DCLM Higher Everyday 26 January 2023 — Tough decision times

DCLM Higher Everyday 26 January 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Tough decision times

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TOPIC: TOUGH DECISION TIMES

TEXT: ACTS 4:13-21.

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

MEMORY VERSE: “And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye” (ACTS 4:18,19).

MESSAGE:

Jimmy a youth, from a non-Christian home, learnt from childhood to disdain Christians. He carried his bigotry to the university where he continued with his hatred for Christians. One day, a Christian course mate gave him a Gospel tract which he reluctantly accepted. Jimmy read the tract and was convicted of his rebellion against God. Battling with his ego, and bigotry, he had a tough decision to make. Jimmy consulted the Christian course mate who counseled him and he surrendered his life to Christ. Jimmy became a soul-winner, bringing fellow students to Christ by his transformed life. What a challenge to youths having tough time in making decision for their salvation?

Jimmy, like Peter and John, faced a tough decision making time. But he declared for Jesus. Have you received Christ as your Lord and Saviour or do you have problem making the decision? Like Jimmy, surrender to Christ today. Delay is deadly. In times of temptations, persecutions, academic and career challenges, your loyalty to God must be unquestionable. Choose to obey God in all situations.

QUOTE: Remain loyal to God when your faith is threatened.

CHALLENGE: Choose to obey God in all situations

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord, give me the fortitude to stand for You at difficult times.

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)