TOPIC: Response To Silencers
MEMORISE: And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. – Galatians 6:9
BIBLE READING: Mark 10:46-52
46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
MESSAGE:
The story of Blind Bartimaeus in today’s Bible reading is a powerful example of perseverance in the face of discouragement. As he cried out to Jesus for mercy, the crowd around him tried to silence him. They told him to stop shouting, but he refused to let their words hinder him. Instead, he cried out even louder until Jesus heard him and commanded the people to bring him.
My dear child, this is exactly how I want you to respond to anyone who wants to silence your faith in God. He or she may be your family member, classmate, or friend, trying to discourage you from calling on God through prayer or getting closer to Him spiritually. They may try to lure you into sin to quench your spiritual fire, but you must not allow them. You must be strong in these last days and take your relationship with God seriously if you want to keep enjoying His blessings.
Also, don’t let the voices of doubt, fear, or criticism silence your cry to God. Instead, call on Him boldly because He hears you, and He will answer you.
ACTION POINT:
For the next 10 minutes, ask God to step into your situation today.
HYMN 7: Sweet Hour Of Prayer
1 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father’s throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
the joys I feel, the bliss I share
of those whose anxious spirits burn
with strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
where God my Savior shows his face,
and gladly take my station there,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 21:1-22, Exodus 25-26
AUTHORS: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye