Anglican Devotional 5 September 2023 – Taking The Grace For Granted

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 5 September 2023 – Taking The Grace For Granted

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anglican devotional

TOPIC – Taking The Grace For Granted

READ: 1 Corinthians 10:1-31 (NKJV)

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,

all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,

all ate the same spiritual food,

and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

But with most of them God was not well pleased, for [their bodies] were scattered in the wilderness.

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

And do not become idolaters as [were] some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”

Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;

nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it.]

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

For we, [though] many, are one bread [and] one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything?

Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s [well-being.]

Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake;

for “the earth [is] the LORD’s, and all its fullness.”

If any of those who do not believe invites you [to dinner,] and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.

But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth [is] the LORD’s, and all its fullness.”

“Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another [man’s] conscience?

But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for [the food] over which I give thanks?

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

THE MESSAGE:

St. Paul recounted the wonderful spiritual experiences of the children of Israel under Moses as they moved in their God-initiated exodus from Egypt. They experienced the power of God to a great extent with enviable spiritual exercises. Even at that, God was not pleased with the attitude of most of them – they still engaged in immorality and idolatry. They scorned the power of God through their incessant murmurings and unnecessary complaints. Because of this, a great number of them were killed in the wilderness through the wrath of God.

All believers must note that as much as God is God of love, He is also God of justice. He expects us to live our lives in holiness, not taking for granted the grace that is in Christ Jesus. He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity and so does not tolerate men when they willfully dwell in disobedience against His commandments. Many believers today are taking undue advantage of the willingness of Christ to forgive each time we sin, and so dwell in iniquity with the hope of asking for forgiveness after committing sin. We should rather live our lives to His Glory, while we wait for His appearing someday.

PRAYER: God give me the grace to walk in righteousness all the days of my life.

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) provides daily scriptural readings and reflections to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. This edition for 3 September 2023 focuses on the theme of forgiveness and explores how we can receive and extend forgiveness to others as Christ did for us. Join us in this enriching journey of faith and discover the power of forgiveness in your life.

Openheavens COM NIG : Unless you are born again,you can not see the Kingdom of God .Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Dear God, I come before you as a sinner, recognizing my need for forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for my sins. I am truly sorry for my actions and the ways I have fallen short. I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I invite Jesus into my heart and life, to be my Lord and Savior. Please guide and transform me from this day forward. Thank you for your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.