The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 1 January 2020 – TOPIC: TAKE THE RIGHT STEP
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DATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2020
*(New Year day/Circumcision and Naming of Jesus)*
TOPIC: TAKE THE RIGHT STEP
READ: ROMANS 4:1-12 (NKJV)
1. What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2. For if Abraham was justified by works, he has [something] to boast about, but not before God.
3. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
4. Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
6. just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
7. “Blessed [are those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;
8. Blessed [is the] man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.”
9. [Does] this blessedness then [come] upon the circumcised [only,] or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
10. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had while still] uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,
12. and the father of circumcision to those who not only [are] of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham [had while still] uncircumcised.
THE MESSAGE:
The Lord has done it once again! Welcome to this year 2020! Our text today gives us a clear picture of what should be our focus in our Christian faith. Circumcision or no circumcision, a person is made righteous before God through faith in Christ Jesus. Apostle Paul demonstrated this through the life of Abraham whose faith in God was accounted to him as righteous before he was even circumcised (verses 9-10). God is specifically interested in your life- Jesus has paid for all your sins by His death on the cross. When you believe and have faith in Him, He will give you a new life of glorious experience.
Today is New Year Day which in our Church calendar marks the circumcision and naming of Jesus. It is vital to note that He was given the name, Jesus, in line with His earthly ministry (Matthew 1:21). Do not see yourself as an ordinary person – you have a divine assignment on earth. Find your calling, follow it and never allow anything to shift your attention from it. Focus on doing what God sent you to do irrespective of how people assess you. Let this line of thought shape your mission this year. Take your stand, renew your mind and resolve to follow God’s leading through His words. Names have influence in life – mind the name you give to your children. Again, allow your good name to reflect in your ministry on earth. Happy New Year!
PRAYER: Take time today to pray and rededicate your life and family to God. Ask for the grace to walk in faith and righteousness this year.
?HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020?