DCLM Higher Everyday 31 October 2022 — Christ’s words of confidence

DCLM Higher Everyday 31 October 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Christ’s words of confidence

TOPIC: CHRIST’S WORDS OF CONFIDENCE

TEXT: ACTS 18:5-11

5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

10For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

MEMORY VERSE: “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (ACTS 18:9, 10).

MESSAGE:

“It’s amazing what we can do if we will trust God enough to step out of our comfort zones,” stated Brett Harris.

Fear, inferiority complex, and lack of courage are among the factors that hinder our progress. Our comfort zone may look good because we have not trusted God enough to lead us to the better place. Sometimes, some people know the will of God on an issue, but lack the confidence to take action.

Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 30 October  2022 — Arise! Shine!

Despite the hostile reaction from the Jews to whom the Gospel was presented, Paul still believed the words of reassurance from God. The confidence inspired by the word of God sustained the Apostle and enabled him to ignore discordant tunes from unbelieving Jews while pressing forward with the preaching of the Gospel.

Ignoring the hurdles in our way and trusting on the word of God alone, is the only way to achieve anything significant in life, spiritual and secular alike. Christ is always close to His friends, giving them the needed word of assurance, guidance and comfort in tough times. Like Paul, just obey.

QUOTE: Christ is always close to His friends.

CHALLENGE: Ignore the devil, believe God, and you shall prevail.

PRAYER: Grant me the courage of the Lion of Judah, O LORD, that I may prevail.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)