Today’s message
Read and reflect
MOMENT OF ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL
By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
Supporting Scriptures: Exodus 18:17–24; Numbers 11:14–17.
Some people are praying for helpers while offending everyone who offers them sensible advice. They want God to send an angel because they have already dismissed their neighbour!
We can become so determined about how our answer must arrive that we fail to recognise it when it comes wearing ordinary clothes.
Sometimes, the help you are praying for begins with an instruction you need the humility to receive.
“Technology to favour,” in this devotional, describes the practical application of wisdom: listening, understanding, learning, and acting responsibly. God’s favour remains a gift of grace, but we must learn to receive the counsel and opportunities He provides.
THE ANOINTED MAN WHO NEEDED ADVICE
Moses had encountered God, confronted Pharaoh, and led Israel through the sea. Yet Jethro looked at his daily workload and said:
«“The thing that thou doest is not good.” — Exodus 18:17»
Imagine saying that to some leaders today!
“Do you know who I am? Were you there when God called me? Have you ever divided a sea?”
But Moses listened. His extraordinary spiritual experiences had not made him too important to receive practical correction.
Jethro advised him to appoint capable, trustworthy men who feared God and hated dishonest gain. Moses accepted the counsel and shared the work.
Later, in a separate situation recorded in Numbers 11, Moses confessed that the burden of the people was too heavy for him. God instructed him to gather seventy elders who would share that burden.
Scripture does not say that this later instruction depended on Jethro’s earlier advice. Nevertheless, both accounts reveal a vital truth: even a God-called leader needs help, and receiving help requires humility.
Exhaustion is not always evidence of greater dedication. Sometimes it is the result of refusing to delegate.
YOUR ANSWER MAY CHALLENGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Naaman wanted healing, but he almost rejected the instruction that led to it. He expected an impressive ceremony; Elisha directed him to wash in the Jordan.
His servants reasoned with him. Thankfully, he listened, obeyed, and was healed (2 Kings 5:10–14).
Naaman nearly returned home with his military honours polished and his leprosy untouched!
We can behave similarly. We welcome instructions that sound dramatic while resisting those that require ordinary obedience.
We may prefer another prayer session to an honest apology, another prophecy to proper planning, or another declaration to learning the skill our work requires.
Prayer is essential. So are the duties prayer must not become an excuse to avoid.
UNDERSTANDING MAKES YOU USEFUL
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and proposed a practical plan for the coming famine. Pharaoh recognised his discernment and appointed him (Genesis 41:33–40).
Joseph could explain the danger and help address it.
In your family, ministry, or workplace, develop the understanding that enables you to serve well. Learn to manage resources, communicate honestly, organise responsibilities, and solve problems.
A church treasurer cannot balance the accounts by increasing the volume of “Amen!”
Integrity and competence matter.
GIFTED PEOPLE STILL NEED TEACHING
Apollos was eloquent and knowledgeable in Scripture, yet Priscilla and Aquila explained God’s way more accurately to him. His ministry subsequently helped the believers greatly (Acts 18:24–28).
His gift did not make further learning unnecessary.
Esther also received informed counsel and obtained favour (Esther 2:15–17). Peter obeyed Christ’s instruction after an unsuccessful night and caught an abundance of fish (Luke 5:4–7).
These examples invite us to remain teachable. Your experience may be extensive, but your understanding can still grow.
THE MORAL CHALLENGE
Do not punish people for respectfully telling you the truth. Do not mistake correction for hatred or flatterers for friends.
Listen to your spouse. Hear your colleagues. Consider the concerns of those you lead. Admit mistakes and make necessary changes.
At the same time, test every instruction by Scripture. A teachable heart must also be discerning; manipulation should never be accepted as divine guidance.
You may be asking God for a new opportunity while He is teaching you a better way to handle the responsibility already in your hands.
By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
Supporting Scriptures: Exodus 18:17–24; Numbers 11:14–17.
Some people are praying for helpers while offending everyone who offers them sensible advice. They want God to send an angel because they have already dismissed their neighbour!
We can become so determined about how our answer must arrive that we fail to recognise it when it comes wearing ordinary clothes.
Sometimes, the help you are praying for begins with an instruction you need the humility to receive.
“Technology to favour,” in this devotional, describes the practical application of wisdom: listening, understanding, learning, and acting responsibly. God’s favour remains a gift of grace, but we must learn to receive the counsel and opportunities He provides.
THE ANOINTED MAN WHO NEEDED ADVICE
Moses had encountered God, confronted Pharaoh, and led Israel through the sea. Yet Jethro looked at his daily workload and said:
«“The thing that thou doest is not good.” — Exodus 18:17»
Imagine saying that to some leaders today!
“Do you know who I am? Were you there when God called me? Have you ever divided a sea?”
But Moses listened. His extraordinary spiritual experiences had not made him too important to receive practical correction.
Jethro advised him to appoint capable, trustworthy men who feared God and hated dishonest gain. Moses accepted the counsel and shared the work.
Later, in a separate situation recorded in Numbers 11, Moses confessed that the burden of the people was too heavy for him. God instructed him to gather seventy elders who would share that burden.
Scripture does not say that this later instruction depended on Jethro’s earlier advice. Nevertheless, both accounts reveal a vital truth: even a God-called leader needs help, and receiving help requires humility.
Exhaustion is not always evidence of greater dedication. Sometimes it is the result of refusing to delegate.
YOUR ANSWER MAY CHALLENGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Naaman wanted healing, but he almost rejected the instruction that led to it. He expected an impressive ceremony; Elisha directed him to wash in the Jordan.
His servants reasoned with him. Thankfully, he listened, obeyed, and was healed (2 Kings 5:10–14).
Naaman nearly returned home with his military honours polished and his leprosy untouched!
We can behave similarly. We welcome instructions that sound dramatic while resisting those that require ordinary obedience.
We may prefer another prayer session to an honest apology, another prophecy to proper planning, or another declaration to learning the skill our work requires.
Prayer is essential. So are the duties prayer must not become an excuse to avoid.
UNDERSTANDING MAKES YOU USEFUL
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and proposed a practical plan for the coming famine. Pharaoh recognised his discernment and appointed him (Genesis 41:33–40).
Joseph could explain the danger and help address it.
In your family, ministry, or workplace, develop the understanding that enables you to serve well. Learn to manage resources, communicate honestly, organise responsibilities, and solve problems.
A church treasurer cannot balance the accounts by increasing the volume of “Amen!”
Integrity and competence matter.
GIFTED PEOPLE STILL NEED TEACHING
Apollos was eloquent and knowledgeable in Scripture, yet Priscilla and Aquila explained God’s way more accurately to him. His ministry subsequently helped the believers greatly (Acts 18:24–28).
His gift did not make further learning unnecessary.
Esther also received informed counsel and obtained favour (Esther 2:15–17). Peter obeyed Christ’s instruction after an unsuccessful night and caught an abundance of fish (Luke 5:4–7).
These examples invite us to remain teachable. Your experience may be extensive, but your understanding can still grow.
THE MORAL CHALLENGE
Do not punish people for respectfully telling you the truth. Do not mistake correction for hatred or flatterers for friends.
Listen to your spouse. Hear your colleagues. Consider the concerns of those you lead. Admit mistakes and make necessary changes.
At the same time, test every instruction by Scripture. A teachable heart must also be discerning; manipulation should never be accepted as divine guidance.
You may be asking God for a new opportunity while He is teaching you a better way to handle the responsibility already in your hands.
Reflection
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Am I waiting for help while refusing the correction that could prepare me to receive it?
Am I waiting for help while refusing the correction that could prepare me to receive it?
Prayer
PRAYER
Father, deliver me from pride disguised as spiritual confidence. Give me understanding, integrity, and a teachable heart. Help me recognise sound counsel, accept necessary correction, and act faithfully on Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your brother,
Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
CAC Ibudo Ònà Abayọ
www.onaabayo.org.ng
08058140045
Father, deliver me from pride disguised as spiritual confidence. Give me understanding, integrity, and a teachable heart. Help me recognise sound counsel, accept necessary correction, and act faithfully on Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your brother,
Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
CAC Ibudo Ònà Abayọ
www.onaabayo.org.ng
08058140045