13/12/2025
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
[Nigeria and Overseas]
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2025)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
TOPIC:
ANY HIDDEN WICKEDNESS IN YOU? (II)
MEMORISE
For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light (Luke 8:17).
READ:
1 Kings 2:1-9
[1]. Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying:
[2]. “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.
[3]. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;
[4]. that the Lord may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
[5]. “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed. And he shed the blood of war in peacetime, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his waist, and on his sandals that were on his feet.
[6]. Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace.
[7]. “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.
[8]. “And see, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a malicious curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’
[9]. Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.”
EXPOSITION
Remember that as King David's life drew to a close, he instructed Solomon on various matters, including dealing with Joab and Shimei's past grievous acts. This directive reveals another essential truth about hidden wickedness: it doesn't remain concealed forever. Though Joab and Shimei's actions seemed overlooked for a time. David reminded Solomon to address these unresolved issues. Moses assured the people, _But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out_ (Num. 32:23).
There is the need to confront hidden sins and wickedness within ourselves. Often, we may try to hide our wrongdoings thinking they will never be discovered. However, God's Word assures us that hidden things will eventually be revealed (Lk. 8:17; 1 Cor. 4:5).
On the positive side, just as David advised Solomon to bring justice and peace to the kingdom, we must also confront and confess our hidden sins to God, for His forgiveness and healing. Are there hidden sins you haven't confessed? Bring everything into the light, seek God's mercy, and walk in His righteousness, before it is too late (Prov. 28:13).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to recognise and confess any hidden wickedness in my life.
2. Father, grant me the strength to walk in Your light.
3. Lord, help our leaders to be diligent in rooting out hidden wickedness and living transparently before You.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 244
S M
1. Not all the blood of beasts,
On Jewish altars slain,
Could give the guilty conscience peace,
Or wash away the stain.
2. But Christ the heavenly Lamb,
Takes all our sins away
A sacrifice of noble name
And richer blood than they.
3. My faith would lay her hand
On that dear head of Thine,
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin
4. My soul looks back to see
The burdens Thou didst bear,
When hanging on the cursed tree,
And knows her guilt was there.
5. Believing, we rejoice
To see the curse remove:
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice
And sing His bleeding love!
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Acts 24-26
AUTHOR
CAC, Christian Education Department.
Stay blessed and fruitful for the glory of God