Topic: DO NOT FOLLOW FROM AFAR  [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 23 April   2022

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ABOVE ONLY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

BY: ARCHBISHOP M. E. BENSON IDAHOSA

SATURDAY APRIL, 23RD, 2022

DO NOT FOLLOW FROM AFAR

Matthew 26:57-58, 69-70, Psalms 63:8 (AMP)

And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. *Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. *My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.

ALSO READ: Open Heaven 23 April  2022  –Topic: ANTIDOTE TO MURMURING 

How closely are you following Jesus? Do you follow Jesus closely only when things are cozy and rosy? Or do you follow Jesus closely at all times? The grace to follow Jesus closely at all times is upon you today. To follow Jesus closely at all times, you must come to the point that nothing can separate you from the love of God. It is in this state that you are really more than conquerors in whatever you may be facing, (Rom.8:35-39). Keep yourself in the love of God.

When Jesus was arrested, all His disciples fled. Though Peter later decided to keep following Jesus, he decided to follow from afar. He did not want to be too close to Jesus so that his life would not be in danger. He was afraid of being persecuted. He was afraid to identify fully with Jesus and when he was asked if he was a follower of Jesus, he denied Jesus.

Many times, backsliding or turning away from God does not happen suddenly. It happens gradually as people begin to draw back and reduce their commitment and devotion to God. Sometimes, this process begins because of a hurt or disappointment that they somehow blame God for. As little compromises begin to take place, they are so far away from God and wondering how they got there, before they know it. For some people, it is pleasures and comforts that make them decide to relax and reduce their passion and commitment to God. God wants us to be very close to Him at all times. A song writer once sang, “I don’t want to worship from afar. Draw me near to where you are.” Do not allow your faith and fellowship with God to stop for any reason. Do not also withdraw from fellowshipping with other believers, (Heb.10:25).

Prayer Focus:
Tell God that you want to love Him and follow Him closely at all times. Pray for other believers to also love and follow God closely at all times.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR READING PLAN
Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75

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