I AM WITH YOU: Devotion for Friday January 1, 2016

I AM WITH YOU          Friday January 1, 2016

Text: Matthew 28:16 – 20        Memory verse: v 20

Welcome to the year 2016! We thank God for making us part of this year. We have in our text the parting words of Jesus Christ with His disciples on His ascension. He told them about the authorities bestowed on Him by virtue of His death and resurrection (28:18). Solemnly, He commissioned the Apostles and other disciples to go forth among all nations preaching the gospel. They were to preach a common salvation message; whoever wills, let him come, and take the benefit; as all people from every race are welcome to Christ Jesus (28:19, 20a). While concluding their commissioning, He assured them that He is with them till the end of age.

The assurance of Christ being with us is very necessary for us at the start of a new year. We are all faced with uncertainties of what the year holds for us. Some are very anxious because they have spent themselves up at the end of last year and are now faced with bills to pay. Some are curious about their chances of survival in this New Year. However, every Christian should approach each year with faith in God (Mk 11:22) and optimism. God has given us His words about the New Year here. All God requires of us is to trust Him and He will continue to lead (Prov. 6:22), guide (Ps 32: 8; Isa. 58:11; Jn. 16:13), guard (Isa. 58:8), protect, defend (Ps 5:11) and bless us this year. Happy New Year!

Action: Write down the things you can do this year for God to be with you always.

Prayer: Almighty God, may your hands uphold me every hour and all days of this year. Be with me and bless me according to your promises.

HE IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU: Devotion for Thursday December 31, 2015

HE IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU        Thursday December 31, 2015

Text: Jude 1:24, 25         Memory verse: v 24

God is able, and as willing as able, to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory. Not as those who never have been faulty, but as those who, but for God's mercy, and a Saviour's sufferings and merits, might most justly have been condemned long ago. Keeping us as used by Jude involves falling from truth and into error and sin. In all efforts for our own good, we should depend for success wholly upon the grace of God, who is able to save us from sin, to keep us from falling into it, and to present us faultless before the presence of God, with exceeding and eternal joy. To him belongs the glory of all the good which is done or enjoyed, and to him should be given all the praise for ever. Amen.

As we end this year, we should not be anxious about the next year because God who kept you throughout this year is able to keep you in the New Year. All we can do now is to keep trusting on God to sustain us. This is the assurance of Jude to us that God who called us is able to keep from falling off from faith and seeing us through to the end of our race.

Food for Thought: Romans 16:25

Prayer: Lord, as I depend on you, keep me from falling and take me into the New Year in Jesus name.

IF ANY IS THIRSTY: Devotion for Wednesday December 30, 2015

IF ANY IS THIRSTY    Wednesday December 30, 2015                   

Text: John 7:37 – 44       Memory verse: v 37

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews drew water from Pool of Siloam and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and forever happy, let him allow Christ to rule over him. Thirst here means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. Many believed Him to be Messiah due to His teaching while some others didn’t believe. This is usual even till date when the gospel is preached.

The Spirit dwelling and working in believers is like a fountain of living, running water, out of which plenty streams flow, cooling and cleansing as water. All of us may not have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit but for His more common and more valuable influences we can ask and God will gladly grant to us. Are you willing to ask God today?

Food for Thought: How thirsty are you for spiritual blessing?

Prayer: Lord, make me thirsty for spiritual blessings in Jesus name.

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday December 29, 2015

A PATRIOT INDEED      Tuesday December 29, 2015

Text: Esther 10:1 – 6         Memory verse: v 3

Mordecai was truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth, but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good. Mordecai was indeed a patriot who sought for the welfare of his people at all times and as he had the opportunity.

We are not required to do what is not in our power because God doesn’t require us to do so but there are those we should emulate as recorded in the Bible. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says “If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be active according to the ability and opportunities He gives us, in promoting His glory and the best interests of men. If our faith be genuine, it will work by love.” How much do you seek for the welfare of fellow Christian and your pastors? Mordecai has proved himself. What about you? You have opportunity to do something today.

Food for Thought: Any challenge for you in the life of Mordecai

Prayer: Lord, give us men and women like Mordecai in our political offices.

DO IT WELL: Devotion for Monday December 28, 2015

DO IT WELL     Monday December 28, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:10     Memory verse: v 10

Because the feelings of intensity will be stilled at death, do whatever is done with all the zeal and gusto you can muster. This is the advice of Solomon. Whatever you have the opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. Adam Clarke Commentary states what is necessary to be done in this life, in reference to one another “1. Turn from sin 2. Repent. 3. Frequent the ordinances of God, and associate with the upright. 4. Read the Scriptures. 5. Pray for pardon. 6. Believe on the Lord Jesus that you may obtain it. 7. Look for the gift of the Holy Spirit. 8. Bring forth in their seasons the fruits of it-(a) Repentance, (b) Faith; and (c) The Holy Spirit. 9. Live to get good. 10. And to do good. 11. And refer every purpose and act to the eternal world.”

How well are you doing these things? We should understand that the responsibility on us is to use every opportunity to do good, preach the word of God and affect others for good. As you go out today, ensure you do good to someone either by preaching or charity.

Food for Thought: How can you show love and concern for people?

Prayer: Help me O Lord to have genuine concern for your church and Christians at large in Jesus name.

BECAUSE OF ONE PERSON: Devotion for Sunday December 27, 2015

BECAUSE OF ONE PERSON    Sunday December 27, 2015

Text: Matthew 2:16 – 18           Memory verse: v 16b

When devil is out to destroy a soul, he can terminate many others to get that one person. Unfortunately, when God’s hand is at work, they may be a mayhem or genocide which will still not get to the person devil wants. This is the case in our bible reading for today. Herod was furious when he learned that the wise men had outwitted him. All Herod knew was that a future king, still a child, lived in Bethlehem. After consulting with the wise men (2:7), he deduced that the child would not be more than two years old. So he sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and below. This is just to get at one person.

Any effort of men to prevent the fulfilment of the word of God never materializes. Herod stained his hands with blood, but he did not harm Jesus. Herod was king by a human appointment; Jesus is a King by a divine appointment. No one can thwart God’s plans. This story should encourage us in our time of trials because our destiny is in God’s hand. No amount of threat and intimidation can stop God’s plan against your life (Lamentation 3:3). Your destiny cannot be thwarted. You will live fully.

Food for Thought: Jesus is a King by a divine appointment

Prayer: Lord, grant that no man can destroy my destiny in Jesus name.

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT: Devotion for Saturday December 26, 2015

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT     Saturday December 26, 2015

Text: Ephesians 4:29 – 32     Memory verse: v 30

Christians must be careful about what they say (Ephesians 4:29). As part of Christ’s body, filled with His righteousness and holiness, Christians must not use foul or abusive language. Such speech is worthless, spreads worthlessness, and leads hearers to think about worthless matters. Again, we should not grieve the Holy Spirit; by refusing or neglecting to follow His directions because we are marked as His property, and distinguished as the children of God, by the effects which the Holy Spirit produces in you.

That the Spirit can be caused sorrow points to the personality of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person who can be saddened by the way we live. The Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians gives us privilege and responsibility. The responsibility is not to disappoint Him by the way we live, and the privilege is our promised future, for through the presence of the Spirit, we have been given a guarantee that we will be saved on the day of redemption. How are you keeping to that responsibility or you are after the privilege alone?

Food for Thought: What are ways you can grieve the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: May, I not grieve the Holy Spirit all the days of my life. 

IMMANUEL: Devotion for Friday December 25, 2015

IMMANUEL      Friday December 25, 2015

Text: Isaiah 7:10 – 16   Memory verse: v 14

Isaiah reproved Ahaz and his court, for the little value they had for Divine revelation. Unbelieving is destructive. This made God to ask Ahaz to ask for a sign so He can prove that His words are real. Nothing is more annoying to God than distrust, but the unbelief of man shall not make the promise of God of no effect; the Lord himself shall give a sign. The sign is that a son will be born whose name will be Immanuel meaning God with us.

Today is Christmas day, a day we commemorate the birth of the Immanuel. From this it is obvious that God‘s word will always come to pass. Ahaz had refused a sign addressed to sight. God now promises the people a sign addressed to faith; a sign therefore for the believing portion of the people. Family Bible Notes states that “While God punishes the unbelief and rebellion of His people, He will, for His own glory, fulfil all His promises to Zion, the sum of which is Jesus Christ, born of a virgin for our redemption.” God is ever faithful. For His name sake, He will fulfill all His promises for you. We wish you and yours Happy Christmas in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Is God with you?

Prayer: God, may I benefit from the blessings of Immanuel in Jesus name.

AVOID FOOLISH QUESTIONS: Devotion for Thursday December 24, 2015

AVOID FOOLISH QUESTIONS    Thursday December 24, 2015

Text: Titus 3:9 – 11         Memory verse: v 9

Paul charges Titus that there are needful questions that should be discussed and cleared, such as make for improvement in useful knowledge and glory of God; but idle and foolish inquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edification of men, must be shunned. He urged Titus not to give countenance to those who promote Mosaic rites and ceremonies, but should avoid and oppose them; for they are unprofitable and vain. These He referred to as those foolish questions and genealogies, as well as those striving about the law. They are so far from instructing and building up in godliness

In the opinion of Paul, kind, watchful, and efficient discipline should always be maintained in our churches. Efforts, not by pains and penalties, but by sound argument and kind persuasion, should first be made to reclaim offenders. If all is unavailing, Christians should separate themselves from them. This should also be adopted in our personal relationship with people. We should avoid such people. Arguing with them will only lead us to worldliness.

Food for Thought: Is there any good in arguing what is true?

Prayer: God do not allow me into foolish questions and argument.

PRAY ALWAYS: Devotion for Wednesday December 23, 2015

PRAY ALWAYS         Wednesday December 23, 2015

Text: Luke 18:1 – 8     Memory verse: v 1

In this parable of the persistent widow, the judge had the responsibility of settling disputes and avenging wrongs, but he cared little for those who made appeals before him (Luke 18:2). Here, Jesus taught earnest steadiness in prayer for spiritual mercies. The widow's earnestness prevailed even with the unjust judge: she might fear lest it should set him more against her; but our earnest prayer is pleasing to our God.

The term ‘speedily’ (18:8) does not necessarily mean ‘immediately,’ but ‘in due time,’ according to God’s economy and timing. Notice the question in 18:8. The Son of Man will come looking for faith and wonders whether or not He will find any. He will judge the faithless (17:37) and reward the faithful. Beloved, prayers don’t die easily and there is no overdose in prayer. They outlive people who utter them. Speak your own to the world and the heavens. It will germinate, grow and bear fruit at the right time.

Food for Thought: Pray and pray until something happens (PUSH)

Prayer: Lord, teach me to pray always and how to do it well in Jesus name.

HOW TO GLORIFY GOD: Devotion for Tuesday December 22, 2015

HOW TO GLORIFY GOD      Tuesday December 22, 2015

Text: John 15:1 – 8       Memory verse: v 8

The grapevine is a prolific plant; it spreads and a single vine bears many grapes. In the Old Testament, grapes symbolized Israel’s fruitfulness in doing God’s work on earth (Isaiah 5:1 – 7). The prophets had written of Israel as God’s vine, carefully planted and cared for. The new Israel of God (Christians) originates from Christ and is united to Him as branches to a vine. God is the gardener, the cultivator of the vine and the branches. Believers, both sincere and false, are pictured here as the branches.

The fruitful branches are true believers who, by their living union with Christ, produce much fruit. This is what glorifies God (15:8) and that is how we can glorify God. However, this union can be broken. The Father cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit. A vine that produces much fruit glorifies God, for daily He sends sunshine and rain to make the crops grow, and He constantly nurtures each plant and prepares it to blossom. This farming analogy shows how God is glorified when we come into a right relationship with Him and begin to “bear much fruit” in our lives. Do you glorify God by bearing fruit for His kingdom?

Food for Thought: Are you a fruitful or unfruitful branch?

Prayer: Lord, make me a fruitful branch that will glorify you in Jesus name..

WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED: Devotion for Monday December 21, 2015

WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED       Monday December 21, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 1:6 – 9       Memory verse: v 7

Every true Christian always has something wherein he may greatly rejoice (1:6).  Great rejoicing contains more than an inward placid serenity of mind or sensation of comfort but especially in praise and gratitude. The source of joy of a good Christian arises from things spiritual and heavenly, from his relation to God and to heaven. Above all the best Christians, those who have reason greatly to rejoice, may yet be in great heaviness through manifold temptations. There are but for a little while; they are but for a season.

God does not afflict his people willingly, but acts with right judgment. When we are thus tested, we should rejoice because it will lead to our good and God’s glory. While God may have different purposes in the trials that face his people, one overriding result of all trials is clear: they test people’s faith, showing that it is strong and pure. What can you say about your faith? Is it pure or contaminated?

Food for Thought: God does not have a child without trial.

Prayer: God, may I not be found wanting when tested in Jesus name.

YOUR REFUGE: Devotion for Sunday December 20, 2015

YOUR REFUGE     Sunday December 20, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 33:26 – 29       Memory verse: v 27

There is none like God of Israel. Again, there is none so fortunate like the people of Israel who have God as their Saviour. Moses used the words in our bible reading not because he wanted to flatter them but that is real about God. Never were people so well seated and sheltered, so well supported and borne up, so well commanded and so well assured of victory over their enemies. Your refuge here means your habitation or mansion-house where you are safe, and easy, and at rest, as a man is in his own house. Every true Christians is at home in God.  

To have God as our refuge is the best security from fear, and the safest protection from danger. Moses used these words to strengthen the faith of the Israelites. Having the knowledge that God is our refuge should make us to stand firm in faith no matter the assaults and intimidations of the devil. No storm can destroy us when we take refuge in him. Those without God, however, must forever be cautious because they are on shaky ground while the Christians are on solid rock. Where are you?

Food for Thought: Is God, your wealth or human protection your refuge?

Prayer: Lord, I have made you my refuge. Keep me focused on you. 

SUFFICIENT GRACE: Devotion for Saturday December 19, 2015

SUFFICIENT GRACE     Saturday December 19, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:6 – 10     Memory verse: v 9

The apostle, Paul, gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. 

God often brings this good out of evil that the reproaches of our enemies might help to hide pride in us. If God loves us, He will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This is true of great men of God. They usually have one thorn or the other on them in order to humble them. Most of us who have these thorns on our flesh think that God was undoing us but it is a way to helping us to live well and within the ambit of His grace. Have you been complaining about that thorn on your flesh? Know that it will not stop God from using you. The grace of God is still there for you. Live your life, for God is not angry that there is thorn on your flesh.

Food for Thought: God appoints our weaknesses to humble us.

Prayer: God grant me the grace that is sufficient for my weaknesses.

I DO NOT CHANGE: Devotion for Friday December 18, 2015

I DO NOT CHANGE         Friday December 18, 2015

Text: Malachi 3:1 – 6     Memory verse: v 6

Here is a prophecy about the coming of Christ and His forbearer John the Baptist who shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The Messiah had been long called, ‘He that should come,’ and now shortly He will come. God was tired of the way the people had cynically twisted His truths and He resolved to punish those who insisted that because God was silent, He approved of their actions or at least would never punish them. He would also punish those who professed a counterfeit faith while acting sinfully (see 3:5). God affirmed that what He has resolved to do will happen because He is the God that cannot change (3:1).

Our God does not change. Whatever He utters happens as He said it. Do you take God’s word for granted or you twist His truth or think that Jesus is not coming back again? Know that God doesn’t change. Again, has God made any promise to you and it you feel time is running out on you? He doesn’t change and those promises will happen at His own time. Keep believing.

Food for Thought: God’s word is God and doesn’t change

Prayer: God let all you have said about me happen as you have said them.

They did not know when it came: Devotion for Thursday December 17, 2015

They did not know when it came: Devotion for Thursday December 17, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:37 – 39                         Memory verse: v 39

In these verses our Saviour, Jesus Christ, declares that Jerusalem's destruction, and the world's final dissolution at the Great Day, would be much like the destruction of the old world in the time of Noah; and that in two respects: 1. In regard of unexpectedness. 2. In regard of security and sensuality. In Noah’s time, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, wholly given up to sensuality and debauchery, and did not know of the flood was coming. They did not consider it, till the flood swept them away. Thus was it in the destruction of Jerusalem, and so it will be in the end of the world. No man can tell. Therefore, we must be very cautious, watchful and prayerful.    

It is good that we don’t know exactly when Christ will return. If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to be lazy in our work for Christ, hoping that there is still more time. Worse yet, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to God right at the end. As Christians, heaven is not just our only goal; we also have works to do here and we must keep on doing it until death or until we see the unmistakable return of our Saviour. Keep the light burning like the wise virgins.

Food for Thought: 2 Peter 2:4 – 6

Prayer: Lord, may your second coming not take me unawares.

Renew Your Spirit in Me: Devotion for Wednesday December 16, 2015

RENEW YOUR SPIRIT IN ME   Wednesday December 16, 2015

Text: Psalm 51:7 – 13      Memory verse: v 10

The content of David’s pray here is worthy of note. He prayed that God would cleanse him from his sins and its defilement (51:7). He also prayed that, as his sins are being pardoned, he might have the comfort of that pardon. He asks not to be comforted till first he is cleansed and that he will receive complete and effectual pardon (51:9). He asked for sanctifying grace, for continuance of God's good-will towards him and the progress of His good work in him, restoring divine comforts and the perpetual communications of divine grace towards him.

The two words used in 51:10 make a complete prayer. David asked
God to CREATE what is not there at all and to RENEW that which was there, but in a sadly feeble state. The spirit of God was in him but He was grieved (Ephesians 4:30). This is consequences of sin. Sin demoralizes. It renders us powerless and makes the joy of salvation to depart from us. Are you still under the burden of sin? This prayer of David can help to ease the burden if you can pray it with all your heart. Do it now and don’t procrastinate about it. I wish you a great day.

Food for Thought: God honours humility.

Prayer: Use the memory verse for prayers.

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU: Devotion for Tuesday December 15, 2015

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU   Tuesday December 15, 2015

Text: John 15:18 – 25     Memory verse: v 19

When we, Christians are hated by the world as our Master was, it should not cause us to fear, and rather it should strengthen and encourage us. Here Christ spoke concerning hatred, which is the character of the devil's kingdom, as love is of the kingdom of Christ. The world will hate us because we are not of the world (15:19) and our words, tempers, actions, are quite opposite to theirs. There is no resemblance. The world will love their own and hate what does not belong to them.

Does it baffle you when you see the world turning against you? It shouldn’t baffle you because you are light and they represent darkness that hates light. They hate Christians because their presence reproves their deeds. Do you weep over neglect and abuse you suffer in your neighbourhood, school, office, market, etc? Cheer up! They did it to Jesus; ours will not be an exception. However, know that God will always fight for His own people.

Food for Thought: Knowledge of our status as foreigners here on earth helps us to live well among those who hate us in this world  

Prayer: God, let not the hatred of the world against me weaken my spirit.

I BLEW IT AWAY: Devotion for Monday December 14, 2015

I BLEW IT AWAY       Monday December 14, 2015

Text: Haggai 1:7 – 11     Memory verse: v 9

Haggai reproved the people of Israel for not rebuilding the temple of God. God was not happy with His people and His judgment on them span from 1:6, 9 – 11. They worked into bags with holes as we saw in  the devotion of December 3, 2015 http://mydailycovenantwithgod.blogspot.com/2015/12/bag-with-hole-devotion-forthursday.html or God blows away what would have been the fruits of their efforts. Heavens withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. Life was miserable for them because they failed to give for the work of God not because they don’t have but because they see it as unnecessary. Thus they concentrated on their pleasures.

There are consequences of actions we failed to perform like not preaching; not paying your tithes, not giving your offerings, not being obedient to the commands of God. Here is an admonition for us. Do you overlook the work in your church? Do you despise offering and tithe? They may be the reason why you have nothing to show for all your labour. Consider your ways!

Food for Thought: Undermining God is a way of undoing ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, bring me to do your will and do not blow away my efforts.

       

HE WASHED THEIR FEET: Devotion for Sunday December 13, 2015

HE WASHED THEIR FEET   Sunday December 13, 2015

Text: John 13:1 – 10     Memory verse: v 5

Jesus Christ has people in the world that are His own; He has purchased them, and paid dearly for them, and He has set them apart for Himself; they devote themselves to Him as a peculiar people. Those whom Christ loves, He loves to the end and nothing can separate a true believer from the love of Christ. Jesus washed His disciples' feet to teach us to promote God's glory and the good of our brethren. We must attend to duty, and must lay aside everything that would hinder us in what we have to do. Washing His disciples' feet signify the value of spiritual washing, and the cleansing of the soul from the pollution of sin.

Before Jesus could go on to speak of the disciples’ glory, he first clearly illustrated the humble service that would lead to glory. This shows that, if we sincerely desire to be glorified, we should first humble ourselves. Washing of feet is the work of servants but Jesus did it. We should also humble ourselves to serve others. This will single us out as Disciples of Christ.

Food for Thought: Humility is not self despising spirit but a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us.

Prayer: Grant me a humble spirit, O Lord.

RISE AND PRAY: Devotion for Saturday December 12, 2015

RISE AND PRAY        Saturday December 12, 2015

Text: Luke 22:39 – 46    Memory verse: v 46

Jesus needed privacy where He entered into His mission on earth which was making of His soul an offering for sin, and thus, He went to Mount Olive.  There He afflicted His own soul with grief for the sin of mankind to satisfy the requirements of God. He exhorted His disciples to pray that, though the approaching trial could not be avoided, yet they might not in it enter into temptation to sin. He withdrew from them, and prayed himself. When He rose from prayer, He found them sleeping. Very unfortunate! They couldn’t even tarry with their Master.

They slept off because their flesh was weak. There are many times God urges us to pray but we usually ‘sleep off’ by going to our own businesses; by sleeping instead of praying, by not watching, by procrastinating and being nonchalant about the urge to pray. Jesus told His disciples to pray so they will not enter into temptation and not because He wants their prayer to save Him. Prayers are for our own good. We should always rise to pray whether we are in the home, work place, office, school, etc, so we won’t enter into temptation.

Food for Thought: Prayer is for your good. How often do you pray?

Prayer: God, may I always pray at your prompting in Jesus.