He Keeps Us On Our Way

My Daily Covenant with God (2017 Edition) January 1, 2017                    

Topic: He Keeps Us On Our Way   

Text: Exodus 23:20 – 31         

Happy New Year and welcome to 2017! In today’s text is a promise directly from God that He will send His angel to guide His people, Israel through the wilderness to the Promised Land with a condition of obedience attached to it (Exodus 23:21 and 22). How possible would it have been for Israelites to walk through to the Promised Land without God guiding them? That would have been a mission impossible. But God who called them and initiated the movement knew the task ahead and decided to lead them through. They needed courage to continue the journey. God made three promises in 23:20; to send his Angel, to guide His people in the wilderness and to bring them into the Promised Land. 

These are the three promises God has for you as you start this year that He will send His Angel to go before you throughout the year, to guide and guard you and to bring you promises of good health, peace, progress and all the heavenly blessings. God has made these promises; the fulfilment depends on your ability to keep to the conditions attached to them. Just like He told Joshua, so He is telling you today to “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Let this assurance from Josh. 1:9 be your courage this year and beyond.

Food for Thought: "The Lord is my Shepherd," not was, not maybe, not will be. "The Lord is my Shepherd" – is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and is in war; in abundance and in poverty – Taylor (PowerBible CD)

Memory verse: Exodus 23 verse 20 

Prayer: Pray for the year 2017 and ask for God’s grace, favour, peace and blessings in your life, family and career.

YOU WILL CROSSOVER

Devotion for Saturday December 31, 2016

Topic: YOU WILL CROSSOVER                          

Text: Deuteronomy 9:1 – 6                            

The people of Anak were enormous people, some seven to nine feet tall. Goliath, probably a descendant of Anak, was over nine feet tall (1 Samuel 17:4–7). Unfortunately, these great men used their stature as a means of intimidation rather than for noble causes. Their appearance alone frightened the Israelite scouts (Numbers 13:28), and their bad reputation may have been the deciding factor that kept the Israelites out of the land 40 years earlier. Moses used all his persuasive power to convince his people that God could handle these bullies. He used the illustration of God as a devouring fire to motivate them because no giant can stand up against Him.

As this year rounds off today, many of us are apprehensive of what will happen in the New Year. The bills to pay and the uncertainties that lie ahead are like the people of Anak unto some of us. However, God is saying to us today that we will crossover to the New Year and posses all the good things He has packaged for us. Jesus gave us encouraging words in John 14:1, 27. You shouldn’t be fearful of what holds in the New Year neither should you be afraid of not seeing the New Year. God will remove ever obstacle on your way. See you in 2017. Happy New Year in advance!                      

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 11:22 – 24

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 9 verse 1

Prayer: Lord, thank you because my future is in your hands. Lead me into what you have purposed for me in Jesus name.

CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016

Topic: CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE   

Text: Psalm 50:7 – 15                      

Many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers us from them all so says the Bible. There are days or period we pass through and it will seem as if God has turned His back on us. There will be no answer to prayer. You go to people for help but received nothing. We have heard of cases of suicide because of hardship, problems of life, betrayal, great loss, etc. These are some realities of life people pass through every day. Despite these and many others, they don’t actually call for suicide, rather we should call upon Him at that moment and He will deliver us for a purpose. What is that purpose in our text? When under such condition, we should note that God is still faithful and on the throne.

In situations that seem hopeless in eyes of men, as believers, we should anchor our faith and hope in Christ alone. What the Psalmist is saying here is that obedience is better than sacrifice. When we obey God and call upon Him, He will answer us. He doesn’t base his answering our prayers on sacrifice rather obedience. He says call upon me in time of trouble; be it sickness, attacks, disappointments, failure, fear, lost of loved ones or properties, etc and He will answer. Even as we look forward to a new year with uncertainties, we should look up to God and He will see us through.

Food for Thought: God hears humble, believing, affectionate prayer.

Memory verse: Psalm 50 verse 15

Prayer: God, grant me the courage to always call up you in times of trouble.

NO MORE DISASTER

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016

Topic: NO MORE DISASTER                         

Text: Zephaniah 3:14 – 20               

Zephaniah was prophesying here about the future of Jerusalem and the day of hope in Zephaniah 3:8–end. Any true prophet as God’s oracle is bound to speak the truth and give the message as God gave it without sentiment, bias or prejudice. Unfortunately, such preaching is lacking in so many pulpits today. The reasons may not be far from these. (1) Some preach to save their job (2) Some preach so as not to offend their members who are wealthy (3) Some preach to please their boss and many more.

In the case of Zephaniah, it was different. He presented the message from God as he received it. He did as God commanded him; thundering certain judgments and horrible punishment for all who would defy the Lord (Zephaniah 1:1ff). However, in our text is a message of hope when God will take away punishment and turn back enemies so there will be no more harm on His people. This message was a relief to the Israelites. After God had done these, He will dwell with them. The prophet called on the Israelites to sing in Zephaniah 3 verse 14 for some reasons. You can find the reasons in Zephaniah 3:8–end.

After the promises of taking away sin, follow promises of taking away trouble. It teaches us that when the cause is removed, the effect will cease. Most times, disaster comes upon us when we follow our own will or do things without first seeking the face of God. However, God is promising here that those things we did in ignorance, He will overlook and take away our disaster. Are you suffering because of sin or not taking time to seek the face of God? God says He will take away that punishment and turn back your enemies. He will rescue and be with you as He has promised, so you will not see any disaster again.   

Food for Thought: Isaiah 10:27

Memory verse: Zephaniah 3 verse 15

Prayer: Take away, O Lord, the causes and effect of sin in my life and family in Jesus name.

CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD

DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, 2016

Topic: CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD     

Text: Romans 12:19 – 21                     

Rom. 12:6–21 states how we can live well as Christians. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of retaliating, Paul says you should befriend him. Reasons why we should forgive someone who hurts us are (1) forgiveness can break a cycle of reprisal and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It can make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways. (3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. You should understand that even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness. Family Bible Notes says, “Kindness towards enemies is a most likely means of making them friends; and if it does not have this effect, but they continue obstinately and wickedly to be enemies to their benefactors, they will ripen for aggravated ruin.”

We shouldn’t allow evil to rule over us (Gen. 4:6). According to Life Application Notes, “Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to feel forgiving toward someone who has hurt you, try responding with kind actions. If appropriate, tell this person that you would like to heal your relationship. Lend a helping hand. Send him or her, a gift. Smile at him or her. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings.” These words are hard to perform for an enemy but that is what will mark you out as a Christian. Anything short puts question mark on your Christianity.

Action: Write down five ways you can conquer evil

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 21

Prayer: God, I need the grace to develop self-control and conquer evil with good.

A CALL TO LIBERATE

Devotion for Tuesday December 27, 2016

Topic: A CALL TO LIBERATE                                     

Text: Judges 6:11 – 24                          

God called Gideon to liberate Israel from the hands of Medianites with a promise in Judges 6:16, “I will be with you.” Regardless of all those promises, Gideon still had excuses to give, why he shouldn’t carry out the assignment from God. This is how many of us give excuses on why we cannot go for evangelism or preach to that woman or man; why we cannot take up one responsibility or another in the church of God. God has given us the mandate to liberate sinners from the kingdom of darkness (Matthew 28:19, 20) but many of us have not taken this command seriously. Do you give excuse when your Pastor calls for evangelism? Have a change of heart and attitude.

When Gideon finally went, what followed? Find out in chapter Judges 7:9ff. Our call as Christians is to liberate sinners (Acts 1:8). God has done all things necessary for salvation of man. All that is expected of us is to go and preach. The rest is for God to perform; the conversion and salvation of the person. We are called by God to be witnesses and through that liberate those under the captivity of sin and Satan. Do you have the excuse that your neighbour will never repent that is why you will not preach to him? Do you warn people with love in your heart or you do so that God might not ask of their blood in your hands? Always pray for sinners (Luke 10:2) and you will have the zeal to preach to them.

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 33: 7 – 9

Memory verse: Judges 6 verse 14

Prayer: God, create in my heart a passion and concern for sinners.

NO MORE SHAME

Devotion for Monday December 26, 2016

Topic: NO MORE SHAME            

Text: Isaiah 54:1 – 5           

This portion of Isaiah’s prophecy is on the increase of the church through the conversion of the Jews and Gentiles. To be childless is a woman’s great shame and disgrace. Families depend on children for survival, especially when the parents became elderly. Here, God said that Israel (Jerusalem) was unfruitful, like a childless woman, but God would permit her to have many children and change her mourning into singing. This is one thing that the birth of Jesus brought about. God allowed His people to go through this period of unfruitfulness, mockery and shame because of their sin. However, in His compassion and mercy, He is promising them a glorious future devoid of shame and mockery.

Have you been abandoned because of sin by friends and loved ones? Is your past life now haunting you that you have become an object of ridicule because you are unfruitful? Return to God (Hos. 14:1) now, for He is the only one that removes shame. Not only will He remove the shame but He will wipe away the scars on you. Your miracle will spring forth (Isa. 54:2; 2 Kings 4:1–7). That glorious future is now, the dispensation of God’s grace through Christ. He has redeemed us from all the curses that hitherto have brought us shame. This is the period for fruitfulness, which will remove shame. Step into it.

Food for Thought: When God arises for us, nobody remembers our shame.

Memory verse: Isaiah 54 verse 4

Prayer: Arise, O Lord, and wipe out all shame I have suffered in Jesus name. 

A SAVIOUR FOR THE WORLD

Devotion for Sunday December 25, 2016

Topic: A SAVIOUR FOR THE WORLD             

Text: Matthew 1:18 – 25                  

Angel Gabriel had visited Mary with the information that she will conceive to bear a child. Now Joseph having discovered Mary‘s pregnancy was faced with a difficult choice of either marrying her or sending her away. Although he knew that taking Mary as his wife could be humiliating, Joseph chose to obey the angel’s command to marry her. His action revealed four qualities in him we should admire: (1) righteousness (Matthew 1:19), (2) discretion and sensitivity, (3) responsiveness to God (Matthew 1:24), and (4) self-discipline (Matthew 1:25). Jesus was born to save and deliver people from the pollution, power, guilt, condemnation, and punishment of sin. The angel said “He will save His people from their sins," meaning that His Messiahship is spiritual and not physical.  

As we celebrate Christmas, we should reflect on why we are celebrating. Is that your sins have been forgiven and you have received salvation? Jesus means ‘the Lord saves.’ He was born to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in our lives. Only Jesus can do it and that is why He is the Saviour of the world from the power and penalty of sin. It is not enough to eat, drink, give gifts and make merry in the name of Christmas when you are not sure of your salvation. Are you saved?  Think much about this. Happy Christmas!

Food for Thought: Is Jesus Christ your Saviour?

Memory verse: Matthew 1 verse 21

Prayer: Almighty God, I thank you for sending your Son as my Saviour. Grant that the blessings of His birth will never elude me.

CORRECTING AN ERRING BROTHER

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 24, 2016

Topic: CORRECTING AN ERRING BROTHER        

Text: Matthew 18:15 – 20               

Jesus taught how to correct an earring brother in our text. He then gave authority to the church, that if the church suspends anyone, heaven would approve it. Today, we have seen so many people change places of worship, because they don’t want to submit to the authority of the church when she tries to discipline them. If you have been suspended by your church and you leave there to another without the church lifting the suspension, you are still under a curse. It will be better if you repent now and go back to your former church for prayers before you going to another church. What the church has decreed has the backing of God (16:18; 18:18; Jn. 20:23). Do not think that the pronouncement made is not binding on you. It is still there.

If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his misconduct. When someone wrongs us, we often do the opposite of what Jesus recommends. We turn away in hatred or resentment, seek revenge, or engage in gossip. By contrast, we should go to that person first, as difficult as that may be. Then we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it (18:21-22).

Food for Thought: Forgiveness creates a much better chance of restoring relationship and creating peaceful coexistence.

Memory verse: Matthew 18 verse 15

Prayer: My Lord and my God, grant me the grace to apply these principles Jesus taught us when people offend me.

WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST

Devotion for Friday December 23, 2016

Topic: WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST           

Text: Jonah 2:1 – 10                    

We know Jonah as one who ran away from his call but here is an important lesson Jonah learnt which he shared with us. The lesson is what we should do when we seem to have lost all hope. He tells us that when we are in despair and hopeless situations, there is a place to anchor our hope, trust and confidence. That place is in Christ Jesus (Hebrew 6:17–20). See Psalm 18:6, 118:5; 120:1 and 2 Samuel 22:7. Can you notice the similarities in all? They all cried and God heard them. Note that Jonah prayed when all hope was lost and God heard him.

Are you in distress and hopeless situation? Have all people you hoped on, disappointed you? Are you contemplating of quitting or committing suicide because you have not achieved what you thought you could achieve this year? My dear, you can still anchor your hope on Him that cannot fail; Christ who died that we might have life. The courage of Horatio G. Spafford, the writer of the hymn “It is well with my soul”, who lost his four daughters in a single day, with the wife escaping death by whiskers, should encourage you when you come to hopeless situation. Sing that Hymn “It is well with my soul” before prayer.

Food for Thought: Church Hymnal 363 – It is well with my soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul! (Source - Wikepedia)

Memory verse: Jonah 2 verse 7

Prayer: Lord God, as I meet with hopeless situations in life, may I lift up my voice to you because you are the only hope I have.

THE BLESSINGS IN PERSECUTION

Devotion for Thursday December 22, 2016

Topic: THE BLESSINGS IN PERSECUTION      

Text: Matthew 5:10 – 12                  

As we conclude the study on the Beatitudes, we should note these four ways to understand and imbibe its lessons.

(1) They are codes of ethics for us and a standard of conduct for all Christians. What it means is that we are not to choose the one we want and discard the others rather we are bound to have them and live by them.

(2) They contrast Kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary). Most Christians of today are much more interested in the worldly things and their values. We should be careful to understand the things that are needful for us so as not to be carried away by worldly value and we miss heaven at last.

(3) They contrast the superficial faith of the Pharisees with the real faith that Christ demands. What Christ demands from us is what matters even when people do not consider it as normal or they see them as outdated.

(4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new Kingdom.

These Beatitudes are not multiple choices to pick from; rather, it must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like, as Christ’s followers and how we should relate with God and Man.

In this last of the Beatitudes, Jesus stresses what will mark us out as matured Christians. It takes a high level of maturity to endure temptations and trials without losing your faith. Jesus said we should rejoice when we’re persecuted for our faith for the following reasons.

(1) It takes our eyes off earthly rewards.

(2) It strips away superficial belief,

(3) It strengthens our faith when we endure, and

(4) Our attitude going through it serves as an example to others who follow.

We should be comforted knowing that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful. Remain faithful because God will reward those faithful by receiving them into His eternal Kingdom, where there will be no more persecution.  Will you be there?

Food for Thought: Persecution strengthens our faith when we endure it.

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 10: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (KJV).

Prayer: God, I need your grace to endure persecution, trial and temptations that may come my way in Jesus name. Amen.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Devotion for Wednesday December 21, 2016

Topic: BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS  

Text: Matthew 5 verse 9                         

God is the author of peace and lover of concord. This informs His decision to come down to the earth to die for us. He desires us to live peaceful with one another. This made Jesus to speak peace to His disciples on many occasions. In John 14:27a, He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” He also urged us to speak peace to any home we are entering (Matthew 10:13). In John 20:21, Jesus commissioned His disciples with peace.

From the above, it is pertinent to note that peace is very vital in our daily lives. Jesus asserts that peacemaking is a character found in God and if anyone follows after that, it means such person is a child of God. When Christ came, He made peace with His blood on the cross and reconciled the enemies of God through His death (Ephesians 2:14–18). Our justification grants us peace and makes us peace makers through the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).

There is a connection between purity of heart and peacemaking. Here in our text is a challenge for us to love peace, and to labour after peace. We are to promote it amongst others; to become, not only peaceable, but peace-makers. How peaceable are you in your office, school, etc or as a boss, parent, and teacher in relation to your subordinates? It is only when we are peaceable (Hebrews 12:14) that we can truly be, peacemakers. Today, I challenge you to go out to that person that offended you or you offended to make peace. This may be your last opportunity. Don’t procrastinate about it.     

Food for Thought: Psalm 34:14

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 9

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

BLESSINGS IN PURITY OF HEART

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2016

Topic: BLESSINGS IN PURITY OF HEART    

Text: Matthew 5:8                      Memory verse: Matthew 5:8

Purity is very essential in our Christian walk. God is pure and it is expected that we should be pure too. People characterized as pure in heart are people who are honest and sincere, people who do not accommodate evil thoughts in their hearts. The pure in heart are free from the dominion and pollution of sin. They are people of integrity and they demonstrate single-minded commitment to God. They are also free from evil desires and purposes, pride, evil thoughts, corruption, and lust.

In Psalm 51:10, David prayed that God should create in him a clean heart. This implies that for our heart to be pure, we need the washing of the heart with the blood of Jesus Christ which God alone can do. This is the promise of God in Ezekiel 36:25–28. What it involves is that we should always ask God for cleansing of our hearts because it can be polluted in a matter of seconds if we don’t guard what we take to heart.

Our hearts becomes impure when we allow filth to enter through what we read, hear, see or think. This is the reason for the admonition in Proverbs 4:23. We have a duty here to guide our hearts against pollution so that we will receive this reward. Because of the sincere devotion of a pure heart to Christ, such will see God here and now through the eyes of faith (Hebrews 11:27), and finally face-to-face (1 John 3:2). How pure is your heart? Are you one of those who will see God face to face? It has been my prayer that I will see God. Is that your desire too?

Food for Thought: Psalm 24:3 & 4

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to maintain a pure heart always so I will be qualified to see your face.

BE MERCIFUL

DEVOTION FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 19, 2016

Topic: BE MERCIFUL              

Text: Matthew 5:7         

The blessed state for the merciful as Jesus used it here, does not promise outright laughter, pleasure or earthly prosperity rather the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. Romans 9:15 tells us that God shows mercy. Mercy means capacity for holding oneself back from punishing or causing suffering to someone whom one has the right to punish. Just like Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13); forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, so we should be merciful in others so as to obtain mercy. Do you show mercy to people who have truly offended you, that you may also obtain mercy? Are you of the group that believes in an eye for an eye (Exodus 21:24)? God expects us to be merciful, because He is merciful to us (Exodus 34:6 & 7). If God counts all our shortcomings, who will stand before Him?

If you desire the blessedness of God in this life, joy; the deepest form of happiness and peace of God which passes all understanding, then you must be ready to show mercy to people you meet on regular basis.  You must follow the example of Jesus to the woman caught in the very act (John 8:1–11). Always show mercy and you will also receive it.

Food for Thought: Mercy imitates God, and disappoints Satan - St Chrysostom.

Memory verse: Matthew 5:7

Prayer: God, sow in me the spirit of mercy and grant me the grace not to retaliate when people offend or hurt me.

BLESSING IN ARDENT DESIRE TO DO RIGHT

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 18, 2016

Topic: BLESSING IN ARDENT DESIRE TO DO RIGHT    

Text: Matthew 5:6               Memory verse: Matthew 5:6

Righteousness as we have it here denotes that spiritual and entire conformity to the laws of God. To hunger and thirst here means to have an ardent desire to conform to the laws of God. As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, Jesus, by using these words here, plainly mean those whose deepest cravings are to live in a right relationship with God. Jesus Christ wants us to understand that to hunger and thirst after righteousness is to apprehend its worth, to desire it, and to be restless in endeavours to posses it, as people usually do when they are haggard as a result of hunger.

Hunger and thirsty are what we experience daily. The use here implies that our desire for righteousness should be on daily basis. No one satisfies hunger and thirst once and for all. Therefore, we cannot claim righteousness once and for all. When we take a proper look at the first four of the beatitudes, they centre on personal relationship with God in terms of salvation and righteousness while the remainders show us how to relate with people accordingly. Do you have this kind of hunger and thirst? Our desires of spiritual blessings especially for righteousness must be sincere and earnest.

Food for Thought: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart desire and I long to worship thee. Chorus: You alone are my strength, my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield; you alone are my heart desire, and I long to worship Thee (Song). 

Prayer: Almighty God, satisfy my hunger and thirst after spiritual blessings. 

BLESSEDNESS IN MEEKNESS

Devotion for Saturday December 17, 2016

Topic: BLESSEDNESS IN MEEKNESS       

Text: Matthew 5 verse 5                    

The meek are those people who are gentle and forgiving, submissive and teachable, patient under injuries, disposed not to render evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good. Meek symbolized gentle demeanour. Demeanour means somebody’s outward behaviour, manner or appearance especially as it reflects character. Jesus was gentle as He attested in Matthew 11:29. Meekness is the opposite of a quarrelsome and revengeful attitude but shouldn’t be misunderstood as meanness, or a surrender of our rights, or cowardice. Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul and it comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. Do you have such heart? Are you easily moved by insults?

To inherit the earth means to receive and enjoy every earthly and spiritual blessing that is for our best good here, and reign with Christ for ever hereafter. Our text, quoted from Psalm 37:11 is the passage Jehovah Witness hold on to as their claim that there is no heaven. Don’t be deceived by their lopsided view of the scriptures. In Psalm 37 from where these words were taken, the promise to the meek is not held forth as an arbitrary recompense but as having a kind of natural fulfillment. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our hearts. When we commit our ways to Him, He brings it to pass; bringing forth our righteousness as the light.

Food for Thought: The salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in human heart; in human power to reflect, in human meekness and human responsibility – Vaclav Havel

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 5

Prayer: God grant me the spirit of meekness which is a panacea for receiving my blessings in Jesus name. 

BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO MOURN

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2016

Topic: BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO MOURN      

Text: Matthew 4 verse 4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.                   

People who mourn over their spiritual wants and over sin because they are guilty; people who long for spiritual blessings, and come to Jesus Christ for them, according to His directions are blessed (Revelation 3:18). This beatitude includes also all the mourning which children of God are subjected to by the chastening through which God prepared them for the everlasting joy of heaven (Compare Hebrew 12:5-12). 

Obviously, mourning for righteousness here is that entire feeling which the sense of our spiritual poverty causes, and so the second beatitude is but the complement of the first. It is poverty of spirit that says, “I am undone” – Romans 7:24; and the mourning it causes, make it to break forth in lamentation. Thus they shall be comforted as God promised (Isaiah 61:3).

Beloved in Christ, we should note that as mourning goes before comfort, so comfort shall follow after mourning. Our godly sorrow for our own and others' sins shall end in everlasting joy and comfort. Our mourning and tears for the ills of the present day shall end also in joy. Just like sowing in tears and reaping in joy so shall all those who mourn will be comforted because the days of their mourning shall soon end, and then God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Do you have that poor spirit that will lead you into mourning? Do you have the tears God will wipe away so as to comfort you?

Food for Thought: Revelation 21:4

Memory verse: Matthew 4 verse 4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Prayer: Give me the heart, O Lord, to mourn over my spiritual wants, sins and that of the world in Jesus name.

THE POOR IN SPIRIT

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2016

Topic: THE POOR IN SPIRIT                      

Text: Matthew 5 verse 3                    

Each of the beatitude tells us how God blesses us. Christians should spend time to study the beatitude because some of us have been following the wrong path and when they come to the crossroad (when the blessings they had hoped for didn’t come), they will begin to see the promises of God as not true and subsequently fall out of the faith.

Blessed, means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate and enviable state of believers. It is more of inward and not outward. We shall look at the beatitude for the next 10 days. The poor as used here means the humble, who depend on God in all things, temporal and spiritual, and look to Him for the supply of every want; more especially those who feel their need, as sinners, of spiritual blessings, and look to Jesus Christ to grant them (Isaiah 66:2).

It is proper to understand that being poor as Jesus Christ used it is not those that are poor in estate, or those whom the world has made poor in possession, but those whom the gospel has made poor in spirit, that is, the truly humble and lowly spirits. They have a right and title to the kingdom of heaven. Beloved, what is the effect of the gospel in your life? The gospel should make us do the accepted things in the likeness of Christ. Christ was not keen on material things while on earth but whenever the need arises there is always a provision for that. Though, a King, He live a life of poor spirit. We should emulate Him.      

Food for Thought: True happiness does not consist in external condition, but in the state of the mind.

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 3

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding of what being poor in spirit means so I will live to receive the blessings therein in Jesus name.      

FOR YOU SAID

Devotion for Wednesday December 14, 2016

Topic: FOR YOU SAID                       

Text: Genesis 32:9 – 12         

The promises of God in the scriptures should inspire us to hold on to Him in prayer in order to claim those promises. They are aimed at challenging us to keep to the conditions of the promises while holding on to God for their fulfilment. Jacob remembered the promise God made to him in Genesis 28:13–15, which included his safety and return to the land of promise. As he was going back to his people, he remembered how he supplanted his brother Esau and was afraid. Faced with uncertainties of what might befall him as he goes to meet him, he then went to God to remind Him of the promise He made to him. With the promise, he encouraged himself in the Lord as David did (1 Samuel 30:6). He knew that despite his weaknesses, God is still able to perfect all that concerns him (Psalm 138:8).

You should know the promises God made to you because they are all there in the bible in your hand. In Luke 18:1ff, Jesus taught us the importance of persistence in prayer. When you discover what God said about that your problem, it will spur you into prayer. This is a way to develop faith.  God is not moved by our tears, complain or grumbling, rather by our faith in His word. Faith in the word of God should be your guiding principle as you approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 11:6). Go to God in prayer to and remind Him about His promises. He will not refuse you for it is His will to bless you always.

Food for Thought: Our faith moves God and not our tears or complaints.

Memory verse: Genesis 32 verse 12

Prayer: God, remember the promises (mention them) you made to me and fulfil them in Jesus name.

ARE YOU AT EASE?

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2016

Topic: ARE YOU AT EASE?                

Text: Amos 6:1 – 7

In the book Revelation, one problem with the church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot. What led them into being lukewarm was the wealth they enjoyed (Revelation 3:17). This made God to rebuke them (Revelation 3:19), warning them to repent (See full story in Revelation 3:14 – 22). That story is very similar to our text for the day. Our bible reading centres on dangers of luxury and false security.

Usually, times of continued worldly prosperity and alliance with political leadership are full of danger to the cause of Christianity. There is always the tendency to bring into the church luxury, pride, vain show, and indifference to God's service, with all the gross sins that naturally follow in their train. Thus the professors of godliness dishonour Christ before the world, lose their power over men's consciences, and make it necessary that God should purify His church by His judgments.” This was the reason why Amos denounced those that are at ease in Zion. The people in question are men and women who have so much confidence in their wealth and their connections. This attitude is dangerous and God condemns it whole and entire (see Psalm 146:3 & Isaiah 31:3).

It was on this basis that Family Bible Notes admonished that “The numerous examples on record of great and often very sudden changes from a state of ease and comfort to one of deep affliction, ought to be a solemn warning to us of the present day not to abuse the great prosperity which God is bestowing upon us, lest He cause our sun also to go down at noon, and darken our land in the clear day, as he did with ancient Israel (Amos 8:9).” Do you trust your riches and now complacent on the things of God? Do you belong to the group that feels all is well because you have money and can get whatever you want at beck and call? Know that God is the owner of whatever you have and He is the only one that can connect us and not man. Trust God and not your riches for wealth are deceptive.

Food for Thought: Do you abuse the great prosperity God has bestowed on you?

Memory verse: Amos 6 verse 1

Prayer: God, remove every spirit of complacency in me in respect of serving you and help me not to be at ease because of my wealth in Jesus name.

GOD REWARDS INTEGRITY

DEVOTION FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 12, 2016

Topic: GOD REWARDS INTEGRITY         

Text: Proverbs 20 verse 7

In our devotion for yesterday, we saw that God spelt out the terms and conditions of the covenant He made with us even before we of the present day generation, were born. We also saw that walking under these terms and conditions brings blessings and walking against them leads to curses. When we walk according to the will of God, there are rewards for us. God rewards us according to our deeds (Roman 2:6) be it good or bad deeds.

Here in our scriptural reading for the day is also a promise that God will reward our integrity. Integrity means the ‘quality of being honest and upright in character.’ This is one quality see among early Christians. Unfortunately, integrity and honesty is lacking in our present day churches. If this is not so, why all the evil, corruption, frame up and lies that are rampant in our society? However, when anyone singles himself out and stand out, God will surely reward such person.

Can you mention and write down the names of up to three men/women of integrity that lived in your neighbourhood – dead or alive? What can you say about their children today? Can you see the reward of God upon their families? Is there any truth about God’s word manifesting there? Now can you also list three men/women who were not upright in our neighbourhood too? What is the condition of their children today? Can we say that these words of our text are true or false? Any Christian without integrity is a disgrace to his family, the Church, God Almighty and the world. Regrettably, there are many in society today who lack integrity and our generation are hailing them as achievers.

Before writing this devotion, I read online how members of United Methodist Church in Lagos drove their Pastor away because he impregnated his house maid and sent his wife packing. A pastor will kill, tell lies to extort money from people and commit all manner of evil, how much more ordinary members of his Church. Think of traders, civil servants, teachers, students, bus conductors and their drivers, car/motorcycle owner and their operators, can we find integrity among them? The list is endless. We have the testimony of Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:12 which is a challenge for us; the present day Christians. What does the society know you for; a fraudster, cheat or honest man/woman? Joseph is an example of man of integrity. If you remain upright and honest, God will reward you and your posterity.

Food for Thought: “To be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of a thousand”-Shakespeare.

Memory verse: Proverbs 20 verse 7

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to walk in integrity and I bind every spirit of dishonesty in my life in Jesus name.

A BLESSING OR CURSE FOR YOU?

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2016

Topic: A BLESSING OR CURSE FOR YOU?            

Text: Proverbs 3:31 – 35                   

The terms and conditions of our covenant with God were well spelt out even before we of the present day generation were born. For everything we do with people or organizations, there are terms and conditions attached to them. For example, the GSM network providers will always warn that terms and conditions will apply when they make promos. In the same way, God has terms and conditions for our relationship with Him. There are things He expects us to do and things we shouldn’t do.    

God’s intention is never to curse any man. These blessings and curses were laid out before our birth. He has placed before us blessings and curses to choose from (Deuteronomy 11:26) in a bid to instill fear (Exodus 20:20) in us and make us obey His words. However, many have chosen curse instead of blessings with the way they live their lives. This they do by disobeying God’s instructions and commandments. When we deliberately disobey God, we have indirectly place ourselves under the curse of disobeying Him.

Likewise, we have a choice to make on the issue of heaven and hell. If by tomorrow, you find yourself in hell, it is not God that sent you there; you sent yourself. The wicked by his acts calls for a curse upon himself (Zechariah 5:3, 4). Anyone who behaves wickedly is deliberately inviting a curse. The question we should ponder on is what leads people into wickedness? List some of them so that you can avoid them.

How you want your house to be is a matter of your choice. When you engage in wickedness, do you think of what will befall your posterity? You may have been doing it at will and going scot-free but note that a day of reckoning is coming when God will reward every deed. Remember, whatsoever you sow, you shall reap (Galatians 6:7 compare Romans 2:6, Psalm 62:12 and Proverbs 24:12). As Joshua asked the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, so I am asking you today, to choose what your house will be: A CURSE OR A BLESSING.

Food for Thought: Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.

Memory verse: Proverbs 3 verse 33

Prayer: Help me to live righteously, O Lord, so that you will bless my home.

HE’LL RESTORE YOUR LOST FORTUNE

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016

Topic: HE’LL RESTORE YOUR LOST FORTUNE

Text: Deuteronomy 30:1 – 10

God’s love and mercies are unbelievable and far beyond our understanding. If not so, some of us wouldn’t have been Christians much more being a priest in His service. This love God has for sinners made Paul to assert that he was not worthy to be an Apostle if not for the grace God he received.

In our bible reading for the day, Moses told the Israelites that if they go astray, realizes their wrong and are willing to go back to the Lord, He would welcome them back. Even when they walk out on God deliberately, He will still take them back. God’s kind of mercy is what Jesus proved through the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–24). He deliberately walked out on the Father like the lost sheep. Moses told them about God’s love and mercies for them.  

There are lessons for us to learn from this statement of Moses.

a) God is love and merciful (Exodus 34:6 &7)

b) God is always ready to forgive us (Jeremiah 31:34)

c) He will gather us as His people (Jeremiah 32:37; Ezekiel 34:13)

d) He restores our fortunes (Luke 15:22–24; Jeremiah 29:14)

Have you deliberately walked out on God? Is it that you walked out on God as a result of ignorance and now you are finding it difficult to forgive yourself and come back to Him? Why will you continue to carry about your burden of sins when God is ever willing and ready to forgive you when you come back to Him? The place you are now may be the result of the acts of your own mistake just like the Prodigal Son and you have lost so many things. Turn back to God and He will freely welcome you unconditionally (Luke 15:17 & 18). Arise, He is waiting for you to restore unto you all those years you have lost (Joel 2:25) in ignorance and sin because of His love for you. Don’t hesitate or procrastinate.

Food for Thought: All the promises of God in Christ Jesus are Yes and Amen!

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 30 verse 3

Prayer: God, I repent of all sins I have committed. Please restore my lost fortunes in Jesus name. Amen.