JABEZ’S PRAYER: Devotion for Saturday August 1, 2015

JABEZ’S PRAYER         Saturday August 1, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicle 4:10     Memory verse: v 10

In these two verses that say something about Jabez, he is remembered for a prayer request rather than his heroic acts which made him honourable. This prayer is what people love to pray always. In his prayer, he asked God to (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work (extend my lands), (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) keep him from trouble and pain. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. Do you acknowledge God as source of your being and all that you have?

Most times we pray about God’s blessings. However, when we pray for God’s blessing, we should also ask Him to take His rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. It is only when we have God at the centre of whatever we do that such can prosper in our hands. Obeying Him in daily responsibilities is heroic living. Do you obey God in all you do?

Food for Thought: Jabez got an answer because he loved God.

Prayer: O Lord, my God, help me to love you as much as you love me. 

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Devotion for Friday July 31, 2015

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?   Friday July 31, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9          Memory verse: v 9

Here the author of this book praised Jabez for his sincere and fervent piety, as well, perhaps, as for some public and patriotic works which he performed and where not mentioned. The Jewish writers affirm that he was an eminent doctor in the law, whose reputation drew so many scribes around him that a town was called by his name (1 Chronicles 2:55) and this passage bears ample testimony to the piety of his character – he was honourable. How honourable are you? What is your own testimony within your neighbourhood?

His mother gave him the name Jabez because of the memory of the critical circumstances which marked his birth. This troubled him and he sought the face of God in this regard. He knew that the name he bears was affecting him in so many ways. This led to the prayers in 4:10. The chronicler seems to be teaching us that God listens to and acts on behalf of those who sincerely implore him. What is your own name? Does the name you bear influence the kind of character you exhibit? Do you answer the name of a god or goddess and thus behave wild? Think about your name. However remember that God answers us when we call upon Him.

Food for Thought: Does your name have any influence on your character?

Prayer: God make me and my name honourable in your sight in Jesus name.

LEARN FROM WHAT YOU SUFFER: Devotion for Thursday July 30, 2015

LEARN FROM WHAT YOU SUFFER     Thursday July 30, 2015

Text: Hebrew 5:1 – 9               Memory verse: v 8

In the kingdoms under traditional setting and even in any ancient regime, no prince suffers; the crown prince especially is pampered and prepared for kingship. However, it was not so for Jesus. Even though He was God’s Son, He learnt obedience from the things He suffered. The confusing lesson of v 8 is that God Himself, born of human parentage, actually learned something in the suffering He underwent.

How can All-knowing God learn? What is it that He doesn’t know and what to know now? Of what purpose was the learning? “Was the All-knowing God in need of learning? Jesus learned about the human condition. That knowledge brought more empathy than intelligence, more personal identification than measurable data” so says Life Application Notes.

Just like Jesus did, we Christians often learn obedience through our suffering (see 12:2 – 11). Robin Sharma would always say that he doesn’t regret any mistake or misfortune. They only teach him lessons. This example from Christ should encourage us to remain firm and not drift away from the faith in times of suffering. Just as Christ was perfected through His suffering, so Christians will be, too. Will you remain firm in faith amidst suffering?

Food for Thought: Remaining firm and resolute in suffering will bring out the best in us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to learn righteousness through all I suffer in Jesus name.

REWARD FOR PERSISTENCE: Devotion for Wednesday July 29, 2015

REWARD FOR PERSISTENCE   Wednesday July 29, 2015

Text: Matthew 15: 21 – 28              Memory verse: v 27

This woman of Canaan came to Jesus because of the distress and trouble of her family She did not limit Christ to any particular instance of mercy, but mercy, mercy, is what she begged for: she pleads not merit, but depends upon mercy. It is the duty of parents to pray for their children, and to be earnest in prayer for them, especially for their souls. This is a great lesson for us. Mercies of God are what we need on daily basis to live well and please Him.

Those whom Christ intends most to honour, He humbles to feel their own unworthiness. Someone who is proud and not humbled in the heart would not have borne this; but she turned it into an argument to support her request. We should learn from the action of this woman of Canaan, that when we seek help from the Lord, and didn’t receive gracious answer, we should learn to turn even our unworthiness and discouragements into pleas for mercy.

Food for Thought: Can you bear insults for the sake of the gospel?

Prayer: O Lord, help me to endure all challenges in a bid to make heaven

THEY ABANDONED HIM AND FLED: Devotion for Tuesday July 28, 2015

THEY ABANDONED HIM AND FLED       Tuesday July 28, 2015

Text: Matthew 26:55 – 56                 Memory verse: v 56

Everything about Christ was prophesied before His birth especially those things that concerned His birth, death and resurrection. When each time comes, He doesn’t object to it. Here we have the arrest of Jesus as if He was a criminal. This is the manner to arrest a criminal. of desperate character and armed to defend his life. This shows the depth of His humiliation. He consented to be hunted down thus by wicked men, and to be treated as if he had been the worst of criminal ever. All these were to fulfill the scriptures (v 56). Unfortunately, the disciples fled when He was arrested (v 31, 35).

Overcome with fear, when they saw their Master actually taken; alarmed with the terrific appearance of armed men, and torches in a dark night; and forgetting their promises not to forsake Him, they all left their Saviour to go alone. They abandoned Him! Are there not found among His disciples still, persons who betray Him and His cause? Persons who deny Him and His people?  Persons who abandon Him, His people, His cause, and His truth?  Beloved, do you belong to any of these groups?

Food for Thought: Are there ways you abandon Jesus?

Prayer: God, may I not abandon you in face of challenges of life.

ASHAMED OF HIM

ASHAMED OF HIM           Monday July 27, 2015

Text: Mark 8:34 – 38       Memory verse: v 38

Jesus called His followers and disciples to Himself. He did this to share great secret that will lead them to a successful Christian life. He did not do this when His antagonists were around because they will not understand rather they will oppose Him. Taking up the cross as Christ demanded is that Christians must make any sacrifice, submit to any self-denial, and encounter any difficulty which may be needful, in order to obey Christ's commands.

Family Bible Notes “If men would be owned of Christ in the Day of Judgment, they must be governed by His will, must not be afraid or ashamed to acknowledge Him before men, and must perseveringly obey His commands.” Are you actually ashamed of Christ? How many persons have you preached to since January this year? Do you show Christ to people in your office, shop, business centre, school, etc? Don’t let Jesus disown you on the last day.

Food for Thought: Are you ashamed of bearing the cross of Jesus?

Prayer: God, remove shame from me and grant me boldness to bear my cross

TAKE ME AND LET THEM GO

 

TAKE ME AND LET THEM GO     Sunday July 26, 2015

Text: John 18:1 – 9        Memory verse: v 8

The sufferings and death of Christ were all foreseen by Him, and were perfectly voluntary. He carefully avoided committing Himself to His enemies or allowing them to take Him before His time had come. Jesus willingly turned Himself over to the soldiers and asked the soldiers to let these others go (v 5, 6), referring to the eleven disciples who were with Him. By this action, he fulfilled his own statement, “I have not lost a single one of those you gave me.” Jesus was referring to words recorded in 6:39 and 17:12. Jesus was the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (10:11).

This is one of the greatest levels of love Jesus demonstrated towards His disciples. Such was the love of Christ to His disciples, and such His delight in their enjoyment, that He was more ready to save them from their enemies, than to save Himself from the agonies of the cross. Do you doubt the love of God for you? As you go out today, be assured that He is ready to save you because He cares.

Food for Thought: If Jesus did this for us, what can’t He do for us if we ask?

Prayer: Lord, grant me the understanding of your love for me in Jesus name.

Betraying Christ

BETRAYING CHRIST       Saturday July 25, 2015

Text: Luke 22:47 – 48      Memory verse: v 48

Everything about Jesus from His birth to death and burial are all against law of nature. While kings were born in hospitals, He was born in a manger. All that He used during His earthly ministry were borrowed including the grave where they laid Him. His own disciple, Judas, who ought to be His ambassador turned and became the one that betrayed Him. As we know, kiss is sign of affection and love but Judas used it to betray Jesus. This was the height of disloyalty and hypocrisy from Judas. How loyal are you to Jesus in your thoughts, words or deeds? Are you one of those who stabs Him at the back through your betrayal or denial?   

“Persons who, knowingly, for their own selfish ends, express towards Jesus Christ that which they do not feel, imitate Judas the traitor; and unless they repent and are forgiven, it will be true of them as it was of him, that it would have been better for them if they had not been born (Matthew 26:24)” so says Family Bible Notes. Are you one of the persons mentioned here? Is your commitment to Jesus true? Do not betray Him with your lackadaisical worship, hypocrisy, etc? Jesus deserves the best of commitment and worship because He paid the ultimate price to save us. Therefore give Him the best of commitment, devotion, love and worship. 

Action: Write down some ways Christians betray Jesus. It will help you to avoid doing same.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace never to betray you in any form.

CAN STONE TAKE YOUR POSITION?

CAN STONE TAKE YOUR POSITION?        Friday July 24, 2015

Text: Luke 19:37 – 40         Memory verse: v 40

When I gave my life to Christ, singing became part of my daily life and I still remember how one of my siblings asked me if someone who is Born Again hardly closes his mouth. God desire our praise because it is evidence of our appreciation and gratitude to Him. David used it to win God’s heart. Again that is what is expected of us when we get to heaven. The Pharisees thought that the crowd’s words were sacrilegious and blasphemous. They asked Jesus to keep His people quiet, but Jesus said that if the people were quiet, the stones would burst into cheers (see Habakkuk 2:11).

Beloved, do you praise God or do you want the stone (a non living thing) not created in the image of God to take your position and start praising God? The character and works of Christ give the most abundant and powerful reasons for praising Him. Are you really doing that? As you go out today, keep praising Him and see the wonders of praise.

Food for Thought: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).

Prayer: O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise (Psalm 51:15).

A RIGHT DESIRE

A RIGHT DESIRE      Thursday July 23, 2014

Text: John 17:24 – 26   Memory verse: v 24

In this prayer Jesus made for His disciples and would be disciples, He desired that they should be brought to heaven; and that there the whole company of the redeemed might behold His glory and therein find happiness. According to Life Application commentary, “This request impacts our present experience and future hope. In the present, we unite with Christ in God the Father (see 14:6; Colossians 3:3). In the future, we will be with Christ in eternal glory and enjoy with him the love he experienced with the Father forever.” This request Jesus made is a clear evidence of His love for us.

A young man requested for his father permission to bring in his friend to live with them. The father said, “Though I don’t easily deny your requests, but for this, no he can’t live with us.” That is human being for you but not so with Jesus. He wants us to be with Him as Friend and Brother. Are you working towards that?

Food for Thought: Are you among those that will be with Jesus?

Prayer: God, grant that I will be among those that will be with you after my life here on earth in Jesus name.

TOTAL SUBMISSION

TOTAL SUBMISSION         Wednesday July 22, 2015

Text: Matthew 26:36 – 41      Memory verse: v 39

Jesus submitted Himself in Garden of Gethsemane (Suffering), to the will of God, from which man had revolted in a Garden of Eden (Pleasure). Christ took with him into that part of the garden where He suffered His agony, only those who had witnessed his glory in his transfiguration (v 37). They were best prepared to suffer with Christ, because they have beheld His glory. Jesus told them what He was passing through and had expected them to pray with Him (v 38, 39). Unfortunately they slept off maybe out of tiredness, spiritual weakness or laxity. When God wakes you up to pray or lays it in your heart to pray, do you pray or you sleep off?

Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s will. He went ahead with the mission for which he had come. Jesus expressed his true feelings as a human being, but he was not denying or rebelling against God’s will. He reaffirmed his desire to do what God wanted. How submissive are you to God’s will for your life? Remember there is no short cut to heaven. It is total submission or not.

Food for Thought: How submissive are you to God’s will for your life?

Prayer: Your will is the best for me. Let your will be done in my life, O Lord.

YOU WILL DESERT ME

YOU WILL DESERT ME       Tuesday July 21, 2015

Text: John 16:28 – 33        Memory verse: v 32

Christ plainly spoke about His entire mission - He was incarnated (came from the Father), He was made a human being in order to secure the salvation of human beings (into the world), and He would be resurrected from death and ascend back to the glory from where He came (return to the Father). The disciples understood Him easily (v 29, 30).

Notwithstanding the faith of His disciples in Him which they had expressed, He pointed out that they would soon desert Him and return to their homes, and so far as human friends were concerned, He would be left alone. This is an allusion to Zachariah 13:7.

There are ways we desert God especially when we are facing challenges and adversities. Many of us abandon the faith. However, it is expected that we should endure to the end for therein lies our salvation (Matthew 24:13). Do you easily abandon the faith when challenged?

Action: Write down some of the ways that people desert the faith. Use them to guide yourself against abandoning the faith.

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen my faith in you so that I can stand firm in the face of challenges and adversities in Jesus name.

LOVE WITHIN THE HOME

   

LOVE WITHIN THE HOME     Monday July 20, 2015

Text: Ephesians 5:21 – 29        Memory verse: 21

Paul speaks about the expected relationship within the home. He urged couple to submit to one another in the fear of God. He noted that the duty of wives is submission to their husbands, which includes honouring and obeying them, from a principle of love for them. Husbands are to love their wives using the love of Christ for the church as an example, which is sincere, pure, and constant, notwithstanding her (church) failures. Our duties in marriage are included in unity and love. We (spouses) should learn our duties to each other so as to prevent evil and also avoid many painful effects.

Submitting one to another is clear evidence that we have Spirit-controlled relationships, and it requires the Holy Spirit’s guidance and restraint (4:2, 3). Also in the church, the Christians should be willing to learn from, serve, give to, or be corrected by others in the fellowship. Such submission can allow growth both individually and corporately as we seek to follow Christ.

Action: Write down the ways you can create a peaceful and lovely home.   

Prayer: God grant us a Christian home where bible is loved and taught

SHE KEPT SOME BACK

SHE KEPT SOME BACK    Sunday July 19, 2015

Text: Ruth 2:4 – 16              Memory verse: v 14

The moral and kind language between Boaz and his reapers concerning Ruth show that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our society; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. However, true religion will teach a man to behave aright in all states and conditions. It causes mutual love and kindness among persons of different ranks. 

Ruth exhibited admirable qualities: She was hardworking, loving, kind, faithful, and brave. These qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she showed them consistently in all areas of her life. Good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in—no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in. Do you have good reputation?

Again, Boaz went far beyond the intent of the gleaners’ law in demonstrating his kindness and generosity. Not only did he let Ruth glean in his field, he also told his workers to let some of the grain fall in her path. Out of his abundance, he provided for the needy. How often do you go beyond the accepted patterns of providing for those less fortunate? Ruth ate the food provided for her with moderation and kept back for her mother in law. She was not selfish. We should not be selfish with what we have.

Food for Thought: Are you selfish with what you have?

Prayer: Lord, remove every form of selfishness in me.

I WILL GUARD MY WAYS

I WILL GUARD MY WAYS      Saturday July 18, 2015

Text: Psalm 39:1 – 6              Memory verse: v 1

Here is David’s meditation concerning Man’s frailty. David resolved to keep his tongue from sin; that is, he decided not to complain about God’s treatment of him when ungodly people are around him (v 1 – 3). The reasons for his complain may not be unconnected to all the troubles of life he passed through in the hands of Saul and his children. Thus he desired to know when death will come. All of us have complaints about our job, life, money, or situation, but complaining to others may make them think that God cannot take care of us. It may also look as if we blame God for our troubles. Instead, like David, we should take our complaints directly to God.

Ironically people spend so much time securing their lives on earth with little or no thought about where they will spend eternity. David realized that amassing wealth and busily doing worldly tasks would make no difference in eternity (v 6). Few people understand that their only hope is in the Lord. Are you one of them? Do you know that everything in this world is nothing but vanity? Therefore guard your ways and don’t let them distract you.

Food for Thought: Psalm 141:3

Prayer: Psalm 141:3

STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH      Friday July 17, 2015

Text: Roman 4:17 – 22            Memory verse: v 20

Abraham never faltered in believing God’s promise because he took God at His word. His persistence in believing made his faith grew stronger. He was able to trust in God to do what seemed humanly impossible, and even to glorify God before the results were apparent. In spite of all this, Abraham was clearly human and imperfect. He had his weaknesses (fears) and bad habits (lying under pressure). The Bible depicts Abraham with all his flaws, but as a man of faith. Abraham’s faith was simple trust in God and He honoured that.

Abraham is a model not just for the Jews, but for all people as a person of faith who realized he was totally dependent on his Creator for all things, even life itself. This should be a challenge for us. We should depend on God as we go forth into the world believing Him to provide for us all we need and ask of Him. You may have been asking for a very long time but trust God as Abraham did and you will not be disappointed.

Food for Thought: Do you have faith in God

Prayer: Lord, grant me a strong faith to trust you as Abraham did. 

KNOWN AS CHILDREN OF GOD

KNOWN AS CHILDREN OF GOD   Thursday July 16, 2015

Text: Matthew 5:9                    Memory verse: v 9

God calls his children to be peacemakers. This involves action, not just passive compliance. Peacemakers actively work for peace, to cause reconciliation, to end bitterness and strife. This peace is not appeasement but dealing with and solving problems to maintain peace. Arrogant, selfish people do not concern themselves with peacemaking. Peacemakers will be called the children of God because they reflect their Father’s character. This also includes our call to the ministry of reconciliation between God and man as expressed by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:18.

Peacemaking involves taking risk and denying of self. You may be abused in the process. However, it is better to be known as a peacemaker than troublemaker. We should endeavour to make peace with people we offend, who offend us and people who are not at peace with one another. We should not be comfortable seeing people in enmity with one another without making any effort to reconciling them. Let us make peace wherever we find ourselves.

Action: Are there people in our family, neighbourhood, office, etc not at peace? Think of how you can reconcile them and act on it.

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need to be a peacemaker in my neighbourhood.

DELIBERATE WRONGS

DELIBERATE WRONGS   Wednesday July 15, 2015

Text: Psalm 19:7 – 14           Memory verse: v 13

Matthew Henry stated that, “The Holy Scripture is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun; to recover man out of his fallen state, there is need of the word of God” (v 7 – 11). Indeed the law of God is perfect. The word translated law (Psalm 19:7) literally means all that teaches us true religion. God's word warns the wicked not to go on in his wicked way, and warns the righteous not to turn from his good way. There is a reward, not only after keeping, but in keeping God's commandments (v 11 – 14).  

However, the Psalmist pointed out something that could make him fail in the law (v 13) – deliberate wrongs (presumptuous sins). This earnest and humble prayer of the Psalmist (v 13) teaches us that we may fall into the worst of sins unless we are restrained by God’s grace, and therefore we must watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. As you go forth into the world today, ask for God’s grace so as to avoid all forms of evil and sins in Jesus name.

Action: Take some steps that can save you from deliberate sins or wrongs

Prayer: Use Psalm 19:13 and 14

FAITHFULNESS BRINGS PROSPERITY

FAITHFULNESS BRINGS PROSPERITY      Tuesday July 14, 2015

Text: 2 Chronicle 31:21        Memory verse: v 21

Yesterday we read how Hezekiah made reforms that is challenging. Family Bible Notes states that, “When men do heartily unto the Lord that which is true, right, and good, he accepts them and their offerings, and gives them all that prosperity which will advance his glory and their own highest good.” This was the case of Hezekiah here. Whatever was the duty of Hezekiah, he did with sincere heart because he had the fear of God. In every respect he was a thoroughly excellent man, saw his duty to God and to his people, and performed it with becoming zeal and diligence. These things pleased God and He prospered him.

Psalm 1:1 – 3 is a clear example of what Hezekiah did and was rewarded with. He was faithful and it prospered him. How faithful are you? There are some who use the church to do business; making supplies at exorbitant prices because they want to share from the Church’s cake. God is looking for men and women who will lead His people in the church and the society. Will you make yourself available? Be faithful wherever you find yourself for that is the first step towards prosperity.

Food for Thought: Hezekiah sought God with all his heart and prospered. What about you?  

Prayer: Help me to seek you, O Lord with all my heart in Jesus name.

A CHALLENGING TESTIMONY

A CHALLENGING TESTIMONY      Monday July 13, 2015

Text: 2 Chronicle 31:11 – 20           Memory verse: v 20

Hezekiah showed care concerning Temple matters, having put them into good order, to keep them so.  The tithes and other holy things being brought in, he provided, that they should be carefully laid up, and not left exposed in loose heaps, liable to be wasted and embezzled. He ordered store chambers to be made ready in some of the courts of the temple (v 11) and into them the offerings were brought and there kept under lock and key. Again they should be faithfully laid out; according to the uses they were intended for (v 14).

Robin Sharma says, “You don’t need a title to lead.” There are areas in our families, villages, churches, offices, neighbourhood, etc that are calling for reforms and attention. What are you doing about it? A true child of God should step in and use as opportunity to make name for God and himself. Hezekiah saw the rot and he acted immediately. God is waiting on you to act on the moral rot in your family and other places you find yourself.

Action: Think of how you can bring spiritual reforms in your family, place of work or neighbourhood and act on them.

Prayer: Lord, help me to make necessary reforms in my life, family and neighbourhood in Jesus name.

TAKE HEED

TAKE HEED                   Sunday July 12, 2015

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:6 – 14       Memory verse: v 12

Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first rise. The Israelites sinned and died. They worshiped Baal, committed harlotry (Numbers 25:1 – 3) and complained about food. For these, Paul warned the Corinthian Christians that if they take their salvation for granted, if they thought they were standing strong, that was the time to be most careful not to fall. They were very sure of themselves, full of pride. Paul said that if the Israelites fell into idolatry, so they could. No human being is ever beyond temptation. Paul warns they shouldn’t let down their guard.

All these are warning for us today (10:6). We will not be spared because these were written for our warning. Murmuring against God's disposals and commands, greatly provokes him. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. All of us are in danger of falling into sin, and of dishonouring our profession. Therefore we should rely on God’s grace and not our spiritual strength.

Action: Take note of things that can make you fail and avoid them.

Prayer: God, make me cautious that I am frail and grant me the grace I need.   

WHY SIT HERE UNTIL WE DIE?

WHY SIT HERE UNTIL WE DIE?    Saturday July 11, 2015

Text: 2 Kings 7:3 – 11          Memory verse: v 3 

God can, when He pleases, make the stoutest heart to tremble; and as for those who will not fear Him, He can make them fear at the shaking of a leaf. This was the case here (7:6, 7). God ordered it, that the lepers came as soon as the Syrians had fled. They made the statement in our topic which led to their decision to take step of faith that resulted to their miracle. Their consciences told them that mischief would befall them, if they took care of themselves only. 

Matthew Henry says, “Natural humanity and fear of punishment are powerful checks on the selfishness of the ungodly. These feelings tend to preserve order and kindness in the world; but they who have found the unsearchable riches of Christ, will not long delay to report the good tidings to others.” A true Christian will share his earthly good things with others without reservations (Acts 2:44, 45).

Most people are stagnant and will never want to make a move to change their situation. If these men had not moved, they would have died of hunger. The story here is similar to that of Prodigal Son. Beloved will you remain in your present state, waiting in vain? Jesus is the only help we have. Embrace Him.

Food for Thought: Is your position today, the best you can attain?

Prayer: Lift me up O Lord from dungeon of hopelessness in Jesus name.

A NEW NAME FOR YOU

A NEW NAME FOR YOU      Friday July 10, 2015

Text: Isaiah 62:1 – 5                 Memory verse: v 2

Here is the assurance of Christ for us about His unfailing love, and His plea for us under all trails and difficulties. We the Christians shall be called by a new name, a pleasant name, such as she was never called by before. In the words of John Wesley note, “The church shall be more renowned than ever, both in respect of her condition, and so called Hephzi-bah, and of her relation, and so called Beulah, and this new name the Lord gives them accordingly” as they will not be forgotten (62:4).

Are you suffering and thinking you have been forgotten? Are people steering away from you because of your past life? Jesus Christ is promising you a new future. He is assuring you that your future will be more glorious if and only you will accept what He offers you today – salvation. Have you accepted Him? Now is the opportunity you have to make that small decision that will change your life forever.

Food for Thought: Do you have the assurance of God’s unfailing love?

Prayer: Lord, grant me a new name that will make me never to be forsaken.

LIFE WITH ITS TROUBLES

LIFE WITH ITS TROUBLES    Thursday July 9, 2015

Text: Job 14:1 – 6                         Memory verse: v 1

Human life is momentary. All his show of beauty, happiness, and splendour falls before the stroke of sickness or death, as the flower before the scythe; or passes away like the shadow. How is it possible for a man's conduct to be sinless, when his heart is by nature unclean? Job’s understanding was that life is short and full of trouble. Sickness, loneliness, disappointment, and death cause Job to say that life is not fair. It is God that determines, by His counsel and decree, how long we shall live. Our times are in His hands, the powers of nature act under him; in him we live and move.

What Job said is a confirmation of the decree God made when Man fell off His glory (Genesis 3:17 – 19). We should reflect seriously on the shortness and uncertainty of human life, and the fading nature of all earthly enjoyments. It was the brevity and misery of human life that made God to offer us eternal life in Christ Jesus (John 3:16). Do you desire to overcome the troubles of life? Then make Jesus your Lord and Saviour today.

Food for Thought: What is life without Christ Jesus?

Prayer: God grant me the understanding of life so that I will live according to your will and purposes in Jesus name. Amen 

PUT UP WITH ME

PUT UP WITH ME                                          Wednesday July 8, 2015

Text: John 15:1 – 8                                            Memory verse: v 4

Abide in me means stay with or put up with me. Here, Jesus tells us that He is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with Christ produce much fruit. But those who become unproductive; those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment, will be separated from the vine. Unproductive followers are as good as dead and will be cut off and tossed aside.

The union between Christians and Christ is mutual. They abide in Him by faith, love, and obedience. He abides in them through the Holy Spirit, as the source of their spiritual life, light, and strength (compare Philippians 2:12, 13). When we put up with Him, we gain spiritual strength and He putting with us will enable productivity is evangelism, visitation and charity. Always make your heart conducive for Him to stay. 

Action: What are the ways you can put up with God?

Prayer: Help me O God to make my life conducive for you to stay  

A MAN WHO UNDERSTANDS

A MAN WHO UNDERSTANDS       Tuesday July 7, 2015

Text: Genesis 35:16 – 20                    Memory verse: v 18

When shall we learn that it is God alone who really knows what is best for us, and that in all worldly affairs the safest path for the Christian is to say from the heart, “It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good to Him”. Rachel had passionately said, Give me children, or else I die; and now that she had children, she died! We should be mindful of what we confess with our mouth.

As Rachel was dying, she called her newborn son Ben-oni, the son of my sorrow. However, a man who understands, Jacob, because he would not renew the sorrowful remembrance of the wife every time he calls his son, changed his name to Benjamin, the son of my right hand: that is, very dear to me; the support of my age, like the staff in my right hand. He understands that name has so many consequences. Do you have such understanding about the things of the spirit? If not ask God today for insight and wisdom so you will not live in regret remembering evil always.

Action: Write down three things you can do to gain understanding.  

Prayer: Grant me wisdom and understanding, O Lord my God in Jesus name. 

THE BASIC TRUTH ABOUT OUR CALLING

THE BASIC TRUTH ABOUT OUR CALLING     Monday July 6, 2015

Text: Acts 14:19 – 28              Memory verse: v 22

The rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Jesus Christ Paul preached. Some Jews in Lystra may have informed Jews from Antioch and Iconium of the presence of these ‘troublemakers.’ The healing miracle may have deepened the jealousy and heightened which resulted in their drastic action to kill Paul. The Jews turned the crowds into a murderous mob. Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city, left for dead. “This courageous messenger, who had faithfully preached the Good News and had been hounded for it at every turn, got up, dusted himself off, and went back to work, others would have quit, but not Paul” as Life Application Commentary Noted.

Paul and Barnabas came back to see the believers in the cities where they had recently been threatened and physically attacked. They knew the dangers they faced, yet they believed that they had a responsibility to encourage the new believers. No matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable the task may seem, we must always support new believers who need our help and encouragement. It was not convenient or comfortable for Jesus to go to the cross for us! So we must follow His example for that is our calling.

Food for Thought: 2 Timothy 3: 12

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to end persecution for your sake

IN TIMES LIKE THIS, HAVE FAITH IN GOD

IN TIMES LIKE THIS HAVE FAITH IN GOD   Sunday July 5, 2015

Text: Mark 11:20 – 26           Memory verse: v 22

The prayer that moves mountains is the one aimed at fruitfulness of God’s Kingdom. It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that illustration to show that God can do the impossible. God will answer your prayers but not as a result of your positive mental attitude. Other conditions must be met: (1) You must be a believer with absolute faith in God; (2) you must not hold a grudge against another person; (3) you must not pray with selfish motives; (4) your request must be for the good of God’s Kingdom. To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. If you focus only on your request, your request could be refused.

Jesus also taught His disciples about prayer. The kind of prayer He meant was not the arbitrary wish; instead, He was referring to prayers they would pray as they faced mountains of opposition to their gospel message. Their prayers for the advancement of God’s Kingdom would always be answered positively—in God’s timing. Do you have faith in God? He is the one you are serving. You should have faith in Him because He is able to keep you against all oppositions. As you go into the world today, have your faith on Him alone.

Food for Thought: Is your faith in God or what the eye sees?

Prayer: Keep my faith in you O God despite all the oppositions of life.