Sunday 31 July 2016

FOR GOD TO REVEAL HIMSELF: Devotion for Monday August 1, 2016

FOR GOD TO REVEAL HIMSELF: Devotion for Monday August 1, 2016

Text: John 20:11 – 18                              Memory verse: v 11

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb of Jesus, saw that it was empty and went to inform Peter and other disciples. They came to the tomb, saw it as Mary reported and left. When they left, Mary was still there alone, crying, hoping that somehow she could discover where Jesus’ body had been taken, but fearing the worst. It was that desire to get someone to speak to her that kept her there. This moved God to send two angels to attend to her. Her motive was pure and undiluted unlike many in the church today who go there with wrong motives. Her motive was to see the dead body of Christ. That was her bargain but God gave her more than a dead Jesus but a living Jesus. Hallelujah!

Beloved, for God to reveal Himself to you, you must show a strong commitment to His course. You should have shown yourself as one who loves God without reservations. Seeing God does not come through a mere wish but through love for God, dedication to His course and unwavering commitment. How much do you love God? Mary Magdalene showed her commitment to God by coming very early to the tomb, going to inform Peter and other disciples what she saw, and coming back again to the tomb. She sat there weeping in anticipation for news. Do you take the pain to seek for God in things that border you? Seek Him and you shall find Him (Matt 7:7) even in this new month. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: It takes good motives to attract God’s attention.


Prayer: As I seek you, O Lord, grant me right motives that will attract you to reveal yourself to me in Jesus name.


Saturday 30 July 2016

WAYS TO REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS 2: Devotion for Sunday July 31, 2016

WAYS TO REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS 2: Devotion for Sunday July 31, 2016

Text: Colossians 3:8 – 11                       

Memory verse: Colossians 3:8 - But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

There is one striking point to note in the ways to redirect our focus on Christ in our bible reading of yesterday and today. It is the point that you are the one to put them to death/put off and not any other person. In our bible reading of the day, Apostle Paul was emphatic about this. He said, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these …” These things are part of our old nature which sure raises their heads in us. That is why our text called them our members.

Though these sins mentioned in Colossians 3:8 are of less infamy (minoris infamia) and reproach before men, yet they are of greater guilt (majoris reatus) in the sight of God. Thus any sincere Christian who desire to please God will not hesitate in putting off these sins so as to have a clear focus on Christ. As long as they are part of us, they will keep on pulling us down.  

The five sins of speech/action here are anger, wrath (rage), malicious behaviour, slander (blasphemy) and dirty language. When these are manifest in our lives, they offend the spirit of God in us. Paul concluded by calling on us to put on the new man after putting off the five sins mentioned above. Putting on new man means that our conduct should match our faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christian means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions.

Food for Thought: Have you put off anger, wrath, malicious behaviour, slander and dirty language from your life?

Prayer: God, help me to put off old nature and to put on the new man that reveals Christ in me.

Friday 29 July 2016

WAYS TO REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS 1: Devotion for Saturday July 30, 2016

WAYS TO REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS 1: Devotion for Saturday July 30, 2016

Text: Colossians 3:5 – 7                        Memory verse: v 5

Yesterday, we read Paul’s call on us to redirect our focus. Today and tomorrow, we shall be considering ways to redirect our focus on things eternal instead of the things, worldly. Paul noted that if the Colossian believers were to live as examples of Christ, they had to put to death certain aspects of the sinful earthly things lurking within them, the sinful nature; the old self. Two sets of sins are listed by Paul, which he advised that they should put to death or mortify. The first five refer to sexual sin; the second five are sins of speech/action. We’ll discuss that tomorrow. These first five relates to the cultural background of the Colossians and were particularly deadly to the life of the church: Sexual sin, impurity, lust, shameful desires and greed for good things of life which he called idolatry. These five sins mentioned here directly affect our spirituality and they attract God’s anger too.

It is necessary to mortify sins, because if we do not kill them, they will kill us. Although Paul told them in 3:3, that they were dead to sin, yet here, in 3:5, he charged them to mortify sin; intimating, that the work of mortification, at the best, is but imperfect, and must be carried on daily basis and progressively. How can you mortify your body so that you could be focused on Christ and heavenly things? Note that mortification is not a thing of once and for all.

Food for Thought: What are the ways you can mortify sin in your life?

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord, to put to death all sinful desire in me.

Thursday 28 July 2016

REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS: Devotion for Friday July 29, 2016

REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS: Devotion for Friday July 29, 2016

Text: Colossians 3:1 – 4             

Memory verse: Colossians 3:2 - Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

The essence of going to learn in a school is to improve ourselves and to make us have better understanding of ourselves, and our society. If after leaving school there is no improvement in your understanding of yourself and your environment, it means your efforts in school were wasted. Likewise, when someone repents and accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, it is expected that such should have a better understanding of how best to serve God. It is on this premise that Paul started in this chapter by saying, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your eyes on the realities of heaven …” (New Living Translation). This means that before their repentance, their focus were on worldly things. Now it shouldn’t be so. They should begin to focus on Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

Because Christians had been raised from sin into life of righteousness, they had a clear responsibility to Christ, who had raised them. They must set their sights on the realities of heaven so as to avoid the distractions of the world. The Greek word for “set” means to seek something out with a desire to possess it. The believers must take their focus off the world and turn it to Christ, who sits at God’s right hand in the place of honour and power. They should concentrate on the things eternal rather than the things temporal, letting their thoughts dwell in the realm of Christ. They were to focus on the Lord Jesus. Thoughts can influence actions, so if the believers would place their thoughts above and not only here on earth, their actions would please God. Are your thoughts focused on Christ now as a Christian or you are still concerned about worldly affairs?

Food for Thought: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Prayer: Lord God, redirect my focus from the things worldly to the things eternal. Help me to live  in Jesus name.


Wednesday 27 July 2016

NOT THE SPECIAL TYPE: Devotion for Thursday July 28, 2016

NOT THE SPECIAL TYPE: Devotion for Thursday July 28, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:25 – 31       

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1:26 – For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

Our text is one of the passages in the bible that clearly show us that God is not respecter of human reason. What we value here on earth doesn’t even concern Him. It is for this reason the bible says that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thought (Isaiah 55:8 & 9). Who would have believed that Jesus Christ would bypass all the intellectual Pharisees, Scribes and Lawyers of His days to pick mere fishermen as disciples? This is why Paul writes that God doesn’t prefer the special type as Living Bible puts it in 1 Corinthians 1:26.

Paul tells the Corinthians that they should note that the general character and condition of those who are Christians among them have not been generally taken from the wise, the rich, and the learned, but from those of humble life. The design of the Apostle here is to show that the gospel did not depend for its success, on human wisdom. Rather, God prefers to use people who will humble themselves, obey and walk with Him.

Beloved, if being a Christian is based on social status, will you have been considered by God to be a Christian how much more being a preacher of the gospel? I know that many Christians wouldnt have been considered good enough to be Christians. People like me won’t have become priest because I don’t have human qualification for that. But God doesn’t apply human rule. What this implies is that we who are privileged to be called should serve God in humility and appreciation. When you are tempted to pride on what God is using you to do, always remember that God called you not according to human standards, not because you were wise, powerful, or noble (well-born) but just by His grace. Therefore, live a life of gratitude to God for such a rare privilege.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 2:8 & 9

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for picking me out of the miry clay and made me what I am today. Keep me faithful till the end. Help me to live and serve you in gratitude for such privilege you have given me in Jesus name.


Tuesday 26 July 2016

EXTRAORDINARY LOVE: Devotion for Wednesday July 27, 2016

EXTRAORDINARY LOVE: Devotion for Wednesday July 27, 2016

Text: Luke 15:11 – 32                     

Memory verse: Luke 15:24 - For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

The parable of the prodigal son shows what is expected of us in repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to Him. It fully sets forth the riches of gospel of grace – the extra ordinary love of God. This young man took a decision to go back to the father and acted on it. “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” – Luke 15:20b. The father immediately restored this destitute and humbled young man as his son. “This represents the readiness with which God receives returning sinners. To be saved, men must not only resolve, but they must return to God; taking all the blame and shame of their departure to themselves, and ascribing righteousness to Him, they must surrender all their interests for time and eternity to His care, guidance, and disposal” as Family Bible Note opined.  

The sheep was lost because it may have foolishly wandered away (15:4); the coin was lost through no fault of its own (15:8); and the son left out of selfishness (15:12). God’s great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why or how they got lost. His concern is to bring them back into the sheep fold. Beloved, have you ever wondered why God has showed so much love on you despite your weaknesses? Does it make any sense to you that Gods love for you is unconditional? What steps can you take to reciprocate this extra ordinary love of God for you? Reciprocating Gods love can be done in so many ways; through more commitment to Gods work, selfless service, through love for humanity, etc. It will be great injustice if we neglect and fail to appreciate the love of God for us. This starts when we accept His work on the Calvary, repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Food for Thought: Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4

Prayer: God, may I never fail to reciprocate your love for me. Help me to serve you out of love and gratitude for loving me despite my sins. 



Monday 25 July 2016

THE PRICE TAG OF SALVATION: Devotion for Tuesday July 26, 2016

THE PRICE TAG OF SALVATION: Devotion for Tuesday July 26, 2016

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10                        

Memory verse: Luke 15:4 -What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

The two parables were given by Jesus to answer the question posted by the Pharisees and Scribes in 15:2. The tag of salvation is likened to the sacrifice of the shepherd dutifully and diligently looking for his lost sheep and the woman looking for the lost coin. The lost sheep represents the sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to Him, yet not desirous to return. Jesus Christ is earnest in bringing sinners home. In the parable of the lost piece of silver, that which is lost is one piece, of small value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods God makes use of, to bring lost souls home and His joy on their return to Him. How careful then should we be that we do not take our repentance for granted! Unfortunately, most of us are yet to understand that it cost God so much to save which should elicit more commitment from us to His service.

God’s love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is found. Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost sheep; people considered beyond hope to the God’s Kingdom. Just as the shepherd took the initiative to go out and find the sheep, so Jesus actively seeks lost souls. These tax collectors and sinners (15:1) with whom Jesus was associating were like sheep that had strayed away from God and needed to be returned. More than that, they needed the salvation that Jesus offered. We that are saved should also endeavour to bring others to know God too.

Action: As you go into the world today, endeavour to share the gospel with anyone that needs salvation and dont stay this day without sharing your faith with someone.

Prayer: God, you paid the price to save me. Help me to live my life according to your will so that the sacrifice of saving me will not be in vain and grant me the grace to share the good news of salvation with people always in Jesus name.


Sunday 24 July 2016

DIVINE COMPASSION: Devotion for Monday July 25, 2016

DIVINE COMPASSION: Devotion for Monday July 25, 2016

Text: Mark 1:40 – 45                    

Memory verse: Mark 1:41 - Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

The real value of a person is inside, not outside. Although a person’s body may be diseased or deformed but the real person inside is valuable to God. No person is too disgusting for God’s touch. This was the reason Jesus despised the law to give this leper a divine touch. In keeping with the law in Lev. 13 and 14, it is the Jewish leaders that declare people with leprosy unclean. This meant that lepers were unfit to participate in any religious or social activity. According to laws about leprosy in Lev. 13 and 14, when a leper was cured, he or she had to go to a priest to be examined. Then the leper will give a thanks offering at the Temple. Jesus adhered to these laws by sending the man to the priest, demonstrating Jesus’ complete regard for God’s law.

In a sense, we are all people with leprosy because we have all been deformed by the ugliness of sin. By sending His Son, Jesus, God has touched us, giving us the opportunity to be healed. Have you received that Divine touch? Divine touch is not only for healing of leprosy. It brings salvation, peace, breakthrough, favour, promotion, business opportunities, etc. All that is expected of you is to apply to the Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to His will. I assure you that He will stretch out His hands upon you now for the Divine touch you need for a turn around.

Food for Thought: Jesus’ compassion undermines protocols. 

Prayer: Lord God, break every protocol and law to touch me at the point of my need in Jesus name.


Saturday 23 July 2016

OUR SOCIETAL DUTIES: Devotion for Sunday July 24, 2016

OUR SOCIETAL DUTIES: Devotion for Sunday July 24, 2016

Text: Romans 13:7 – 10               

Memory verse: Romans 13:8 - Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Paul wants us to render to God His due in the first place, to yourselves, to your families, your relations, to the commonwealth, to the church, to the poor, to those that you have dealings with in buying, selling, exchanging, etc. Render to all their dues; and that readily and cheerfully, not tarrying till you are by law compelled to it. Specifically, he mentioned some dues we ought to pay. They are taxes, respect, debt (Romans 13:7) and love (Romans 13:8).

As members of the church militant, we are still living here on earth. Thus we have the obligation to pay taxes and developmental levies for the good of the society we live in. We should note that “If rulers transcend their just authority, neglect the objects for which they were appointed, and seek their own, not the good of the people; if they terrify the good, encourage the bad, and require men to commit sin; men are bound, in these things, to disobey them, and in all things to obey God” so says Family Bible Notes.

Why is love for our neighbours, called a debt? We are permanently in debt to Christ for the lavish love He has poured out on us. The only way we can even begin to repay this debt is by loving others in turn. Because Christ’s love will always be infinitely greater than ours, we will always have the obligation to love our neighbours. How faithful are you to these societal obligations?

Food for Thought: Your love for all men will lead you to fulfill all your duties towards them.

Prayer: God, grant me the enablement to love all men so it will lead me into fulfilling my societal obligations towards them.


Sermon Note on The Christian Virtue of Humility

THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE OF HUMILITY     Text: Matthew 18:1 – 4; 1 Peter 5:5 – 7
Introduction: Humility is modest or unassuming in attitude and behaviour. It is feeling or showing respect and deference to other people. In Bible Online, Sockman posited that “True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.” Humility is what will tell the world about our Christianity outside love.  
Development: The disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question may have arisen from the prediction Jesus gave in Matt. 17:22, 23. To answer their question, Jesus called a small child over to him. The disciples had become preoccupied with the organization of an earthly kingdom and were seeking positions of advantage. Jesus used a child to help His self-centred disciples get the point. The disciples needed to become as little children. Jesus wanted them to change their attitude toward greatness.
They were to have servant attitudes (diaconate spirit), not being “childish” (arguing over petty issues) but “childlike,” with humble and sincere hearts. God’s people are called to humility and unconcern for social status. Unfortunately, that has become one of the greatest problems of the church today. People want to prefix something to their name. The desperate one will pay huge sums of money to the church so they will be made knights or Ezinne. Some, on their own will begin to prefix Evang. Some have even made themselves Pastors and Apostles.
Those who persist in pride and “ladder climbing” for the sake of status in this world will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. By contrast, those who, in humility, realize their need of a Saviour, accept Him, and move into the world to serve, not only enter the Kingdom but will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. True humility means to deny oneself, to accept a position of servant hood, and to completely follow the Master. This informs the admonition of Peter on church relationship in 1 Peter 5:5 – 7. He noted that all the believers had a responsibility in the congregation to serve each other in humility. Humility means being able to put others’ needs and desires ahead of one’s own (see Philippians 2:3-4).  
Application: Today, our world in general and the church in particular are in dire need of this Christian virtue of humility. We need men/women who will serve without asking for a price. The Church needs people who will carry the virtue of humility to their offices, neighbourhood, business premises, schools, etc. Humility should be seen in our actions, reactions, responses, word, etc. We should be humble enough to accept our mistakes, confess our sins and repent of them. It takes a humble heart to repent of sins.
Conclusion: Have you ever thought of what the Church of God would look like if all of us had developed the kind of servant hood or diaconate spirit found in Christ (Philippians 2:3 – 11)? The virtue of humility will help us to crucify self, put on compassionate spirit and live out the life of Christ. It will make us less worldly and more heavenly. Just like our collect for the day, we should ask God to humble us in every aspect of our lives for that is what the world will see in us and acknowledge that we are indeed Christ-like.
Let us pray



Friday 22 July 2016

ISRAELIS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE: Devotion for Saturday July 23, 2016

ISRAELIS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE: Devotion for Saturday July 23, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 33:26 – 29             

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 33:29 - Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places."

This song of Moses declares that God is the refuge of the people of Israel, their only true security. This is one reason he said that the Israelis are privileged and special. There is none like the God of Israel. Thus there are no people like the Israel of God. This also applies to the New Israel or the Spiritual Israel which we belong to. Here are some of the peculiarities of the people of Israel.

1. They were always well seated and sheltered. Those who make God their habitation shall have all the comforts and benefits of a habitation in Him (Psalm 91:1). This is the understanding of the Psalmist hence his words in Psalm 91. This understanding is very necessary in our Christian race as we contend with principalities and powers.

2. Never were people so well supported and borne up. God stoops to be with His people at any time. His everlasting arms are underneath them, to keep the spirit from sinking, from fainting, and their faith from failing. Divine grace is sufficient for them. Just as He was with them in their journey to the Promised Land so He is with them even now. Otherwise how can we describe the survival of the nation of Israel amidst the Arab world who desires to eliminate them?

3. They were well commanded. Thus believers are more than conquerors over their spiritual enemies, through Christ that loved them. This was demonstrated when they came to the Promised Land. God gave them instructions and they followed which resulted in the walls of Jericho falling down. 

4. The people were well secured and protected. Israel shall dwell in safety alone.

5. Never were people so well provided for; so helped, so well armed, so well assured of victory over their enemies.

Is there any other thing that can make us more special than these? Absolutely nothing! Are you among these special people?    

Food for Thought: What more makes someone so special than these five points mentioned above?

Prayer: May God help us to seek and to set our affections on Him alone; that we may have our lot with Israel of God, in the realms of love and eternal happiness, and not  Israel's foes in the regions of darkness and despair.


Thursday 21 July 2016

INESCAPABLE CHOICE: Devotion for Friday July 22, 2016

INESCAPABLE CHOICE: Devotion for Friday July 22, 2016

Text: Matthew 6:24                  

Memory verse: Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:478, says that being created in the image of God “Means that we are free to make choices; to love, to create, to reason and to live in harmony with creation and with God.” One of the inescapable choices we will make in life is that of whom to serve. In our text, Jesus says we can have only one master and serve him well. If we have two masters at the same time, our devotion and commitment will be divided.

Our world of today is a materialistic society where many people serve money and can do anything to get it including looting public funds, backstabbing people to gain favour and approval, kidnapping, and killing. In our present society, people’s desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about. No wonder Jesus made it clear that where our treasures are there will our hearts be.  

Here, Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when He explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out. We shouldn’t be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us and we begin to give less attention to the things of God. This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting. Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because “the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Food for Thought: Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master?

Prayer: God, I have chosen you as my Lord and Saviour. Help me never to fall into materialistic trap that will take my heart away from you in Jesus name. Grant me the grace to control my desire and the blessings you have bestowed upon me and not my blessings controlling me.



Wednesday 20 July 2016

HE COMPLETES HIS WORK: Devotion for Thursday July 21, 2016

HE COMPLETES HIS WORK: Devotion for Thursday July 21, 2016

Text: Romans 8:29, 30                 

Memory verse: Romans 8:30 - Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God doesn’t do His work half way. When He starts a process of someone’s deliverance, He perfects it. He doesn’t stop halfway. Paul asserts here that God did not simply foreknow that they would be His people, but His foreknowledge of them as His people included the gracious purpose of bringing them into a state of salvation, as he proceeds immediately to show in the preceding verses. Our text does not necessarily mean that before the beginning of the world, God chose certain people to receive His gift of salvation as they refer to in Ephesians 1:11. Some believe that God knew in advance who would respond to His salvation. But what is clear is that God’s purpose for us was not an afterthought; it was settled before the foundation of the world. The purpose is that people are to serve and honour God. This was what God decided before the foundation of this world.

In 1993, I had a spiritual problem and it almost cost me my salvation. I wanted to flee away from preaching the word of God again in my hometown. God sent my Pastor friend, Victor Eziuzor to speak to me. January 1, 1994, I went into my Prayer Camp and was there weeping before God. At about 6pm that faithful day, God said, “Go to Philippians 1:6.” That was only the word God spoke to me and that restored peace to my heart. God’s plan for the salvation of those who believe in Christ has three steps: chosen, called, and glorified. When we are finally conformed to the image of Christ, we will share His glory. God’s love is eternal. His wisdom and power are supreme. He will guide and protect you until the day stand you will stand in His presence.

Food for Thought: Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, complete any impending work in my spiritual life in Jesus name.

2. Almighty God, send your word of peace to every troubled heart doubting his or her salvation in Jesus name.


Tuesday 19 July 2016

HE WILL PERFECT ALL: Devotion for Wednesday July 20, 2016

HE WILL PERFECT ALL: Devotion for Wednesday July 20, 2016     

Text: Psalm 138:6 – 8          

Memory verse: Psalm 138:8 -The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Though the Lord God Almighty is high in the heavens, yet he has respect to every lowly, humbled sinner; but the proud and unbelieving will be banished far from His blissful presence. He views us from His heavenly place with pleasure, thinks of us with care, listens to our prayers, and protects us from evil. These are what He does for us especially those who obey words and live according to all He commands us.  

God is concerned in all that apprehensions His people – our cares and worries. He sees to it that none of the precious things He promised us, shall fail of completion. These include our lives, our strength, our hopes, our graces, our pilgrimage, etc, which shall be perfected. God Almighty will see to this and therefore, it is most sure that He will fulfill them. God will perfect what concerns me means that God will fulfill His promises concerning me. It is thus the prerogative of God to do it. It does not depend on our work. It is of the grace of God as it is in our salvation.

Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then he or she works hard to see those dreams and plans come true. However, to make the most of life, we must include God’s plan in our plans. He alone knows what is best for us; He alone can fulfill His purposes for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them. This is the only way He can perfect all that concerns us. We should not forget that the condition upon which God perfects all that concerns a man is to walk before Him and be blameless. Are you living the life God expects from you? How faithful and obedient are you to His bidding?

Action: Write down the things required of you for God to perfect all that concerns you and paste it in a conspicuous position in your room so that as your eyes will go there always, it will remind you of what you have resolved to do.   


Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to keep to the things required of me so that you can perfect all that concerns me.


Monday 18 July 2016

HAVE YOU TASTED HIS GRACE? Devotion for Tuesday July 19, 2016

HAVE YOU TASTED HIS GRACE? Devotion for Tuesday July 19, 2016

Text: 1 Peter 2:1 – 3             

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:3 - If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The worst thing a man can do to himself is to taste the grace, mercies and goodness of God, and still go back into sin or keep on living a compromising life. This is the basis of Peter’s admonition here. He urges us to lay aside (put away, get rid) of any attitude or hindrance that could threaten our love for one another in Christ. He listed several types of sin to be removed from our lives. The sins Peter listed here fight against love and cause dissension among believers.

1. Malicious behavior means doing evil despite the good that has been received; the desire to harm other people. We should note that malice may be hidden behind good actions. The case of Judas Iscariot betraying his master, Jesus Christ easily comes to mind. We should avoid such behaviours as Christians.

2. Deceit means deliberately tricking or misleading by lying (1 Pet. 3:10).

3. Hypocrisy means that people say one thing but do another; playacting; presenting good motives that mask selfish desire. This is one problem facing the church today. If only all who confesses Christ live well, the effect of our Christianity will be seen in our political, social and economic lives.

4. Jealousy means desiring something possessed by someone else especially in spiritual gifts. This causes discontent and resentment as believers make unhealthy comparisons to one another. It also makes them unable to be thankful for the good that comes to others.

5. Backstabbing means destroying another’s good reputation by lies, gossip, rumor-spreading, etc. Malice often manifests itself through back- stabbing (slander). Unfortunately, this is very endemic in our present day Christianity. Otherwise how can there be infighting in churches as we have witnessed in recent time?

These should not be part of our Christian lives as people who have come to know God and are now enjoying His grace. We should get rid of them if indeed we are a Christian and they are found in us. We shouldnt be seen as Christian while our lives do not correspond with ethics of Christianity. Let that God we have tasted manifest in our lives.

Food for Thought: Are you still living a compromising Christian life?

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to get rid of any attitude or hindrance that could threaten my love for fellow Christians and non Christians.


Sunday 17 July 2016

He Stooped to Fed Us: Devotion for Monday July 18, 2016

HE STOOPED AND FED US: Devotion for Monday July 18, 2016

Text: Hosea 11:1 – 7                

Memory verse: Hosea 11 v 4 – I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.

God had always loved Israel as a parent loves a stubborn child, and that is why he would not release Israel from the consequences of its behaviour. The Israelites were sinful, and they would be punished like a rebellious son brought by his parents before the elders (Deut. 21:18–21). All through Israel’s sad history, God repeatedly offered to restore the nation if it would only turn to Him which they did not accept because of their stiff neck. God’s discipline requires times of leading and times of feeding. Sometimes the rope is taut; sometimes it is slack. God’s discipline is always in form of love and its object is always the wellbeing of His people. Hosea 11:4 is an appropriate image of God's deliverance of Israel from the Egyptian yoke, and of His feeding them in the wilderness.

The recall of God's goodness and tenderness towards us in the days of our spiritual darkness and weakness ought to keep us very humble and very near to His mercy-seat. It ought to make us more humane and ever willing to respond to His love for us. God’s love for us is great. It is far beyond problems and troubles of life. Unfortunately, most of us do not seem to understand this. Our assumption is that Gods love is never seen in our problems and troubles. When He allows us to go through trouble, it is His way of making us to recall His love for us. God uses various ways to discipline us. He feeds us by making provisions for us. He brought down the food of angels for His people to eat (Psalm 78:25). Do you lack food for the day, God will provide for you. Keep trusting Him because He is a great provider.

Food for Thought: {He is a great provider (a great provider)} 2x. He will surely provide for me, a great provider.

Prayer: 1. God, the great provider, provide for me all that are necessary for my physical and spiritual well being in Jesus name. 2. In your love O Lord, remember the needy and those who dont have food for this day.


Saturday 16 July 2016

MYSTERIES ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016

MYSTERIES ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:4 – 11          

Memory verse: Ecclesiastes 10:7 - I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.

Solomon cautions that we shouldn’t to seek redress neither in a hasty manner nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will find that yielding pacifies great offences (10:4). He also posited that men are not preferred according to their merit (10:5–7). These verses show that life is full of mysteries. The error (10:5) consists in exalting the mean and unworthy into offices. Do we have such in our present day political, religious and traditional offices?

Family Bible Notes noted that “The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people. Whether it proceeds from their rulers, or, as in the case of free governments, from themselves, the result will be corruption, misrule, and misery.” This opinion of Family Bible Notes is the bane of most countries in Africa where majority of those holding political offices could be termed square pegs in round holes. For this reason, they stay in offices for a stipulated time without anything meaningful to show for their tenure.   

Naturally, riding on horses belongs to the princes and not servants. When it is the opposite, it becomes a mystery. We have seen these things happen. One easily recalls the case of Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai was a war captive and mere gateman while Haman was a very high profiled personal assistant or adviser to the king. In fact, he was the highest officer in the kingdom after the king. It was God who humbled Haman to guide Mordecai on the kings horse round the city. Who would have believed that Haman would ever guide Mordecai on top of a horse? The lesson for us here is that no condition is permanent in life. Life is full of mysteries and challenges. Therefore, do not boast about your present position. We should note that wisdom is profitable in all things. The dangers and difficulties of life are many; but with wisdom we shall overcome.          

Foods for Thought: The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people.

Prayer: God, may I not boast or abuse the opportunity I have today.


Friday 15 July 2016

THE CHOSEN OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday July 16, 2016

THE CHOSEN OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday July 16, 2016

Text: Isaiah 49:7 – 12          

Memory verse: Isaiah 49:7 - Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel; and He has chosen you."

Have you ever asked yourself, why am I a Christian? Is it because I was born into the church? Is it because God chose me to be a Christian? Being a Christian is not because we are good enough to be, but because God chose us out of His love and grace. Again, have you ever asked why God is so interested in Israel despite their stiff-neck disposition? The reason for the choice of Israel is to become an instrument through which the world will come to know God (49:8, 9). That is also why you are a Christian. The catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:480 has it that “God required the chosen people (Israel) to be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Our text speaks of what Christ will do for us and what we should do in appreciation of God’s faithfulness.

Beloved, God chose you as a Christian for some purposes. He chose you to become salt (Matt 5:13), to become light (Matt 5:14) and to show forth His praise and glory. From the words of Book of Common Prayer, we are expected to “Be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Have you been doing these? How faithful are you? In John 15:16, Jesus stated why He chose and appointed us as Christians. It is just simple; we “Should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you” Jn. 15:16b. How are you doing these?

Action: As you go out today, do the work that will bear fruit for God either through preaching, charity or showing mercy on people you meet.

Prayer: My God and my Father in heaven, help me to live up to the reason for your call upon my life. Grant that I will not disappoint the confidence you have reposed on me as Christian in Jesus name.

Awake From Sleep: Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020 Topic: Awake From Sleep                                Text...