DCLM Sincere Milk 21 November 2022 — Reject dangerous gifts
DCLM Sincere Milk 21 November 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Reject dangerous gifts
TOPIC: REJECT DANGEROUS GIFTS
ACTS 8:18-23
19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Key Verse: “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20).
MESSAGE:
Gifts are good, particularly when received from our parents, relatives, family, friends and other pleasant people. Gifts can serve as reward for good behaviour or expression of love among friends.
When we receive gifts from people, we are taught to say “Thank you.” This is part of moral training for children; we are to show gratitude and appreciation to people that give us gifts. Again, we are to let our parents/guardians know and approve the gifts we receive.
Do you know that some gifts should not be accepted or collected at all? Yes, as children of God, we should avoid gifts that will not allow us speak the truth and stand for Jesus in all situations. Any gift that will make us go against God’s word should be rejected.
Evil people are everywhere using gifts to lure children (particularly girls) into the sin of immorality. Children and youths are daily enticed with gifts into joining evil associations like robbery, cultism, prostitution, etc. Apart from gifts of money and material items, you must say ‘No’ to offers of help or counsels from ungodly people.
Don’t let lack or poverty make you seek help or accept help from ungodly sources. Look unto God for divine provision. Live a righteous life and run away from gifts that can corrupt and contaminate you.
Prayer: Lord, help me to always reject ungodly gifts so that I can serve You acceptably.
Further Reading: Daniel 5:13-17
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)
