the Spirit of God
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Ezekiel 38:10-40:49
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE:Tuesday, September 19, 2023 TOPIC:LIVING AS SAINTS (II)){kind=link}