FOR GOOD TO COME: Devotion for Wednesday September 30, 2015

FOR GOOD TO COME                      Wednesday September 30, 2015

Text: Job 22:21 – 30                         Memory verse: v 21

The answer of Eliphaz the Temanite wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God (22:21), and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. His counsel here is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. However, it is the only way to receive God’s blessing. Beware of slandering your brethren; and if we suffer in this manner, we should remember how Job was treated; even, how Jesus was reviled, and be patient. We should examine ourselves whether there is any form of slander in our words and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.

Beloved, we should note that sin hinders our blessings (Proverbs 28:13). Though it was wrong supposition in the case of Job, but it is the general truth. If you desire good, you should repent of your sins.

Food for Thought: Have you made peace with God?

Prayer: God reveal any sin I have not confessed that I may repent them and make peace with you in Jesus name.

LEST A WORST THING HAPPENS: Devotion for Tuesday September 29, 2015

LEST A WORST THING HAPPENS   Tuesday September 29, 2015

Text: John 5:10 – 16                             Memory verse: v 14

Oral traditions advanced by the Pharisees forbade carrying certain things on the Sabbath (5:10). While Jesus associated the man’s sickness with sin, the story of Job illustrates that this is not always the case (5:14). Jesus was criticized by the Jews on two counts: (1) healing on the Sabbath and (2) claiming equality with God (5:18). 

Jesus revealed that His Father worked on the Sabbath and so Jesus would work as well (5:17). This shows the true meaning of Sabbath—not inactivity but activity to restore and redeem. Jesus identified Himself with the divine worker, and through His work He revealed the nature of God (1:18).

Jesus knew that sin was responsible for the man’s illness and warned him so as to avert re-occurrence. This warning is good for us concerning toying with sin and the devil. We must be careful not to fall back to sin because we may not have the opportunity to repent again (Hebrews 6:4 – 6).

Food for Thought: Hebrews 10:29

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace never to go back to sin again in Jesus name.  

I HAVE NO MAN: Devotion for Monday September 28, 2015

I HAVE NO MAN     Monday September 28, 2015

Text: John 5:1 – 9     Memory verse: v 7

This feast (5:1) was not specified. The pool of Bethesda (5:2) was located just north of the temple area near the Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:32) and may have been used for washing sheep before Passover sacrifices. John 5:4 clarifies why there were so many ill people gathered around the pool and the reason behind the sick man’s words in 5:7. The question in 5:6 was geared to encourage an expression of the man’s desire, not his faith because Jesus wanted to provide a highly visible sign on the Sabbath (5:9). He also wanted to provoke the dialogue with the Jewish leaders concerning what should be allowed on the Sabbath day (5:10 – 47).

When this sick man said “I have no man,” he was thinking of the means of healing in that lake but Jesus knew what to do. Many a time, we preempt God’s way of healing. Some of us by our actions and words say “We have no help.” God is our helper. We should look up to Him for whatever we need, be it job, fruit of the womb, a life partner, etc. A Christian saying I have no man belittles God. One with God is said to be majority. With God you will get that desired job, car, house, child etc, in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: God is the helper of the helpless.

Prayer: God, help me out of my needs for you are the helper I have.

JESUS HEALED THEM: Devotion for Sunday September 27, 2015

JESUS HEALED THEM              Sunday September 27, 2015

Text: Matthew 12:14 – 21     Memory verse: v 15

The Pharisees agreed to find some accusation against Jesus that He might be condemned to death. Aware of their plans, as His time was not come, He retired from that place. Despite His withdrawal, many people still followed Him and He healed them. He didn’t cast away people following due to the plans of the Pharisees. He still went ahead to do the work for which He came into this world. Jesus also warned them not to say who He was. Jesus did not want people coming to Him for the wrong reasons.

We shouldn’t be deterred by oppositions in doing what will benefit humanity and glorify God. Of a truth, we will have opposition in the world but that should not be enough reason to stay the work of God. Are you sick, believe God for a miracle. He will also heal you as you go to Him by faith.

Food for Thought: Mark 1:41

Prayer: Lord, heal me of every physical and spiritual problem in Jesus name.

TILL MY CHANGE COMES: Devotion for Saturday September 26, 2015

TILL MY CHANGE COMES                   Saturday September 26, 2015

Text: Job 14:7 – 15                               Memory verse: v 14

At times when a tree is cut down, it shoots come forth, and grow up again as a newly planted tree. However, when man is cut off by death, he is forever removed from his place in this world. The life of man may fitly be compared to the waters of a land flood, which spread far, but soon dry up. All Job's expressions here show his belief in the great doctrine of the resurrection. Therefore in all his trouble, he choose to patiently wait 'till that change comes, which will put a period to his calamities.

There is an expiry date for all problems and calamities of life. I don’t know what you are passing through now. You have to wait on God for a change. He is the one that can turn your situations around. A change will certainly come for you. Do not lose heart. God is still there on the throne.

Food for Thought: No condition is permanent on earth.

Prayer: God, change my case because this condition is not everlasting.

HUMAN GLORY FADES: Devotion for Friday September 25, 2015

HUMAN GLORY FADES        Friday September 25, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 1:24 – 25             Memory verse: v 24

Peter quoting Isaiah 40:6 – 8, reminds Christians that everything in this life – possessions, accomplishments, people, etc, will eventually fade away and disappear. All are transient. As the grass and wildflowers bloom for a season then wither and fall, so all of this life is transitory in nature; it will pass away. Only the word of the Lord will last forever. He clearly stated that they would face suffering and persecution, but that would be only temporary. The word of the Lord was the Good News that had been preached to them and it is good for eternity.

Here is a big challenge and warning for us. Many of us work for human glory at the detriment of our salvation. We seem to loose focus on the fact that we are strangers and foreigners here. This truth should not elude us. In as much as we need some of these things to live well, they shouldn’t become barriers to our relationship with and worship of our God.

Food for Thought: Depending on life that is transitory is vanity 

Prayer: Lord, help me to see life on earth as transitory and never to rely on it

THE SIGN OF NEW BIRTH: Devotion for Thursday September 24, 2015

THE SIGN OF NEW BIRTH         Thursday September 24, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 1:22 - 23              Memory verse: v 22

P

eter expects that Christian growth in purity and holiness would result in deeper love among Christians—not merely outward appearance or profession, but sincere love for Christian brothers and sisters. Despite our differences and disagreements, we can have sincere love for one another, and as we grow in holiness, we can learn to love each other intensely because of the Holy Spirit within us (John 13:34-35).

Peter gave another reason to love others: Believers have a common ground in Christ. We have all been born again; we are sinners saved by grace. Our new life did not come from our earthly parents; that life will one day end in death. Our new life will last forever because it was given to us by the eternal, living word of God. God’s word lives and endures forever, because God who gave it lives and endures from eternity past to eternity future. How much do you love others? That is evidence that you are truly born again.

Food for Thought: Do you have evidence to prove that you are born again?

Prayer: God, help me to love others as you loved me in Jesus name.  

OUR PRESENT HELP: Devotion for Wednesday September 23, 2015

OUR PRESENT HELP       Wednesday September 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 46:1 – 5          Memory verse: v 1

This Psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God; in His power and providence, and His gracious ever presence with His Church even when faced with troubles. God is our place of absolute security and safety from ills of any kind (Psalms 2:12). His strength is the confidence and source of strength for believers (Psalm 18:2). He is reliable in difficult circumstances. The presence and favour of God are at all times the security, support, and comfort of his people (46:5).

Do you see God as your refuge and strength; always near you (Deuteronomy 4:7)? He is and will continue to be our help because all other helps are disappointment. According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.” We should understand that our God is ever present in our trouble. He will always help us. Therefore, keep trusting Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 4:7

Prayer: Almighty God, make me conscious that you are my present help.

WORLD OF TRIBULATIONS: Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2015

WORLD OF TRIBULATIONS    Tuesday September 22, 2015

Text: John 16:33b           Memory verse: v 33b

Jesus summarized all He had told His disciples that night, tying together themes from 14:27 – 29; 16:1 – 4, 9 – 11. With these words He told them to take courage. In spite of the inevitable struggles they would face, they would not be alone. Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times.

Our world is world of tribulations especially against our faith. We face persecution from different angles. However, these should not discourage us. We should look up to Jesus for strength. We shouldn’t expect to be loved by the world. They didn’t love Jesus so they won’t love us.

Food for Thought: Romans 8:37 – Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Prayer: Lord, I depend on you. Make me victorious over all tribulations of life 

THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE: Devotion for Monday September 21, 2015

THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE   Monday September 21, 2015

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

In our bible reading, Jesus plainly described 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 which He came (return to the Father). The disciples finally realized that Jesus had been speaking of His departure to the Father which led to John 16:29. Jesus’ repeated predictions of his imminent death, resurrection, and ascension (7:33; 10:11 – 18; 12:23 – 24, 30 – 36; 14:1 – 5, 15 - 31; 16:5 – 7) finally left their mark on the disciples. Now they were convinced that Jesus’ knowledge about future events marked Him unquestionably as the Son of God.

The disciples believed Jesus’ words because they were convinced that He knew everything. He even knew the questions on their minds before they asked them (16:19). Their belief was only a first step toward the enduring faith they would receive when the Holy Spirit came to live in them. Jesus said all these for them to have peace when they start happening. The essence of the Bible is to build our faith that we might have peace in this evil world. Therefore make the bible your best companion.

Food for Thought: John 14:27

Prayer: Lord, may your word be well rooted in me so that I will not be troubled by the problems of life in Jesus name. 

WILL YOU DIE IN FAITH? Devotion for Sunday September 20, 2015

WILL YOU DIE IN FAITH?   Sunday September 20, 2015

Text: Hebrews 11:13 – 16           Memory verse: v 13

These faithful ones so far described in this chapter died without receiving what God had promised them – the promise of the new, eternal city (see 11:10). But these heroes saw and welcomed the promise even though it was, as it were, from a distance. These people of faith died in their faith without receiving all that God had promised, but they never lost their vision of heaven (11:16). Their future hope was not for this earth.

These heroes and heroines of faith looked for a better place, a heavenly homeland, the country of their own that they saw in the distance (11:13). As they served God and walked with Him in this land, they knew that this world was not their home, and they looked forward to that better place because the world to come is better than this present world. Because of these people’s faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God (see also Exodus 3:6), and he has prepared a heavenly city for them (see John 14:2). 

Will you die in faith even though that promise of healing, spouse, child, etc did not come through? Know that what God holds for us in heaven is more than what is here.

Food for Thought: What will be said about you when you die?

Prayer: Lord, keep me faithful till my death in Jesus name. Amen  

KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL ONE: Devotion for Saturday, September 19th, 2015

KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL ONE      Saturday September 19, 2015

Text: John 17:11 – 16          Memory verse: v 15

Jesus didn’t pray that His disciples might become rich and great in the world, but that they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty and be brought safe to heaven. This is His concern for us Christians of today. He pleaded with His Father, that He should keep them by His power and for His glory, that they might be united in affection and labours as He is with the Father. He did not pray that his disciples should be removed out of the world to escape the rage of men because they have a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind.

However, He prayed that the Father would keep them from evil, from being corrupted by the world and from the power and craft of Satan. We are left in the world after our conversion to glorify God, and to serve our generation. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world. We should live according to our call.

Food for Thought: 1 John 5:18  

Prayer: Use 2 Thessalonians 3:3 to pray   

Keep them from the evil one: Devotion for Saturday, September 19th, 2015

KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL ONE      Saturday September 19, 2015

Text: John 17:11 – 16          Memory verse: v 15

Jesus didn’t pray that His disciples might become rich and great in the world, but that they might be kept from sin, strengthened for their duty and be brought safe to heaven. This is His concern for us Christians of today. He pleaded with His Father, that He should keep them by His power and for His glory, that they might be united in affection and labours as He is with the Father. He did not pray that his disciples should be removed out of the world to escape the rage of men because they have a great work to do for the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind.

However, He prayed that the Father would keep them from evil, from being corrupted by the world and from the power and craft of Satan. We are left in the world after our conversion to glorify God, and to serve our generation. The Spirit of God in true Christians is opposed to the spirit of the world. We should live according to our call.

Food for Thought: 1 John 5:18  

Prayer: Use 2 Thessalonians 3:3 to pray   

PRECIOUS THOUGHT: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2015

PRECIOUS THOUGHT       Friday September 18, 2015

Text: Psalm 139:17 – 24         Memory verse: v 17

God's counsels concerning us and our welfare are deep, such as cannot be known (Jeremiah 29:11). We cannot count how many mercies we have received from him. However, if we can, it will help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long. David asserts that he is no accomplice with traitors. He disowned them and does not harbour a trace of fellowship with them. He appealed to God that He should search him, and search him thoroughly to know if there are lies or evil in him.

Can you boldly invite God to search you? This is a challenge for us. David knew that the thoughts God had for him, were precious. This made him to keep trusting God. What are the thoughts of God for you? Good knowledge of them will help you to acknowledge the mercies of God in your life.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Father, work out your plans for me for yours is the best for me    

THEY MURMURED: Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2015

THEY MURMURED         Thursday September 17, 2015

Text: Numbers 14:1 – 4      Memory verse: v 2

Those who do not trust God will always be in sorrow. The sorrow of the world works death (2 Corinthians 7:10). The Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, and thus reproached God. They look back with causeless discontent. This is madness of uncontrolled passions that makes men prodigal of life itself. They wish rather to die criminals under God's justice, than to live conquerors in His favour. At last they resolved that, instead of going forward to Canaan, they would go back to Egypt. Was that not foolishness?

If you walk against God’s counsel, you will end in ruin. What are you currently passing through that you have resolved to start murmuring? We complain of our place, work and lot, and we would change; but is there any place or condition in this world that doesn’t have something in it to make us uneasy? Beware of murmuring so as not to incur the wrath of God.

Food for Thought: Murmuring is a way to discredit God

Prayer: Help me O Lord not to murmur against you no matter the problem. 

BEAUTIFICATION: Devotion for Wednesday September 16, 2015

BEAUTIFICATION       Wednesday September 16, 2015

Text: Psalm 149:1 – 5      Memory verse: v 4

This Psalm speaks about joy for all the people of God. As God shows us mercies we should praise Him for them. Being accepted by God is a source of great joy for us. God adorns the humble with salvation from their enemies. The Lord takes pleasure in His people; they should rejoice in Him. Salvation is here compared to a beauteous robe (Isaiah 61:10).

The meek, who are conscious of their own weakness and unworthiness, and quietly commit their cause to God, always find that salvation of which the proud and self-sufficient that rely on themselves are sure to fail. Have God beautified your life with His salvation? If not for the salvation of God, what do you think your life will look like now? Allow God into your life today.

Food for Thought: Psalm 61:3

Prayer: Lord, turn my mourning into joy and beautify me to glorify you.  

IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE: Devotion for Tuesday September 15, 2015

IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE     Tuesday September 15, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 17:12 – 18          Memory verse: v 17

Jeremiah acknowledged the favour of God in setting up His sanctuary. There is fullness of comfort in God, overflowing, ever-flowing fullness, like a fountain as he asserts (17:13). It is always fresh and clear, like spring-water, while the pleasures of sin are puddle-waters. He prays to God for healing, saving mercy (17:14). He appeals to God concerning his faithful discharge of the office to which he was called (17:16). He humbly begs that God would own and protect him in the work to which he had plainly called him.

Jeremiah pleads with God to be his refuge since he has no human source of protection. God is our Saviour and Judge. He is the one that can destroy or save us. Jeremiah prayed that God should protect him in the day of trouble. This should be our prayer because our help is only in God.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 16:19a

Prayer: Lord, you are my hope in the day of trouble. Don’t allow any terror on me in Jesus name.

A BAD TESTIMONY: Devotion for Monday September 14, 2015

A BAD TESTIMONY      Monday September 14, 2015

Text: Ezekiel 3:1 – 9         Memory verse: v 7

Ezekiel was told that he will receive the truths of God as the food for his soul, and to feed upon them by faith, and he would be strengthened. Gracious souls can receive those truths of God with delight, which speak terror to the wicked. Ezekiel must speak all that, and that only, which God spoke to him. How can we better speak God's mind than with his words? If disappointed as to his people, he must not be offended but warn them out of love.

God gave a testimony about Israel that they will not repent because of their impudent and hard-heartedness. What testimony can God give about you? The people of Nineveh repented after Jonah had preached but Israel was unwilling to do same. Are you like that who will not be moved despite all the preaching you hear? The testimony of God is what matters about us.

Food for Thought: What can God say about you today?

Prayer: God my Father, grant me the heart to believe, fear and honour you

REMEMBER YOUR WORD: Devotion for Sunday September 13, 2015

REMEMBER YOUR WORD       Sunday September 13, 2015

Text: Psalm 119:49               Memory verse: v 49

In 2 Chronicles 6:20, Solomon reminds God about His promise concerning the temple that will be built in His name. Reminding God about His word is very important because he ordered it. The Psalmist didn’t ask for a new promise, but to have the old word fulfilled. He was grateful that he has received good word from God; he embraced it with all his heart, and entreated the Lord to deal with him according to it. He does not say, “Remember my service to you," but "your word to me." He used the promise as a plea.

The argument is that God, having given grace to hope in the promise, would surely never disappoint that hope. He cannot have caused us to hope without cause. If we hope upon His word we have a sure basis that our Lord would never mock us by exciting false hopes. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)),” hence the petition for immediate remembrance of the cheering word. Has God made any promise to you? Remind Him not because He has forgotten but because He ordered us to do so.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 10:23

Prayer: Lord, remember your promises to me as I hope on you.

WHEN HE BLESSES US: Devotion for Saturday September 12, 2015

WHEN HE BLESSES US       Saturday September 12, 2015

Text: Psalm 67:1 – 7          Memory verse: v 7

This Psalm is a prayer for enlargement of Christ Kingdom. Our happiness as Christians comes from God's mercy; therefore the first thing prayed for here is, God be merciful to us sinners, and pardon our sins. Pardon is conveyed by God's blessing, and secured in that. The way of God here is the way of salvation, in which all thy glorious attributes are manifested. This will lead to nations praising God as a result of their knowledge of God’s salvation.

God is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe in Him. God shall bless us is our assured confidence as Christians; He may smite us, or strip us, or even slay us, but he must bless us.  He cannot turn away from doing good to his elect so that the earth will fear Him (67:7). Do you have that confidence of His blessings upon your life? He doesn’t disappoint. Be assured of this.

Food for Thought: God blesses His children for His name sake.

Prayer: Bless me O God that the world may know that my God is alive. 

BLESSED IS HE THAT WATCHES: Devotion for Friday September 11, 2015

BLESSED IS HE THAT WATCHES   Friday September 11, 2015

Text: Revelation 16:12 – 16         Memory verse: v 15

The sixth bowl judgment will dry up the Euphrates River to facilitate the crossing of the armies of the kings of the east (cf. Daniel 11:44) as they rush to involve themselves in the campaign of Armageddon. Armageddon is literally ‘the hill of Megiddo,’ referring to the hill upon which the ancient city of Megiddo was located. Megiddo was strategically situated at the foot of Mount Carmel to control travel through the Jezreel Valley.

There is an advice for us here which will help us to live well as Christians – Blessed is he who watches. Watching here involves being careful to obedience and observe all commandments and obligations before us. It also involves being awake and active on duty. How active are you for the Lord? Are you walking naked because you have carelessly allowed the enemies to steal your garment? Search yourself now.

Food for Thought: Matthew 25:13

Prayer: May I be watchful in this Christian race O Lord, and never to sleep.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME: Devotion for Thursday September 10, 2015

IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME      Thursday September 10, 2015

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26    Memory verse: v 24

Paul here shows how wrong their conduct was by contrasting it with the solemnity of the Lord’s Supper. I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you—Paul was emphatic that these were not his own ideas, but instructions from Jesus Christ about his Table. Paul received this teaching by direct revelation from God (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4; Galatians 1:12).

In remembrance of me as stated here means that we should eat the bread and drink the wine in an humble, thankful, obedient remembrance of His death which was done out of love in His extreme sufferings on your behalf; of the blessings He has procured for us, and of the obligations to love and duty which He has laid upon us. How much love and commitment do you show to God as mark of remembrance of His death?

Food for Thought: How often do you celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ?

Prayer: Lord, help me to always show you love and commitment as a way of remembering you.   

ARE YOU WILLING? Devotion for Wednesday September 9, 2015

ARE YOU WILLING?   Wednesday September 9, 2015

Text: Revelation 3:20 – 22      Memory verse 20

Here is an invitation to the lukewarm Christian to open to Christ, and allow him to make His home in his or her heart (see Ephesians 3:17), and to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. Christ is ready to save men; but in order to be saved by Him; they must receive Him in faith and love Him as their Redeemer, and devote their lives to His service. If they are lost, it will be on account of their opposition to Him, and their refusal to accept of His salvation. Are you willing to accept His salvation?

Jesus plainly tells us, that as He obtained His glory by overcoming Satan and the world, so must we overcome Satan, self and the world. The way to heaven for Christ and all His followers is the same; as He conquered and finally overcame on earth before He was crowned in heaven, so must we conquer here on earth too. Are you willing to stand firm, resist the devil and overcome the world? Jesus has revealed the secret of being crowned.

Food for Thought: How can you overcome Satan and the world?

Prayer: Grant me O Lord, the willing heart to accept you into my life.

AFRAID OF TERROR? Devotion for Tuesday September 8, 2015

AFRAID OF TERROR?                      Tuesday September 8, 2015

Text: Psalm 91:1 – 6                        Memory verse 5

This psalm teaches us that God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. The Psalmist’s faith in Almighty God as protector would carry him through all the dangers and fears of life. This should be a picture of our trust; trading all our fears for faith in Him, no matter how intense our fears may be. To do this we must live and rest with Him (91:1). By entrusting ourselves to His protection and pledging our daily devotion to Him, we will be kept safe.

Beloved in Christ, are you afraid of terror? Are people threatening you? This psalm is a sure comfort for you. All you do is to believe in God and entrust your life into His hands. He knows what to do and at the right time (Jeremiah 29:11). Terror is one antics of the devil to intimidate us and shut us out of God’s grace. Do not yield to any form of terror.

Food for Thought: Psalm 112:6 – 8

Prayer: Lord, make my heart steadfast in you so I will not fear any terror.   

GOD EXALTED HIM: Devotion for Monday September 7, 2015

GOD EXALTED HIM       Monday September 7, 2015

Text: Acts 5:26 – 32                                       Memory verse: v 31    

The continued threat of imprisonment was restated (5:26 – 28) by the Jewish leaders. The disciples responded that they will rather obey God than men (5:29). At the heart of Peter’s response to the Jewish leaders, he notified them that Jesus has been exalted to God’s right hand, justifying their belief and witnesses (5:29 – 32; compare 2:33 – 35). The end of his response implied that the religious leaders were not obeying God because they did not believe in Jesus as Messiah (5:32).

Jesus suffered for us and was exalted. This implies that when we suffer with Him, we will also be exalted together. Again we should not be intimidated into denying our faith. We should be bold enough to speak out for Christ anywhere and anytime. We shouldn’t allow opposition to shut us up to compromise our faith. Be courageous for Christ. Note the warning in Matthew 16:24 – 28.

Action: Today, speak out for Jesus. Tell someone about the love of God today.

Prayer: God, grant me boldness to speak about the exalted Christ to others.

YOU CAN DECEIVE MAN BUT NOT GOD: Devotion for Sunday September 6, 2015

YOU CAN DECEIVE MAN BUT NOT GOD    Sunday September 6, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 18:17 – 19                      Memory verse: v 17b

When God’s hand and anointing is upon your life, every plan of the enemies against you will never succeed. Saul made David a captain so that it will be an opportunity for the Philistines to kill him (18:13, 17). Very unfortunate! What some people will not do directly, they often attempt to do indirectly, and thus try to cast the responsibility of their evil actions on others. This was the case of Saul here but he cannot deceive God. God is the owner and sustainer of our lives and this world.

Beloved, every evil plan against your life will not see the light of the day. God will frustrate them. Immediately after my birth, the enemies came after me. I was about 2 years old, a woman poured pepper and set fire on the faeces I passed at the back of the family house just to eliminate me. God of miracle sent rain immediately amidst sunshine and put off the fire. There are many other attempts even of recent where people confessed to being responsible for all the problems I have been through. Here I am today doing what God has called me into. The gang up against you will not succeed in Jesus name (Isaiah 54:17). They will reap the fruits of their labour.

Food for Thought: Why didn’t God approve Saul’s plan against David?

Prayer: Lord, frustrate all plans of the enemies against me in Jesus name.

THE POWER OF WISDOM: Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2015

THE POWER OF WISDOM            Saturday September 5, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 18:12 – 16           Memory verse: v 15

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says, “For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations!” We should imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Are there no sinful omissions, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conducts towards those who oppose us? Opposition and perverseness in others are no excuse to wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to our call and duties.

This is a great challenge for us. David behaved wisely which attracted love from the people and Saul was afraid of him. We should learn to behave wisely in all situations. This is the only way to shame our detractors and even win some of them for Christ.

Food for Thought: Wise behaviour makes enemies afraid of you. 

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom to behave well when faced with challenges and oppositions in Jesus name

.  

THEY ARE NOT OF CHRIST: Devotion for Friday September 4, 2015

THEY ARE NOT OF CHRIST        Friday September 4, 2015

Text: Ephesians 4:17 – 24                 Memory verse: v 20

Paul charges us here as Christians that we should no longer behave as the unconverted Gentiles, who walked in vain fancies and carnal affections. They don’t know the saving knowledge. They preferred darkness and loved it rather than light. They had a dislike and hatred to a life of holiness, which is not only the way of life God requires and approves, and by which we live to Him, but which has some likeness to God Himself in His purity, righteousness, truth, and goodness. Behaving in the opposite way is evidence they are not of Christ because Christians are light (John 3:18 – 21).

There is no benefit in deceiving oneself. If you are of God let it be seen in your deed. We are called into life of truth and righteousness. Anything short is contrary to our call. We are of Christ when our lives are reflection of His person. Are you of Christ or you are one of the pretenders? Let the life of Jesus be seen in you as live in your work place, business arena and neighbourhood.

Food for Thought: Are you truly of Christ? Do you have the evidence?

Prayer: Almighty God, let the life of Jesus Christ be seen in me.

WHAT A DISPLAY OF POWER: Devotion for Thursday September 3, 2015

WHAT A DISPLAY OF POWER      Thursday September 3, 2015

Text: Matthew 27:50 – 56                  Memory verse: v 51

During the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, He didn’t need any struggle with His accusers or the Roman soldiers, to prove His power and authority. Events as ordained by God were enough to prove that He is the son of God. The veil torn apart on its own, there was earthquake which split the rocks, graves of the dead were opened and saints resurrected. What a display of power of God. This made the centurion to acknowledge saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!"

Most people need to see the power of God demonstrated before they can believe but it is more blessed to believe before seeing (John 20:29b). The rending veil of the temple, the quaking earth, the bursting rocks, the opening graves, and the rising dead, all testified to the death of Jesus Christ as God Almighty. These gave us access to the throne of mercy. Do you believe that indeed Jesus Christ is the Lord? Let these events strengthen your faith.

Food for Thought: Are you convinced that Jesus is indeed the Son of God?

Prayer: Lord, as you speak to me through signs, grant me understanding.