The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 July 2024 — Service: Route Of Greatness
TOPIC — Service: Route Of Greatness
READ: Mark 10: 35-45 (NKJV)
- Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
- And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
- They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
- But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
- They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized;
- “but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but [it is for those] for whom it is prepared.”
- And when the ten heard [it,] they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.
- But Jesus called them to [Himself] and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
- “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
- “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
- “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
THE MESSAGE:
Today we commemorate Saint James the Apostle, the brother of John, both of them the sons of Zebedee. One day, they asked if they could sit either side of Jesus in His glory but Jesus informed them that it was not His to give. When the other disciples heard of it, they were not happy with the brothers, so Jesus intervened and told them that whoever desired to become great should serve others. Even Christ did not come to be served but to serve and die for others.
Promotion does not come from the east, west, north or south, but it comes from the Lord. Some people desire to be in top positions in academics, sports, business, civil service, entrepreneurship or music. And to do this, they begin to cut corners and to get involved in sinful practices. However, we must know that the route to greatness is through service. Do you serve in your home, school, Church or community? Be content, diligent and humble as you serve and God will lift you up at the right time (1 Peter 5: 6). The way to greatness is to serve others!
PRAYER: O Lord, grant me to serve faithfully and sacrificially for the Gospel in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY’S DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
DATE: WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024
TOPIC — SERVICE: ROUTE OF GREATNESS
- Father in the name of Jesus, thank You for the grace to see this day in good health and sound mind.
- Father, thank You for the special gift of life, many wished to see this day, but they couldn’t.
- Thank You Jesus for being there for us, Your children.
- Thank You Lord for Your plans for me this year. They are plans of good, not of evil, to give me a successful and good end.
- Father, please forgive me all my known and unknown sins, and give me power to overcome sin and its lustful desires, in Jesus’ name
- Help me, Holy Spirit, to serve God faithfully, in Jesus’ name.
- I receive grace to serve others like Christ, in Jesus’ name
- I refuse to cut corners just to achieve my goals in Jesus’ name.
- Father, reward my selfless service to Your Kingdom, in Jesus’ name.
- Help me Holy Spirit to be content, diligent and humble as I serve God and others, in Jesus’ name.
- LORD, help us to get it right in Nigeria, and let Your perfect will be enforced on us in Jesus’ name.
- Heavenly Father, let Your peace reign in this country,
- Whether the devil likes it or not, I will make heaven and receive my eternal rewards in Jesus’ Name.
- This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Personal and family prayer requests.
- Confession: God bless the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), God bless the Universal Church, and bless our country Nigeria -1 Chronicles 17:27.
- Thank You Lord for answered prayers, in Jesus’ Mighty Name we pray. Amen.
