LET DOWN YOUR NET: Devotion for Tuesday December 1, 2015 Tuesday December 1, 2015

LET DOWN YOUR NET      Tuesday December 1, 2015

Text: Luke 5:1 – 4          Memory verse: v 4

People came pressing on Jesus to hear Him. Due to their pressure, He went into Peter’s boat while His listeners where at the shore. When Christ had done preaching, He told Peter to let down his net for a catch. Though they had toiled all night without catching fish, yet Christ told them to let down their nets again. Before now they were about quitting for the day. We must not abruptly quit our callings because we have not succeeded as we desired. We are likely to succeed when we follow the guidance of Christ's word. The draught of fishes was by a miracle through Peter’s obedience.

What is your net? Where are you going to let down the net? These are questions we should ask ourselves. You may have been toiling for years now without success but God is telling you to let down your net again. It may be going for that contract, that job, that woman you desire as a prospective wife, etc. Take a step again and you will succeed. In this new month, as you obey the voice of God, you will succeed in Jesus name. Peter needed just the word of Jesus to get a miraculous catch of fish. You need just the word of God to let down your net for success, breakthrough and progress.

Food for Thought: What is your net and where are you going to let it down?  

Prayer: God, give me listening hear and understanding heart so as you direct me I will understand and follow your instructions in Jesus name.

When God is Angry: Devotion for Monday November 30, 2015

WHEN GOD IS ANGRY     Monday November 30, 2015

Text: Micah 1:1 – 7           Memory verse: v 4

The people and the earth were summoned to draw near and give their attendance, as upon a court of judicature because of what He will do to nations for their evil and wickedness. He declares the destruction first of the one kingdom, and then of the other, because of their manifold wickedness, but chiefly because of their idolatry. And to this end he notes the wickedness of the people, the cruelty of the princes and governors, and the allowing of the false prophets, and the delighting in them.

Micah used the imagery from earthquakes and volcanic agency (4:4), to describe the terrors which attend Jehovah's coming in judgment (compare Judges 5:5). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” so says Hebrews 10:31. Many of us undermine God and what He can do because He is Love. He is also a very Jealous and consuming fire. We should avoid whatever may attract God’s anger because we will be crushed.

Food for Thought: No one can secure himself against the judgments of God.

Prayer: Lord God, do not vex your anger on me but show me your mercy.

WHERE LIES YOUR CONFIDENCE? Devotion for Sunday November 29, 2015

WHERE LIES YOUR CONFIDENCE?   Sunday November 29, 2015

Text: Isaiah 36:1 – 10              Memory verse: v 5

Hezekiah refused to serve the King of Assyria which made him to occupy the fortified cities of Judah. He sent Rabshakeh to meet with Hezekiah but Hezekiah sent his men to negotiation table. Rabshakeh tried to convince the Jews that it was to no purpose for them to refuse to serve the King of Assyria. He asked the Jews the kind of confidence they have. His speech showed a great deal of art but a great deal of pride, malice, falsehood, and blasphemy. Hezekiah's nobles held their peace. There is a time to keep silence, as well as a time to speak.

The Jews were calm because they know whom they trust. They were not perturbed by the threat and blasphemies because their God can defend Himself. When enemies throw their challenges, what do you do? Do you start fidgeting or you keep calm knowing whom you trust? Who do you confide in, in time of trouble? Hezekiah and his men trusted God and He fought for them.

Food for Thought: Enemies threat doesn’t move one who confides in God.

Prayer: God, may I confide in you so that I will not be moved by the threats of the enemies. 

Will He cast us off forever? Devotion for Saturday November 28, 2015

WILL HE CAST US OFF FOREVER?        Saturday November 28, 2015

Text: Psalm 77:1 – 10            Memory verse: v 7

Asaph, the author of this psalm, cried out to God for courage during a time of deep distress. His source of distress (77:4) was his doubt (77:7 - 9). When God seems to have withdrawn from us, we must seek Him till we find Him. In the day of his trouble, Asaph didn’t seek for something else but God, and His favour and grace. In his distress, he asked the question in 77:7. He asked, will the Lord utterly and finally reject those who are his own?

Many ask this question when they are in distress. They also doubt God’s love, lose faith and focus on Him. However, this psalm should be a source of encouragement for us. As Asaph expressed his requests to God, his focus changed from thinking of himself to worshiping God: “You are the God of miracles and wonders!” (77:14). It was only after he put aside his doubts about God’s holiness and care for him (77:13 – 14) did he eliminate his distress (77:20). As we pray, God shifts our focus from ourselves to Him.

Food for Thought: Do you think God has forsaken you? Take a retrospect.

Prayer: Lord, may I not doubt your love and care for me in Jesus name.

DON'T EASILY CONDEMN: Devotion for Friday November 27, 2015

DO NOT CONDEMN        Friday November 27, 2015

Text: Numbers 12:1 – 9    Memory verse: v 1

\Aaron and Miriam murmured against Moses condemning him because of the Ethiopian wife he married. The patience of Moses was tried within his own family, as well as by the people. The pretence of Aaron and Miriam was, that he had married a foreign wife; but probably their pride was hurt, and their envy stirred up, by his superior authority (12:2). Wrong opposition from our near relations, and from religious friends, is most painful.  

God, did not only cleared Moses, but praised him. Moses had the spirit of prophecy in a way which set him far above all other prophets. Are you quick to condemn people in authority out of jealousy? Repent now because the God that vindicated Moses is still on the throne. We should leave judgment and condemnation for God.

Food for Thought: Do you murmur and condemn people out of jealousy?

Prayer: Lord, remove the spirit of jealousy and envy in me. 

FOUNTAIN OF WATER: Devotion for Thursday November 26, 2015

FOUNTAIN OF WATER     Thursday November 26, 2015

Text: John 4:10 – 15             Memory verse: v 14

The woman was ignorant of the gift God had for her – the gift of life, represented by living water and she did not know the giver, Jesus the Messiah. Jesus makes an extraordinary offer to this woman with living water that would quench her thirst forever. The offer Jesus made raised some questions in the mind of this woman just as Nicodemus was confused when he came to Jesus in the previous chapter (John 3:1 – 10).  

The water Jesus offers takes away thirst altogether. Jesus’ water continually satisfies the desire for God’s presence because it becomes a perpetual spring within believers, giving them eternal life. This gift that Jesus gives, the perpetual spring, suggests the availability, accessibility, and abundance of the divine life for believers. Do you have that fountain of eternal life in you? It is available and accessible. Go for it if you don’t have it.

Food for Thought: John 7:38

Prayer: Lord, give me the living water so I will not thirst again. 

THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN: Devotion for Wednesday November 25, 2015

THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN      Wednesday November 25, 2015

Text: 1 John 2:1 – 4           Memory verse: v 1

In chapter one, John gave the steps for living in the light (1:5, 7) as confession of sin (1:9). The second step is to forsake all sin (2:1). This was his reason for writing. Sin is what separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1, 2). John emphasized human sinfulness in chapter 1 in order to make his readers despise their sin and try to stay free from it. So that you will not sin means that we should try to stay free from sin by avoiding it, refusing it, but then also confessing it when it does happen. Christians will sin because they have not yet been made perfect. John fully understood this. He did not want his readers to take the inability to avoid sinning as an excuse to sin.

Beloved, these words are written to caution and guide us against sinning. When we read, meditate and hide the word of God in our hearts, it will help to control us within the laws of God (Psalm 119:11). We must as well hate sin and every appearances of sin. This will help us to live righteously.

Food for Thought: Psalm 119:11

Prayer: God let your word richly dwell in me as I meditate on it in Jesus name.

LOVED MUCH BY GOD: Devotion for Tuesday November 24, 2015

LOVED MUCH BY GOD        Tuesday November 24, 2015

Text: Daniel 10:10 – 15       Memory verse: v 11

Daniel was in a state of shock and dismay as a result of events mentioned in 10:1 – 9 when a hand touched him. Then the comforting words of 10:11 – 15 followed. The angel told him about God’s love for him and how he has been sent to help him out of the troubles of Prince of Persia who stood against his prayers. The words of 10:12 is worthy of note. Daniel set his heart to seek God and to understand the time but Satan and his agents stood against him. Is there any lesson for us here?

Daniel was loved much by God because he set his heart to worship God even in exile where he was privileged to serve in the palace. That would have been a enough reason to back out from worshipping God but not Daniel. He gave everything about his life to God. This pleased God. From here, it is worthy to state that when we set our hearts to please God, He will love us and grant our request no matter the ways the enemies are trying to hinder us.

Beloved in Christ, cheer up. God still hears and answers our prayers. As you apply your heart to seek Him, He will remove every obstacle to your salvation, prayers and blessings in Jesus name. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: What can you do to attract God’s love?

Prayer: Father, help me do the things that will attract your love for me

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING: Devotion for Monday November 23, 2015

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING   Monday November 23, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:4 – 10       Memory verse: v 4

The most despicable living man's state is preferable to that of the most noble who have died without repenting. This is true because such still have opportunity to repent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confide in God, whatever maybe their condition in life. He conceded that the living have an advantage over the dead (9:4), for the dead have no further opportunities to secure reward for their life’s labours (9:4 – 6).

Presently, we may be facing some challenges and we are asking, “When will all these troubles of life end?” No matter what you may be passing through now, there is hope for you as long as you are alive. Therefore, don’t give up your faith. Are you suffering the consequences of sin? You can still repent, make restitution and have peace. To you that is expecting, don’t loose heart for your time is coming as long as you are alive.

Food for Thought: Being alive means that we still have better opportunities

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for there is still hope for me. 

GOD SEES US: Devotion for Sunday November 22, 2015

GOD SEES US                Sunday November 22, 2015

Text:  Psalm 33:12 – 22    Memory verse: v 13

Yesterday, we read the exhortation of Moses telling Israelites that they were fortunate to have the Almighty as their God.  The opening verse of our bible reading today confirms it. This portion of this Psalm exhorts us to praise God because of His various attributes which includes knowledge of everything about us. God’s power extends from the greatness of the universe to the control of the chaotic sea, beyond the movements of men and nations to the shaping of individual human hearts (Proverbs 21:1).

That God, who will judge us at the end of our lives here on earth, knows and sees all about us should make us live within the confine of His laws. Because He sees us, we cannot hide anything from Him. Therefore as you go out today, have it behind your mind that God will sees everything you will do whether good or bad. Be wise in your decisions, behaviours and reactions. Don’t betray the trust God have reposed on you as His child. Have a great day in the presence of God.

Food for Thought: God is Omniscience

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to walk within the confine of your laws as I cannot hide from you.

VERY FORTUNATE INDEED: Devotion for Saturday November 21, 2015

VERY FORTUNATE INDEED       Saturday November 21, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 33:26 – 29     Memory verse: v 29

The greatest privilege in life is to be a child of God. If there is anything that makes one fortunate in life, it is to know the Living God. Moses declares that God is our refuge, our only true security and having such a God is a rare privilege. Unfortunately, we like the Israelites didn’t understand this. How often we entrust our lives to other things—perhaps money, career, a noble cause, or a lifelong dream. But our only true refuge is the eternal God, who always holds out His arms to catch us when the shaky supports that we trust collapse and we fall.

We who are Christians should see ourselves as fortunate to have known God because of the inner peace we enjoy and what our God has for us in the New Covenant. With this understanding, we can’t afford to live our lives in regret and disobedience or else we are making God a liar. Let us walk with our heads held high because we are fortunate to have a Living God.

Food for Thought: Psalm 144:15

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a life of gratitude for having you as my God.

TO DO THEM GOOD: Devotion for Friday November 20, 2015

TO DO THEM GOOD         Friday November 20, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 32:40 – 44      Memory verse: v 41

Like the covenant with man after the flood (Genesis 9:16) and with David concerning his dynasty (2 Samuel 23:5) where this expression, everlasting covenant is used, this one is enduring in nature, and probably is related to the New Covenant. The provision of God in this covenant is to do good to us. He is always pleased when we come to Him to receive what He has packaged for us. God takes no pleasure in punishing even the most wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 32), rather He enjoys doing them good (Deuteronomy 30:9; Isaiah 62:5; 65:19; Zephaniah 3:17).

Have you benefited from the goodness of God? David said something about goodness of God in Psalm 23:6. Are goodness and mercies of God your rear guard? If you are not benefiting, then go to God in prayer for His desire is to do good to you and all yours.

Food for Thought: Are you part of God’s everlasting covenant?

Prayer: God, position me to benefit from all goodness you have for us.

SOW ALWAYS: Devotion for Thursday November 19, 2015

SOW ALWAYS              Thursday November 19, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 11:1 – 6             Memory verse: v 6

Life involves both risk and opportunity. Ecclesiastics 11:4 says, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” There are people who are afraid to sow seeds. They have reasons why they won’t do it. Just as stated here, some consider the wind, the sky, the seed, the condition, their pocket, the need for sowing at all, etc. However, our bible reading advocates liberality without questioning, urging us to give freely, though it may seem thrown away and lost. Again we should give to as many as we can. We should not give excuse for whatever we give is not lost, but well laid out.

Giving (sowing) is our call. Paul stated it in Galatians 6:9. Life Application Notes says, “Solomon does not support a stingy, despairing attitude. Just because life is uncertain does not mean we should do nothing. We need a spirit of trust and adventure, facing life’s risks and opportunities with God- directed enthusiasm and faith.” Do you give and without questions? Give and secure your future by it.

Food for Thought: Sow generously because you are not sure which seed will be the one to bear fruit.

Prayer: God give me the spirit of sowing and grace to do it without questioning why I should do so in Jesus name.

HE GRANTED MY PETITION: Devotion for Wednesday November 18, 2015

HE GRANTED MY PETITION      Wednesday November 18, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 1:24 – 28                   Memory verse: v 27

Hannah promised (1:11) that her son would be dedicated to lifelong Levitical service (Numbers 4:3; 8:24-26) and would be a lifelong Nazirite (Numbers 6:2-6). God granted her petition and she honoured her vow to God. To do what she promised (1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most, her son and presented him to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord. Because Samuel’s life was from God, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to God, who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kinds of gifts we should give to God. Do your gifts cost you anything?

God granted the petitions of Hannah and she acknowledged it. Do you acknowledge the mercies of God upon your life and that of your family? That God grants our petition is obvious but our response matters so much. When God visits us with His mercies and providence, we should respond with hearts of gratitude for that glorifies Him.

Food for Thought: Blessings that are dear and of greatest comfort are always from the Lord

Prayer: God, grant me a heart of gratitude for your mercies upon my life.   

Stand In Your Liberty: Devotion for Tuesday November 17, 2015

STAND IN YOUR LIBERTY     Tuesday November 17, 2015

Text: Galatians 5:1 – 12         Memory verse: v 1

Apostle Paul teaches here that Christians should be firm, steadfast, and persevering and no more entangled with the yoke of bondage which is the Jewish ceremonies of dos and don’ts. Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free, not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desire. Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before, to live unselfishly.

It is wrong to put a burden of keeping the law on Christians as some of the Jews wanted them to be circumcised before they could be seen as Christians. We must stand against those who would enslave us with rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved or growing in Christ. The freedom Christ has granted us should be used in context of His will for us – to live in the fear of God and to His glory.

Food for Thought: John 8:32

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding of what your freedom for us, means.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING? Devotion for Monday November 16, 2015

ARE YOU FOLLOWING?                  Monday November 16, 2015

Text: John 10:22 – 30                     Memory verse: v 27

In our scriptural reading for the day, Jesus described the gracious disposition and happy state of His sheep; they heard and believed His word, followed Him as His faithful disciples, and none of them will perish. Jesus posited that He and the Father are one. Thus He is able to defend His sheep against all their enemies, which proves that He has divine power and perfection equally with the Father. The effect of His assertion of having divine power and perfection with the Father, led to the reaction of the people in John 10:31.

All sincere and faithful Christians are Christ's sheep, and He is their great and good shepherd. This relationship with Christ implies tender affection, powerful protection, and plentiful provision. Christ's sheep hear Christ's voice, and answer the call of their great Shepherd. They hear the voice of Christ speaking to them in the scriptures, in the ministry of the word, in their own conscience, in providences, etc and they respond by following the Shepherd. Have you responded to the call? Are you following the Great Shepherd or your own discretion? Have a great day.

Food for Thought: Evidence of true sheep is that it is loyal to the Shepherd. 

Prayer: As my Shepherd, may I keep following you, O Lord.

ENCOURAGE HIM: Devotion for Sunday November 15, 2015

ENCOURAGE HIM         Sunday November 15, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 1:34 – 38       Memory verse: v 38

We should be mindful of words we utter especially when we are angry or quarreling with others. The Israelites spoke angrily against God and Moses which attracted severe punishment. This made God to decree that only Caleb and Joshua will enter into the Promised Land. Moses told them that God is also angry with him for not heeding to His instructions too. However, the journey must continue with Joshua leading. Thus he requested for encouragement for him from the people. 

The admonition to encourage Joshua to succeed is worth emulating by us. The time I was writing this devotion was when the issue of kidnapping of school girls was on. Many people seem to shift all the blame on the President as if he alone can solve that kind of problem. We should encourage our spiritual and political leaders to succeed. They need our constructive criticisms and prayers. Leadership is all about involvement and taking responsibilities. We don’t need title to lead according to Robin Sharma.

Food for Thought: In what ways can you encourage your political leaders and the preachers and teachers of the gospel?

Prayer: Lord, make me instrument of encouragement to my leaders 

THE REASON HE CAME: Devotion for Friday November 13, 2015

THE REASON HE CAME       Friday November 13, 2015

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10    Memory verse: v 2

In this Luke 15, Jesus gave 3 parables to illustrate why He came into this world and to make us understand that salvation was available to even them, the Pharisees (15:7, 10, 32). It may seem foolish for the shepherd to leave 99 sheep to go search for just one. But the shepherd knew that the 99 would be safe in the sheepfold, whereas the lost sheep was in danger. Because each sheep was of high value, the shepherd knew that it was worthwhile to search carefully for the lost one.

God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of His children is found and brought into the Kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus’ love and concern for the lost.  Jesus came to save us. Are you among the saved?

Food for Thought: John 10:10

Prayer: God make me an instrument to save souls, which was the reason you came into this world.

WHEN YOUR HEART IS STEADFAST: Devotion for Saturday November 14, 2015

WHEN YOUR HEART IS STEADFAST       Saturday November 14, 2015

Text: Psalm 112:1 – 10         Memory verse: v 7

Our bible reading speaks about the blessedness of the righteous (112:1). He is rooted and established by God so that neither men nor devils shall sweep him from his place. His prosperity shall be permanent. A steadfast heart is secured from calamities which overtakes the wicked. His love for God is deep and true, his confidence in God is firm and unmoved; his courage has a firm foundation, and is supported by God. He is not a rolling stone, but a pillar in God’s house.

We ought to live without fear; our heroes were fearless people who faced dangers and overcome them. This psalm teaches us that fear of God can lead to a fearless life. To fear God means to respect and revere Him as the Almighty. When we trust God completely to take care of us, we will find out that our other fears, even of death itself, will subside. Is your heart steadfast in God?

Food for Thought: Proverbs 1:33

Prayer: God, establish me in honesty and make my heart steadfast in you 

GOD IS JEALOUS: Devotion for Thursday November 12, 2015

GOD IS JEALOUS            Thursday November 12, 2015

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

The theme of this poem was the certainty and severity of God’s judgment on the enemies of His people. The prophet begins by describing God's awful attributes of righteousness and omnipotent power; because it is from these that the destruction of Nineveh comes. Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon (1:4) were places known for their lush fertility (Amos 1:2; 4:1; Ezekiel 31:16). Divine wrath is not indiscriminate (1:7) because His mercies appertain to the righteous.

The Lord is inherently good and a stronghold for the righteous who seek refuge in His person. God promised to make an end of Nineveh (1:8, sweeps away). The Greek historian Ctesias recounted that the overthrow of Nineveh took place at a time of great flooding that swept away the city’s gates and the foundations of the king’s palace. This should make us understand that God is jealous whose words are sure to fulfill. Any hope in this?

Food for Thought: Isaiah 59:18

Prayer: Sow your fear in my heart, O Lord, to understand that you’re jealous.

BE SEPARATE: Devotion for Wednesday November 11, 2015

BE SEPARATE: Devotion for Wednesday November 11, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:11 – 18     Memory verse: v 17

What Paul teaches here is the need to avoid idol's temples and never to join idolaters in communion to avoid contamination and persecution. The reason for this is because Christians are holy people separated to the Lord and when we defile ourselves with any unclean thing we cannot be acceptable to God. However, when we separate ourselves from such things that defile, then God will accept us as His sons and daughters.

We shouldn’t join in friendship or associate with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing and hearing, and being with them, yet we should never choose them for friends. We must not defile ourselves by communicating with those who are already defiled with sin. We should hate sin they commit but love their souls which are of God. Some Christians’ understanding of this verse is to have nothing at all to do with them. If we go with this understanding how can we preach to them? This is food for thought for us.

Action: Think and act on the best way you can win the soul of that unbeliever in your neighbourhood, office or place of work.

Prayer: Lord, keep me separate from evil and sin that defiles in Jesus name.

HE CALLED AND THEY CAME: Devotion for Tuesday November 10, 2015

HE CALLED AND THEY CAME     Tuesday November 10, 2015

Text: Mark 3:13 – 21           Memory verse: v 13

Christ calls whom He will; for the grace is His own. He had called the Apostles to separate them from the crowd, and they came to Him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. Christ had to commission them which is a proof that no one may undertake the work and calling of the ministry, but those whom Christ appoints and calls. This is in respect of the special calling of being an apostle or priest.

However, there is the call to universal priesthood. This is the call on all Christians and believers. The commissioning was before the ascension of our Lord that we should be His witnesses. Have you answered that call? If you have not answered, this is the opportunity you have to answer. God needs men and women for His work. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with Him, and have learned of Him to preach His gospel, to be instruments in His blessed work, Amen.

Action: As one called into the universal priesthood, ensure you preach to someone today.

Prayer: God, help me to fulfill my call into the universal priesthood.

A LIGHT IN THE DARK: Devotion for Monday November 9, 2015

A LIGHT IN THE DARK        Monday November 9, 2015

Text: Philippians 2:14 – 16       Memory verse: v 15

Here we have some dangers in complaining and argument. Why is complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about us is that we constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they will get a false impression of Christ and the gospel. Our belief in Christ should unite us who trust Him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ.

We should stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ. The reason for this is because we are called as light (Matthew 5:14 – 16) to shine in the dark. Is your light still shining or has it gone off? Our light should shine through our words and deeds. Be mindful of how you live in your neighbourhood.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: God, trim my lamp and make me shine for you in this dark world.

HONESTY IN BUSINESS: Devotion for Sunday November 8, 2015

HONESTY IN BUSINESS     Sunday November 8, 2015

Text: Leviticus 19:30 – 37      Memory verse: v 36

“Strict honesty in trading, and in all business transactions, and the doing to others as we ought to wish others to do to us, is a duty required by God, by our own good, and the good of all,” so says Family Bible Notes. This is the truth in our text. God says to treat foreigners as you would treat fellow countrymen, to love them as you love yourself (19:33, 34). We should not be unrighteous in our dealing with our neighbours in areas of judgment and measurement.

God gave these laws so that we should bring honesty into our relationship with others and in business. I was told of how some traders in a very big market in Lagos alter voltage of electricity bulbs to make more gains. This is similar to so many business men and women. This is evil and abomination to the Lord. Some reduce the quantity in a 50 kg bag of rice to make more bags. Unfortunately, some are Christians. God is watching you. Repent now.

Action: Resolve to be honest as you go out for your business today.

Prayer: God, help me to be honest in all my dealing with people henceforth

THE WILLINGNESS OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday November 7, 2015

THE WILLINGNESS OF GOD    Saturday November 7, 2015

Text: Mark 1:40 – 45     Memory verse: v 41

Today’s bible reading teaches that we should always apply to our Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to His will, by saying, "Lord, if you will," without doubting His readiness to help us. Again whatever we expect from Christ; will be according to our faith. The poor leper said, “If you will.” Christ readily wills favours to those who refer themselves to His will. The touch of Jesus, therefore, gave the leper a new conception of divine compassion.

This divine compassion is still at our disposal if only we can appeal to the will of God which is our well-being (3 John 1:3). Are you troubled, sick, worried, facing challenges of life, etc? You should appeal to the will of Jesus just as this leper did and He will readily attend to you because He is ever willing to help us.

Food for Thought: Whatever we believe of the power of Christ we should apply to our peculiar cases.

Prayer: God, help me to submit myself always to your will in Jesus name.