THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU Sunday November 1, 2015

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU   Sunday November 1, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 6      Memory verse: v 2

In this chapter the blessings and curses are enumerated at length, and in various small details, so that on the first entrance of the Israelites into the land of promise, their whole destiny was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary. The blessings are here put before the curses because God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy. It is His delight to bless. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. They are required to keep up religion, the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and then the providence of God would prosper all their outward concerns.

Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after you, and shall be thrown into your lap by special kindness. These promises still stand for us today. Unfortunately, most people run after miracles and blessings because they have refused to obey the voice of God. It is through obedience that God’s blessings will come upon us and overtake us this month and in the days ahead. Have a lovely month of November.

Food for Thought: For these blessings to overtake you, what are the things you should do?

Prayer: May I play my part O Lord, so that your blessings will overtake me.   

IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD: Devotion for Saturday October 31, 2015

IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD   Saturday October 31, 2015

Text: Hosea 10:9 – 15                                 Memory verse: v 12

Family Bible Notes is of the opinion that “It is vain to hope for any permanent reformation which does not begin with thorough humiliation of the heart before God, such as shall prepare it to receive with meekness the seed of divine truth.” This saying is true and worthy of acceptance. God enjoins Israel to sow themselves righteousness which implies that if they hope to escape the punishment threatened in the preceding verses (10:1ff), they should on their own accord sow righteousness, that they may reap mercy. Anyone who sows to righteousness lay up the best securities for himself and shall have a sure reward (Galatians 6:8).

What God is emphasizing here is that it is time to seek Him. This should be done immediately: the season is passing; and if they don’t get the seed in the ground, the early rain will be past, and their fields will be unfruitful. Of a truth the time we are in now is ripe for us to seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6). Events of present age are indicators that we are in end time and should seek God before we are taken unawares. The issues of lawlessness, gay, earthquake, apostasy, love for God waxing cool and many others should teach the wise to seek God now and hold on to Him.

Food for Thought: “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today” – Benjamin Franklin.

Prayer: God, remove from me the spirit of procrastination in Jesus name

WAIT ON GOD: Devotion for Friday October 30, 2015

WAIT ON GOD        Friday October 30, 2015

Text: Psalm 27:7 – 14                    Memory verse: v 14

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience (Galatians 5:22). It takes patience to wait on the Lord because there is nothing like haste with God. He is time conscious yet not in a hurry to do things. There are many things waiting on God can do for us. When we wait on the Lord, He inclines His ear to us and answers our prayers (Psalm 40:1). Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel and he got it (Luke 2:25). Waiting on God grants us discretion on complicated issues. It is an appointed means of grace. As we wait on God, He strengthens our hearts. Waiting does a lot of good for us. It makes us more sensitive, sober and watchful. See Psalm 31:24.

Beloved, are you in need of deliverance, healing, favour, freedom, fruit of the womb, vindication, etc, just wait on the Lord. He will never disappoint you rather you will be strengthened. We should draw up courage from the stories of men and women who waited and were blessed. Be expectant; for He that has promised is faithful. Wait actively; be not idle but use the means of grace; read, hear, pray, believe, work. As you wait on Him, He will not disappoint. 

Food for Thought: “Wait in prayer. Call on God and spread the case before him.  Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord” C. Spurgeon

Prayer: God, grant me the grace and patience to wait on you always.

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSING: Devotion for Thursday October 29, 2015

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSINGS

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 – 7                     Memory verse: v 3

God gave a command to Elijah to turn eastward and hide in Brook Cherith because He has given a command that his immediate needs be met there (17:4). Elijah went as God instructed (17:5). He didn’t bring human wisdom into it. He didn’t ask God why must it be Brook Cherith or why not that rich man/woman’s house. He obeyed and word of God was fulfilled. It was necessary, after such a declaration to this wicked and idolatrous king, that he should immediately hide himself; as, Ahab would undoubtedly seek his life. Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Jezebel, who, he knew, would seek to destroy him.

Many a time, we cry of lack of providence; fasting, praying and binding all demons that we can mention, when our needs would have been met by simple obedience to God’s instruction. For your miracle to manifest for you, you must be at the place God wants you to be. Jesus told Peter to go and catch first fish in the river from where he could get money to pay tax (Matthew 17:27). What is money doing in the mouth of fish? However, that is God for us. He is sovereign and can use anything to bless us. Being where God wants you to be matters in accessing and receiving your miracles.

Food for Thought: “Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes” – Dietrich Bonheoffer.

Prayer: Lord God, make me faithful and obedient to your command so I will not miss out in the blessings you have purposed for me.

BE STEADFAST: Devotion for Wednesday October 28, 2015

BE STEADFAST      Wednesday October 28, 2015        

Text: 1 Peter 5:9        Memory verse: v 9

Yesterday we read Peter’s caution on being sober and vigilant. Being steadfast in faith means that we should be encouraged to endure our trials because our fellow Christians suffer the same things. We should not desire and reasonably expect a better condition in the world, with respect to freedom from sufferings. Jesus our Lord suffered and said that a servant is not greater than his master (John 13:16). What all other Bible characters suffered is well known to us. We too have our own share of suffering without which, we cannot share His glory with Him (Romans 8:17).

We can get consolations about suffering for the sake of the gospel in the following ways (1) when we see suffering only as the common lot of Christians and there was no evidence that God abandon them during suffering. (2) The fact that others were enabled to bear their trials should be a proof to us that we would also be able to bear sufferings too. If others were sustained, and were brought off triumphantly, it will be an assurance for us. (3) The assurance of Jesus being with us (Matthew 28:20) is enough confidence that we are not alone in suffering (see also Daniel 3:24, 25). The grace is there to support us. Remember Isaiah 59:1, 2. However, we should not invent suffering.

Food for Thought: James 4:7.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always resist the devil.

BE SOBER AND VIGILANT: Devotion for Tuesday October 27, 2015

BE SOBER AND VIGILANT            Tuesday October 27, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 5:5 – 8                     Memory verse: v 8

We have here an exhortation on two important duties that are relevant in this age we are living in – being sober and vigilant in all things. There is a reason for this advice. It is because the enemies are at work. As an adversary, the devil opposes us. Satan opposes us in his best interests. He resists our efforts to do anything good. As a roaring lion he adds terror to his cruelty. He goes about seeking whom he may devour because “It grieves the devils, those apostate angels, to find the souls of men appointed to fill up those vacant places in heaven, which they turned themselves out of. It is a delight to them to plunge souls into the same condemnation and misery with themselves” so says William Burkett.

We can see from the words of William Burkett why the devil is against us and why we should be sober and vigilant. Has it now dawned on you that the devil has seen what the Lord has kept for us and will not want us to benefit from them? This should make us to strive in keeping the faith till the end. This should be a source of challenge to you and keep you on your toes till the battle is won. Let not what we see now deceive us.

Food for thought: 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Prayer:  Lord, make me more sober and vigilant even in this end time.   

THE SOURCE AND GIVER OF ALL THINGS: Devotion for Monday October 26, 2015

THE SOURCE AND GIVER OF ALL THINGS       Monday October 26, 2015

Text: Genesis 1:29, 30                                            Memory verse: v 29

God gave us all other creatures for our use (v 29, 30). His intent was for man to enjoy all other creatures without toiling and sweating for them. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve abused the privilege. God gave these things to us out of love because He wants us to use them to glorify Him and not for selfish purposes. We should appreciate what he has given to us (Deuteronomy 26:1 – 11). God desires, not only the quantity but the heart with which we appreciate him. We should use our gifts to help the needy and the less privileged ones (Deuteronomy 26:12 – 15; Haggai 1:1 – 11).

Beloved, why did God make you rich? Is it that you worked harder than others or out of your righteousness? Know that riches, good health and all other blessings are from God and He gives them freely. For this reason, we need to know the source and giver of all blessings. With such knowledge, we can rightly use these gifts. What you give to God, is it well-matched with the blessings you have received? Think about this and Galatians 6:7.

Food for Thought: Acts 14:17

Prayer: Help me Lord, to know you as the source and giver of all things and help me to use my gifts rightly in Jesus name.

NO VACUUM IN MAN: Devotion for Sunday October 25, 2015

NO VACUUM IN MAN          Sunday October 25, 2015

Text: Matthew 12:38 – 45       Memory verse: v 44

Jesus used the parable here to show that the Pharisees, by rejecting the gospel and refusing to believe in Christ, were in a seven-fold worse condition than if they have never heard the gospel. For rejecting Christ and His grace, Satan had got a seven-fold stronger possession of them now than before. The lesson for us here is that it is evident that human body doesn’t accommodate vacuum. It is either you have the spirit of God in you or that of Satan. Satan is restless and unquiet spirit. When cast out, has no content or satisfaction, till he returns into a filthy heart, where he delights to be as the swine in miry places. We should be mindful of what comes into our heart (Proverbs 4:23) because accommodating sins will make it a fertile ground for Satan to dwell.            

We need to be rooted in the word of God because by the preaching of the gospel, Satan may seem to go out of persons, and they become sober and civilized (compare Matthew 13:5, 6, 20, 21); yet Satan will still return. When he finds it vacant, he will possess the soul and the last end may be worse than the beginning. Therefore, do not create vacuum for the devil. Allow the word of God to take root in your life so that devil will not have reason to come back again.

Food for Thought: Matthew 13:20, 21.

Prayer: God, occupy everywhere in my life so that Satan will not have any dwelling place

TIME IS RUNNING OUT: Devotion for Saturday October 24, 2015

TIME IS RUNNING OUT    Saturday October 24, 2015

Text: Romans 13:11 – 14       Memory verse: v 11

Apostle Paul taught four things here, about the duties of a Christian; when to be awake, how to dress ourselves, how to walk, and what provision to make. He started by saying ‘and do this’. What are we to do? They are in Romans 13:7 – 10. The essence of the admonition is because it is time to wake out of sleep. Sleep here literally means inactivity and insensibility to the doctrines, and duties of religion. Men, by nature, are active in deeds of wickedness but in righteousness are insensible, and the slumbers of night are on their eyes always. That is the nature of man.  

Paul thus made the call that we should wake out of the sleep of sin, out of the sleep of carnal security, sloth and negligence, out of the sleep of spiritual death, and out of the sleep of spiritual deadness. We should be concerned about our souls and our eternal interest; take heed of sin, be ready to, and serious in that which is good. This should rightly make us to live in a constant expectation of the coming of our Lord. Are you actually ready for the return of the Lord? Know that time is running out. Do not be taken unawares.

Food for Thought: How active and sensible are you to the duties of religion?

Prayer: Lord God, wake me up from insensibility and inactivity about eternal things. Keep me in constant expectation of coming of Jesus. 

IT CAN’T BE IN VAIN: Devotion for Friday October 23, 2015

IT CAN’T BE IN VAIN      Friday October 23, 2015

Text: Isaiah 45:14 – 19       Memory verse: v 19

What God was saying here in our text is that while heathen idols deliver oracles in obscure cells and caves, He has never done such. Rather, He has delivered His oracles to Israel publicly and plainly. An instance of this was the call of Paul where He told him what he must suffer in preaching the gospel (Acts 9:16). He didn’t hide anything from him. In like manner, Jesus also told us what we must suffer as Christians. Again, God asked to know if He had called Israelites to serve and worship Him for naught (in vain). As God appointed their work, so from time to time He had given them abundant reward.

These questions arose from the fact that Israel was flirting with idols (Isaiah 45:20). Many of us are flirting with sin and have been unfaithful to God in so many ways. Many people complain about the Christian race thinking that whosoever is a Christian will not pass through trials and temptations. God is saying that our call is not to seek Him without finding Him (Isaiah 55:6). If you seek God without finding Him, please look inwards. The problem is not with God but yourself. You can only find Him when you seek for Him with a sincere heart (Isaiah 55:7).

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 30:11

Prayer: Grant, O Lord that I will not seek for you in vain.

FAVOUR BRINGS INSTANT PROMOTION

FAVOUR BRINGS INSTANT PROMOTION    Thursday October 22, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 16:10 – 13                            Memory verse: v 12

God doesn’t favour our children according to our fond partiality, but often he honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. This was true of David. Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint a King to replace Saul. All the sons of Jesse were at home except David who was in the field with his father’s flock. He was nothing in the family. However, God who sees the heart knows that he is an instrument he will use. He saw his love for him despite his status as the last born and being young. Josephus says he was about 10 years then while some commentators say 15 years. Thus he was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. A herd’s boy turned out automatically to be a King. The favour of God gave him instant promotion. May the favour of God locate and promote you.

Are you being despising and ignored in your family, office, church, etc because they feel you are nobody, no certificate, etc. God has not given up on you. Samuel didn’t object the meanness of David’s education, his youth, or the little respect he had in his own family, but, in obedience to the divine command, took his horn of oil and anointed him. That God will surprise your critics and enemies with your sudden rise to greatness in Jesus name.   

Food for Thought: Genesis 41:41 – 43

Prayer: Father, may your favour upon my life steer up my promotion instantly.

GOD CANNOT BE MOCKED: Devotion for Wednesday October 21, 2015

GOD CANNOT BE MOCKED       Wednesday October 21, 2015

Text: Galatians 6:1 – 10                            Memory verse: v 7

In Luke 16:19 – 31, is the story of an unnamed rich man and Lazarus who had sores all over his body. Lazarus wanted only crumbs from the rich man’s table but the rich man mocked Lazarus as his dog also came and licked his sores till he died. Both received their rewards. The rich man by his action against Lazarus mocked God his creator (Proverbs 14:31; 17:5). Paul warns us in this epistle that we cannot mock God. Mock is to treat something or somebody with scorn or to mimic somebody. He compares charity and Christian bounty to seed sown, and assures us, that the crop we reap shall be answerable, both in quality and kind, and also in measure and degree, to the seed we sow.

We sow seeds through our words and deeds. In this seed-time, we should be mindful of where we sow our seeds. If you sow in the flesh – beauty, sexual satisfaction, worldly affairs, etc, which are ways of mocking God; we will reap same at the end (Galatians 6:8). Beloved, do not mock God by taking his words lightly. Many who tried it are regretting now. Remember Herod, Goliath, Belshazzar, etc. The worst undoing of your life would be to mock God by compromising his word. Beware

Food for Thought: Job 13:9.

Prayer: God, grant that I may sow in the spirit so I can reap eternal life.'

A SOURCE OF DIVINE BLESSING: Devotion for Tuesday October 20, 2015

A SOURCE OF DIVINE BLESSINGS           Tuesday October 20, 2015

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

The original word for blessed is plural and we learn that the word ‘blessed’ is multiplicity of the blessings which shall rest upon the man, whom God has justified, and the perfection and greatness of the blessedness he shall enjoy. A blessed man is described in the negative way Psalm 1:1 and positive way in Psalm 1:2. He takes wise counsel, and walks in the laws of his God. His footsteps are ordered by the word of God, and he does not keep company of sinners. He avoids scorners. He sees the word of God as source of blessings and a sure guarantee to success (Joshua 1:8). He meditates on the word of God diligently and constantly.

God told Joshua the secret of success in Joshua 1:7, 8. He was emphatic about meditation on the word of God. It is God’s word that grants us our miracles. Word of God opens doors of blessings for us. You need to key into this secret David mentioned in our text by diligent and constant meditation of the word of God. Avoid the ungodly and scoffers and have nothing to do with them and you will begin to reap the favour of God with attendant blessings      

Food for Thought: “Supreme devotion to God is the way not only of duty, but of safety, prosperity, and happiness” Family Bible Notes.

Prayer: Lord, help me to apply this secret of divine blessings into my life.

HE MAKES THE CHOICE: Devotion for Monday October 19, 2015

HE MAKES THE CHOICE                     Monday October 19, 2015

Text: John 6:41 – 45                           Memory verse: v 44

Here are some truths in our bible reading for today.

1. That people don’t just come to Christ. They are drawn to Him.

2. That the drawing of sinful souls unto Jesus Christ is the special and peculiar work of God. This drawing is a powerful act, but not a compulsory act; God does not draw any against his or her will to Christ, but He inclines the wills of sinners to come unto him. He draws by effectual persuasion, and not by violent compulsion.

3. That all those who are drawn to Christ here, shall be raised up gloriously by Him hereafter (v 44). Such as are brought to Christ by the Father, Christ shall not abandon them, till He has raised them up at last, and presented them blameless and complete before His Father; where they shall ever be with Him.

God, drawing us to Himself starts with the knock at the door of our hearts (Revelation 3:20). It is only when we have responded to that knocking; He will draw us to Himself. Remember John 15:16. Has he drawn you to himself?

Food for Thought: John 6:65

Prayer: Lord, draw me to yourself and make me yours in Jesus name.

OUR MOTIVES, MATTERS: Devotion for Sunday October 18, 2015

OUR MOTIVES, MATTERS   Sunday October 18, 2015

Text: John 6:22 – 27                 Memory verse: v 26

Christianity does not forbid us regarding our own happiness, or seeking it in any proper way; but when this is the only or the prevailing motive for serving God, it is evident that we have never yet sought God aright. Here, Jesus reveals to the multitude that came to Him the true motives which persuaded them to seek Him which were miracles. Therefore, to seek Him because they had seen them, and were convinced by them that He was the Messiah, would have been proper; but to follow Him simply because their wants were supplied was mere selfishness of a gross kind.

Most people by their actions are aiming at the loaves and fishes, and not at the honour of God and the good of His kingdom; and if this is the main motive of your entering the church, you cannot be a good Christian. What is your desire in attending that crusade or revival service? Is it to become a better Christian or just because of miracle? Many run from church to church in search of miracles; healing, deliverance, fruit of the womb, etc. Note what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33. Seek God first and he will give you other things.

Food for Thought: Do you seek Jesus as provider of your spiritual or physical needs? 

Prayer: Help me Lord, to make your kingdom my first priority, Matt 6:33.

TWO PARTS OF COVENANT: Devotion for Saturday October 17, 2015

TWO PARTS OF COVENANT         Saturday October 17, 2015                  

Text: Genesis 12:1 – 5                 Memory verse: v 2

Here is the call of Abraham. It was a call into a covenant with God. God initiated it and demanded a response from Abraham. There are two parts of a covenant: the call and the response to the call. The call has the promises and also the expectations from Abraham to make a move. We have here, the call by which Abraham was removed out of the land of his nativity into the land of promise. This was designed; both to try his faith and obedience, and also to separate him and set him apart for God, and for special services and favours which were further designed by God for him.

Do you think God would have still blessed Abraham if he had not obeyed? Of all the people in his generation, why did God choose Abraham? He may not be the most righteous person but God chose him out of his love and mercy (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). God chose you also out of His mercy and expects you to abide by the tenets of His call, without which you will not benefit from His blessings. You have a part in it and you can’t just wish it away. God’s expectations from us in the new covenant are faith and obedience. That is what makes us children of Abraham. How are you keeping your part of the covenant?

Food for Thought: What are those things God expects from you in your covenant with Him?

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to faithfully obey you as a child of Abraham. 

WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER GOD: Devotion for Friday October 16, 2015

WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER GOD     Friday October 16, 2015               

Text: Isaiah 6:1 – 8         Memory verse: v 1

When we encounter the glory of God, many things follow. Moses Peter, Andrew, James and John encountered God and things changed. Paul also encountered that glory on his way to Damascus and he became a changed man. Isaiah encountered the glory of God here as we have in our text which some commentators see as his inauguration into office. Some also say that Isaiah was not born again before he started his ministry. This may not be correct as God used this revelation to show Isaiah His glory for some reasons.

This vision was quoted in John 12:41. He saw the Divine Presence seated on the mercy-seat, raised over the Ark of the Covenant, between the Cherubim and Seraphim, and the Divine glory filled the whole temple. This vision gave Isaiah a greater understanding of God and his ministry. He was cleansed of his sins and was commissioned. This vision also dealt with his fears about his call.

We are undone if there is not a Mediator between us and this holy God. A glimpse of heavenly glory is enough to convince us that all our righteousness are just like filthy rags. Have you encountered the glory of God? What impact has the glory on you? If you have not encountered God’s glory, you need to do something about it. It is the glory of God that will transform your life for good. Earnestly ask God to give you a glimpse of it.

Food for Thought: A glimpse of heavenly glory is enough to transform us from sinners to saints.

Prayer: God, reveal your glory to me so that my life and call will change.

LISTEN TO HIM: Devotion for Thursday October 15, 2015

LISTEN TO HIM            Thursday October 15, 2015 

Text: Luke 9:28 – 36        Memory verse: v 35

There are some things we are expected to do when we repent as our text reveals. Why must we hear from God? He is the author of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He knows and holds our future and without Him we cannot do anything meaningful (John 15:5). He directs the affairs of men. He is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). We can only excel with the gifts he bestows on us. It will be totally absurd for one to undermine the words of our Lord. For this reasons the voice of God came to affirm the status of Jesus and the importance of abiding by what He says (Deuteronomy 8:15 and Acts 3:22). The voice requested for reverential and implicit obedience to Christ. 

We cannot face the challenges of life on our own alone. Every day we are confronted with diverse challenges that can even pull our legs off the track of Christian race. We see many things that frighten us. When all these come, our only source of consolation is the word of God. We hear from God mostly from his word, through gift of revelation and dreams. Hearing from God will make us more successful, grant us more wisdom, make us more discreet, secure our protection and guard us in all endeavours.

Food for Thought: It is one thing to listen and another to obey.

Prayers: God, grant me the wisdom to listen and obey your word always.

SYMBOL OF CHRISTIANITY: Devotion for Wednesday October 14, 2015

SYMBOL OF CHRISTIANITY       Wednesday October 14, 2015

      

Text: John 13:35                  Memory verse: v 35

Jesus didn’t mean that by this, men shall speculate and guess that we belong to me, as being His disciples, but they shall certainly know it. Again, He did not say by this, shall you know yourselves to be His disciples, but by this, shall all others know it as well as yourselves. Also, Jesus didn’t mean that through love for one another, all men should know that we look like His disciples but that we are indeed what we pretend to be, namely by our assembling often together in His house of prayer, by our frequent fasting, by our reading the scriptures daily, etc. These are sufficient evidence of true disciple.

Actually, Jesus did not recommend that Christians should be known by regalia, way of speech, etc, but of love for one another which should translate to love for God. If we keep a secret grudge in our hearts one against another, our regalia, Bible we carry, hair we tie, etc are meaningless. The intent of Jesus is that when we love one another with pure hearts, fervently, then shall it fully appear that we are His disciples. Do you love your fellow Christian? If not, you are making mockery of our religion.

Food for Thought: Evidences of a true and sincere disciple of Christ is a hearty love and good will of one towards another.

Prayer: Lord, inspire me to love my fellow Christians as a true disciple. 

TOTALITY OF THE LAW: Devotion for Tuesday October 13, 2015

TOTALITY OF THE LAW                Tuesday October 13, 2015                      

Text: Romans 13:7 – 10                      Memory verse: v 10

Paul highlights the imperativeness of love in our relationship with one another and God. What he suggests is that love for God and our neighbours is fulfilling the requirements of the law. We know that Love does not intend or design any ill on anybody. Love is utterly against doing that which may turn to the prejudice, offence, or grief of anyone. It works no evil; that is, it prohibits the working of evil. See Proverbs 3:27-29. The only thing that can restrain us from doing evil is love and not even fear. Love is a living active principle of obedience to the whole law. 

How much do you love your neighbours? Do you laugh with them while in your heart you are nursing great hatred? Remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. You may have all the gifts, do all the miracles, give even gifts to people, etc, but if all these lacks genuine love, you have missed the mark. The emphasis of dos and don’ts are insignificant when we do not truly love God and our neighbours.   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:8

Prayer: Sow in my heart, O Lord, love for you and for my neighbours.

DO WHAT IS GOOD: Devotion for Monday October 12, 2015

DO WHAT IS GOOD                             Monday October 12, 2015                            

Text: Romans 13:1 – 6                             Memory verse: v 3

True Christians are law abiding. Any Christian who does not keep the law is a deceit. Jesus gave us example when he sent Peter to pay tax (Matthew 17:24 – 27). We should be law abiding. Here, Paul shows what Leadership should be: though clothed with great power, but that power is entrusted to him, not for the terror and oppression of the upright man, but to punish the wicked. Peter said so in 1 Peter 2:13 – 15. When authorities are unjust, upright people are afraid. Governments that serve well facilitate and encourage citizens to do right. Christians shouldn’t use their freedom in Christ as excuse for disobeying the laws of the state.

If we do what is good, we shall not be molested or injured, and shall receive the commendation of being peaceable and upright citizens. Every Christian should desire the reputation of being a man seeking the welfare of his country, and the just execution of the laws. Are you a law abiding citizen? Do that which is good. Be a virtuous and peaceable citizen; abstain from crime, and yield to obedience in all the just laws of the land.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 3:3

Prayer: Lord, help me to law abiding citizen so that people will not speak evil of my Christianity in Jesus name. Amen.

USE YOUR GIFTS WELL: Devotion for Sunday October 11, 2015

USE THEM WELL        Sunday October 11, 2015

Text: Romans 12:6 – 8     Memory verse: v 6

Every Christian has one gift with which he/she can live well and make impact on the society (Matthew 25: 14, 15). It baffled me that some people seem not to know what they can do with their lives. Paul sees all the endowments on Christians as gifts. They come from God and when we understand this, it will prevent us from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Albert Barnes sagely said that “True honour consists not in splendid endowments, or great wealth and office. It consists in rightly discharging the duties which God requires of us in our appropriate sphere. If all men held their talents as the gift of God; if all would find and occupy in society the place for which God designed them, it would prevent no small part of the uneasiness, the restlessness, the ambition, and misery of the world.” This is a message for our generation.

As God has given us diverse gifts, and appointed us into one office or another, we should faithfully use them and keep within the limits of our calling so that we do not neglect our duties or invade into that of others.

Food for Thought: How are you discharging your duties as a Christian?

Prayer: Lord God, help me to faithfully use your gifts in me to honour you and fulfill your purposes for my life in Jesus name. Amen.