First Light: Meeting God at the Start of the Day

TUESDAY, 15 JULY 2025

TEXT: Psalm 16:1-11

[1] Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

[2] I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

[3] I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

[4] Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

[5] Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

[6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

[7] I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

[8] I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

[9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

[10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

[11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: THOSE WHO RUN AFTER OTHER GODS WILL SUFFER

King David reflects on his relationships with God as his refuge, as his Lord, his treasured possession and his only God. He contrasts his relationships with God with that of others who run after other gods and pour libations of blood to them.

Christians in Africa compromise their testimonies by running after other gods through wearing charms, amulets, joining secrets societies and cults. Christians should adopt the stance of the Psalmist by making a clear distinction between the unadulterated gospel and syncretism, that is, combining godless and demonic cultures with Christianity which we often see during funeral rites and marriage ceremonies.

In most African cultures, before or during the burial of relations, we engage in some questionable demonic rituals that are not in tandem with the gospel.

Prophet Elijah might want to ask typical syncretic African Christians: "How long will you waver between two options? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him" (1 kings 18:21).

QUESTION: For how long will you continue to waver between demonic activities and Christianity?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, purge me of all demonic and idolatrous traditions that paralyze my walk with You, in Jesus' name. Amen!