DCLM Higher Everyday 13 October 2022 — Losses through lust
DCLM Higher Everyday 13 October 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Losses through lust
TOPIC: LOSSES THROUGH LUST
TEXT: JOSHUA 7:20-22
21When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
22So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.
MEMORY VERSE: “When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it” (JOSHUA 7:21).
MESSAGE:
Merlin Carothers counselled, “We need to look into the future and examine what could happen if we permit lust to live in our hearts. It is deadly, destructive and powerful.”
Our text reveals the awful tragedy that Achan brought to himself and his whole family. He thought of gaining all by sinning against the Lord God, but he lost all through lusting after accursed things.
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 12 October 2022 — Excelling in good behaviour
Lust is a feeling of strong desire. Lust – covetousness or quick gain through stealing, kidnapping, internet fraud and corruption – has claimed countless lives, destroyed a lot of talents, and blinded the vision of many youths. Balaam lost his life, Judas cut short his life and calling, Demas lost his ministry, all for their ungodly passion for gain.
To escape this tragedy, you must purge yourself of lust like Joshua did by eliminating Achan and his household. All disobedience must be brought to the foot of the cross where forgiveness and grace must be sincerely sought for. Also, self-discipline is very important. Constantly read the word of God and maintain fellowship with the brethren.
QUOTE: Purge yourself of lust.
CHALLENGE: Abstain from all appearance of evil.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, deliver me from lust.
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)
