Tuesday 30 June 2015

THE OIL CEASED

THE OIL CEASED              Wednesday July 1, 2015

Text: 2 Kings 4:1 – 7            Memory verse: v 6

In accordance with the words of Elisha, the woman and her sons collected jars from their neighbors, pouring olive oil into them from their one flask. The olive oil was used for cooking, for lamps, and for fuel. The oil stopped flowing only when they ran out of containers. The number of jars they gathered was an indication of their faith. God’s provision was as large as their faith and willingness to obey. Beware of limiting God’s blessings by lack of faith and obedience. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

While there was a vessel to fill, there was oil sufficient; and it only ceased to flow when there was no vessel to receive it. This is an emblem of God’s grace. If we find in any place or at any time that the oil ceases to flow, it is because there are no empty vessels there, no souls hungering and thirsting for righteousness. As you start this month, you should create a heart that longs after God’s righteousness and your oil will never cease. God is willing to pour on us His blessings as we empty ourselves of our sins, pride and self. Are you ready for that? We wish you a month of ever flowing blessings from God. 

Action: What can you do to sustain the inflow of God’s blessing into your life?


Prayer: Lord, help me to empty myself of every hindrance to your blessings.







Monday 29 June 2015

OMNIPRESENT GOD

OMNIPRESENT GOD        Tuesday June 30, 2014 

Text: Ezekiel 35:10 – 15       Memory verse: v 10

Idumeans (Edomites) were planning how to overrun Judah and Israel but the Lord God Almighty was there. This verse 10 is an encouragement never to worry about the plans of the enemies against us because for every plan the enemies make, the Lord is always there. He will either thwart the plan or wait for the appropriate time to act. This reminds us about Elisha and the king of Syria, whose war plans and strategies God reveals to Elisha (2 Kings 6:8 – 17). 

We have here the record of the sins of the Edomites and their bad conduct towards the people of God. They thought of conquering and possessing Judah and Israel; and they would have succeeded, but only the Lord was there; and this spoiled their plans, and blasted their hopes. Every plan your enemies are making will attract God who will spoil their plans and blast their hopes in Jesus name. Let us note that, no plan your enemies have made or will make that God is not aware of.

Are you apprehensive of what the enemies have planned? Are you now panicking that they are about to consume you? You shouldn’t worry yourself because your Father was there when they were planning. You don’t even know what He has said about the matter; maybe what He said is in Isaiah 41:11 – 16 and 54:15. When we hear anything the enemies have planned, we should ask God because He was there when they planned and will never keep quite to allow their plans prevail.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 54:15


Prayer: God, when enemies gather against me, frustrate them in Jesus name.

Sunday 28 June 2015

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU    Monday June 29, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1 – 10              Memory verse: v 9a

2 Corinthians 12:9 shows that God can use us not minding our weaknesses. With all the exploits of Paul in the missionary works, who would have believed he was doing so with a burden of illness. Using weaknesses or ailment as excuse in serving God is not and will never be acceptable to Him. The grace being sufficient is to enable Paul with patience to bear the infirmities, support and comfort him under it, and make him happier and useful than he would be without it. Christ’s gracious favour is what empowered Paul’s ministry, despite his own inadequacies and failures. 

Although Paul’s request wasn’t granted, Jesus assured him that He would continue to work through Paul in his weakness. In response, Paul accepted that Jesus, in His divine wisdom, knew what was best for him. Paul would not boast in being healed, but he would boast about his weaknesses, for it was through his weaknesses that Christ could powerfully work through him.

One great lesson here for us is that God is the one who decides what we become in life and the best way to use us. So my dearly beloved ones in Christ, we should not be moved by our weaknesses, our not having job, infirmities, no child, no spouse, etc, as excuses because God can still use us even when we still have our problems. He asked Abraham to pray for Abimelech to have a child when he doesn’t have one. He did and God answered (Genesis 20:14 – 18). Let us leave other things to Him for His grace is sufficient for us.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 11:30

Prayer: Lord, grant that my boasting will only be on my infirmities for by your grace I am what I am today.


Saturday 27 June 2015

GOD DIRECTS US ON WHAT TO DO

HE DIRECTS US ON WHAT TO DO      Sunday June 28, 2015

Text: Isaiah 48:16 – 22         Memory verse: v 17

God wants us to whole heartedly obey Him and He will lead us to make profit and prosper in life. Unfortunately, the hardest things for us is that whole hearted obedience. From time to time, God had made known to us, all necessary doctrines; which, if observed by us, would have been infinitely profitable to us, both for this life and that to come.

It is not God’s fault that we didn’t benefit from all He had taught us. Rather it is our own fault that we have not profited from all that God taught us. In 45:18, God lamented their inability to heed His commandments which would have benefited them. God did all He could to make Israel good but they couldn’t obey His instructions.    

Do we not make God to lament by our refusal to repent despite all the teachings and warnings we receive? What we have learnt would have taken us to another level of Christianity and prosperity but not so, rather, we chose to do things in our own way. The Israelis were very obstinate and stiff necked (Deuteronomy 31:27 & Jeremiah 17:23). Their stories in the Bible were to warn us. We should not after reading all these fail God as they did. Following God’s directions will make us prosper and make heaven at last.

Food for Thought: No external attention, even to things which God has commanded, can be accepted as a substitute for an obedient heart.

Prayer: Lord, grant me an obedient heart to follow your directives for my life in Jesus name.

Friday 26 June 2015

WASTED EFFORT?

WASTED EFFORT?              Saturday June 27, 2015

Text: Isaiah 48:9 – 15              Memory verse: v 10

Refining brings out the best of any product. Gold comes out better when refined in fire. Crude oil will remain irrelevant until it is refined and products like gas, petrol, diesel, engine oil, kerosene, etc, come forth. However, it will be a wasted effort if you refine crude oil and these products didn’t come out. God laments efforts He made refining His people which didn’t yield any fruit. He proposed to deliver and restore them for His name sake (Isaiah 48:9, 11). They chose to worship idol. This is robbing Peter to pay Paul. God gave them life and instead of appreciating that, they were enticed by the idolatrous life of their neighbours. God had to test them by allowing their neighbours to take them as captives. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. We do same at times by refusing God’s grace.      

The Israelites sinned and refused to repent. We may not have sinned but God allows us to pass through some refining. Do we easily complain when our lives become complicated or difficult: why would a loving God allow all kinds of unpleasant experiences to come to us? God tests us in the ‘furnace of suffering.’ Instead of complaining, we should turn to Him in faith for the strength to endure and rejoice in our sufferings (see Romans 5:3; James 1:2- 4). For without the testing, we would never know what we are capable of doing and will not grow to become like Christ.

Food for Thought: It is when grapes are crushed they give out red wine.


Prayer: Lord, as you refine me, let it not be a wasted effort rather help me to pass through it and come out a better Christian in Jesus name. 


Thursday 25 June 2015

HAND THEM OVER TO GOD

HAND THEM OVER TO GOD       Friday June 26, 2015

Text: Psalm 55:22 – 23                      Memory verse: v 22

Psalm 37:5 is similar to v 22 here. This counsel is very necessary because life is full of challenges. Someone once asked, “Is there a life void of worries?” I believe that there is no one who doesn’t worry. The difference is that a Christian after thinking about his/her problems, hand them over to God while unbelievers will carry the burden by themselves. I don’t know if you agree with me on this. Peter quoted this text in 1 Peter 5:7. We should take this counsel seriously because we cannot do anything meaningful on our own. It is a way to relative peace in the midst of all uncertainties of life. God is the one that has all the wisdom that can help us live victoriously. The best way to ease yourself is to lay your load upon God; He will take it up and also carry you.    

Dependence on God will keep the soul in peace. God wants us to give our burdens to Him. What is that burden of your heart now? Is it food to eat this morning? Is it money to transport you to office or children to school? Hand them and all other problems to God. Jesus advised us also on this matter in Matthew 6:25 – 34. Fletcher said, “Worry is a kind of insult to the Lord. It's like throwing His promises and assurances back into His face and saying they're no good and you don't trust Him.” Don’t insult God by undermining his ability to provide for us.

Food for Thought: “Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills” – Anonymous.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remove worry out of my life by handing over every need to you.


Wednesday 24 June 2015

HE MAGNETS US WITH LOVE

HE MAGNETS US WITH LOVE            Thursday June 25, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 31:1 – 4                             Memory verse: v 3

The love God shows us is like magnet that iron cannot resist. When we consider how awful our lives are and how God overlooked our evil deeds to die for us, and bring us back to Himself, it helps us to really appreciate the magnitude of his love for us. Life Application Notes commenting on verse 3 says, “God reaches toward His people with kindness motivated by deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for them if they will only let Him. After many words of warning about sin, this reminder of God’s magnificent love is a breath of fresh air. Rather than thinking of God with dread, look carefully and see Him lovingly drawing us toward Himself.”  Are there lessons for us here?

From the comment above, we have a challenge not to dread God when we even sin against Him. All we need to do is to look beyond His anger against our sins and see Him loving drawing us towards Himself. His arms are so open to receive anyone who comes to Him. A song says: The door of heaven is open so wide, Jesus is pleading with His hands so wide … Let that love that led Him to the cross of Calvary draw you closer and closer to Him.

Food for Thought: Hosea 11:4

Prayer: Lord as you draw me closer with your love, may I not reject you.



Tuesday 23 June 2015

JUST AS GOD SAID

JUST AS GOD SAID            Wednesday June 24, 2015

Text: 1 King 17:8 – 16          Memory verse: v 16

God’s word that has been spoken doesn’t go back to him without fulfilling the purpose for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11) When God says something, nothing hinders it from coming to fruition because He is not man who cannot cause His word to manifest (Lamentation 3:37). Verse 16 confirms what God said through Elijah the prophet in 17:14.

When the widow of Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she was going to prepare her last meal. But a simple act of faith produced a miracle. She trusted Elijah and gave all she had to him. Faith is the step between promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. However, every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith. This is what God expects from us.

God’s word taken to heart by faith is the gateway to miracle. Most people don’t believe the word of God (the Bible) because the name used there is not theirs but Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Elizabeth, Samuel, etc. The proper way to get the real blessing from the word of God is by fixing your name where there is a name. Where it speaks good, you will learn and where it speaks evil you will receive warning. Whatever God has spoken about you, just believe and act in obedience. Is it about your salvation, marriage, studies, job, children, fruit of the womb, etc? It will surely come to pass.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 45:23.


Prayer: Lord God, as you speak to me through your word, grant me the heart to act on them so that all will come to fulfillment in Jesus name.

Monday 22 June 2015

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM    Tuesday June 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 62:1 – 7                                 Memory verse: v 5

The Bible severally made it clear that we can’t do anything of our own strength or wisdom (John 15:5). See also Romans 9:16; Zechariah 4:6. The Psalmist knows this fact which made him to submit to God, waiting silently because his expectations can only be fulfilled by God. Christians expect from God because we believe in him. 

Treasury of David Commentary says, “Expectation is the child of prayer and faith, and is owned of the Lord as an acceptable grace. We should desire nothing but what would be right for God to give, then our expectation would be all from God; and concerning truly good things we should not look to second causes, but to the Lord alone, and so again our expectation would be all from Him.” If only we are asking for godly things, we will never be weary or try other ways to meet our needs.

Expectations from men will be disappointed as they are frail, while that from God will be abundantly more than realized. Hannah expected and got Samuel. Elizabeth and Zachariah expected and got John the Baptist. Jabez waited and his coast was enlarged. Don’t give up on that thing you have been waiting on God for. Hear what Charles Spurgeon said, “Call on God and spread the case before Him. Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it.”

Food for Thought: Psalm 62:1

Prayer: Grant me the patience as I wait expectantly from you, O Lord.


Sunday 21 June 2015

Salvation is of God

SALVATION IS OF GOD            Monday June 22, 2015

Text: Jonah 2:1 – 10               Memory verse: v 9

When you encounter God in a wrong way you will always have a sad story to tell (compare Matthew 21:44). The experience of Jonah when he tried to flee from God is what no other sensible person will want to pass through. For trying to flee from the call to go to Nineveh, God ordered a big fish to swallow Jonah (1:17). He prayed inside the belly of the fish acknowledging God’s power and supremacy over all His creatures and asked Him for deliverance and he will make sacrifice to Him.

Our deliverance from danger, preservation of life, recovery from sickness, and redemption of the soul from the power, guilt, and pollution of sin, is from God. He alone is the Saviour; He alone is the Deliverer; for all salvation is from the Lord. When we have proper understanding of this very fact, it will make us always to go to Him when the need arises.

Obviously, Jonah was not in a position to bargain with God again. Instead, he simply thanked God for preserving his life in the belly of the fish while asking for his deliverance. Our troubles should cause us to cling tightly to God, not attempt to bargain our way out of the pain. We can thank and praise God for what He has already done for us, and for His love and mercy and the ones He will still do. This will be a tonic to releasing the blessing of God upon our lives.

Food for Thought: “Salvation comes from God alone” – Latin Phrase

Prayer: My God and my Father, salvation belongs to you alone. Grant me that salvation of eternal life and deliverance over my problems and fears.  

Saturday 20 June 2015

YOU CANNOT RUN FROM GOD

YOU CANNOT RUN FROM GOD        Sunday June 21, 2015

Text: Jonah 1:1 – 10                          Memory verse: v 3  

We can never run away from God when He has purposed to do anything with us. When determined, He will surely make us bend to His purposes. Any act to revolt from Him ends in regrets. It is better to respond to God’s assignment and call on our own rather than run away and God uses force to get us into His will. He may crush us in the process. The story of Jonah is well known to us. Jonah knew that God had a specific job for him, but he didn’t want to do it. God had sent him to Tarshish. Tarshish is in the south of Spain, north-west of the straits of Gibraltar and could be one of the Phoenicia’s western ports. Nineveh was toward the east. Jonah decided to go as far west as he could.

When God gives us directions through His word, sometimes we run in fear or in stubbornness, claiming that God is asking too much. The area God gives instruction may be to preach to or pray for someone, give something to support His work, extend hands of charity to people, etc. Such instructions should be carried out to the letter. It may have been fear or anger at the God’s mercy that made Jonah run, but running got him into worse trouble. At last, Jonah understood that it was best to do what God asked in the first place. By then he had paid a costly price for running. It is far better to obey from the start than run.

Foods for Thought: It is vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found-in loving obedience – Eliot.

Prayer: Grant me the grace O Lord to obey your instructions 



Friday 19 June 2015

THE IMPENDING WRATH OF GOD

THE IMPENDING WRATH       Saturday June 20, 2015

Text: Matthew 3:7 – 12             Memory verse: v 7

John was gladly baptizing many repentant people who came to him, confessing their sins and desiring to live for God. However, when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees, he burst out in anger at the hypocrisy of these religious leaders. The Pharisees separated themselves from anything non-Jewish and carefully followed both the Old Testament laws and the oral traditions handed down through the centuries. The Sadducees on the other hand believed the Pentateuch alone (Genesis—Deuteronomy) to be God’s word.

John denounced and criticized the Pharisees for being legalistic and hypocritical, for following the letter of the law while ignoring its true intent. He had criticized the Sadducees for using religion to advance their political position. He obviously doubted the genuineness of their desire to be baptized, that was why he made the statement in 3:7. Brood of vipers (Jesus also used this term – 12:34; 23:33), conveys how dangerous and cunning they were.

Do you know that there is an impending wrath on sinners? How prepared are you to avoid it? Now is the time because tomorrow may be too late. Repent of your sins now and accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Food for Thought: Romans 5:9

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not be caught up in the web of your wrath that will be revealed against the ungodly in Jesus name.

Thursday 18 June 2015

I AM ZEALOUS FOR YOU

I AM ZEALOUS FOR YOU          Friday June 19, 2015

Text: Zechariah 1:13 – 17               Memory verse: v 14  

Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5, 34:14; Nahum 1:2). God alone has the right to be jealous and to carry out vengeance. When human beings are jealous or take vengeance, it is out of spirit of selfishness. God’s jealousy and vengeance are never mixed with selfishness. Their purpose is to remove sin and restore peace to the world (Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9). That hard time you are facing may be out of God’s jealousy to bring you closer to Himself. 

God has strong affection for Israel; and indignation against their enemies. This strong affection made Him zealous for Israel. At times God withdraws or defers His help and comfort from His people, yet in this declarations He showed that He still loves them most dearly, and when it is expedient for them, His help is ever ready. This is the kind of love that God has for us.

Do you know that Almighty God is zealous for you despite your weaknesses and faults? Indeed his zeal is based on the work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. He will not want that price He paid to be in vain. It is in His zeal he drove away merchants from the temple. We should however note that the zeal can make God to compel us into doing things according to His will.

Food for Thought: Zechariah 8:2

Prayer: Lord, use your zeal for me to draw me closer and closer to you on daily basis in Jesus name.

Wednesday 17 June 2015

SHOWERS OF BLESSING

SHOWERS OF BLESSING        Thursday June 18, 2015

Text: Ezekiel 34:23 – 26               Memory verse: v 26

Rain is a covenant blessing (Leviticus 26:4; Deuteronomy 28:12). Rain seldom fell in Judea except at two seasons--the former rain at the end of autumn, the seed time; and the latter rain in spring, before the beginning of harvest (compare Jeremiah 5:24). Ezekiel affirms that the Jews and Zion, God’s hill (Psalms 2:6), were to be sources of blessing not only to themselves but to the surrounding heathen nations as well (Isaiah 19:24; 56:6, 7; 60:3; Micah 5:7; Zechariah 8:13). 

This promise shows God’s care; not only for the righteous but the unrighteous too (compare Matthew 5:45). The essence of this promise is in Ezekiel 34:27ff. This shows the kind of concern God has for us. It also confirms the words of Jeremiah 29:11. It was this text that was used to write Christian Life Hymnal 342 – There shall be showers of Blessings.

Beloved, God did not create us to abandon us. He knows our needs and ever willing to meet our needs. His desire is to give us the best that will make us serve Him better. Unfortunately, Satan has succeeded in making some of us feel that the best for us is in the world. Our best is not in this world because Satan has corrupted it and God is preparing a place for us. Are you ready to possess it? Showers of blessings God will pour on us are not only in rain but in all things lawful and needful. The only condition to receive them is by faith and obedience. Are you obedient enough and do you have the faith?

Food for Thought: Christian Life Hymnal 342 – There shall be showers of Blessing.

Prayer: Lord, release upon me showers of blessings as promised in Jesus name. 



Tuesday 16 June 2015

TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME

TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME    Wednesday June 17, 2015

Text: Mark 10:17 – 23                   Memory verse: v 21  
Proper understanding of God blessings upon our lives matters so much in the way we use them. What does your money, wealth, talent, gift, etc, mean to you? Here is an example of how Jesus Christ tried to redirect the orientation and understanding of this young rich man concerning his wealth. Jesus told this man to sell everything and give his money to the poor but this doesn’t mean that we should as well sell all our possessions. Most of His followers did not sell everything, although they used their possessions to serve others. The essence of Jesus saying this is to make us understand that we must not let our possessions or money keeps us from following Him. We must remove all barriers to serving Him fully.

Jesus lovingly broke through the young man’s pride with a challenge that answered the question of what the man lacked and exposed the barrier that could keep this young man out of the Kingdom of God: his love of money. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). See also Matthew 22:36-40). The young man did not love God with his whole heart as he had presumed. In reality, the man’s wealth was his god, his idol. If he could not give it up, he would be violating the first commandment. 

Friend, what about you? Have you given up all that can hinder you from serving God?

Food for Thought: What barriers are keeping you from serving God?  

Prayer: God, expose any barrier that is keeping me from taking up my cross to serve you faithfully in Jesus name. 

Monday 15 June 2015

THINK ABOUT HIS PATIENCE

THINK ABOUT HIS PATIENCE                        Tuesday June 16, 2015                     

Text: Hebrews 12:1 – 3                                 Memory verse: v 3

Jesus Christ was despised and rejected but He endured the cross and its shame in faithful obedience to the Father. He also experienced sorrow and suffering but persevered, anticipating the glorious joy awaiting Him (Hebrews 12:3; Philippians 2:5ff). The author of this epistle made the Hebrews to understand that as Christians when they are tempted to focus on their trials, even to the point of considering renouncing their faith, they should be encouraged to think about all Jesus endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him. Christ was ridiculed, whipped, beaten, spat upon, and crucified. In all these, he did not give in to fatigue, discouragement, or despair. He endured because he has a goal: salvation of mankind. This encouragement is for us too.  

As Christians, many of us sometimes become the innocent victim of calumny, pure in our heart and life, innocent and peaceful; we may have to endure suspicion of evil. At such fix, what should we do? In some cases vindication may be possible, and it may be our duty to seek it in the right way. However, at such instances when we cannot free ourselves, then we must be silent and bear our load. We are not likely to err in the direction of too great patience and silence under wrong. So let us beware lest, when others injure us or defame us, we sin against God in trying to prove ourselves right.

Food for Thought: Matthew 10:24, 25

Prayer: Lord, teach me to endure hostilities of sinners even as I live my life to conform to your image.


Sunday 14 June 2015

HIS POWER IS INCREDIBLE

HIS POWER IS INCREDIBLE           Monday June 15, 2015

Text: Nahum 1:2 – 8                   Memory verse: v 3

Attributes of God are what we use in describing him. We can’t describe God except for what He has done or what He can do. Here, Nahum expresses the incredible power of God, though slow to anger; He exercises much tolerance towards His enemies, that this may lead them to repentance. And it is because of this long-suffering that vengeance is not speedily executed on every evil work. Again Nahum mentioned that God has great power. This means that He is able in a moment, if He pleases, to destroy the wicked. His tolerance is not from want of power to punish (compare Exodus 34:6, 7). Our God is able at all times to save or to destroy, depending on the occasion.

Time and again, people avoid God because they see evildoers in the world and hypocrites in the Church. They don’t know that because God is slow to anger, He gives His true followers time to share His love and truth with evildoers. Certainly, judgment will come; God will not allow sin to go unchecked forever. When people wonder why God doesn’t punish evil immediately, remind them that if He did, none of us would have repented. We can all be thankful that God gives people time to repent. Let us not undermine what He can do because when He is set to act, the earth trembles (v 5). Trust him for your protection and deliverance.

Food for Thought: God’s patience with evil is not from a lack of power to punish (Exodus 34:6, 7); rather, it only proves His mercy.


Prayer: God, grant me the understanding and help me to live in that awareness that your power is incredible so I can trust you for protection. 


Saturday 13 June 2015

FOR GOD HAS SAID

FOR GOD HAS SAID             Sunday June 14, 2015

Text: Hebrews 13:5, 6              Memory verse: v 5

Covetousness is a major problem of present day Christians. Many are now competing with worldly people on wealth acquisition and accumulation. Many have ceased to trust God to provide for them. Now they do it themselves through dubious means. This was the case when this epistle was written. The author advised that their lives should be void of covetousness; inordinate regard for money or such things as money will procure. The reason for this counsel is our topic for the day, for God has said that He will not forsake nor leave us. This assurance is all over the scripture. 

The panacea for covetousness is contentment. William Burkett defines contentment as a “Gracious disposition of mind, whereby the Christian rests satisfied with that portion of the good things of this life which the wisdom of God assigns him, without complaining of the little which God gives to him, or envying the much which God bestows on others.” Is that true about your life?

The reason for the advice on contentment is because God has said and assured that he will not forsake nor leave us. He made this promise to men of God (Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; 1 Chronicle 28:20) and He is still making same today. Beloved, God will not forsake you. You may be passing through tough time now but that does not mean He has turned His back against you. Be assured that He will not leave you in that project, study, work, business and endeavour.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 31:8

Prayer: God, as I look up to you, meet me at the point of my needs and grant me the grace to be contented with what you have given to me. 


Friday 12 June 2015

THE SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED

SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED                    Saturday June 13, 2015

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

God does and allows everything for a purpose. Deuteronomy 8:2 says that God led Israel into the wilderness to humble and test them; to see whether or not His people would really obey Him. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey but didn’t. This temptation of Jesus really showed that He is the Son of God. He was able to overcome the devil and his temptations. Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted because that is the way to prove that He is the Son of God. Most temptations are allowed by the Spirit to see how much we love God. Your ability to resist temptations of the devil is determined by the level of the word of God in you.  

When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life. Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the Temple or at his baptism but in the wilderness, where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable—when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). He also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride.  We must guard at all times against his attacks by watching and praying.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 5:9.


Prayer: God, I know that when I overcome temptation, there is a reward for me. Grant me the grace never to yield into any temptation.  

Thursday 11 June 2015

HE FINDS HIS BROTHER

HE FINDS HIS BROTHER         Friday June 12, 2015

Text: John 1:37 – 42                     Memory verse: v 41

There is great joy when one encounters the Messiah. The Samaritan woman after her encounter with Him, called out to friends and neighbours to come and see the All Knowing God (John 4:4 – 26, 28 – 29). Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and immediately went to tell his brother, Simon, about him. There was no question in Andrew’s mind that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only did he tell his brother, but he was also eager to introduce others to Jesus (see John 6:8, 9; 12:22). 

Do you know that there is power in witnessing about the goodness of God in our lives? As Christians we cannot keep to ourselves our knowledge of the Messiah because that is one powerful weapon against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6: 15; Rev 12:11). Witnessing about Christ strengthens the faith of the believers and encourages the weaker ones among us.

If the trumpet sounds today or in whatever way God calls you to give account of your life as a Christian, will He say to you “Well done my faithful servant” or will He find you wanting because you were ashamed to tell others how good and pleasant it is to have found Christ? The greatest thing we can do for God is to tell others about His love for us wherein He sent His son to die for our sins (3:16). Start today by talking to someone you will meet. 

Food for Thought: Must I go and empty handed; must I meet my Saviour so?


Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to tell others that I have found you and never to be ashamed of doing so in Jesus name.

Wednesday 10 June 2015

FATHER, I HAVE SINNED

FATHER, I HAVE SINNED         Thursday June 11, 2015

Text: Luke 15:11 – 24                    Memory verse: v 18

Here is a story of a Prodigal Son who was the father’s favourite and nothing was actually denied him but he wanted freedom and independence. He wanted to belong to the high class in the society and persuasively made his father give him his own share of the wealth. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as he thought (15:13 – 15). 

Paul says there is none righteous (Romans 3:10 – 12), but there is hope as God had made provision for the remission of our sins. He wants us, like the Prodigal Son to come back and He will forgive us, cleanse us and will not remember our sins any more (1 John 1:9). The determination of the Prodigal Son to go to the father is the act of the will after he came to himself and sees his real condition. We must come to ourselves and understand our conditions before we can take a decision to repent.

One good thing about the Prodigal Son is that he remembered he has a father and he summoned courage to go back to his father. No matter how grave your sin may be, God is waiting for your repentance. Let’s emulate the repentance of the Prodigal Son and come back to God forsaking our sins. Have the assurance in Isaiah 1:18. God is awesome, His love unstoppable, He makes provision for a repentant sinner. 

Food for thought: Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?


Prayer Point: Oh My God, as I come back to you today just like a prodigal son, I pray you will accept me.

Tuesday 9 June 2015

SHOW ME MY WRONG

SHOW ME MY WRONG                Wednesday June 10, 2015

Text: Job 10:1 – 7                              Memory verse: v 2

Job objects that a basic right of his has been violated by God. He didn’t know the accusation against him. God’s silence is unacceptable given the judgment and distress of Job’s experience. Many a times we Christian get so confused, as to querying God why He allows this or that to happen to us. We should know that God is not unmindful of our uprightness. The challenges you may be facing today may not necessarily be because of your sin, rather it may be because of your determination to stay right no matter the odd, just know today that He who called you does not sleep nor slumber (Psalm 121:1 – 8). The Lord shall preserve you in such a way that even though the challenge is so fierce, you will not be moved and you will triumph at the end.

All that is required from us when we are faced with such difficulty is to cry to God as Job did and ask him to direct us on the best road to follow. Do not give up in the days of your adversity. Don’t give in to deceptions of the devil in times of trial; don’t curse because of the wickedness you see around, rather go to God and tell him about the problem just as you feel, because He has a better plan at the end of every travail (Job 42:7 – 17). He will surely tell you.

Food for thought: Do not give up in the days of your adversity.


Prayer: Keep me through this race Oh Lord that I may not stray from you no matter the odd.


Monday 8 June 2015

THEY OUGHT TO HAVE KNOWN

THEY OUGHT TO HAVE KNOWN          Tuesday June 9, 2015

Text: Micah 3:1 – 7                          Memory verse: 1

Men cannot expect to do ill, and fare well; but they should expect that to be done to them which they did to others. When those appointed to administer justice to the people think only of plundering them, and when they whose office it is to rebuke sin flatter all who will feed them plentifully, we have the kind of society described in  Micah 3:1 – 12. Is this similar to what is in your country? How seldom do wholesome truths reach the ears of those in high stations or in authority! 

It is the duty of the Pastors and Priests to speak the truth. Those who deceive others are preparing confusion for their own faces. Micah had ardent love for God and to the souls of men; deep concern for His glory and their salvation, and zeal against sin unlike some other prophets who were flatterers. The difficulties he met with did not drive him from his work. He challenged these flatterers by telling them that they ought to know what is expected of them (Micah 3:2 – 7). It is appalling that people who have the oracle that ought to be the light are source of darkness.

Are you in this category of people Micah says you ought to know? In the words of my late bishop, Rt. Rev Dr. R. N. C. Nwosu, “You ought to know is an insult.” As a Christian still living in sin, you ought to have known that sin should no longer have dominion over you. Ought you to have known that you are more than a conqueror and that He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world? Pick up yourself because Christ has given you victory.         

Food for Thought: It is foolishness to undermine the judgment of God.


Prayer: Lord, may I not be confronted with ‘you ought to have known’ on the last day. Always help me to do what is right in Jesus name.





Sunday 7 June 2015

BE CONTENTED

BE CONTENTED                      Monday June 8, 2015

Text: Philippians 4:11              Memory verse: v 11     

If we are trying to pass a message and people don’t understand us, our message will not yield the much anticipated result. This made Paul to make the statement in our text for clarity, so that the Philippians will not misunderstand the message he was trying to pass across. The fact that the Philippians had not sent help sooner did not mean that Paul had been disappointed in them or that he had been put in desperate straits at that time.

Instead, he had learned an important secret to the Christian life: that he could live happily with whatever he had, whether much or little. He explained that his sufficiency was in Christ alone, who provides strength to cope with all circumstances. Is this not a challenge for us in this present generation where anxiety and materialism have eaten most of us up?

How can we get to that lofty goal of contentment? It is important for believers to realize that biblical ‘contentment’ is not fatalism or submission to one’s lot in life. Contentment involves having right perspective about life; that everything belongs to God and what we have is a gift from Him. We should be thankful for what we have, not coveting what others have. Ask God for wisdom to use wisely what you have and also pray for grace to let go your desires for what you don’t have. This is a panacea for contentment.

Food for Thought: There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.

Prayer: Almighty God, make me to be contented with what you have given me and remove in me every form of greed in Jesus name.

Saturday 6 June 2015

WALK IN THE SPIRIT

WALK IN THE SPIRIT                       Sunday June 7, 2015

Text: Galatians 5:13 – 23                Memory verse: v 16

If you have been living a spiritually defeated, powerless and fruitless Christian life; wondering if there is any effective result in living as a Christian, you should read Galatians 5:13 – 23. Walking in the Spirit entails giving your life totally to God, and letting Him live your life for you, directing every step you take and guiding every decision you make. When one totally surrenders to God and resolves to walk in His ways, He will grant the person the grace needed to live extra ordinary life.

The result of walking in the spirit is that you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. When we become believers, our sinful nature still exists. Would you like to know how to enjoy what Christians all over the world are experiencing? Then try walking in the spirit of God the Most High by knowing his will and applying them into your life. Thus God will be the one who directs your thoughts, actions and speech. When you walk in the spirit of God you will live a fearless life because your ways are the Lord’s.

Food for thought:  It pays to walk with God because your life will be totally controlled by God.

Prayer: Oh my God, give me the grace to walk in and with you every moment of my life.

Friday 5 June 2015

AMAZING LOVE OF GOD

AMAZING LOVE OF GOD                  Saturday June 6, 2015

Text: 1 John 3:1 – 3                            Memory verse:  v 1

The amazing love of God cannot be earned but obtained from God. Many people think that they can earn God’s love but it is not so. The love of God is a free gift given to both sinners and saints. Roman 5:8 and John 3:16 emphasized on the unconditional love of God to sinners. Norm Rasmussen in an article titled ‘Love on a Dusty Road’ said God told him that His love cannot be earned no matter your services for Him and humanity. Norm encountered God and had a dialogued with Him, also said that God told him that he was trying to earn His love by reading Holy Scriptures and tries to be obedient to them; by assembling with God’s people, by praying and financial giving. Though these things are good but they cannot earn him God’s love. Those things are designed to bring spiritual growth in us and we will be rewarded for them.

However, we should not confuse God’s amazing love for justice. His love cannot override His justice because Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Sin must be punished but a repentant and a converted sinner will receive the mercy of God through His amazing love. We should on daily basis, acknowledge God’s amazing love upon us. 

Food For Thought: No man can earn the Love of God; it is a free gift to all.


Prayer: Oh God of love, help me to appreciate your love which is giving freely through Jesus Christ our Lord.


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