Ministry or merchandise??

THE LIVING WATER
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Monday, September 17, 2018

TOPIC: MINISTRY OR MERCHANDISE?

Read: Acts 8:9-24
MEMORISE: Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:19).

EXPOSITION
When the use of something is not known, the abuse is unavoidable. With the way Christianity is going and growing in our world, it is time we reviewed it. The essence of this review is to evaluate the Christian ministries. While this write up is not out to indict or condemn some ministries, the truth of God’s Word which cannot be over-shadowed will beam its searchlight on our acclaimed Christian ministries which have gradually (suddenly) turned merchandising outfits!

Every trader aims at maximizing profits, even at the expense of his/her customers. He/she advertises, promotes, auctions and does all the needful towards getting appreciable market share, which eventually translate into more profits. Is Christian ministry also for profit making?

Simon the sorcerer, in out text today, ostensibly showed that he intended to use the gift of ‘Holy spirit’ he requested for. It was for merchandising of course! Not to minister life into the lives of others. Do we also advertise, promote and auction our programmes, miracles, signs and wonders to get large population, which also translate to more money? Are our sermons, programmes, crusades and revivals word-based or wealth-based?

Listen to the radio, watch telecasts, there are too much competitive advertisements and jungles of various Christian ministries! Pastors, priests and prophets shout at the top of their voices all over… why? Not that listeners/viewers should come to the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, but for them to troop out in mass to their churches/programmes.
Their docile followers and clients only get to know later that they are in, so that they can be milked out of their hard-earned incomes… What a pity!

Dear devout, do you have ministry? How is it? For money-making, or growth and development of the kingdom of God? Do you join the “milking ministers” who use different strategies to drain people’s pockets in the name of “raising fund” for the kingdom? Which kingdom? Of earth or Heaven? Do justice to this and it shall be well with you and your ministry.

PRAYER POINTS
1.  Take an inventory of your ministry journey so far as a church leader (Pastor, Prophet/Prophetess, Evangelist/Lady Evangelist, etc.) or worker. Ask God for forgiveness in those areas you have not been doing well.
2.  Holy Spirit, create in me the mind of Christ in all I do.
3.  Lord, deliver Your Church from the grip of the dangerous wolves in sheep clothing milking and making merchandise of Your brides.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Proverbs 9 - 11

Author: CAC WORLDWIDE
Remain Blessed!