ESOCS Devotional 29 June
TEXT: ACTS 9:31-43
MEMORY VERSE: “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Acts 9:31 KJV
As much as God teaches to work, “I must do the work of Him that sent me, while it is day…” (John 9:4). God also teaches us to rest: “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day…”(Gen.2:2).In fact, God provides the necessary platform and conditions that will facilitate that rest. He puts the machineries in place that will usher us into our reserved place of rest. “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his” (Heb. 4:10). Our text reveals that the Church, having suffered so many persecution and havoc that wrecked and scattered them abroad, God decided to provide a respite for them by arresting their chief persecutor, Saul. This eventually brought rest to the church in all the cities that necessitated growth and multiplication for the Church. King David had the same experience after fighting so many battles. God magnanimously gave him rest roundabout from all his enemies. He did not need to fight any battle again (2 Sam. 7:1). The following are some of the things from which God wants His children to rest.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
- Uncertainties of the future: God wants His children to get to a realm where they are free from the concerns and anxieties of tomorrow, where nothing in the future constitutes a threat because they are aware of the person who holds tomorrow.
- Struggles of the flesh: A time comes in a person’s relationship with God where the appetites of the flesh are no longer in charge of his or her life. There are people whose bodies will start to react if they do not smoke cigarette or drink alcohol. They cannot stay a week without having immoral relationship with a woman or a man. There are others who would not see money and leave it alone. They are struggling with the flesh. But there is a realm you will get to in your walk with God where you are finally at rest from the burdens and struggles of the flesh.
- Threats of the enemies: The troubles of the enemies oftentimes are so much, giving one sleepless night. We go through very dreadful nightmares. Sometimes they come with strange illness and all manner of afflictions. But the plan of God is to bring us to a point where we have absolute rest from demonic, financial, career, marital and ministerial battles. We pray that God will give you that desired rest in the Name of Jesus. For the enemies you see today, you shall see them no more. Anyone that says you will not rest, the Lord lay them to rest for your sake in the Name of Jesus.
BOTTOM LINE: When you rest, you are refreshed, refilled, revived and renewed; therefore, trust God for all-round rest today.
CHALLENGES
- Embrace the rest that God has given to you.
- Believe God that all your enemies have been defeated.
- Seek God’s will in and all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
PRAYER POINT: Father, thank you for the promised rest round about for my soul. I receive the Grace to enter this realm of rest, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Ezekiel 24:15-27; 25:1-17; Acts 10:1-16
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ESOCS Devotional 29 June
