WHERE IS YOUR LOYALTY?

WHERE IS YOUR LOYALTY?          Friday May 1, 2015

Text: Matthew 6:19 – 24             Memory verse: v 24               

Today is May/Workers’ Day in Nigeria. We rejoice with the entire workers on this their special day. As we rejoice and celebrate, it is proper to re-assess our commitment to our call and duties as civil/public servant or whatever we do which is our call. Speaking on not having a divided loyalty, Jesus said that no one can serve two masters equally and effectively. We face the inescapable choice about whom we will serve either ourselves by pursuing money and selfish pleasures or God. We can only be loyal to one master at a time.

We live in a materialistic society where we serve money whether politicians, military, judiciary, civil and public servants, business men and women, pastors, etc. They spend all their lives collecting and storing it, and will die and leave it behind. Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God. People’s concern these days is money. Hardly could people render the service they were employed to do without asking for kick back, lobbying for 10% of contracts, etc. We have so many ghost workers. Their names found their way into the government payroll through the efforts of some of these greedy men and women.

Where is your loyalty: the service you were employed to render or your own private business which has taken precedence over the government work? As a doctor a nurse, a teacher, civil or public servants, business man or woman, etc, where lies your loyalty?

Food for Thought: Total loyalty in our call is seen in our commitment to serving God and humanity without reservations. 

Prayer: God, make me to be loyal in the service where you have called me.

TO DECEIVE PEOPLE

             

TO DECEIVE PEOPLE           Thursday April 30, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:11 – 14       Memory verse: v 11

False prophets have existed before Jesus Christ came to this earth (Isaiah 30:10; Jeremiah 5:31; 14:14; Ezekiel 13:17). False prophets portend danger for the body of Christ. This is one of the reasons why Christ warned us about them. When the disciples asked Jesus when the destruction would come (Matthew 24:3), he warned them to be on their guard against religious deception and against false prophets with false interpretations of natural or human catastrophes as signaling the end of the age.

Today they are many, found everywhere in churches, prayer houses, miracle centers and streets. In the Bible, false prophets fell into three general categories: (1) those that worshipped false gods and served Idols; (2) those who falsely claimed to receive messages from the Lord; and (3) those that wondered from the truth and ceased to be true prophets.

A reoccurring characteristic of the false prophets is that they often are in the employment of the powerful men/women and that they are careful to speak pleasing, positive and flattering words. Remember what Jesus said in (Matthew 24:11, 24). Watch out and be not deceived by false prophets, they are around and living among us. Beware!  

Food for Thought: Matthew 7:15

Prayer: My God and my Father, grant me the discretionary spirit so that I will not be deceived by false prophets in Jesus name.

THEY DID NOT RECOGNISE HIM

THEY DID NOT RECOGNISE HIM              Wednesday April 29, 2015

Text: Genesis 42:1 – 8                          Memory verse: v 8

When your status changes; people who knew you will not recognize you again. This is my prayer for you this season. God will so transform you that your life will be so amazing to the extent that those who thought you will not become anything in life will no longer recognize you when they see you. In 2004 after my first battle for life, my neighbour then, a journalist did my story and took my pictures for publication; one was taken during the battle while the other after the battle. His editor till date didn't believe the picture we took after the illness was taken after the battle. He said we (my wife and I) took it before the illness. He said, “I can’t imagine this kind of transformation overnight.” That is God.

Inability of Joseph’s brothers to recognize him was not odd or strange. They were full-grown men, and he was but a lad when they parted. When they met, he was speaking Egyptian language (42:23). They never dreamed of him as governor of Egypt. They thought that Joseph would have died or be suffering somewhere as a slave. God will disappoint all the dreams of your enemies concerning you in Jesus name. Joseph reaction to his brothers (Genesis 42:9ff) was not prompted by any vindictive feelings but to bring them to repentance. God, in His providence, sometimes seems harsh with those He loves, and speaks roughly to those for whom yet He has great mercy in store. Are you one?

Food for Thought: They never dreamt of him as governor of Egypt. What a twist of fate in favour of the oppressed!

Prayer: Lord, many are dreaming failure for me. Disappoint them by changing my status beyond their expectations in Jesus name.

GROW IN GRACE

GROW IN GRACE                   Tuesday April 28, 2015

Text: 2 Peter 3:14 – 18           Memory verse: v 18

Family Bible Notes sagely says that “The grand safeguard against the seductions of error, and the most powerful means of increase in holiness, is increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ; that experimental knowledge which is obtained under the teaching of the Holy Ghost by daily searching the Scriptures.” It is on this premise and understanding of this wise counsel that Peter gave the admonition in our text.

Here Peter advised us to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Religion in general is often represented as grace, since every part of it is the result of grace, or of unmerited favour; and to grow in grace is to increase in that which constitutes true religion. Christians grow in grace as they understand that they are living by God’s grace alone—so everything they do is a result of that grace. That is why Christian religion is all about grace.

They also grow in knowledge as they search and study the Scriptures, pray, listen to sound teachers, and apply that knowledge to their daily lives. Application of the words of God we hear or read is the key to Christian growth. If Christians do these things, they will not need to fear being influenced by false teachers.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 2:2

Prayer: God, grant me all I need to grow in grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

WHEN WE TRUST IN THE LORD

WHEN WE TRUST IN THE LORD                      Monday April 27, 2015              

Text: Psalm 36:5 – 12                                              Memory verse: v 8

God’s call is for a purpose. There are some things we stand to benefit by being Christians. Here is a testimony of David who had enjoyed so much grace, mercies, protection and providence assuring us of enjoying same in v 8. In Psalm 23:1, David said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” What David meant here is that he has placed all his hopes, dreams, aspiration and life in Christ Jesus and therefore can never be in want; just as a sheep’s concern is that of the shepherd. In the house of God, only children have right to all that is therein. A slave doesn't have access to all in a house. A slave is one who has not given his life to Christ but still lives under the influence of sin. Fat (as used in KJV) is esteemed the fairest and the most excellent food. As God expects the best from us, so he gives the best to us. Compare Psalm 63:5.

Abundant satisfaction is assured in the house of God through Christ Jesus. He offers us greater things than we expect. In Ephesians 3:20, Paul said that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Have you tasted of the fatness of His house? If not, here is opportunity for you to do so and see if what David and Paul stated are true. See Psalm 37:3 and 125:1).

Food for Thought: Psalm 37:3.

Prayer: My father in heaven, as I put my trust in you, grant me abundant satisfaction of all the goodness you have for your children in Jesus name.

BE STEADFAST IN PRAYER

BE STEADFAST IN PRAYER Sunday April 26, 2015

Text: Colossians 4:2 – 5 Memory verse: v 2

We can gain so many things by being vigilant and earnest in prayer. Our world is so morally corrupt that one begins to doubt the effect of Christianity on our age. Despite the number of preachers, the means of preaching in our time and number of Churches, we still have various evils and vices being the order of the day. However, true Christians should not relent. That is why prayer and vigilance are important. Prayer is believers’ lifeline to God. No duty can be performed creditably, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein. Life Application Commentary says, “Their devotion to prayer did not mean that they should spend all their time on their knees, but that they should have a prayerful attitude at all times. This attitude would be built upon acknowledging their dependence on God, realizing his presence within them, and determining to obey him fully.” What is your attitude to prayer? When we have wrong attitude to prayer, it is evident that we have started losing faith in Christ Jesus.

Have you ever grown tired of praying for something or someone? Our persistence in prayer is an expression of our faith in God answering our prayers. Our faith shouldn’t die if the answers come slowly, for the delay may be God’s way of working His will in our life.

Food for Thought: A prayerful attitude is not a substitute for regular times of prayer but should be an outgrowth of those times.

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to maintain right attitude to prayer and never to give up even when I have not received an answer in Jesus name.

I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE

 

I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE      Saturday April 25, 2015

Text: John 10:22 – 30                    Memory verse: v 28

At Solomon’s porch (10:23) in the Temple, some of the Jews came to Jesus demanding that he should plainly tell them if He is Christ having kept them in doubt for some time now (10: 24). Responding, Jesus to made it clear that He has told them but they did not believe, even when the works He did in the name of His father bore witness for Him (10:25). He went further to say that it is so because they are not His sheep (10:26). A real sheep of Christ hears His voice and follows Him (10:27) and He gives them eternal life (John 5:24). In John 10:25 – 28, Jesus recapped the blessings of those who truly listen to and believe the gospel. Can you mention them?

All these are the privileges of believers in Christ Jesus. If you are not yet his sheep, you are not a beneficiary of these rights and privileges. You should better repent now to be part of it. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects his people from eternal harm. While believers can expect to suffer on earth, Satan cannot harm their souls or take away their eternal life with God. May, this be your portion in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: John 6:37

Prayer: God, grant unto me that eternal life and security, and help me to faithfully follow you as I hear your voice in Jesus name.

 

WEIGHED DOWN WITH SHAME

WEIGHED DOWN WITH SHAME                  Friday April 24, 2015

Text: Daniel 9:7 – 10                                           Memory verse: v 8

Sin has so many consequences. One of them is in our text. When Adam and Eve ate the fruit they were forbidden to eat, they became ashamed and went into hiding (Genesis 3:7, 8). We become ashamed when we fall off from God’s glory. This is so because what we can easily overcome will overcome us. Then we will begin to struggle in life. It is my earnest prayer that we will not lose our favour with God in Jesus name. 

In this prayer (Daniel 9:3ff), Daniel clearly recognizes that Israel’s punishment is not without cause. He acknowledged that for their sins, they now have shame of face. It clearly shows that whenever God punishes, he does it for just cause: and thus the godly never accuse him of rigour as the wicked do, but acknowledge that in themselves there is just cause, why he should so treat them.

Anyone living in sin carries about weight of sin (remember Pilgrim Progress for those who have watched or read it). Unfortunately, most people don’t know the implications of sin until they repent and turn to Christ. Christ is the only solution to weight of sin which result to shamed face. Have you been wondering about your past and your sins are now hunting you that you cannot raise your face in the public because of shame? Come to Jesus for he will take off you that weight and its consequences and the shame will go. Take a step today.

Food for Thought: When we pray to God for national mercies we ought to humble ourselves before him and acknowledge our national sins.

Prayer: Lord, we have sinned. Have mercy on us and heal our land. 

DO YOU WANT YOUR DESIRES MET?

WANT YOUR DESIRES MET?                     Thursday April 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 37:1 – 6                                        Memory verse: v 4

Having a delight in the will, character, and ways of God is a means of increasing excellence, usefulness, and enjoyment. David calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to him. But how do we do this? This counsel of David is a prerequisite to having our desires met. When we delight in God it will give more opportunity to know Him better; when we know him better, it will be safer and easier for us to commit our ways and trust to Him. When you delight in someone, it is easy to go to that person. We take his or her instructions and command with open heart without complaining. Because you delight in that person, you will not want his or her absence. Matthew 6:33 explains our topic.

If we really desire to have our needs met, we must delight in the Lord through our faith, commitment, obedience and faithfulness. Are these things seen in our lives? Our love for God must be kept ever first in our thoughts. How much do you delight yourself in the Lord who made you what you are today? Christian faith and obedience lead to prosperity. Therefore, we should have strong faith in the Lord and be obedient so that God can give us the desires of our hearts.    

Food for Thought: The godly man never indulges in a desire which he cannot form into a prayer to God.

Prayer: God, draw me closer to yourself and grant my desires in Jesus name. 

THE CONCERN OF THE RIGHTEOUS

THE CONCERN OF THE RIGHTEOUS           Wednesday April 22, 2015

Text: Proverbs 30:7 – 9                                        Memory verse v 8

Here is the concern of Agur (30:1), who wants to live righteously. His prayers and purposes in life are here expressed (30:7, 8). His desire was to live outside falsehood and lies because God hates falsehood (Psalm 119:118; Jeremiah13:25). He also desired neither riches nor poverty. He wanted an average and moderate life.

Having too much money can be dangerous, but so can having too little. Being poor, in fact, can be hazardous to spiritual as well as physical health. On the other hand, being rich is not the answer. Jesus warned that rich people have trouble getting into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 19:23, 24). Therefore like Paul, we can learn how to live whether we have little or plenty (Philippians 4:12), but neither poverty nor riches is the best.

What is your concern as a Christian in respect of living a life that pleases God? The most desirable outward condition is that of a moderate competency; free from the temptations of wealth and of poverty. Daily bread keeps us properly trusting in the continuity of God’s benevolence (Exodus 16:4; Matthew 6:11). This prayer of Agur and our Lord’s Prayer has some similarities. If we are removed from vanity and lies; if we are interested in the pardoning love of Christ, and have him for our portion; if we walk with God, then we shall have all we can ask or think, as to spiritual things.

Food for Thoughts: Agur prayed for a middle state, that he might be kept at a distance from temptations. What kind of prayer do you say?

Prayer: Lord, keep me at a distance from temptations of riches and poverty in Jesus name, Amen.

WEIGHED AND FAILED

WEIGHED AND FAILED                                  Tuesday April 21, 2015

Text: Daniel 5:23b - 29                                        Memory verse: v 27

Yesterday, we read how Belshazzar took sacred vessels to drink with his lords, wives and concubines which prompted a hand from heaven to write on the wall. There, God told him that he defiled Him. Today we read about one of the words written on wall – TEKEL. This literally means that “You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.” The writing on the wall was a message for all those who defy God. 

Although Belshazzar had power and wealth, his kingdom was totally corrupt as we have in most countries of the world today, and he could not withstand the judgment of God. Life Application Notes says, “God’s time of judgment comes for all people. If you have forgotten God and slipped into a sinful way of life, turn away from your sin now before he removes any opportunities to repent. Ask God to forgive you, and begin to live by his standards of justice.”

Beloved, if God suddenly brings a screen in view of everyone in your church to show what your life was in the past one year only, will you stand in their midst without looking for where to hide? If God gives the report card of your Christianity, what will be your grade? We should not forget that God will soon take from us our earthly stewardship; then we shall be weighed in the balances of His word, and if found wanting, our doom will be like that of Belshazzar – exceedingly terrible but God forbid! See 1 Corinthians 10:12.

Food for Thought: Psalm 62:9

Prayer: When you will weigh our works here O Lord, may I not be found wanting. Grant me the grace I need to walk in your will always. 

DEFILING GOD

Defiling God         Monday April 20, 2015

Text: Daniel 5:23a       Memory verse: v 23a

One way we attract God’s anger easily is by making mockery of Him. People who made mockery of God in the likes of Lot’s wife, Ananias and Sapphira, Herod, Nebuchadnezzar, Paul, Goliath, etc, were not left unpunished. Recently, a preacher inside a bus was beaten to coma by commuters when condom fell off from his bible while he was preaching inside the bus. You cannot cheat God. Whatever we sow, we shall also reap as we learnt yesterday.

This was the case of Belshazzar son of Nebuchadnezzar, who could not learn from the mistakes of his father. He was so full of himself that he thought it a wise thing to use the sacred vessels of the house of God to drink with his lords, wives and concubines. An ABOMINATION indeed! He has defiled the Lord of heaven by putting to a profane use the sacred vessels of His temple.

There are many ways we defile God. Some commit all manner of evil and come to church to officiate. Some steal from God’s temple; some tell lies in the name of God, some make false claims about supplies to church, etc, Can you mention some other ways people defile God? We should be mindful of what we do with God and His temple to avert His anger.  

Food for Thought: Making mockery of God is inviting His wrath.

Prayer: God, help me never to contend with you by making mockery of you for no one contends with his maker in Jesus name.

HOW TO REAP IN JOY

HOW TO REAP IN JOY                                   Sunday April 19, 2015

Psalm 126:5 – 6                                                  Memory verse: v 5

For anyone to reap with joy, that person must sow in tears. What then does it mean to sow in tears?  See 2 Samuel 24:24. Any offering that doesn’t cost us anything will not be valued by God. One wise saying of my people has it that, “Whatever you will not miss when you give it out will not be valued by whosoever you give it to.” Our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy because God is able to bring good out of tragedy. When burdened by sorrow, know that your times of grief will end and that you will again find joy. We must be patient as we wait. God’s great harvest of joy is coming! According to Family Bible Notes, “The most successful undertakings have often been commenced in the midst of great difficulties and with much weeping. The spiritual seed that is abundantly watered with godly tears will bring forth a rich harvest of golden sheaves.” 

What is that you want to reap? Is it spouse, admission, employment, breakthrough in business, peace, stable marriage, etc? All these have prices tagged on them. It may be fasting, mid night prayers, works of charity, supporting work of evangelism, sponsoring a revival service or crusade in your village church, giving out your landed property/car to the church, supporting publication of this devotional so it can reach others. As you sow in tears by denying yourself some pleasures, you will certainly reap in joy.

Food for Thought: How best can you sow in tears so as to reap in joy?

Prayer: Lord, as I continually go forth sowing in tears, grant that I will finally reap in joy now and unto eternal life in Jesus name.

WISDOM IS INVALUABLE

WISDOM IS INVALUABLE            Saturday April 18, 2015

Text: Proverbs 3:13 – 18              Memory verse: v 13

I once read somewhere that, men who have ideas rule the world. These ‘ideas’ is wisdom. When Mark Zuckerberg conceived the idea of Facebook and invited some of his friends, only two people agreed to join him. Today, Facebook is a household name launched on February 4, 2004. Mark will be 31 by May this year.

When Tim Berner Lee invented the idea of internet, he never knew the enormous relieve and effect it will have in the world. Today most places use internet. Time will fail us to talk about Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia, Evans Williams of Blogger, Nikolas Zennstrom and co of Skype, Shiva Ayyadural of email, David Filo and Jerry Yang of Yahoo, Jack Dorsey and Dick Costello of Twitter, etc. All these people rule the world because of the idea (wisdom) they have. Their wisdom is invaluable in our world today.

Here, Solomon says that anybody who finds wisdom is happy because it gives such person an edge over others. That is what distinguished these people mentioned above and others. No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity should be considered. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer.

Do you seek for wisdom above all other earthly treasures? One great source of acquiring wisdom is through reading the word of God. Unfortunately some can’t even buy good bible for themselves. How often do you read the scriptures? Meditating regularly on it brings wisdom.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 8:32 – 35.

Prayer: God, grant me wisdom that will help me to live well here on earth and make heaven at last in Jesus name.

   

AM I A WEAKLING?

AM I A WEAKLING?          Friday April 17, 2015

Text: Numbers 11:23         Memory verse: v 23       

God hates people who doubt Him which made Him to punished Zachariah, Officer of the king (2 Kings 7:2), the 10 spies, etc. It takes a man of faith to follow God because His instructions seem to be foolishness unto us. The Bible warns us that anyone coming to God must believe that He exists (Hebrews 11:6). Do you believe God in all His word?

Moses actually doubted God’s ability to supply meat for such a multitude of people for a whole month. Family Bible Notes says, “It needs stronger faith than good men often have, or without the influences of the Holy Spirit would ever have, to believe that God will do all that He has promised.” God’s response reminded Moses of his unlimited power. God asked Moses if He is a weakling that cannot do as He has said. The problem of receiving miracles and our needs are not with God but with us (Isaiah 59:1, 2). 

Most of us doubt God’s word for us. When we read or hear God’s word and the Spirit of God lays it in our heart that God is speaking to us, some hardly believe it, and that is how most people lose their blessings. We should note that God is not a weakling. If he says He will give you a spouse, car, admission, house, a child, etc, kindly believe Him for with him nothing is impossible (See Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; 18:27).

Food for Thought: Numbers 23:19

Prayer: Lord, remove every doubt concerning your promises in my heart so that I will not lose my blessings in Jesus name.

 

BE ZEALOUS UNTO REPENTANCE

BE ZEALOUS UNTO REPENTANCE              Thursday April 16, 2015

Text: Revelation 3:14 – 22                                   Memory verse: 19   

God hates lukewarmness (3:15), no wonder He could not bear with the Laodicea Church. His problem with them was that they were neither cold nor hot (3:16). This made Him to rebuke them and call them unto repentance because in that state we can’t call them believers or unbelievers. What led this church into lukewarmness was their wealth. They felt they don’t need anything as far as their money can afford them anything they wanted. This is one of the dangers of wealth.

Here is a warning to be zealous unto repentance. “Be earnest, strenuous, ardent in your purpose to exercise true repentance, and to turn from the error of your ways. Lose no time; spare no labour that you may obtain such a state of mind that it shall not be necessary to bring upon you the severe discipline which always come on those who continue lukewarm in religion” according to Albert Barnes. This is a challenge for us

We, the present day Christians, should ask for grace to take correction from those who love us. If a friend tells us of our fault, let us not get angry, even if he does it awkwardly so as to give us pain. It is never easy to be a worthy and faithful Christian, but we should bear in mind that the spiritual nobleness and beauty after which we are striving can become ours only through this very struggle as Christ charges us to be zealous and repent.

Food for Thought: Job 5:17

Prayer: Lord, remove every form of lukewarmness in my life and cause me to be zealous for your work always in Jesus name.

PROPER ADMONITION

PROPER ADMONITION                                  Wednesday April 15, 2015

Text: Psalm 97:8 – 12                                           Memory verse: v 10

Jesus Christ said, "If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for God should be seen in most things we love or hate. Here is a proper and right admonition from a man after God’s heart. David was a man who loved God. He admonished us to show our love for God by hating what is evil. We cannot profess true love for God without hating that which He hates. This led to what Jesus said in John 14:15.

We are not only to avoid evil, and to refuse to countenance it, but we must be in arms against it, and bear towards it a hearty indignation. What God hates is evil. He requires two things from us: that we should detest vices and put our trust in Him for our deliverance. David exhorts us to hate it too. When we hate sin, it may also expose us to attack of the ungodly, but he assured that His promise is to deliver the godly.

Our Lord reigns and those who serve the Lord may often face difficulty, and seem to be in the hand of the wicked, but Christians can rejoice knowing that God is ultimately in control. Although the world may sometimes seem a very dark place, light is shed upon the righteous always.

Food for Thought: If we truly love God, we must not only hate and avoid sin but we must be armed against it. 

Prayer: Lord, may I hate sin the way you hate it as evidence of my love for you

    

GOD SHUT THE DOOR

HE SHUT THE DOOR                Tuesday April 14, 2015

Text: Genesis 7:13 – 16             Memory verse: v 16

God has special way of taking care of those who trust and obey him. We have so many examples of men and women, God took special care of because they obeyed His words. One of them was Noah. God "shutting him in," intimates that Noah had become the special object of divine care and protection, and that to those outside the Ark, the season of grace was over. God has done this to make sure the Ark was properly sealed as to establish His covenant with Noah. God shut the door because he decided to take special protection of Noah for his obedience and faith, and thus He shut him in, to shut others out. God had waited one hundred and twenty years upon that generation; they did not repent; they filled up the measure of their iniquities, and then wrath came upon them to the uttermost. 

God’s works of grace are both sovereign and particular. In shutting the door, God also distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. See also Matthew 25:10 – 13. Are you ready to enter into God’s Ark of Salvation today? Remember that those who believe God's declarations and obey His commands will receive His effectual protection and care. Don’t allow God to shut the door against you.

Food for Thought: “Wicked men obey from fear, good men, from love” –Aristotle. Where do you belong?

Prayer: Lord, grant me obedient heart to your declarations and commandments so that I will not be shut out with the ungodly in Jesus name.

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF                                   Monday April 13, 2015

Text: Philippians 2:5 – 11                           Memory verse: v 8

To conform to image of Christ (Romans 8:29), we must learn from Him especially His humility. When He took on a human form, He humbled Himself to accomplish that task for which He came—to die for sinful humanity in order that they might have eternal life. Jesus Christ emptying Himself to become man expressed His great humility and love for humanity.

Stockman said that “True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.” Even in human nature, Jesus was tempted as we are today (Hebrew 4:15) but never fell into any. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be. This is a lesson for us.

Food for Thought: True humility is not an abject, groveling, self-despising spirit; it is but a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us   

Prayer: May I conform to the image of Christ in humility and obedience, O God.

BE OF GOOD COURAGE

BE OF GOOD COURAGE              Sunday April 12, 2015

Text: Psalm 27:11 – 14                  Memory verse: v 14  

No book, no university, can teach us the divine art of sympathy. There are some people who give up and lose all their courage and faith the moment troubles come. They cannot endure trial. Sorrow utterly crushes them and they think they cannot go on again. This ought not to be so in the life of Christians (see Romans 15:4).

The call to be courageous here means to keep up your spirit, let no craven thoughts blanch your cheek. We should note that fear weakens, courage strengthens. Treasury of David commentary describes courage as “The undaunted audacity of a sanctified heart in adventuring upon difficulties and undergoing hardships for a good cause upon the call of God.” This is what is needed in our Christian race. See John 16:33.       

We must have sorrow ourselves in some form before we can be real and true comforters of others in their times of sorrow. We must walk through the deep valley ourselves before we can guide others in the same shadow vales. We must feel strained, carrying the burden and endure the struggle ourselves, and then we can be touched with the feeling of sympathy or can give help to others in life’s sore stress and emotional needs. So we see one compensation of suffering, it fits us for being in a larger sense helpers of others.

Food for Thought: Psalm 31:24.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the courage I need in my Christian race so I will not be discouraged and stop my journey half way in Jesus name.

HAVE MERCY ON ME

HAVE MERCY ON ME                                  Saturday April 11, 2015

Text: Psalm 51:1 – 6                                         Memory verse: v 1

All the hope of the true penitent is in the free mercy and rich grace of God. David, being convinced of his sin, poured out his soul to God in prayer for mercy and grace because God alone is the one that heals our backsliding (see Jeremiah 3:12, 14, 22). The best thing we can do for ourselves in this our Christian race is to acknowledge our frailty and inability to help ourselves. This means that we have surrendered to God and then He will help us just like the Prodigal Son did (Luke 15:17 – 24).

There are many ways we sin and need the mercies of God. Many of us abuse the grace of God in diverse ways. We should like David learn to humble ourselves to confess our sins and to say, “Have mercy on me.” What a blessed ministry of true Christian speech! May God forgive us for the abuse or misuse of the glorious gift! If our words have ever hurt a tender spirit or tarnished a white soul, or turned any away from the right path, O God, have mercy on us. We should not only ask for forgiveness but also the grace to undo the wrong (restitutions). This is the only way we can grow as Christians.

Food for Thought: Without mercies of God, we are totally ruined.

Prayer: O Lord, my God help me to always acknowledge my sins and never to undermine your mercies in Jesus name.

WHAT MORE DO THEY NEED?

MORE DO THEY NEED?            Friday April 10, 2015

Text: Numbers 14:11 – 19             Memory verse: v 11

It is disgusting when you make every effort as a parent; providing all your child needs to become responsible and that child refuses to change. You don’t need to spill your blood again to make him responsible. If all the provisions you have made is not enough, then it will be concluded that there is no way out for him. Fluctuating between opinions was a major problem of the Israelites while in the wilderness. They were never satisfied with what God did for them. They were even demanding for things that are not possible in the wilderness. This led to the statement in 14:11.    

Daily, Christ pours His grace into our lives which we should be grateful for. There are many who keep complaining and never seem to be grateful for anything. What else do they need? Being alive is the grace of God. We have to be contented. There is a Christian art of enduring pain which we should seek to learn. Christians should endure sufferings which they pass through and should bear them bravely and patiently, even rejoicing.

Food for Thought: “Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy” – Franklin

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be content in whatever situation that faces me.

EVERLASTING COVENANT

EVERLASTING COVENANT            Thursday April 9, 2015

Text: Psalm 111:1 – 10                 Memory verse: v 9

Our lives may change, our consciousness of His love may fade out; but His love is forever even as Isaiah posited it Isaiah 54:10. Treasury of David Commentary says “His divine decree has made the covenant of his grace a settled and eternal institution: redemption by blood proves that the covenant cannot be altered, for it ratifies and establishes it beyond all recall.” 

God’s eternal covenant has been established and it was sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. Our unfaithfulness and unbelief cannot change or alter it. What it means therefore is that God’s love does not count on our faithfulness in dealing with us or else who would stand before him? Do you doubt God’s love?      

Like the people of Israel, we all can be thankful that the Lord had given us the land in which we live and for its resources and beauty. God has also provided redemption for us. Our release from sin and death through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest redemption we can think of. Are you part of this eternal covenant? Don’t reject this unique offer.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 54:10

Prayer: God I thank you for my salvation. Help me to always appreciate this and never to undermine your covenant in Jesus name.

RICHES OF CHRIST

RICHES OF CHRIST                     Wednesday April 8, 2015

Text: Ephesians 3:8 – 12             Memory verse: v 8

By describing himself as the least deserving Christian ever, Paul meant that God’s favour alone had saved him, the one who had hated and persecuted all who followed Jesus. In the real sense according to human reasoning, nothing in him merited such favour if not for the riches of Christ’s mercies. God had chosen him and had saved him for the special joy of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ Jesus. To Paul, preaching the gospel to the Gentiles was sharing ‘treasures’ which are unfathomable (Colossians 2:12 – 13).

God’s call, a humble recognition of God’s grace, and the blessing of God’s power are the prerequisite for getting involved in service for Christ. That is what He has called us to do in the universal priesthood. This is a way to appreciate the blessings, wealth and gifts we have obtained in Christ. You can become a beneficiary of these riches in Christ by repentance. Do it today.  

Food for Thought: Paul saw the amazing grace God showed him as part of the riches of Christ. What do you see as the riches of Christ?

Prayer: God, grant that by recognizing your work of salvation you did in my life, it will make me humane and more dedicated to your service.

REWARD FOR GENEROSITY

  

REWARD FOR GENEROSITY                                Tuesday April 7, 2015

Text: Proverbs 11:25                                           Memory verse: v 25

We shouldn’t give ourselves trouble about the reward of our lives rather we should do our duty faithfully, and lovingly, all the days; then God will reward our fidelity. Knowledge of this truth will help us to live well and overcome greed and all other vices associated with wealth acquisition. This text suggests that the generous will be rewarded for their services of love rendered to the needy because they did for God. No true service done in this world in Christ’s name will fail of blessings and rewards. Even the acts which seem to have been of no avail will leave a benediction somewhere.

Helen Hunt Jackson writes: “I am a humble pensioner, myself, for my daily bread; shall I forget my brothers who seem in greater need? I know not how it happened that I have more than they, unless God meant that I should give a part away. The humblest wayside beggar and I have wants the same, close side by side we walked when God called out one name. So, brother, it but happened the name he called was mine; the food was given for both – here, half of it is thine.” If your kind word or deed blesses no other, the doing of it will bless your heart. Though your efforts do no good to the one you meant to help, it may touch another life. Our wayside seed-sowing is not lost.

Food for Thought: When you are not liberal with what you have now, you cannot be liberal if he had more. Always share what you have.

Prayer: God, grant me a generous heart and never to be stingy.

FOR HIS GLORY

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD                             Monday April 6, 2015

Text: John 11:1 – 4                                             Memory verse: v 4   

God is always with us on our ways to manifest His glory upon our lives. His promise of His presence is an eternal present tense – “I am with you” even in sickness unto death. Are you sick? God, Jehovah Rapha your healer gives you a most cheering and inspiring assurance in v 4. We are never out of God’s sight for a moment. His eyes watch over us continually. He comes instantly to our help and deliverance when we are in any need or danger. Our health and whole life are His concern to manifest for the glory of God.

Your case may not be sickness but not making any meaningful progress in your endeavours. God will use every hindrance and opposition in your life to glorify himself. Don’t give up because your time is near. That problem will surely lead to God’s name being glorified. All you can do is to keep on believing in him who called you and have promised.

Food for Thought: Providence and the instructions of the Bible are designed to glorify Jesus, by leading men to honor Him as truly divine.

Prayer: Lord, glorify yourself in my life by your miracles of healing, deliverance and breakthrough in Jesus name.

MEDITATION

MEDITATION                            Sunday April 5, 2015

Text: Genesis 24:62 – 67         Memory verse: v 63                                            

Devout meditation upon the character, works, and ways of God, communion with Him, and commitment of our interests to His care, are often followed by His special favours. Some think Isaac expected his servants about that time that was why he went to the field for the purpose of meeting them. However, it should seem he went out to take the advantage of a silent evening, and a solitary field, for mediation and prayer. This was the habit of the godly fathers to meditate on God's promises, and to pray for the accomplishment of them. How often do you make out time to meditate on God’s word and works even in this Easter season when we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ?  

As we observe the evening meditation God sometimes lets us have what in our willfulness we persist in choosing, just to teach us that our own way is not the best. Evening meditation gives opportunity for reappraisal of our walk with God for the day. Maximize it for your spiritual growth.

Food for Thought: Through meditation and by giving full attention to one thing at a time we can learn to direct our attention to God fully and benefit from His ever presence.

Prayer: Teach me O God, to always make time to be in your presence as I meditate on your love and faithfulness.

 

HE MAKES ME GLAD

HE MAKES ME GLAD                                     Saturday April 4, 2015

Text: Psalm 92:1 - 6                                            Memory verse: v 4

There are so many things people perceive as source of joy. To some, it is wine; some say it is food, some sports, etc. However, it is a different case with the Psalmist. He sees the faithfulness and steadfastness of God as what gladden his heart. What gives you joy and makes you happy? Psalmist reminds us of the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. He clearly states that in God’s covenant with His people, He pledged Himself to love them faithfully. Although we may err and stray from God’s ways, but because of His steadfast love, He is willing to win us back to Himself. This on its own should make us happy.

It was natural for the Psalmist to sing, because he was glad, and to sing unto the Lord, because his gladness was caused by a contemplation of the divine work on his life. If we consider works of providence, we shall find overflowing reasons to be glad and to thank God. Moreover, when we consider the work of redemption through Jesus Christ, our gladness knows no bounds. Don’t you think it is right to praise God when you contemplate on His steadfast love and faithfulness upon your life and your family? Every true Christian should be glad when he remembers God’s love upon his or her life especially this Easter season.

Food for Thought: Do you make out time to contemplate on steadfast love and faithfulness of God upon your life?

Prayer: God, help me to always contemplate on your grace, mercies and love upon my life as it will help me to overcome fear and doubts in Jesus name.

YOU ARE GOD'S OWN

YOU ARE HIS OWN                                                Friday April 3, 2015

Text: Isaiah 43:1 – 7                                           Memory verse: v 1

When God says something, He takes it seriously and performs it to the letter. When God calls you, He will take you as His and your concerns become His too. I wonder at times if I would be alive by now if not that God called me by my name and made me His own. It is not only I but many others. What about you?

God told the Israelites through Isaiah that they are His. In previous chapter, God rebuked Judah and Israel for not walking with Him. This chapter started with ‘but’. This means that despite their weaknesses, they are still His people because of the covenant He had with them. Though many among them were stubborn and incorrigible, yet He would continue His love and care for them.

Beloved in Christ, as long as you are alive you are a child of God. For those who are still living in sin, they are prospective children of God. Therefore, do not think God has given up on you. You may be bad and struggling to live right; you may be trying to overcome sin but all to no avail or you may be trying to stop a habit but you find yourself going even deeper into it. God has not given up on you because His mercies are there. Just keep following.       

Food for Thought: God's favour and good-will to His people, Israel speak abundant comfort to all believers.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to overcome my weakness because of the mercies you have for your people.

  

GLORY OF GOD ILLUMINATES

GLORY OF GOD ILLUMINATES           Thursday April 2, 2015

Text: Revelation 21:23                   Memory verse: v 23

Every Christian hopes to make heaven. The biblical description of heaven is so amazing and awesome that no one would have loved to miss out going there. Unfortunately, most people have been deceived into thinking that there are enough goodies here on earth as compared to heaven. Thus they hold on the earthly wealth and pleasures, undermining what God has planned for us. For this reason, many will miss out on the last day. May, we not miss out in Jesus name.

One outstanding feature of heaven is that it does not need the sunlight to illuminate it. The source of its light is the glory of God. What a glorious site it will be to behold? Instead of the sun and moon, it has the splendour of God to enlighten it. From Revelation 21:9ff is the description of the New Jerusalem the city of God (21:10) and the Lamb’s wife (21:9). Use the description to compare anywhere to see the difference.

This is what God has kept for us. We know that nothing comes so easy. That is why we must strive to enter. Are you going through your toughest time in life? God will visit you and illuminate your way. His glory will come upon you and all chains of bondage and captivity will all fall off in Jesus name (Acts 12:7).  

Food for Thought: Revelation 22:5

Prayer: Lord, illuminate my darkest part of life through your glory so that all evils surrounding me will disappear in Jesus name.