08/12/2022
: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```
_*HIGHER EVERYDAY: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_
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```FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER, 2022```
*PAIN BEFORE GAIN*
ππ```TEXT:1 PETER 4:12-19```ππ
π```MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 PETER 4:13).*_
*John Huss, the Church reformer who died singing while being burnt on a stake, refused to renounce his preaching and said, "In the truth of the gospel which I preached, I die willingly and joyfully today."*
*Millions of Christians have died for Christ; the tragedy of universal Christian suffering is a reality. This is because the world is generally hostile to the gospel and believers.*
*Suffering is part of the Christian life and should not come as a surprise. Rather, view it as a test of faith, knowing that you are not alone. God can use such adverse conditions to refine and mature us.*
*Christian suffering could reveal how truly committed we are to our faithful God. Suffering develops our character, brings us closer to God and teaches us to lean on Him.*
*Suffering comes in different forms, but the Bible says, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Are you slandered, rejected or imprisoned? Take courage, you are not far from home.*
```QUOTE:``` _*Suffering comes in different forms.*_
```CHALLENGE:``` _*Expect persecutions; and rejoice for, no pain no gain.*_
ππ½ππ½```PRAYER:``` _*Heavenly Father, stand by me in trouble in Jesus' name.*_
[09/12,
`DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY```
SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide
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```FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER, 2022```
*THE LAD WHO GAVE ALL TO JESUS*
ππ```JOHN 6:5-13```ππ
ππ```Key Verse:``` _*"There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9).*_
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The book of John gave us an interesting story of an unnamed boy (lad) who gave all he had to Jesus. *"Oh! Mummy, I thought only Jesus should give to His friends like me,"* a young boy said to his mother. *"No, my boy, the command from Jesus to all His friends is, 'Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again'" (Luke 6:38)* the mother replied.
Giving to God and others should be done willingly. Like the boy in our passage today, we should willingly surrender all we have to Jesus who gave up everything for us. *What can I give to Jesus, you may ask? The first thing to give to Jesus is your heart and life. After this, you can give your time to clean the church, offer money from your pocket money (not school fees), sing in the choir, preach the gospel to others, visit other friends of Jesus, teach others some academic subjects, etc.* Examples of those who gave to the Lord were Abraham, David, Nehemiah, Hannah, etc.
*Do not think what you have is too little. The Lord requires cheerfulness and faithfulness in our giving. Hence, you should not give grudgingly. When you give willingly, there will be abundant blessings upon you and your family. However, you must first surrender your life to Him to cleanse you with His blood. This is the only way your giving will be acceptable to God.*
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ΏοΈrayer:``` _*O Lord, I need Your grace to give all to You cheerfully.*_
π ```Further Reading:``` *Malachi 3:8-12*