Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Monday September 4, 2023 TOPIC: GOD'S EARS ARE ATTENTIVE

 

BIBLE READING:

1 PETER 3:10-16

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.  

KEY VERSE:

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”   

1 Peter 3:12  

MEDITATION:

The Psalmist refers to God as our present help in time of trouble. It shows that the Lord is always waiting eagerly to listen, and act on our behalf if only we will be obedient to him and also make Him our first port of call when we have challenges.    

Our God is not a ‘fire brigade service’ we call upon only when there is some disaster or crisis in our lives. He longs to enjoy our fellowship as sons and daughters. As much as He loves us and willing to hear us, He will not condone unrighteousness from us. The bible says that His arms are not short to save nor His ear too dull to hear us (Isaiah 59:1-2). It is our waywardness and iniquities that have separated us from Him.  

I remember in my elementary school days that those of us who did well at the end the school year were always eager to go home to show our results cards to our parents. It wasn’t same story for those who performed poorly and had to repeat the class. The reaction and feelings of parents usually reflected the performance of their children. Usually, celebration for success, and sharp rebuke for failure. If our earthly parents felt this way, how much more of God who invested the blood of His only son for our redemption.  

What are those sins that make it difficult for you to go to God’s presence freely?  

PRAYER:

Lord help me to walk before you and be blameless.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

PSALMS 106, 1 CORINTHIANS 9