Tuesday, 14th March, 2023
Bible Reading: Romans 13: 1-3
Memory Verse: Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Romans 13:1 (GNT)
At the point of death, a renowned civil servant, Tom Smith called his children and after praying for them, advised them to follow his footsteps so that they can have their peace of mind in life. The eldest child, Elizabeth, a graduate, looked at the other siblings and yelled, “Daddy, its unfortunate you are dying without a penny in your bank account. It is a pity you’re leaving us the same wretched life you lived.
Personally, I can’t emulate you, she continued. Other fathers in the neighbourhood that you tag as being corrupt, thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children; See the kind of comfortable life they live and the schools they attend. You’re dying after 35 years of public service with just one rickety car. The only honour you have in this room is the citation of an award you won as the best Public Service Accountant when we were not even born; even this house we live in is a rented apartment, sorry, I can’t emulate you.
You’re dying of a common disease, and we can’t even fly you outside the country like the others do. How can we cater for our mum and the little ones by living like you did in this part of the world. How? Daddy please let’s chart our own course, let’s paddle our own canoe”. Few days later, their father died.
Comment: It looks strange in the 21st century if you are called a public servant – especially an high ranking one – and there are no money to throw around, no fleet of cars, no expensive buildings to call your own, etc. Always remember: You may avoid being accountable to man, but surely, you will be accountable to God someday. Stop converting public funds to personal funds. The collective good of the people should be more important to you than personal prosperity. The road may not be popular but could be righteous.
Quote: In our collective prosperity lies a far-reaching personal prosperity.
Prophetic Decree: Receive a selfless heart devoid of personal aggrandizement, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father for your hand of prosperity in my life.
2. My Father, deliver me from the general mindset of public looting, in Jesus name.
3. Help me Lord to keep myself undefiled in public service, in Jesus name.
4. Power for righteousness; power to lead a righteous life, fall upon my life, in Jesus name.
5. My Father, help me to follow the path of righteousness in this wicked world, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 8-10