IT IS NOT OVER WITH YOU: Devotion for Friday July 1, 2016

IT IS NOT OVER WITH YOU: Devotion for Friday July 1, 2016

Text: Micah 7:7 – 13                 

Memory verse: Micah 7:8 – Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.

Micah showed great faith in God both personally as we have in Micah 7:7) and on Israel’s behalf (Micah 7:8-10) as he proclaimed that (1) he would wait upon God because God hears and saves when help is needed, (2) God would bring His people through when times were tough, (3) Israel must be patient in punishment because God would bring them out of the darkness, and (4) their enemies would be punished. This is expression of faith indeed which arose from a comprehensive knowledge of what God can do. Micah knew that God is merciful and he enthused such faith.   

New Living Translation and New International Version used gloat in place of rejoice as we have in New King James Version. Gloat means to “show you are happy about your own success or somebody else’s failure in an unpleasant way.” The lesson from Micah’s faith is that we can also have a relationship with God to the extent that we will develop confidence in God like Micah. No great talent is required here. It takes faith in God and a willingness to act on that faith.

Beloved, are you currently being confronted by problems of life that people are making mockery of you, thinking your life is over as Israel was mocked? Is it that there is no prospective life partner, no job, living in abject poverty; you are now an orphan or no child after many years of marriage? Cheer up you will rise again. Is it that you business has collapsed and you have packed up? In this new month, you will surely rise when you believe God. You who rejoices over another person’s predicament, are you aware that what you have achieved is not out of your strength or righteousness? It is not over with you. Tell yourself that it is not over. Ps 30:5, Mic. 7:7 & Isaiah 62:2–4 should comfort you. Happy New month

Food for Thought: You are God’s project and He has never abandoned any project.

Prayer: God, lift me up again so that all my enemies will eat their words as they will come back to congratulate me.

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 1:1 – 10      

Memory verse: v 10 - So I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.

The true account of Saul’s death is in 1 Sam. 31:3, 4. The young man from Amalek was evidently lying. Probably he had come upon Saul’s dead body and thought David would reward the person who had killed his rival. This was enough evidence to show that he was a favour seeker. The man pretended to be the one who had killed Saul and he brought along Saul’s insignia of royalty for proof. This messenger presents himself to David in the posture of a mourner for the deceased prince and a subject to the succeeding one. He came with his clothes rent, and made obeisance to David, pleasing himself with the fancy that he had the honour to be the first that did him homage as his sovereign. Unfortunately, David immediately judged him from the words of his mouth and sentenced him to death (1 Sam. 1:13–15). This is an eye opener for those who take delight to run others down as they seek favour of their superior.

Most times, the courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin (remember the story of Haman how he tried to kill all the Jews just because of Mordecai). This is how most people run down colleagues in offices, neighbourhood, etc, because they want favour from their boss or someone in leadership position. Have you experience the act of these favour seekers? Share your experience. What shall it profit you when you betray people in a bid to secure the goods of this world or a position in office? Why tell lies because you want to gain the praise of the people or your boss? Christians should speak the truth always and not to tell lies against people in a bid to secure a position or gain favour. It boomerangs!

Food for Thought: The courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin.

Prayer:  Help me, O Lord, never to betray others because I am seeking for favour. 

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016 

Text: Proverbs 1:20 – 33         

Memory verse: v 31 – Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

Solomon, having showed how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here, declares how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God. Christ himself is Wisdom. Three sorts of persons are here called by Him:

1. Simple ones (1:22). These are sinners, who take everything for granted. They are fond of their simple notions of good and evil, their simple prejudices against the ways of God, and flatter themselves in their wickedness. They never take things seriously. People who are too familiar with the word or things of God that they no longer see any need for repentance are also in this category. Solomon says they need wisdom.      

2. Scorners (1:22). These are the proud, jovial people that make a jest of everything. They are also scoffers at religion that run down everything sacred and serious. They usually criticize those who serve God or people who come to preach to them. 

3. Fools (1:22). Those are the worst of fools that hate to be taught, and have a rooted dislike to serious godliness. These are the people Solomon said wisdom is calling on to come.

Wisdom reproves these three kinds of men, the foolish or simple who err out of ignorance, the mockers who cannot stand to be taught, and the fools who are drowned in worldly lusts and hate the knowledge of godliness. Do you belong to any of these groups? How much do crave for wisdom? We gain wisdom as we read and meditate daily on God’s word, as we hear preaching of the gospel, etc. Despisers of wisdom live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will certainly come. They are not perturbed by any preaching. They comfort themselves in their sin. Hearken diligently, and obey the Lord Jesus, that you may enjoy peace of conscience and confidence in God; be free from evil, in life, in death, and forever.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 22:17 & 18 – Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I not despise wisdom rather help me to always hearken to the voice of wisdom in Jesus name.

A WISE FATHER'S EXHORTATION: Devotion for Tuesday June 28, 2016

A WISE FATHER’S EXHORTATION: Devotion for Tuesday June 28, 2016

Text: Proverbs 1:10 – 19            

Memory verse: v 10 – My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent

The wicked are zealous in seducing others into the paths of their wickedness; they love to have company in their sin and crime. Nevertheless, they have so much the more to answer for (Rom. 14:12; Heb. 4:13). This should make young people to be very cautious. "Do not consent" here is all encompassing; do not say as they say nor do as they do. It also means do not follow them to do evil.

Furthermore, do not consent means you shouldn’t have any fellowship with them just as Paul warns in 2 Cor. 6:14 which says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” Their idea of acquiring wealth is very different from God’s ideal. Their desire is to steal and even kill to acquire wealth. This confirms what Jesus said about Satan in Jn. 10:10. It is absurd to think that it is a pleasure for someone to destroy another. It is not a pleasure rather a quick ticket to hell fire.  

Those who choose the wicked as their companions will definitely become like them in character and their end. This advice is the best a father can offer to the son. Unfortunately these days, most parents don’t even care to know how their children acquired the wealth they are flashing about in the society. Some will advice their children to do whatsoever their hands can find them so far they come home with a car or build good houses. All these are not evidence of good standing with God. Men may appreciate and speak good of what you have ‘achieved’ but God’s verdict is what matters at the end. Some others will even advice their children to do things immoral. Some parents pay for their children to cheat in examinations. Some encourage their children into immoral relationship with opposite sex. Parents, what advice do you give to your children? Let the advice of Solomon here be a challenge and a model for us.   

Food for Thought: What kind of advice do you give to your children?

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to always give wise counsel to my children and wards in Jesus name

ARE YOU KNOW-IT-ALL? Devotion for Monday June 27, 2016

ARE YOU KNOW-IT-ALL? Devotion for Monday June 27, 2016

Text: Proverbs 1:1 – 9                

Memory verse: v 7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction

We can easily spot the obsessive know-it-all by the way he or she dodges all possibility of admitting wrong. They will want to argue everything. Such person will use his or her knowledge to impress others using words that people won’t understand just to have the satisfaction of seeing them concede his or her ‘superior knowledge’. They use their perceived superior knowledge to intimidate people around them. When they appear in the public, they want people to notice them. People like this are the ones that everyone tries to avoid at social gatherings.

The Know-it-alls may have a great deal of knowledge, but they usually have little wisdom and do not fear God. This is one problem with the elites and learned people in our society who people to this call of know-it-all. They love to show their knowledge, their affluence, artistry, etc, in the public when occasion doesn’t demands for that. Do you have such in your neighbourhood? They are found everywhere.

Solomon called this kind of person a fool (Proverbs 1:7). Much of what we know has no connection to how wise we are; for example, a very brilliant lawyer can live a foolish life. This proves true the words of Paul in I Corinthians 1:24 and 25 which say, “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Truly, wise people know that their knowledge is not complete and go to God for wisdom and more knowledge. All that we know are gifts from God for use in serving Him and others. Therefore, we should use our knowledge with humility. Beloved, we shouldn’t act like a know-it-all, even if you have a lot of knowledge. Remember that all knowledge and wisdom come from God. We should be humble enough and give Him the glory!

Food for Thought: Do you act as know-it-all? It is a spirit of pride?

Prayer: Lord, grant me the humble spirit to fear you and depend on you for wisdom no matter the knowledge I have acquired.

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:16 – 18               

Memory verse: v16 - So they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go (New King James Version).           

Usually, when God is at the centre of any movement, it easily receives solidarity and support of the people. There is no need to coax or intimidate people into doing what is right and appropriate. This was the case here. The people after hearing the message from Joshua were moved in their hearts which led to their response in our text. They agreed to obey Joshua. Their response was that whatever you command us to do; we will readily do, without murmuring or disputing. Again, wherever you send us, we will go.

These were assuring words to Joshua as he takes over the mantle of leadership from Moses. They promised Joshua obedience (1:16), they prayed for God’s presence with him (1:17), they pass an act to make it death for any Israeli who disobey Joshua's orders, or rebel against his commandment and they inspired him to go on with cheerfulness in the work to which God had called him; and, in desiring that, he should be strong and of good courage as God admonished him earlier. These words of assurance from the people were enough to inspire Joshua into action. There is no leader that will receive such assurance from his subjects that will not be motivated. 

How much solidarity do you give to your leaders; political leaders, traditional rulers, your boss in the office, your master as an apprentice, your pastors and teachers of the gospel, your fellowship leaders, group leaders in the church, etc? Do you support your Priest/Pastor when he moves motions for evangelism, revival, etc in church meetings or you are there to oppose every move whether good or bad simply because you don’t love the Pastor? The work of God cannot progress where there is rancor and disagreement. We should always work as a team for that is the desire of God (John. 17:11, 22).

Food for Thought: How much solidarity do you give to your leaders in the society and the church?

Prayer: 1. Lord God, may I never be a clog in the wheel of progress in your church in Jesus name. 2. Use me to support those in authority through obedience and moral support. 

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: Devotion for Saturday June 25, 2016 ]

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: Devotion for Saturday June 25, 2016 ]

  

Text: Joshua 1:10 – 15                           

Memory verse: v 11 - "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess”

In Rom. 4:20, the bible recorded that Abraham did not waver or stagger at he promises of God. This means that he had no doubt about what God told him despite his physical condition and that of his wife (Rom. 4:19). In our bible reading today, Joshua says to the people immediately God had spoken to him, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess” (1:11b).

We honour the truth of God, when we stagger not or waver at the promise of God as Abraham did. The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren. When God, by His providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brethren. Again, we God has blessed us, we should not neglect our brethren. We should be of help to them with what God has blessed us with.

“The certainty that God will bestow upon His people the blessings He has promised them, does not in the least lessen the necessity of their using all appointed means to obtain them” so says Family Bible Notes. God promised to take them into the Promised Land. They don’t have to procrastinate or sit in a place for the promise to be fulfilled. They have a part to play. Likewise, God has made several promises to us. We shouldn’t procrastinate about them by waiting for ‘manna to fall from heaven’ upon our laps which rarely happens. Rather we should swing into action by playing our part in that promise made by God. For example the promise to bless us depends on the effort we make. God blessed Isaac and made him prosperous when he sowed in Gerar. God promised to feed the birds of the air but He does not throw their food into their nest.

Food for Thought: What will you do to ensure that God’s promises made to you will be fulfilled?

Prayer: God, remove from every form of procrastination in me especially in heavenly matters in Jesus name.

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

  

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        

Memory verse: v 9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (New King James Version).

In our text, God used the phrase “Be strong and of good courage,” 3 times in verses 6, 7 and 9. God used this phrase repeatedly because that was the area He has endued Joshua but he seems not to have understood that. He wants Joshua to understand that He is with him and has empowered him to lead the Israelis into the Promised Land.

Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, had severally proved that he was, yet needs these exhortations. The reason is that his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new. Again he needed the exhortation because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses; and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect that the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for his shoulders.

God expected Joshua to make His law, his rule. He was charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. This is what is expected of us too in our Christian race wherein we face stiff challenges as Joshua faced. How much time do you spend in meditating on the word of God? We show the highest and noblest courage when we faithfully discharge our duties. There is no coward that makes it his great object to obey the known will of God.  

Most times it is in the area of our strength that devil brings fear to intimidate us. Joshua knew that he has the charisma, character and ability to lead the people yet, he was reluctant and unwilling. In the days of Gideon, he was afraid of the Midianites even when he has the power. It was the power in him that made the angel of the Lord to urge him to go in that strength. What are the areas of your strength? Are you using them to its full potential or you are waiting for God to emphasis on it?

Food for Thought: Most times devil intimidates or tempts us based on our strength.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognise my strength and use it for your glory. 

ANOINTING BREAK YOKES: Devotion for Thursday June 23, 2016

ANOINTING BREAK YOKES: Devotion for Thursday June 23, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:24 – 34     Memory verse: v 27

God's purpose was to use the Assyrian not to destroy, but to purify his people. Unfortunately, they abused it. Now God is assuring His people that though Assyria may treat them badly as Egypt did to their forefather, but that bondage will be broken (10:25). According to prophet Isaiah, God will raise a scourge against Assyria which will lead to breaking of the yoke of bondage (10:27). Before now, King Hezekiah has been under heavy bondage of the Assyrians. This was a grievous yoke and burden to them, but they shall no more pay that tribute to the king of Assyria. Before this invasion he exacted from them (2 Kings 18:14). Now they shall be no longer at his service, nor lie at his mercy, as they have done; nor shall he ever again put the country under contribution. This was God’s assurance.

God is never pleased to see His children suffer especially in the hands of the unbelievers. Most times He allows them to have upper hand against us because of His jealous love for us. By virtue of our repentance, we have been anointed of God. It is that anointing that will break every yoke of bondage of sin and the devil in our lives. Every child of God carries this anointing. For this reason God gave the charge in Ps. 105:15. In the name of God, I decree today that every yoke on your neck be it sin, indebtedness, poverty, sickness, etc, will be broken in Jesus name. This is your privilege as a Christian.

Food for Thought: What does Psalm 105:15 imply? 

Prayer: God, let your anointing upon my life break every yoke of sin, bondage, captivity, sickness, demonic influence, etc in my life and family.

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:20 – 23        Memory verse: v 21

God keeps to His words. He fulfilled all His promises except when we fail to keep our own part of the covenant. When He told the Israelis, at the bank of Red Sea that the Egyptians they are seeing they will see no more. It was as if it is something very impossible to happen. But God was true to His word. 

Here is the assurance that the remnant will return to their Promised Land. Those who remained faithful to God despite the horrors of the invasion are called the remnant. Once Assyria’s army was destroyed, a small group of God’s people would stop relying on Assyria and start trusting God (10:20). This remnant would be but a fraction of Israel’s former population (Ezra 2:64-65). Have your life been battered by evil, sickness, sin, etc? God is promising you that you will return to the position of good health, prosperity, progress, knowledge of God, etc.   

In spiritual terms, the key to being a part of the remnant was faith in Christ Jesus. These remnants are those that will be raptured to be with the Lord. Being a descendant of Abraham, living in the Promised Land, having trusted God at one time, none of these were good enough. Are you relying on your Christian heritage, the rituals of worship, or past experience to qualify you for belonging to God’s family? The key to being a true Christian is faith in God.

Food for Thought: Will you be among those that will return to God when the rapture takes place?

Prayer: Lord God, keep me rapturable till the day of rapture or my death

EFFECT OF PRIDE: Devotion for Tuesday June 21, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10: 5 – 19       Memory verse: v 12

The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his own will. Most tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. The plan of God was to correct His people for their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to Himself; but that wasn’t Sennacherib's plan. He designs to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Assyrian, boasts what great things he has done to other nations (10:8–11), by his own policy and power. He did not know that it was God who made him what he is, and puts the staff into his hand (10:5). How I wished he consulted Nebuchadnezzar. He wouldn’t have been so pompous.

This provoked God’s anger (10:12–15). Matthew Henry opined that “For a tool to boast or to strive against Him that formed it, would not be more out of the way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah.” God’s verdict on King of Assyria was that He shall strip him and all his princes, of their wealth, and might, and glory; and destroy his numerous armies as fire destroys things which are thrown into it (10:16). That was the effect of pride on Sennacherib. Do you boast of the talent, wisdom, power or position God has given to you? Do you look down on others because you feel you are better than them? Think twice! God is God of justice. He exalts and brings down (Ps 75:7; Matt 23:12; Lk 18:14).

Food for Thought: Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour, 

Prayer: 1. My Father in heaven, may I not exalt myself because of where you have placed me or the talent you have deposited in me. 2. Grant me the spirit of humility and appreciation for what you have made me.

UNRIGHTEOUS DECREES: Devotion for Monday June 20, 2016

UNRIGHTEOUS DECREES: Devotion for Monday June 20, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:1 – 4     Memory Verse: v 1

Our text today is a continuation of Isaiah Chapter 9. If you actually want to understand this text well, then start reading from Chapter 9. Isaiah indicts wicked oppressors. They are charged, with making wicked laws and edicts: They decree unrighteous decrees, contrary to natural equity and the law of God and what mischief they prescribe, those under them write it, enroll it, and put it into the formality of a law. It is bad to hurt someone, but it is worse to do it with design and deliberation. 

Again, they were charged with perverting justice in the execution of the laws that were made. No people had statutes and judgments to righteous as they had, and yet corrupt judges found ways to turn aside the needy from judgment, to hinder them from coming at their right and recovering what was their due, because they were needy and poor, and such as they could get nothing by nor expect any bribes from. The third charge against these oppressors is that they were enriching themselves by oppressing those that lay at their mercy, whom they ought to have protected.

Can we find any of these accusations similar in our present day society? You, in leadership position, do you make Draconian laws targeted at the poor, needy, widows, etc? Draco is an Athenian legislator who made harsh laws. If you make harsh laws, you are like the lawyers berated by Jesus Christ in Lk 11:46 (compare Matt. 23:1–4). Repent today because the Day of Judgment is coming when you cannot escape the anger of God.

Food for Thought: Leaders should protect the rights of the less privileged ones and the poor, and not to abuse them.

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace that in any leadership position I find myself, I will not make laws that will infringe on the rights of the poor and less privileged.

WHERE ARE THE NINE? Devotion for Sunday June 19, 2016

WHERE ARE THE NINE? Devotion for Sunday June 19, 2016 

      

Text: Luke 17:11 – 17      Memory verse: v 17

People who had leprosy were required to try to stay away from other people and to announce their presence if they had to come near (Leviticus 13:46; Numbers 5:2, 3). It was for this reason, these lepers were in village in between Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11). These lepers might have heard about Jesus which made them to stand afar off and with a loud voice shouted "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Sometimes, leprosy goes into remission. If a leper thought his leprosy had gone away, he was supposed to present himself to a priest, who could declare him clean (Leviticus 14). Jesus sent the 10 lepers to the priest before they were healed and they went! They responded in faith, and Jesus healed them on the way. Is your trust in God so strong that you act on what He says even before you see evidence that it will work?

Of the ten lepers, it was a Samaritan (Luke 17:16) that came back to thank Jesus for the mercies of healing received. This prompted Jesus to ask the question in 17:17, 18. Jesus had been distressed many times with His own people’s lack of acceptance and faith (Luke 7:9; 8:25; 12:28). This time was no different. Familiarity breeds contempt. Ten men had been healed, but only one, the foreigner (referring to the man from Samaria), came back to give glory to God. Jesus was not so much concerned about being thanked as He was about the men’s understanding of what had happened. The other nine went off, free from leprosy but not necessarily free from sin through the salvation Jesus could offer. What is usually your attitude when God does something for you? Do you return to thank Him or you behave like the nine?

Food for Thought: “A man’s indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude” – Ruth Benedict.

Prayer: Grant unto me O God, a heart of gratitude for everything you do for me.

FAITH THAT WORKS: Devotion for Saturday June 18, 2016

FAITH THAT WORKS: Devotion for Saturday June 18, 2016

         

Text: Luke 17:5 – 10     Memory verse: v 6

This request in 17:5 was motivated by the difficulty of avoiding and forgiving “offences.” Jesus tells His disciples, that if they have the smallest degree of true faith; lively, operative faith, it will enable them to perform this difficult duty of forgiving injuries, and all other duties, with much ease as a miraculous faith would enable them to remove mountains and transplant trees. When we obey Jesus’ instructions, we have only done our duties and should regard it as a privilege. We shouldn’t expect thanks, for we were only doing what we were supposed to do. Jesus used the example of a slave who renders service and does not expect to be thanked. Obedience is not something extra done for God; it is the duty of anyone who desires to be Christ’s follower. We must lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. How deep is your faith in Christ Jesus? It is not how big but how deep to counter deep problems of life.

With these words, Jesus was not rendering service as meaningless or useless, nor was He doing away with rewards. He was attacking unwarranted self-esteem and spiritual pride; perhaps such as many of the religious leaders were exhibiting, or what the disciples themselves might be tempted to fall into as they would seek to serve God when their faith has been increased. Christians should focus their eyes on God with their goal only to serve and please Him. They don’t work for recognition or rewards or even for God to praise them for their hard work. Don’t allow self esteem and pride for what God is using you to do in your generation enter into your head.

Food for Thought: No obstacle can withstand a confiding faith in God.

Prayer: Grant me a strong faith to believe every word that comes from your mouth, O Lord my God.

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

Text: Luke 17:1 – 3      Memory verse: v 3

Here Jesus teaches us that giving of offences is a great sin which we should avoid and carefully watch against. The expression ‘offences’ is a translation of a Greek term which means ‘stumbling blocks.’ The term originally referred to the trigger that springs a trap; then the word came to refer to anything that causes one to sin. Jesus emphatically warns that these stumbling blocks are sure to occur. Nonetheless, He pronounced a woe upon those that place these offences which cause people to sin. He suggests that death by drowning would be preferable rather than to offend one of these little ones. Do you place offences on people’s way by the words of your mouth; by your dressing and appearance, by your reactions, by your quest for wealth, by your pride and arrogance, and by your immoral life? Repent today before God’s anger will visit you.

Nevertheless, God expects us to forgive one another for us to maintain and sustain brotherly love among us. Why did Jesus say so? Because we can be tempted to revenge against people who puts stumbling blocks on our ways. We should understand that vengeance is of the Lord (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). Jesus stresses forgiveness which precedes rebuke and repentance. You shouldn’t expect people to forgive you when you are not willing to repent. We should note that to fall often into the same offence against our brother is a great aggravation of our offences. Therefore, beware because when it is repeated, it means it is deliberate.

Food for Thought: Forgiving multiplication of offences is demonstration of God’s like temper in us.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend me no matter the number of times they do it in Jesus name.

ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE: Devotion for Thursday June 16, 2016

ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE: Devotion for Thursday June 16, 2016

  

Text: Leviticus 1:10 – 17              Memory verse: v 10

Those who could not offer a bullock, were to bring a sheep or a goat; and those who were not able to do that, were accepted of God, if they brought a turtle-dove, or a pigeon. Those creatures were chosen for sacrifices which were mild, and gentle, and harmless; to show the innocence and meekness that were in Christ and that should be in Christians. God, in His law and in His gospel, as well as in His providence, considers the poor. The underlining principle is that the animal brought for sacrifice must not be blemish.

These are some characteristics of an acceptable sacrifice

1. The animal to be offered must be without blemish. 2. The owner must offer it of his own free will. What is done in religion, so as to please God, must be done out of love. Christ willingly offered Himself for us. 3. It must be offered at the door of the tabernacle, where the brazen altar of burnt-offerings stood, which sanctified the gift: he must offer it at the door, as one unworthy to enter, and acknowledging that a sinner can have no communion with God, but by sacrifice. It was on this premise Apostle Paul gave the injunction in Rom. 12:1 that we should “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The sacrifice we can make today is not that of animals but of service which are acceptable to God. It must be motivated by love and not by desire for reward or recompense.

Food for Thought: What does living sacrifice implies?

Prayer: Lord God, may my sacrifices be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016

THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016

Text: Leviticus 1:1 – 9               Memory verse: v 4

God made it clear from the time of creation that sin separates people from Him, and that those who sin deserve to die. But because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), God, filled with love and mercy, designed sacrifice as a way to seek forgiveness and to restore a relationship with Him. He instructed people to shed blood by killing animals as sacrifices for sin. That’s why when God taught His people to worship Him; He placed great emphasis on sacrifices (1:2). Sacrifices were God’s Old Testament way for people to ask forgiveness for their sins.

There are two purposes for animal sacrifice: (1) the animal representatively took the sinner’s place and paid the penalty for sin; and (2) the animal’s death represented one life given so that another life could be saved. This was a shadow of what Jesus would do on the cross and now have done. It was effective in teaching and guiding the people and bringing them back to God. In New Testament times, however, Christ’s death became the last sacrifice needed. He took the punishment once and for all for those who trust in Him. Animal sacrifice is no longer required. Now, all people can be freed from the penalty of sin by turning away from their sin, trusting in Jesus, and accepting the forgiveness He offers. Have you turned away from your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Note that modern day sacrifice in terms of tithe, offering, financial support towards God’s work are not enough to save us. See Psalm 51:16, 17.

Food for Thought: Hosea 6:6

Prayer: Help me Lord God to yield my life totally to you instead of depending on sacrifices which cannot win your love.

THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST: Devotion for Tuesday June 14, 2016

     

Text: Galatians 5:24 – 26             Memory verse: v 24

The fruit of the Holy Spirit exemplifies us as Christians. Any professing Christian who doesn’t possess these virtues is mere compromiser and should not be taken seriously. How can a Christian lack love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? If any of these is lacking in your life, then you have either backslidden or you have been compromising. Those who have these are those who actually and really belong to Christ (5:24). Those who are Christ’s have crucified their flesh when they became Christians (Rom 6:3, 4), and it is done continuously (Rom 6:6) so that the Holy Spirit will be able to produce in them the fruits just listed (5:22, 23). It is by faith in Christ that a man becomes dead to a sinful life and rises to a new life of fellowship with Christ (Col. 3:3).

Brethren, if our inner life be in the Spirit; that is, received from the Spirit, sustained by Him, and conformed to Him in character then we should also walk in that Spirit (5:25). Our outward life also should be in the Spirit; in other words, let it be conformed to Christ in character, so that our inward principles and outward conduct shall be in harmony with each other. This, in Paul’s opinion is what it means to belong to Christ. Is your inward and outward life in harmony with that of Christ? Think about it.

Food for Thought: Do you truly belong to Christ in your character?

Prayer: Lord, help me to conform to the image of Christ in my inward and outward character in Jesus name.