LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL ANSWER HIM IN TIME

LIVING WATERS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

ANSWER HIM IN TIME

31^ST DECEMBER, 2021

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Zechariah 14:14 - 14:21, Malachi 1:1 - 1:7, Revelation 21:27 - 22:21

READ: Mark 8:34-38
[34]And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
[35]For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
[36]For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
[37]Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

[38]Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

MEMORISE: And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. (Mark 8:34).

EXPOSITION

There is a narration of a published cartoon in three different scenes. The first scene pictured a young man who seated behind a desk. Jesus stood at his shoulders, calling on him and asking him to serve Him. Arrogantly, he declined and told the Lord that he was just launching his career and have no time for that. The same man at his middle age in scene two was heavier and well dressed, and his desk filled with papers and reports. Again, at his elbow, Christ stood and called, but yet declined as at first time. "No, I have no time, can't you see am very busy, I will do that tomorrow."

The last scene shows the picture of an old and grey-headed man at his desk. At his shoulder stood, not the Saviour, but the gaunt bony specter of death. Speaking in hollow tones. Death decleared, I have come for you. The businessman ever busy shouted, "Go away. I did not send for you, O death! But death refused and the man was ushered into eternity without God.

Dear reader, Christ is calling to everyone today, being the last but not the least day in this passing year 2021, new year eve. He keeps inviting everyone, the sinful, backsliders, idolaters, etc. to enjoy His salvation (Matt.7v13,11v28). The Bible says now is the day of salvation... and when you hear his voice do not harden your heart. Were you with the Lord and now you are no longer in, and with Him? Christ is still waiting for you with an open arm. Come, O sinner, come home to your Father. You should no longer delay. As a child of God, it is high time you did what God has been telling you to do. You don't have to keep vacillating. Receive the needed help in Jesus name.

Only what He allows would bring lasting success. Why do you plan without Him (James 2v3-17)?

Brethren, we must understand from the Jews experience that worship is most important duty we can perform to God (Psa.22v27). It is both an activity (Heb. 10v25)and a lifestyle. It is equally am individual and communal things. That is, you are expected to worship God as an individual and corporately. Our God desires our genuine worship above all else. In fact, we must worship God with our lives and entire being. We must worship Him in truth and Spirit (John 4v23,24).

PRAYER POINT:
1. Lord, bring me closer to Yourself, and don't let me wander again.
2. I refuse to put You on hold in my life again, in Jesus name.
3. Jesus as You arrested Paul on his way to Damascus, arrest everyone who is yet to come to term with You.

DO HAVE A BLESSED DAY

©2021 LIVING WATERS IS a daily devotional by THE CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH