Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.”- Psalm 90:2,4

Daily Devotion:

Play while you Play!

"If anyone does not know how to manage his own family,how can he take care of God's Church?" (1 Tim 3:5)

The wife does not want a preacher at home but a husband, and the children not a teacher but a father. Spend quality time with the family and be involved in domestic affairs like marketing, gardening, house-cleaning, etc. Let no preacher say, "I am sacrificing my family for the ministry." This is anti-Biblical.

Whether you are in Christian ministry or secular employment, you should maintain this order of priority: first God, second family and third ministry or job. Reversal of this order means serious consequences. Peter cared for his mother-in-law. Jesus handed over the responsibility to His disciple to take care of His mother after His death.

Play indoor or outdoor games with the family. Have regular vacationing. Don't always talk religion but enjoy the jokes of the children. Eat together and have relaxed chats while dining. Don't be a stranger to household chores.If possible take your wife with you for ministry and in any case don't be separated for long. Don't share the defects of your spouse with anyone of the opposite sex you meet in your ministry. "Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you" (Prov 2:11).

The body is the temple of God and it must be properly maintained (1 Cor 3:16). Eat balanced food and avoid overeating. Timely meal and good rest will give you extra years of service. Do lot of walking and bicycling. Don't get addicted to motorized vehicles. Upto His thirtieth year Jesus was a busy carpenter and during the next three and a half years He did so much of walking and mountain-climbing. He carried His own cross. He kept His body trim and fit. Who has ever been against his own body?

Praise God for comforts but don't be addicted to them. Simple living and high thinking — this should be our watchword. Flee sexual immorality. It is against your own body (1 Cor 6:18). You will lose your anointing and strength. Have a periodical medical check-up and attend to any health problem immediately (1 Tim 5:23). Claim divine health (3 Jn 2).

In the initial years of my Christian life I did not realise the need to eat well and rest well. I was on the run all the time. My dad would often remind me, "How to paint a picture if the wall is not alright?" I have realized the value of this counsel now, though late, and pass it on to young preachers.

Prayer:

For Health of Body and Soul

May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy Spirit give you strength. May God the holy guard your body, save your soul, and bring you safely to his heavenly country; where he lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.