“DEVOTIONALS – G TO M” Lesson 184

Grumbling: Numbers 14:26-35 – “I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites; they will meet their end in this desert; here they will die”. The Israelites spoke rebelliously against God’s appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron and God disciplined them with death (Num. 16:41-49). Paul warned the Corinthians that the God of Israel would deal with them in the same manner (1 Cor. 10:10). The Lord’s Supper was the subject, partaking in an unworthy manner was the sin and weakness, sickness and death was the judgment (1 Cor. 11:17-34). God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8) so need we dare think that our grumbling will be tolerated at His table today? Father, forgive us for not remembering your Body and Blood in an awesome, reverent manner. Remind us when we grumble against others that we are indeed grumbling against our Lord and Savior. We must not forget to examine ourselves and through your strength we will succeed and escape judgment (Phil. 2:14, James 5:9, Prov. 19:3).

Hand: Acts 11:21 – “The Lord’s hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord”. Only God can save! This does not mean we just sit back and watch as He brings people to Himself. We have been commissioned to go and tell the world about Jesus Christ and the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20). Let someone else do this you say? God will be very displeased with you as He was in Isaiah 59:16, being appalled that there was no one to intervene. Father, it is not easy for us to change our own selfish, personal plans but we wish to become willing followers of your lead without complaining. Support us Lord with your right hand (Ps. 18:35, 37:24).

Intercession: Like 22:32 – “I have prayed that you will not lose faith”. The devil was after Simon Peter but Jesus Christ prayed that Peter not lose his faith. Jesus prayed for His followers, asking that the Father send the Holy Spirit to be their helper, counselor and comforter (John 14:16). He prayed for all of His followers’ safety by the power of God’s holy name (John 17:9-12). Now Christ sits on the right hand of His Father still making intercession for us (Rom. 8:34, Heb. 9:24, 1 John 2:1). Father we well strive to meet your standards in being an intercessor for others. We stand boldly at the throne of grace, bringing each and every request into your capable, faithful hands.

Joy: Ecclesiastes 2:26 – “To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness”. We find joy in God because through His Son we receive justification, salvation and reconciliation (Rom. 5:1-21). We have not seen God, but knowing that we are ore precious to Him than gold, we love Him and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Pet. 1:7-8). Prayer and joy go hand and hand in the scripture (Rom. 12:12, 1 Thess. 5:16-17) and the two should not be separated in our daily lives (Gal. 5:22). Father, let us never forget that joy is a fruit of the Spirit and if we live in the Spirit we will also walk in the Spirit, being a witness and testimony to your Holy name.

Kindness: Luke 6:31 – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. This probably is the hardest scripture in the Bible to adhere to; the second hardest being; “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b). A believer’s reaction to the actions and emotions of others, whether Christians or not, should be that of Jesus Christ as He hung on the Cross (Luke 23:24) and Stephen while he was being stoned (Acts 7:60). Father, we pray for your faithful help and guidance to be able to live in harmony with others (Rom. 15:5, Phil. 2:2, 1 Pet. 3:8), not to think too highly of ourselves than we ought (Rom. 11:20, 12:3) and to be willing to associate with people of low position (James 2:1-9). Teach us, Lord, to always remember your kindness through love for us that we may treat others with the same love and compassion.

Lord’s Day: John 20:1 – “Early on the first day of the week”. The Lord’s Day is associated with a day consecrated to the Lord, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The argument and controversy as to which day we should serve should come to an immediate halt (Rom. 14:5). Father, remind us to not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6b-7), that keeping God’s commands is what counts (1 Cor. 7:19b) and if we must boast, boast in the Lord (2 Cor. 10:17). Everyday in our life should be celebrated as the Lord’s Day with joy and thanksgiving.

Manners: 1 Peter 3:8-11 – “All of you live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers” Having good manners is more than saying please and thank you and knowing which fork to use when eating a dinner salad. Christian manners include being kind without envy or anger, keeping no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:4-7). Christian manners will always show gentleness and self-control included in the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25), keeping us in step with the Spirit of God. Father, we pray for our social conduct along with our spiritual conduct to be pleasing to your as well as edifying the Body of Christ. We pray that our spiritual manners will teach someone to live a godly life.