Preachify Daily Devotional

Text: Matthew 5:38-37, 7:12, Romans 12:19, Galatians 6:10, Romans 12:17-21

The only way to overcome evil is by doing good.
Forgive to be forgiven!

Text: Jeremiah 48:10
Attitude is very important to life. God cares about our attitude towards things that concern him.
Ask yourself "How concerned am I about the things that concern God"
If God were to remember something about you, what would you tell him? (Hezekiah- Isaiah 38)
The wordings of the text are so strong.

Ways People Show Unconcern Attitude Towards God's Things
1. Procrastination- It's not yet time. (Haggai 1:2).
2. Time only for personal things. (Haggai 1:4).

Consequences of Not Including God's Things In Our Planning
1. Much toil, less harvest- (Haggai 1:6)
2. You gather, I (God) blow it away (Haggai 1:9)
3. Nature becomes unfavorable- (Haggai 1:11)
4. Labour without God is vanity- (Ecclesiastes 2)

What Does God Require?
1. Change your ways- Haggai 1:7-8
2. Join hands and labour for God
3. Make God happy.

The People's Response
God stirred their heart and the people responded massively (Haggai 1:14)

Matthew 6:33- No longer seek ye first but now seek ye last.....
In conclusion
1. God is not unjust to forget your labour of Love- Hebrew 6:10
2. Ecclesiastes 12:1,13,14.

Peace is one of the most treasured commodities for any society.  For many, many years’ people have prayed, died and lived for peace. Jesus often spoke of the idea of peace.  Yet, it was a little different than how we think of peace today.  Today, we think of peace as military safety.  Or, we think of it as financial security.  Sometimes, we even feel like we have peace when the home security alarm is working well and the stock market is soaring.  This was not the kind of peace Jesus spoke of.  Jesus spoke of a peace that transcends the physical.  He spoke of a kind of tranquility that regardless of whether or not we were at war, financially broke, or even our lives were at stake would allow us to overcome and be victorious.  To His disciples Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).  How does one have this kind of peace?

The scriptures remind us of the importance of gratitude: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) This guidance encourages us to offer thanks not only in moments of joy, but also during trials and challenges, knowing that they too hold lessons and opportunities for growth.

Gratitude transforms our perspective. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given. It encourages us to find contentment in the present moment, fostering a sense of inner peace that transcends worldly desires. By embracing gratitude, we find solace in knowing that God's plan for us is always purposeful and just.

Is anything worth exchanging our precious soul for? Our souls, divine and unique, are gifts bestowed upon us by the Creator. They are the essence of our being, the core of our identity, and the vessel through which we experience life's joys and challenges.

As we ponder whether something is worth exchanging our soul for, let us remember the words of wisdom from the scriptures: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). May we embrace a path that uplifts our soul, strengthens our faith, and aligns us with the eternal purpose that the Creator has woven into our very being.

Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."


In moments of despair, we might ask why we are chosen to endure hardships. But let us not forget that even the strongest trees face storms, and from their trials, they grow deeper roots. Similarly, our challenges help us grow stronger and wiser.

When we ask "Why me?" let's also consider the blessings that surround us. In times of difficulty, we can find unexpected sources of support and love from family, friends, and even strangers. These moments remind us that we are never alone on this journey.

Our faith teaches us that there is a purpose for everything under the sun. The struggles we face are opportunities for us to learn, to show resilience, and to develop empathy for others facing similar trials. Through our experiences, we can become beacons of hope and inspiration for those around us.

So, when you find yourself asking "Why me?" remember that life's challenges are not punishments but rather invitations for growth. Embrace them with faith, knowing that every difficulty is a stepping stone on the path of your journey.

The Bible warns us in Matthew 7:24-27 about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. Jesus, in His parable of the wise and foolish builders, tells us that the wise builder constructed his house upon the rock, withstanding the storms of life. The foolish builder, however, built upon the sand, leading to disastrous consequences when the tempest came.

Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we are confronted with choices daily—choices that will either solidify our faith or undermine it. We must anchor our faith in God's unchanging truth, His unwavering love, and His eternal promises.

Psalms 121: "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Friends, today we gather here to reflect on a timeless truth that brings comfort and assurance to countless hearts: "God watches over you." In a world where uncertainties surround us, we find solace in the belief that a divine presence is guiding our steps, watching over us with boundless love and care.

As we look around, we see the vastness of nature, the majestic mountains, and the expanse of the heavens. In these awe-inspiring wonders, we are reminded of God's greatness and His presence in our lives.

Matthew 24:42-44 So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Today, we gather to reflect upon the question that resonates deeply within each one of us: "Where do I stand with God?" This inquiry is not one to be taken lightly, for it digs deep into the core of our spiritual journey and relationship with the God.

In our fast-paced and often chaotic lives, it is easy to lose sight of our connection with God. We get caught up in worldly pursuits, consumed by material desires, and burdened by the trials and tribulations of life. Yet, amidst the chaos, we must pause and turn our hearts towards the source of all existence – God.

To understand where we stand with God, we must first recognize the significance of self-awareness.

Have you forfeited all earth treasures and rather place your focus on God?

Have you been helping the helpless and cheering the fainting?

Having you been loving, forgiving, tender and kind?

Have you been glorifying God in your live with abundant Thanksgivings and unceasing prayers?

Can you boldly say that you are on the right path? Have you been careless with your soul?

Have you been studying the scriptures for spiritual growth?

Have you telling others about this great message of salvation?


Taking time to reflect on our thoughts, actions, and intentions helps us identify the areas where we need to grow spiritually. In the silence of our hearts, we can find clarity and direction to align ourselves with God's will.

WHAT WILL ONE GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?

This was the second question asked by our Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing the value of your soul, He is still asking you, WHAT IS IT THAT YOU CAN EQUATE TO YOUR SOUL??
A. The word “exchange” pictures a business transaction in which one is bartering for something else. “Barter” means “to trade or exchange one commodity for another.” Thus, it means to trade your soul for something else.
B. Things for which people trade their souls.
(a) Some people have traded their souls for earthly riches and fame – things which are corruptible and can be stolen (Matt. 6:19-21).
(b) For some, it is the fleshly pleasures of sin. Examples include sexual immoralities, drunkenness, etc.
(c) Some allow their souls to be sold into slavery of false doctrine and unbelief. Paul warns that we should beware! (Col. 2: 8,18). See also 2 Cor. 11:13-15 (NIV). Only the truth shall set such a soul free (John 8:32).

CONCLUSION
How valuable is your soul? Are you prepared for eternity? Have you given your life to Christ? Tomorrow might be too late.
If you have been baptized, are you living right? Are you sure to make heaven? The bible says you can be sure because someone else was sure (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
If you succeed in things of this world and fail to save your soul, then you have been a miserable failure. But if you fail in material things of this world but save your soul, your life would have been a marvellous success.

GOD BLESS!