SHE DID AS INSTRUCTED: Devotion for Tuesday September 1, 2015

SHE DID AS INSTRUCTED        Tuesday September 1, 2015

Text: Joshua 2:15 – 21                  Memory verse: v 21

Rahab had heard of the miracles the Lord did for Israel in Egypt and their way out of Egypt. She believed that His promises would certainly be fulfilled, and His threatening will take effect; and that there was no way of escape but by submitting to Him, and joining with his people. What Rahab did proved that she had the real principle of Divine faith. The spies made promises to her and gave her instructions on what to do. She did as she was instructed (2:21).

If we ever hope to get any of the promises God made to us in the scripture, we must obey and act accordingly to the instructions or conditions attached to those promises. Do you keep God’s instructions? If you desire to be blessed of God, you must keep to His instructions. Obedience is proof of our love for God and a way to receiving all we desire of Him. As you start this month, choose to obey God and He will make this month memorable for you in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Do you act according to the instructions from God?

Prayer: Lord, help me to obey the instructions you give me through the bible.

     

BLESS YOUR INHERITANCE: Devotion for Monday August 31, 2015

BLESS YOUR INHERITANCE      Monday August 31, 2015

Text: Psalm 28:6 – 9                Memory verse: v 9

It is proper to show appreciation for answers to our prayers. This is what this part of this psalm enjoins us. We can also bless the name of the Lord even when our prayers have not been answered. Blessing the name of the Lord in anticipation is a demonstration of our faith in God that He is able to meet us at the point of our needs. The Psalmist delights in the divine response (28:5) to his prayer of supplication (28:1 – 4). His confident trust in God is indicated in the titles he gives God for his divine protection.

We are God’s inheritance and the Psalmist pleads with God to bless His inheritance. He knows that our blessings come from God. Without His blessings upon us we are doomed. Thus it is important to always ask for God’s blessings. This psalm ended with Benediction. This shows the essence of saying the prayer of blessing in our daily worship as God commanded (Numbers 6:23 – 27). The Lord will bless and keep you as you go out today.

Food for Thought: The blessings of God make us what we are.

Prayer: God bless me, my family and works of my hand as your inheritance.         

THEY MADE MOCKERY OF ME Sunday August 30, 2015

THEY MADE MOCKERY OF ME      Sunday August 30, 2015

Text: Psalm 22:7, 8                         Memory verse: v 7, 8

On Thursday, we saw how the Psalmist complained bitterly. Here we have more of his compliant about mockery. This Psalm alludes to Christ and all He suffered in the hands of Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers. The conduct of the Jews towards our Lord, when He hung upon the cross was here prophesied. But our scriptural reading is also true of the insults which David suffered from Shimei and others during the rebellion of Absalom. Whichever it may be, there is obvious fact that the righteous is always mocked by unbelievers.

A man asked for a lady’s hand in marriage but the lady chose to obey God. She had delayed conception and when the man saw her, he made mockery of her that nothing has happened after 10 years of marriage. But today, the lady is a proud mother of twins. This is God! Are people making mockery of your present situations and predicaments? Never mind them. Your God will arise for your sake in Jesus name. We look forward to your testimony.

Food for Thought: Mockery can challenge us into action (1 Samuel 1:1 – 11).  

Prayer: By your mercies O Lord, turn every mockery against me to blessing

YOU SHALL EAT OF YOUR LABOUR: Devotion for Saturday August 29, 2015

YOU SHALL EAT OF YOUR LABOUR      Saturday August 29, 2015

Text: Isaiah 3:9 – 15       Memory verse: v 10

Ecclesiastics 6:2 say something that should make us pray about God’s blessings upon our lives. There is abundant encouragement to the righteous to trust in God, and for sinners to repent and return to Him. In today’s world, sinful living often appears glamorous, exciting, and clever. But sin is wrong, regardless of how society perceives it, and, in the long run, sin will make us miserable and destroy us. God tries to protect us by warning us about the harm we will cause ourselves by sinning. However, to the righteous, there is the promise that all will be well, they shall eat of their labour.

Eventually the righteous will receive God’s reward, and the wicked will receive their punishment. It is disheartening to see the wicked prosper, while we (Christians) struggle to obey God and follow his plan. However, let us keep holding on to God’s truth and take heart! God will bring about justice in the end, and He will reward those who have been faithful. Beloved, be faithful to the end.

Food for Thought: Are you still faithful to Him?

Prayer: Lord, make me faithful to you and grant that I will eat of my labour.

LOOK UPON MY AFFLICTION: Devotion for Friday August 28, 2015

LOOK UPON MY AFFLICTION           Friday August 28, 2015

Text: Psalm 25:15 – 22                       Memory verse: v 18

The Psalmist expresses dependence on God and desire toward Him. It is good to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. Though guilty before God which he acknowledged (v 18), yet, as to his enemies, he had the testimony of conscience that he had done them no wrong. For this reason he asked God to look upon his affliction and act accordingly.

Do life’s problems always seem to go from bad to worse for you? God is the only one who can reverse this downward spiral. He can take our problems and turn them into glorious victories. We should cry to God as David did. When we are willing to do that, God can turn the worst into something wonderful. The next step is yours. God has already made His offer.

Action: Go to God in fasting and prayers, crying concerning that affliction.

Prayer: Lord, look upon my affliction and act on my behalf for your name sake

HE SENT A COMFORTER: Devotion for Wednesday August 26, 2015

HE SENT A COMFORTER    Wednesday August 26, 2015

Text: Acts 27:21 – 25          Memory verse: v 23

Our text didn’t state the reason for long abstinence from food. It may probably be due to fasting proclaimed or shortage of food (v 21). Then Paul reminded the crew that, with God’s guidance, he had prophesied this very problem (27:10). Because he had been right in the past, they should listen to him now and have hope. Paul told them, “None of you will lose your lives” because God sent His angel the previous night with message of hope. He urged them to take heart (v 25). This is Paul's reason for his own good cheer and for his exhortation to confidence in spite of circumstances so unpleasant.

What is that unpleasant circumstance you are passing through now that you have started losing hope? Just wait on God. He will obviously sent a comforter to cheer you up with good news. Be of good courage (Psalm 27:14).

Food for Thought: Ezra 10:4

Prayer: Lord, send your comforter to strengthen me as I endure storms of life.

HE UPHOLDS ME

HE UPHOLDS ME              Tuesday August 25, 2015

Text: Psalm 18:29 – 36         Memory verse: v 35

This Psalm speaks of what we can do when God’s hand is upon us and He upholds us. It is not just for the Psalmist alone. By His help, we can surmount all the wall of our enemies and overcome their forces. These we can do because His ways are perfect, His words are proven and He is a shield to all who trust in Him (18:30). God arms us, making our ways perfect, setting us on high places as well as granting us the shield of salvation.

Beloved, is God upholding you? When He is, you can surmount all oppositions of the enemies against your life. Are you under the threat of powers of darkness? Remember that our God is the shield we need to overcome (18:35). As you go out today, trust Him to guide you and enlarge your path so your feet will not slip off. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: It is the preserving grace of God that sustains us.

Prayer: God, uphold me always, so I may not slip off the part of righteousness.

          

HE IS ALWAYS WITH US

HE IS ALWAYS WITH US         Monday August 24, 2015

Text: Psalm 23:1 – 6                Memory verse: v 4

This Psalm is expression of confidence in God's grace and care. The words of this Psalm are inspirations for us to always express our confidence in the care of our great Pastor, the Redeemer and Preserver of humanity. Here, a shepherd illustrates one who serves as a leader, companion, guide, and provider (Psalms 23:1). The shepherd uses the rod as a weapon of defense to drive off prey and the staff to lean upon as well as to guide straying sheep (Psalms 23:4). The confidence of the Psalmist is that with God, goodness and mercies will be our rear guard. Do you have such confidence?    

For us Christians the valley of the shadow of death will be illuminated with the presence and favor of God so that we can’t fear any evil. You may be facing though times of your life at this moment thinking God has forsaken you. However, be assured that He is always with you (Matthew 28:20).

Food for Thought: Do you have the assurance of His ever presence?

Prayer: Grant O Lord that your presence will always be with me. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR HIS BLESSINGS: Devotion for Sunday August 23, 2015

QUALIFICATION FOR HIS BLESSINGS      Sunday August 23, 2015                      

Text: Psalm 24:3 – 6                   Memory verse: v 4

Our scriptural reading today tells us that people who shall stand as courtiers in the palace of the living God are not distinguished by race, but by character. The Psalmist desires to know what is required of him for entrance into the God’s presence. The essential things are moral order and purity which are embedded in clean hands (deeds), pure heart (thoughts), and undefiled tongue (speech). Compare Psalms15:1.

Purity of heart and life are essential to our enjoying the presence and favor of God and they are evidence of our profession as Christians. Do you have any of these qualifications? How pure is your heart? We should always ask for grace to guard our thoughts and order our deeds to glorify God.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:8

Prayer: Grant me a pure heart O Lord, that I will see you at last in Jesus name.

EFFECT OF PRIDE : Devotion for Saturday August 22, 2015

EFFECT OF PRIDE        Saturday August 22, 2015

Text Daniel 5:17 – 23           Memory verse: v 20

The king offered Daniel gifts and great power if he would explain the writing, but Daniel turned him down. Daniel was not motivated by material rewards. His entire life had been characterized by doing right. His act was not disrespect. Doing right should be our first priority, not gaining power or rewards. Are you disposed to doing right or gaining rewards and power? Note that desire for power can be destructive.

Belshazzar knew Babylonian history, and so he knew how God had humbled Nebuchadnezzar. Nevertheless Belshazzar’s feast was open defiance to God’s authority as he took the sacred cups from God’s Temple and drank from them. No one who understands that God is the Creator of the universe should be foolish enough to challenge him. Pride led him into it and he paid for it. Do you defile God? Be warned because our God is a Jealous God.

Food for Thought: Pride and humility doesn’t dwell together.

Prayer: Father, heal me of any form of pride and grant me humble spirit.

DO BUSINESS TILL I COME: Devotion for Friday August 21, 2015

DO BUSINESS TILL I COME               Friday August 21, 2015

Text: Luke 19:11 – 27                                Memory verse: v 13

There is a relationship between the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) and the parables that begin in 19:11. They grow out of Zacchaeus’ confession and proclamation that he would return what he had wrongly taken (19:8). The parables of 19:11 – 27 clearly corrected the misconception that the kingdom was going to come immediately (19:11). Thus Jesus charged them to do business till He comes back. Some translation has it as occupy till I come.

In the real sense, what Jesus told His followers was to continue in faithful service no matter how long it might take before He returns. Jesus taught them about the rejection of the King (representing Himself) and announced judgment on the rejecting generation (19:11 – 27).

Ten pounds of silver (19:13) amounted to about three months’ wages. These ten pounds represents the gifts and opportunities of doing good which Jesus entrusts to men. ‘Do business’ as stated in our scriptural reading means using those gifts in the right manner. We must understand what our gifts are before we can use them. Have you known your gifts? Use them well.

Food for Thought: How best can you use your gifts in doing business?

Prayer: Help me to use my gifts well and never to be selfish about them.

NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS:Devotion for Thursday August 20, 2015

NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS      Thursday August 20, 2015

Text: Isaiah 53:10 – 12                                         Memory verse: v 12

T

his was the prophecy of what Jesus Christ will suffer for the sake of love He has for us. We did not put Him in our position, but He placed Himself there. Thus He took away the sin of the world, by taking it on Himself. He made Himself subject to death, which to us is the wages of our sin. To aggravate his sufferings He was numbered with transgressors, condemned as a criminal, and executed in company with two notorious criminals. He was in their midst as if He had been the worst of the three.

In 1 John 3:1, John tells us to behold the manner of love God has bestowed on us. This was the extent Jesus chose to suffer for us, being numbered among the transgressors. These sacrifices and love are meant for us. Have you accepted this love? Think about what He suffered for you and see if there is any need to surrender your life to Him or not.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 1:3

Prayer: Lord, grant me a heart of gratitude for all you have done for me.

POSSES YOUR POSSESSION: Devotion for Monday August 17, 2015

POSSES YOUR POSSESSION     Monday August 17, 2015

Text: Obadiah 1:17 - 21            Memory verse: v 17

Any wickedness and persecution against the people of God will definitely be judged and punished by God. Our text is a recompense for Edom. God’s word concerning Edom actually came to pass. The Edomites were routed by Judas Maccabeus in 164 B.C. The nation no longer existed by the first century A.D. At the time of Obadiah’s prophecy, Edom may have seemed more likely to survive than Judah. Yet Edom has vanished, and Judah still exists. This demonstrates the absolute certainty of God’s word and of the punishment awaiting all who have mistreated God’s people. Do you doubt God’s promises concerning you? Let this text encourage you.

When God afflicts His covenant people, it is always for their purification and salvation; in due time He grants them, through Christ, a glorious deliverance from their troubles, and makes them victorious over all that hated and persecuted them. God (Zion) is source of our possession. Let us rely on Him.

Food for Thought: God does honour His word.

Prayer: God, grant that I will posses all my possession and none will elude me. 

WALK IN WISDOM: Devotion for Sunday August 16, 2015

WALK IN WISDOM     Sunday August 16, 2015

Text: Colossians 4:5, 6      Memory verse: v 5

Paul reminds us of our responsibility to be wise in the way they acted toward those who are not Christians. Paul observed that while the Christian fellowship does (and should) make some allowances for the mistakes of its own, the world will not. Christians’ behavior toward unbelievers should be above reproach. The believers were not to hide from the world in a secret organization; instead, they were to live in the world as a light (Matthew 5:14 – 16).

As Christians, we should be wise in our contacts with non-Christians, making the most of our opportunities to preach the Good News of salvation to them. What opportunities do you have? Do you make good use of them? Your meeting with that unbeliever may be his/her last opportunity to hear the word of God. Try and do something today as you go forth into the world.

Food for Thought: Wisdom of God is the panacea for living a godly life in this age of wickedness and evil

Prayer: God, give me the wisdom I need to live a godly life in this generation. 

WE SHOULDN'T SLEEP: Devotion for Saturday August 15, 2015

WE SHOULDN'T SLEEP           Saturday August 15, 2015

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – 10       Memory verse: v 6   

T

he challenge Paul mentioned in 5:1 led to his admonition here that we should not sleep (5:6). What is that challenge? No one knows the day of the Lord. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to conform to God’s light, not the darkness that leads to destruction in the day of the Lord. Since the day of the Lord will result in judgment for the wicked and deliverance for the righteous, self-examination was important. This advice is very important for us Christians too.

Believers are associated with ‘light’ (spiritually enlightened because of the new birth) rather than ‘darkness’ (the realm of sin and spiritual emptiness). The coming of the Lord should motivate believers to be mentally alert and morally vigilant. Paul used an illustration of a Roman soldier on duty (5:8). Beloved are you asleep? Are you compromising or complacent? The actual time we don’t know. Therefore let us be ready like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1 – 13).

Action: List some characteristics of a Christian who is asleep.

Prayer: Make me spiritually alert O Lord so that I will not be taken unaware when you return in Jesus name.

GET BEHIND ME, SATAN: Devotion for August 14, 2015

GET BEHIND ME, SATAN         Friday August 14, 2015

Text: Matthew 4:8 – 11          Memory verse: v 10

It was after Jesus was declared the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world, that He was tempted. Great privileges, and special tokens of Divine favour, will not secure anyone from being tempted. Satan’s intent in the temptations was to cause Jesus to sin by taking shortcuts to the accomplishment of His kingdom purposes. Since Satan showed his true character, Jesus did not deal with him as a pretended friend and pious counsellor but calls him by his right name and ordered him off.

If we presume upon our own strength, and tempt the devil to tempt us, we provoke God to leave us to ourselves (James 1:14). We should know that devil is never a pious counsellor. Therefore, order him off your ways and life. You should be courageous enough to rebuke Satan now. Don't pamper him because he doesn't think anything good for you. Don’t try to toy with him or else, you will pay dearly for it.

Food for Thought: Do you have the courage to order the devil behind you?

Prayer: Devil, get behind me because my life is for Jesus. Amen.  

  

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT: Devotion for Thursday August 13, 2015

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT       Thursday August 13, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:43 – 46        Memory verse: v 45

Here, Jesus pointed out the need for constant vigilance. A homeowner cannot know when a burglar might come to break into his home, so he must stay alert. So it will be with the return of Christ. He will come when we least expected. In ancient times it was a common practice for masters to put one servant in charge of all the household business. The servant, described as faithful and sensible, parallels the disciples, who were given unprecedented responsibility by Jesus. Yet it also describes those appointed to positions of leadership in the church who should be found faithfully carrying out their duties when Jesus (the Master) returns. These servants will be given great rewards.

How vigilant are you as you expect the return of Christ? Jesus asks us to spend the time of waiting taking care of His people and doing His work here on earth, both within the church and outside it. This is the best way to prepare for Christ’s return. Will Jesus find you faithful in your call as a Pastor, Teacher, Civil Servant, Public Servant, Trader, Artisan, etc when He returns?

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 4:2

Prayer: God, help me to remain faithful and wise in my call in Jesus name

BE PREPARED: Devotion for Wednesday August 12, 2015

BE PREPARED      Wednesday August 12, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:36 – 42     Memory verse: v 42

We ended yesterday’s reading with the question of how prepared are we for the second coming of Christ. Here is admonition to prepare. The Second Coming will happen so suddenly that in the blink of an eye, one of those people may be taken and the other left. The reason is this? One was ready and one was not. Believers must be on guard and alert, constantly ready for him to come at any time. Christ’s second coming will be swift and sudden. There will be no time for last-minute repenting or bargaining. The choice that people have already made will determine their eternal destiny.

Beloved, now is the time to prepare. Have you made the right choice? You must be prepared now or it may be too late. Preparation here demands that you should watch and pray. Watching involves understanding of the time we are in so that when the signs Jesus gave start manifesting, we will know. How prepared are you?

Action: Write down what you can do to prepare yourself for His coming again.

Prayer: Grant me the grace to prepare myself O Lord, before time.

WHEN YOU SEE THESE HAPPENING: Devotion for Tuesday August 11, 2015

WHEN YOU SEE THESE HAPPENING         Tuesday August 11, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:32 – 35                             Memory verse: v 33

Jesus used a parable to answer the disciples’ question regarding when the events He spoke about would happen (24:3). They knew when summer would come by observing a fig tree. The dry, brittle twigs getting tender with rising sap and the leaves coming out were some signs that summer was near. Inherent in this process is waiting patiently. As we can’t hurry the natural cycle of the fig tree, so we must patiently await the Second Coming of Christ because we can’t hurry it.

Matthew 24:33 means that the Second Coming of Jesus is both certain and near. The fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy would assure the disciples that the other prophecies He had given regarding the End Times would also come true. How prepared are you seeing the others predictions manifesting in our eyes?

Food for Thought: James 9:5

Prayer: Lord, may I not be taken unawares. Help me to prepare for your second coming.

OUR DEEDS ARE NOT IN VAIN: Devotion for Monday August 10, 2015

OUR DEEDS ARE NOT IN VAIN   Monday August 10, 2015

Text: Revelation 14:13           Memory verse: v 13

The time for the blessings of the martyrs have come—now that the judgment on the beast and the harvesting of the elect are at hand. They are blessed in being allowed to sit down to the marriage-supper of the Lamb (19:9), in having a part in the first resurrection (20:6), and in having a right to the tree of life (22:14). This is the actual time that the martyrs and all faithful Christians under persecution longed for; when they will be remembered. It is time of rest from their labours.

From out text it is evident that whatever we suffer in the name of Christ is never in vain. There is always a reward if when endure till the end. Are you being discouraged because of trials of faith and unanswered prayers? Don’t give up on that life of righteousness because your reward awaits you if you are going through those trials as a result of your faith. Keep labouring for the Lord and you will be blessed at the end.

Food for Thought: There is no deed without its reward; good or bad. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to give myself unto good works in Jesus name. 

          

SOURCE OF LIFE: Devotion for Sunday August 9, 2015

  

SOURCE OF LIFE       Sunday August 9, 2015

Text: Matthew 4:3 – 4    Memory verse: v 4

Devil can succeed as he tempts us when we have insatiable desire and are easily enticed. Here Jesus gave us a clue as to how best we can overcome temptation. He also made us to understand that most things we desire are not source of life rather the word of God (Deuteronomy 8:3). What should be our duty when we are in want of the necessities of life? We should learn to wait on divine supply, not doubting that at the right time they would arrive.

Beloved, word of God is what gives us life. Life does not consist of our wealth rather it consists of the level of the word of God in you. This is the reason some walk about thinking they are living when they are already dead because the word of God is not in them. Are you one of them? Depend of His word for life.

Food for Thought: Do you value the word of God?  

Prayer: Help me O Lord to depend on you and your word as my source of life.

WHO AM I? Devotion for Saturday August 8, 2015

WHO AM I?     Saturday August 8, 2015

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

When God exalts a humble heart to a great position, such is never proud of that position and where God gives grace to be humble; there He gives all other needful grace. Paul is of the opinion that he is not worthy of the trust granted to him as he deems himself. He was ever humbled by remembering that he had been a persecutor. His words in 3:8 strongly mark the unparalleled humility of Paul; and the amazing condescension of God, in favouring him, who had been before a persecutor and blasphemer. By describing himself as ‘Who am less than the least of all the saints,’ Paul means that being once a persecutor of the church, he would never be able to do God’s work without God’s help. Yet God chose him to share the Good News with the Gentiles and gave him the power to do it.

This shows the kind of humility of Paul as a person. He never allowed his exalted position in Christianity to enter his head. Today, most of us are in positions we are not worthy to occupy if not for the grace of God. How humble are you in that position? You should use that position to glorify God in humility knowing that you are not worthy except for the grace of God. This is what pleases God.

Food for Thought: 1 Timothy 1:15

Prayer: Grant me O Lord a humble heart in any position I find myself.

AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US: Devotion for Friday August 7, 2015

AN ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US   Friday August 7, 2015

Text: Revelation 14:6 – 12        Memory verse: v 12

The four proclamations are plain in their meaning; that all Christians may be encouraged, in the time of trial, to be faithful to their Lord. The gospel is the great means whereby men are brought to fear God, and to give glory to Him. The devil and agents don’t like to see us preach hence they bring all kinds of trials and temptation. However, here is an encouragement for us. According to Family Bible Notes,

The patience of the saints is “Of those who should stand out against all the blandishments, wiles, and threats of the beast and his image, continuing steadfast in the faith of Christ, though it should cost them the sacrifice of life. The words contain a solemn intimation of the severe trials to which God's faithful servants would be subjected during the reign of the beast.”  We should not give up. May God, bestow this patience upon us in Jesus name.

The thought of 13:10 is resurfaced again. The great ordeal of persecution reserved for those who refuse to worship the beast will serve as a test of the faith and patience of the followers of Jesus. Patience suggests persevering endurance. Do you persevere under temptations and trials?

Food for Thought: Perseverance leads to glory

Prayer: God, continue to strengthen me as I go through trials and temptation.

LOVE WILL WAX COOL: Devotion for Thursday August 6, 2015

LOVE WILL WAX COOL      Thursday August 6, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:9 – 13           Memory verse: v 12

The word iniquity here seems to include the cruelty of the Jews and Romans in their persecutions; the betraying of Christians by those who professed to be such; and the pernicious errors of false prophets and others. False prophets claimed to receive messages from God, but they said what the people wanted to hear, even when the nation was not following God.

There are many false prophets today, popular leaders who tell people what they want to hear—such as “God wants you to be rich” even when that person has no job doing. “Do whatever your desires tell you,” or “There is no such thing as sin or hell.” A General Overseer of a big Ministry in Nigeria once said that “Sin will not take someone to hell because Jesus has paid the price for our sins. What will take someone to hell is not accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour.” This is a teaching that encourages people to continue in sin as against Romans 6:1. Jesus said false teachers would come, and he warned his disciples, as he warns us, not to listen to their dangerous words.

False teaching and loose morals bring a particularly destructive disease—the loss of true love for God and others. Love grows cold when sin turns our focus on ourselves and our desires. The effect of all this would be, that the ardour of feeling of many Christians would be lessened. The fear of death, and the misled influence of false teachers, would lessen the zeal of many timid and weak Christians even those who are real but feeble.

Most of us are not facing persecution but there are laxities in our love and commitment towards God. Devil has so much made us complacent that we have left our first love for God like the Laodicea Church (Revelation 3:15, 16). Sin cools your love for God and others by turning your focus on yourself. You cannot truly love if you think only of yourself.

Food for Thought: What is the level of your love for God?

Prayer: God, rekindle my love and commitment to you in Jesus name.

OUR DUTIES             Wednesday August 5, 2015

Text: Rev 14:6 – 12     Memory verse: v 7

We have a twofold duty to "Fear God and give glory to Him (God).” This angel was carrying the everlasting Good News to preach to the people who belong to this world. The angel’s message called people to fear God and give glory to Him because the time has come when He will sit as judge. This call to fear and worship God is said in contrast with the worship of the beast. "The persecution of saints even unto death is often followed by a rapid and extensive spread of the gospel, and the greatest rage of opposers by their speedy and utter ruin" so said Family Bible Notes. Even in these final moments of judgment, God gave the people the opportunity to repent.

How much do you perform these duties? If you don’t fear God nor give Him His due glory, God will demand them from you at Judgment. We should know that God’s final judgment will certainly come. Have you received the Good News? Have you confessed your sins and trusted in Christ to save you? If so, you have nothing to fear from God’s judgment. He is your Saviour! 

Food for Thought: Are you performing these duties?

Prayer: Grant O Lord that I will fear you and return your glory always.

SELF EXAMINATION: Devotion for Tuesday August 4, 2015

SELF EXAMINATION    Tuesday August 4, 2015

Text: Lamentation 3:37 – 41     Memory verse: v 40

We should complain to God and not of Him when we are confronted with challenges and problems of life. Usually, we are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people's ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn from evil to God. Instead of feeling that the punishment was more than we could bear, we should accept it as correction from God and then turn to Him for restoration. This is what God wants us to do when he corrects us. See Hebrews 12:5 – 11.    

When we are affliction, it is good to remember that God chastens us less than our iniquities deserve, and that we have occasion, not for complaint, but for adoring gratitude. This view will lead to earnest self-examination and repentance, and thus to the restoration of God's favour (v 41). How often do you examine yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5)?

Food for Thought: Self examination helps us to live within ambit of the law

Prayer: Lord, help me to examine myself always so I will not miss the mark.

IT BROUGHT BLESSINGS TO HIS HOUSE: Devotion for Monday August 3, 2015

IT BROUGHT BLESSINGS TO HIS HOUSE

Text: 1 Chronicles 13:14                          Memory verse: v 14

One would have expected Obed-Edom to refuse housing the Ark of Covenant after the unfortunate incident that took Uzza’s life but he could not disobey the King’s order. The order from a king is always obeyed whether it is convenient or not. He accepted it in good faith. His action was like the submission of Mary to God's message through Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:38). Obed-Edom may also have warned his family about the Ark of Covenant, which made the entire family to enjoy God's blessings and peace within the period that Ark was there. It is the duty of Husbands and Fathers to teach their families obedience and reverence to God and all that belongs to Him.  The reverence Obed-Edom and his family had on the Ark of Covenant brought blessings to them. God blessed him and all he had because of the Ark which stayed there for just 3 months.

Sometimes we focus only on the blessings God gives us, while forgetting that when we sin, God punishes us (Hebrews 10:31). At other times, however, we concentrate so much on judgment that we miss His blessings. Don’t fall into a one-sided view of God. Along with God’s blessings comes the responsibility to live up to his demands for fairness, honesty, and justice. Let this be your watchword this day, this month and always in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Do you reverence Holy Things of God?

Prayer: Grant me the wisdom to do things that will bring blessings to me.

NEVER TRY TO HELP GOD

NEVER TRY TO HELP GOD  Sunday August 2, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicle 13:9 – 13        Memory verse: v 9

Here the sin Uzza committed is a warning for us never to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, when handling or dealing with holy things (1 Chronicles 13:9). We should never think that a good intention will justify a bad action. In our communion with God we must carefully watch over our own hearts, lest familiarity breed contempt and we think God is in anyway indebted to us. That was the sin of Uzza. 

Beloved, let the punishment of Uzza be a proof to us that the God with whom we have to do is a Jealous God. Uzza’s death, like that of Nadab and Abihu, proclaims aloud that God will be sanctified in those that come nigh unto
Him. How do you treat the things of God as a Pastor or church member? Never take things for granted or you will know that our God is Jealous.

Action: Write down some ways we take things of God for granted.

Prayer: God, help me never to mishandle holy things in Jesus name.