Friday, July 8, 2022.

Be A God-Chaser; The Example Of Anna.

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:36-38.

Exposition:

Creating and living in a spiritually conducive atmosphere are defining marks of a God-chaser. Spiritual activities such as fasting and praying are indispensable components of every God-chaser. These activities are our lifeline, and thus they form the necessities for our spiritual survival as far as our spiritual growth and development are concerned.

Anna, the prophetess, is one example every Christian must seriously consider. Having married for only seven years as a virgin and following the demise of her husband, she dedicated the rest of her time worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day in the temple. Indeed, she did not depart from the temple. That was where she lived, in the temple of God!

The Psalmist could not have put it any better when he said that better is a day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalm 84:10)

What occupies your time and energy? How interested are you in the things of God? Attending church meetings, all night services, joining the prayer force, engaging in evangelism activities, attending rehearsals, participating in Bible quizzes, supporting the work of God with our resources, and helping in cleaning the temple are among a plethora of activities that should not be a burden to the God-chaser.

Everything about God is their utmost concern and more than that their priority. Nothing takes the place of God in their lives. For such persons, they know no retirement age when it comes to spiritual matters. They are not complacent but fervent in the spirit, never lacking in zeal, serving the Lord. (c.f. Romans 12:11,12). As old as eighty-four years, Anna was still fasting and praying. What an example for us today!

Prayer Guide: May I never be lacking in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

Memory Verse For This Week:

Deuteronomy 4:29 (ESV) – “But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.”