MEMORISE
Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked (Proverbs 10:6).
READ:
Luke. 16:19-25
[19]. "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.
[20]. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,
[21]. desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
[22]. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
[23]. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
[24]. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’
[25]. But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.
EXPOSITION
Though riches and wealth are part of what makes life sweet and suitable for living, yet those who get theirs in an ungodly manner would end up in great torment with their celebrations. While many godless rich people travel around the world, donating to orphanages, building skyscrapers, and amassing the latest, most are sorry for themselves for the torment they undergo. It is the blessing of God that makes rich without sorrow (Prov. 10:22). So, wait and work for God's blessing (Gen. 14:21). Any money you make through rituals, embezzlement, and other ungodly means will soon develop wing and fly away, leaving you with untold sorrow/hardship (Prov. 23:5). Some have even met their untimely death because of ill-gotten wealth (Jer. 17:11). Some who are being celebrated in the public, are crying in their closet, wishing they had never embarked on the kind of journey that brought them to that horrible state.
The rich man in today's text enjoyed the best money could buy, but eventually lost his soul. He found himself where his affluence cannot buy him even a drop of water. Oh! What a shameful experience. He embarked on the journey of no return to hell. He was proud with his wealth, and see no reason to bless others. And worst of all, he failed to recognise God the Giver (cf. Lk. 12:13-21). You don't need to wait for that kind of experience; there is hope for anyone who humbly returns to his/her Creator for forgiveness and mercy (Isa. 55:7; Acts 3:19). On this year's World Tourism Day, may you not be on tour to hell, in Jesus' name. Amen.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 633
1. Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin
Each victory will help you some other to Win
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue.
Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through,
Chorus:
Ask the Saviour to help you
Comfort, strengthen and keep you.
He is willing to aid you
He will carry you through.
2. Shun evil companions, bad language disdain
God's name hold in reverence, not take it in vain,
Be thoughtful and earnest, kind hearted and true,
Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through.
3. To him that o'er cometh, God giveth a crown.
Through faith we shall conquer,
though often cast down,
He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew
Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, don't allow me to be dissuaded from the WAY by the perishable things of this world.
2. O Lord, the grace to be patient and depend on You alone for the blessing You alone gives, release upon me, and don't let me opt for offers of Satan.
3. O Lord, rid our churches of the demons of materialism, occultism, fraud and Satanism.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Hosea 4-9
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (World Tourism Day) TOPIC: TORMENTED IN FLAME){kind=link}