TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED: Devotion for Friday September 30, 2016

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED: Devotion for Friday September 30, 2016

Text: Psalm 121:1 – 8          Memory verse: Psalm 121 verse 5

In the new covenant, there are so many provisions for us in the area of providence, protection, guidance, favour, grace, etc. Some of the provisions in the new covenant which all sincere Christians carry about as tag include a decree ‘Out of Bound’, ‘Touch not my Anointed’ and ‘Do my prophet no harm’. This is one of the good aspects carried over from the old covenant. God who made this statement is ever faithful and can do whatsoever He says. As God is faithful to His word, it holds therefore that the best thing we can do for ourselves is to key into the conditions of this promise.

This Psalm says God is All-powerful (Psalm 121:7a) and watches over us (Psalm 121:7a, 8 - compare Matthew 19:26 & Psalm 41:2). The true and sincere Christians have the Almighty God as their friend and keeper. Not only is He their friend and keeper, He is ever present to help them in trouble, support them in temptation, guide them through perplexity, and defend them from all attacks of the enemies. Why should you be afraid, O child of God? If you have the knowledge that God is your friend and keeper, you should always be fearless and bold because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

Brethren, it is the will of God to protect us and keep us for His glory and eternity. For this reason, He announced His redemption plan for humanity immediately after the fall of man. If He was not willing to protect us, He would have left us at the mercy of the devil. The story of the Israelis from Abraham till they settled in the Promised Land should encourage us

When God grants us His protection, we are safe in the midst of the greatest dangers. This special protection is not same as the general protection He gives all people. This is a covenanted protection. Have you entered into the new covenant? If not, do so now. See Mk 16:17, 18 & Psalm 34:15. Our God does not fail.

Food for Thought: Are you under God’s decree – Touch not my anointed?

Prayer: Lord, may I remain under your cover and protection in Jesus name. 

PERILOUS TIMES ARE HERE: Devotion for Thursday September 29, 2016

PERILOUS TIMES ARE HERE: Devotion for Thursday September 29, 2016

Text: 2 Timothy 3:1 – 9          Memory verse: 2 Timothy 3:1

Perilous simply means very dangerous. The time we are in fits in to this definition. Paul’s reference to the last days reveals his sense of urgency and the need to intimate Timothy so it shouldn’t take him unawares. Such warnings about the last days were certainly not unique to Paul alone but was a common theme among the leaders of the early church (Acts 2:17; Jas 5:3; 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 1:18). Perilous times mean hard to bear, dangerous, troublesome. As Paul used it here it means a period when it will be difficult to be a Christian (2 Timothy 3:1 – Living Bible).

We need to give this warning Paul gave to Timothy the full attention it deserves because we are already in the last days. The ‘last days’ began after Jesus’ resurrection, when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers at Pentecost (see Joel 2:28, 29 and Act 2:17). The last days will continue until Christ’s second coming. Paul speaks about the last days as a present reality (emphasizing the truth that the state of depravity in the world is always ripe for harvest). Paul set out for us these signs of last days in 2 Timothy 3:2–5. 

From the above it means that we are living in the last days. It should not surprise us, then, to see the moral decadence of our society. The example Paul gave from 2 Timothy 3:ff are all manifesting today. People are now lovers of pleasure more than bible Studies, mid week services, etc. We now have children who are highly disobedient to their parents. Our society is now filled with all manner of wickedness; killing, kidnapping, ritual murder, betrayals, etc.

Paul warned us that it would happen, as Jesus Christ did too (see Matt 24). Thus we should run from them (3:5b, Gen. 39), reject their enticement (Prov. 1:10) and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11). We should be careful and heed to the warning of Paul in Romans 13:12 and 1 Corinthians 10:12.

Food for Thought: We shouldn’t forget the warning of Christ in Mark 13:33 which says, “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”

Prayer: Keep me to yourself, O Lord, in this perilous time so I will not backslide into sin.

AT PEACE WITH GOD: Devotion for Wednesday September 28, 2016

AT PEACE WITH GOD: Devotion for Wednesday September 28, 2016    

Text: Romans 5:1 – 5     Memory verse: Romans 5 verse 1

The word “therefore” is always a significant term in interpretation. It is usually used as a conjunction to link a previous thought or expression with the one following it. As Paul used it here, it indicates that what he is about to write is based upon that which he has previously written. With the word therefore, Paul indicates a conclusion based on his previous argument he posited in chapter four. In chapter four, Paul showed how sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, are justified by faith.

Here in chapter five, he begins to describe how having been made right in God’s sight by faith affects our relationship with Him. First, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Having peace with God means there is no more hostility between us and God, no sin blocking our relationship with him. More than that, a new relationship has been established, so we no longer dread the outcome of judgment but live under the protection established by God. Having peace is very essential in our walk with God as it will give us a clear conscience to approach God always and to live with hope of eternal life.

This explanation is very important because we need full assurance of forgiveness of sin in order to relate well with God. No wonder as a way of reassurance, he stated that there is no more condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Peace is what we receive first as mark of change in our relationship with God. It is also a direct consequence which will lead to a change in our relationship toward Him. God, on the one hand, has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ as Paul posited in 2 Corinthians 5:18. On the other hand, we, accepting His offer of reconciliation are now reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). Have you found peace that comes from knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? If not, use this opportunity to renounce Satan, repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Food for Thought: Have you found peace that comes from knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?

Prayer: Lord, grant me that inner peace that comes with salvation in Jesus name.

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (2): Devotion for Tuesday September 27, 2016

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (2): Devotion for Tuesday September 27, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 19:31 – 39      Memory verse: 1 King 2:7

After David had installed Solomon as the King to take over from him, the words in 1 Kings 2:7 were part of his admonition to him. In that passage, he admonished or charged Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who will eat at your table. He went further to give reason for this advice. He noted that they came to him when h fled from Absalom his brother during his mutiny.

Barzillai was friendly and hospitable to David while he was fleeing from Absalom who wanted to kill him so as to ascend the throne easily and quickly. He and some others mentioned in 2 Sam 17:27–29, brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. The bible stated that they gave reasons for bring those items when they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” This act saved the life of David and the men with him who were desperately in need of food. This act of charity and love from Barzillai remained indelible in the heart of David that he remembered it at his deathbed.

Here, David asked Solomon to continue to provide them with what could be termed, a royal pension because of Barzillai’s act of charity and friendship. This shows that there is no act of hospitality and charity that has no reward. Yesterday we saw Dorcas, today we are reading about Barzillai. Will you be the one we will hear his/her story tomorrow? How much help do you render people in need? There were people who stood against David like Shemei, etc. Do act like them. It pays to be good, charitable and hospitable, and they all have their rewards now and in eternity. As you go out today, ensure you will extend charitable acts to someone.

Food for Thought: Being good and doing acts of charity pays to doer more than the receiver.  

Prayer: Almighty God and our Father in heaven, grant me the passion to be good to people especially those in need through charitable deeds in Jesus name. Amen.

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (1): Devotion for Monday September 26, 2016

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (1): Devotion for Monday September 26, 2016

Text: Acts 9:36 – 43                          Memory verse: v 40

It pays to be charitable because that is the best way to serve God and humanity. This was the emphasis of Jesus Christ in Matt 25:31–46. The testimony of Tabitha (Dorcas) here is challenging. Acts 9:36 says, “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” Christians, who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity; working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. We should understand that our works of charity will definitely praise us. People will acknowledge what we do and sometimes act in our favour as these people did for Dorcas. We shouldn’t be ungrateful when we receive kindness from people.

While we live upon the fullness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of good works, for the honour of His name, and for the benefit of His saints as mark of gratitude for His mercies. This is what Sir Thomas Browne posited when he said, “Be charitable before wealth makes you covetous.” Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they dwell, as showing the excellence of the word of truth by their lives. Are you one of them?

Food for Thought: “Nothing will make us so charitable and tender to the fault of others, as, by self examination, thoroughly to know our own” Francis FeNelon.

Prayer: Lord, teach me acts of charity so I will never close my eyes to the needs of people around me in Jesus name.

LIVE OUT THE WORD YOU HEAR: Devotion for Sunday September 25, 2016

LIVE OUT THE WORD YOU HEAR: Devotion for Sunday September 25, 2016

Text: James 1:19 – 25        Memory verse: James 1 verse 22

For every trials and problems of life we pass through, there are lessons for us to learn. This is what we should understand. Nothing happens for nothing. When we are under trials, instead of blaming God, we should open our ears and hearts to hear and learn what He teaches by them. This is very important because when we don’t learn from our trials, mistakes, etc, we will eventually fall into them in future. That is why it is important to learn from our past and use them for our future.

Any Christian who could govern his or her tongue could also govern his or her passions. In James’ opinion according to our scriptural reading for the day, mere reading or even studying, God’s word can’t profit us if we don’t obey what it says or teaches us. Our purpose for reading and listening to God’s word should not just be to know it, but also to do it - applying them into our daily living. It will amount to mere foolishness and our undoing when we pride ourselves in the knowledge of Scripture if that’s all there is to it.

The ability to quote bible verse off hand and recite them at will without the words manifesting in our lives; in the way we talk, react, act, etc, we are still far from what God expects of us. “Worthwhile knowledge is a prelude to action; God’s word can only grow in the soil of obedience” so says Life Application Commentary. It is important to hear God’s word, but it is much more important to obey it. We can measure the effectiveness of our Bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and attitudes. Do we put into action what we have studied?

We hear and read the word of God regularly during corporate services, and personal quiet times. It is not how often you hear or read it that matters with God but how much we live out the word. Christians are unbelievers’ Bible. No wonder Christ said we are the salt of the earth and light of the world. We should therefore, give them good message daily and not what will make them question our Christian faith. Christianity should be lived out and not only professed.

Food for Thought: Romans 2:13

Prayer: Lord, help me to become a doer of your word and not hearer alone.

MAINTAIN YOUR INTEGRITY: Devotion for Saturday September 24, 2016

MAINTAIN YOUR INTEGRITY: Devotion for Saturday September 24, 2016
Text: Job 27:1 – 6                  Memory verse: v 5
It was David that said in the book of Psalm that he knows his sins and his sins are ever before him. If we say that we don’t know whether we are righteous or not we are only trying to deceive ourselves. You can’t be a sinner without knowing that you are a sinner. We can only pretend that we are not but deep down in our hearts we know what we are. However, in the case of righteousness, we can claim based on what we know of ourselves but it is God who has the final say about us. His verdict is what counts at the end.
Job's friends who came to see him provoked him to speak, and he proceeded in a grave and useful manner to defend his integrity. That was as much as he knows himself. He was specific here about his integrity. By not putting away his integrity, Job means that, as he was conscious of having led an upright life, and of being still determined to do so despite the affliction he was going through which the friends claimed came from God as a punishment for his sins. Plainly, Job asserted that he will never acknowledge the justice of the accusations which his friends brought against him. The consciousness of our integrity will give us confidence in God and support us under any kind of trial. This was the basis of strength and peace Job enjoyed during the trial period.
In the midst of all the accusations, Job was able to declare that his conscience was clear. Only God’s forgiveness and the determination to live right before God can bring a clear conscience. Have you received that forgiveness from God which brings clear conscience? Job had to bring his record to bear as he was being accused of having sinned against God. Just like Job did, we can’t claim sinless lives, but we can claim forgiven lives. When we confess our sins to God, He forgives us. Then we can live with clear consciences (1 Jn. 1:9). Maintaining your integrity as a Christian in time of trials shows that you bear the fruit of the Spirit – Self control (Galatians 5:23). Do you maintain your integrity in times of trials; no food, when you are alone, when you are engaged and not wedded, when you don’t have money in your house and you come across money somewhere? Job is a challenge for us.
Food for Thought: “Subtlety may deceive you; integrity never will” – Oliver Cromwell.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to develop the virtue of integrity in me.

BE THE SPOUSE IN NEED: Devotion Friday September 23, 2016

BE THE SPOUSE IN NEED: Devotion Friday September 23, 2016

Text: Job 2:9 – 10              Memory verse: v 10

As I was writing yesterday’s devotion, God ministered to me about the reaction of Job’s wife here by referring me to what happened between Jesus and Peter in Matt 16:21–23, the late opposed the former after announcing that He will be crucified, buried and after three days, resurrect. When Satan and his agents want to tempt someone, they usually use a close friend or ally. This was the reason he used Judas, a disciple of Jesus Christ to betray his Master. If it were any of His accusers like the Pharisees or Sadducees, it would have been hard to get Him. Watch out because it is always the rat in house that tells the one outside where there is fish in the house. This should be a lesson for us that not all who oppose us actually hate us.

Satan was actually bent on destroying Job. After he had tried every other means at his disposal and could not succeed in getting Job to discredit and curse God, he decided to go through his wife. His thought was that his wife could easily make him angry. His aim was to use his wife to achieve what he could not achieve. This incident between Job and the wife is a lesson for us that sometimes Satan is a lesson that when suddenly someone in love with us suddenly changes and attacks us, we should know that Satan is at work to separate two of you.  

The area of concentration in this devotion is our attitude to our spouses in time of need. The mention of Job’s wife was in the chapter two. Nothing was said about her again. Probably, she left Job in his distress but we weren’t told he remarried.  

During matrimony, spouses made vows like this:  “I take you to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death according to God’s holy law. This is my solemn vow.” Why do some bolt out of it when problem arises? Do you belong to the group that will want to bolt away from your marital vows? Think twice. God hates divorce. You should be with your spouse in time of need too because that is the vow you have made. Breaking it is a sin against God.

Food for Thought: Are you a spouse or friend in need and indeed?

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep to the vows I have made in my relationship so I will become a spouse/friend in need and indeed.

SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED: Devotion for Thursday September 22, 2016

SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED: Devotion for Thursday September 22, 2016

Text: Job 2:7 – 8                   Memory verse: Job 2 verse 7

The story in Job chapters 1 and 2 shows that Satan is never satisfied with tempting us especially when we remain resolute and unyielding to his trials and temptations. He afflicted Job and then tempted to make a bad use of his affliction but God restrained him. Satan can only tempt a child of God but can never bring him to a total ruin. The affliction on Job was so severe that Satan thought Job will curse God as he used his wife to say so. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t know that severity of affliction cannot change the views and understanding of a true Christian about God.

Satan’s aim in all these trials, temptations and affliction is to make Job never to worship God again. This is usually the primary aim of Satan in tempting us. He attacks us so we can discredit God. But a true Christian cannot do that just as Job didn’t succumb to Satan’s attack. In all that Job went through, he humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, and brought His mind to his condition. This is an example and challenge for us. We should not be so troubled by the problems and afflictions of life that we forget God.

Beloved, the words of Christ in John 15:19–21 and John 16:33 about temptations and trials are true. As long as we remain in this world, Satan will always attack us. We can’t be immune from his attacks and temptations. No wonder the words in Rev. 12:12. He has now increased the tempo of his attacks because time is short for him. According to Family Bible Notes, “His (Job) disease is generally regarded to have been a malignant and painful species of leprosy.” This was to make people steer clear of him but despite all these, Job was not moved. This is a big challenge for us. We should not be moved by the intensity of trials because there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Food for Thought: The aim of Satan’s attack on us is for us to discredit God. Therefore, do not give in to his attacks.  

Prayer: As I have resolved to serve you, O Lord my God, make me resolute in that resolution no matter the temptations of the enemies in Jesus name.

AN EXCUSE TO ATTACK: Devotion for Wednesday September 21, 2016

AN EXCUSE TO ATTACK: Devotion for Wednesday September 21, 2016

Text: Job 2:1 – 6                Memory verse: Job 2 verse 4

Despite the calamities that befell Job in Job chapter one, he still persevered in yielding unreserved and faithful obedience to God. That is what sincere Christianity is all about. A true is never disheartened and discouraged by trials and temptations. Rather he uses the opportunity to draw closer to God and to draw from Him more grace and mercies.

True Christianity has been proved a thousand times to be genuine among so many Christians, yet Satan and his agents still insist that it is all hypocrisy and selfishness. This was how they also accused us in my village of playing hypocrisy and falsehood in our Evangelical Fellowship in Anglican Communion (EFAC). They claimed that we wanted to secede and to build a church for ourselves.

To show and prove that these are all but falsehood, God sometimes allows Satan to attack us with calamities, while He sustains us with His grace. The essence of this is to silence the objections of Satan and foolish men who take joy in ridiculing Christianity and our faith. Have you been challenged once? How did God confront them to silence them? Share your testimony if you are studying as a group.  

Here, Satan here renews his accusation of selfishness against Job. He submitted that health was of greater importance to man than wealth and thus when Job’s health is at stake, he will deny God. .  It is true he has lost his property and his children, but his person yet remains unharmed. For this reason, Satan came again insisting that should God touch his skin and health, he will renounce his allegiance to God, and blaspheme his name. Unfortunately he was also proven wrong.

Satan has one excuse/accusation or another why he attacks a child of God. These excuses are purely God’s blessings and talents in us. It may be your money/wealth, knowledge, beauty, position in office, your children, your health, etc. We should understand that when the blessings of God are upon us, it will always attract temptations and trials from Satan and his agents. We should not be deterred by the temptations of the devil to the extent that we curse God and deny Him. These trials and temptations are for some time. They will soon end. We should be resolute in our Christianity and faith when trials come our ways (James 1:12).

Food for Thought: Matthew 10:22

Prayer: God, as Satan and men envy your blessings upon my life and thus plan evil against me, may I not yield to their trials to turn against you.

YET, I WILL TRUST HIM: Devotion for Tuesday September 20, 2016

YET, I WILL TRUST HIM: Devotion for Tuesday September 20, 2016

Text: Job 13:13 – 23      Memory verse: Job 1 verse 15

Only those who are fools blame God for their woes and eventually turn their backs against Him. Luke 20:18, says "Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." This verse is true of what will be our portion if we break out of our relationship with God. He will crush us with His anger if we try to strive with Him (see Isaiah 49:5).

If we run from Him, we are in trouble. If He hides His face, we are also in trouble. Therefore, no matter the situation in life we should keep following and trusting Him for that is the best thing for us. Contending with your maker will only amount to more troubles and problems of life. This is the mind of Job here. Job and his friends thought that his problem was from God as an affliction for his sins. But Job resolved to cleave to the testimony his own conscience gave of his uprightness and also steadfastly trust God for salvation despite all he was going through. He relied on God for justification as he had been accused by his friends and salvation because it was only God who could deliver him from the problems facing him.

When we show great confidence in God in times of trials, temptations, troubles and problems we pass through, it will certainly turn out as our greatest safeguard in those times of trials, troubles, temptations and problems of life. Job sees God as his source of salvation (Job 13:16). He didn’t say there is no more God because of the problems of life he was passing through even when the wife pressured him into doing such. This is a great lesson for us. No matter the problems of life we may be going through, it shouldn’t lead us into turning our backs against God or else we will worsen our situations. We should keep on trusting Him. Job did and was rewarded at the end. If you do, you will certainly be rewarded.

Food for Thought: Psalm 23:4

Prayer: Grant me the grace, my Lord and my God, to trust and depend on you no matter the problems of life I may be passing through in Jesus name. Amen.

MOURNING TURNED INTO DANCING: Devotion for Monday September 19, 2016

MOURNING TURNED INTO DANCING: Devotion for Monday September 19, 2016                       

Text: Psalm 30:6 – 12                    Memory verse: Psalm 30:11

Yesterday, our food for thought was Isaiah 54:7 and 8. There, God was saying that in His wrath, He turns His face against us but with everlasting kindness He shows mercy to us. When God turned His face against us the result will be mourning but when He shows us His everlasting kindness, it will result into dancing. This was the case of the Psalmist here. This is similar to so many of us who had gone through the curves and problems of life. I am one of them as I have experienced God’s favour especially on this particular date when I went under the knives of doctors for a second kidney transplant operation. On a day like this when I remember the ordeals I passed through, I sing and dance unto the Lord God. The reason God brings us out of trouble so we can praise Him.

David's prosperity had led him into a state of false security but God sent him this affliction to wake him from it. In our text, we can see his frame of mind clearly shown here. 1. His carnal security. 2. His spiritual negligence. 3. His fervent prayers. 4. His speedy recovery. 5. His grateful acknowledgments. The carnal security and spiritual negligence are common within the ranks of the rich and well to do. When God, in His mercies rouses them from such state, they will begin to seek God in prayer.    

The false security David had built around himself made him feel invincible. Although he knew that his riches and power had come from God, they had gone to his head, making him proud. This can happen to any person if such fails to control his or her riches. There are dangers in wealth, power, and fame because of their intoxicating effect on people. It can make us to fell we are making them feel self-dependent, self-secure, and independent of God. But this false security can easily be shattered and they will be left dazed in the aftermath of self destruction. May that not be our portion in Jesus name. Don’t be trapped by the false security of wealth and riches. Depend on God for your security, and you won’t be shaken when worldly possessions disappear.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 61:3

Prayer: Lord, may your blessings not lull me into feeling independent of you.

THERE IS ALWAYS JOY AFTER WEEPING: Devotion for Sunday September 18, 2016

THERE IS ALWAYS JOY AFTER WEEPING: Devotion for Sunday September 18, 2016

Text: Psalm 30:1 – 5           Memory verse: v 5

When a doctor gives you a shot (injection) in the hospital during treatment, it is always painful but thereafter, those shots will be a great source of relief. Likewise a woman who is in labour, she will almost cry out her eyes and writhe in pain as if that is the end of life for her (John 16:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Revelation 12:2). But when that child comes out, she will become happy on seeing her baby. These are some of the ways to explain Psalm 30:5.

God is always gracious to us. His providence is seen in our daily lives. For this reason, these graces and providences we enjoy on daily basis should endear us to Him to always show our gratitude (Psalm 30:1–4) for all we receive. David alludes in this Psalm 30:5 that dispensations of God's chastisement ordered against his children are but short judgments. They don’t last forever or for a long time as God removed them when we show real repentance and ask for pardon.

We saw in that past few days how Job was afflicted. His case was not chastisement but a trial and test of faithfulness towards God. With the ways those serial attacks came upon him, no one expected him to last longer than he did. We know what became of him at the end. This is a great lesson for us. David used this Psalm as he dedicates his house to testify and encourage us to realise that there is no problem that lasts forever, and that when we call upon God, He will answer us.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I don’t know what you maybe going through at this moment. Maybe you are passing through problems like sickness, no job, problem in your marriage, chastisement, loss as a result of current economic crises, problem in your office, imprisonment, etc; I want you to know that there is no problem without an end or a solution. There is always a change when we allow God to come in and when He does, it ends with joy. As you invite him to come into your problem, that problem plaguing you for some time now will lead to joy in Jesus name. Keep believing in Him for your breakthrough, healing, favour, promotion, etc.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 54:7 and 8

Prayer: Use 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18 to pray

LIVING ABOVE STORMS OF LIFE: Devotion for Saturday September 17, 2016Beloved, Job resigned himself to God. His understanding of life and wealth (1:20, 21) made a great difference. He saw the storms of life as a passing phase in his life. This made to overcome at last. These storms did not make him sin. Don’t give up easily when you face storms of life.

LIVING ABOVE STORMS OF LIFE: Devotion for Saturday September 17, 2016

Text: Job 1:20 – 22                  Memory verse: Job 1 verse 22

Living above storms of life is one thing that can single us out as men and women who are faithful to God and those who know the God they serve. It is our faithfulness till the end that can earn us the anticipated crown which God had promised us when we are done here on earth. These are some of the things we can do to live above storms of life.

1. Look unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2). To overcome the storms of life, we must look unto Jesus Christ. He endured all hostilities and was rewarded with a name that is above every other name. That is an example that should motivate us when we come to the crossroads, bumps and curves of life. We should not be discouraged when we are confronted with storms of life.

2.  Another way to live above storms of life is to study the word of God regularly (Josh 1:8 and Ps 1:1–3). Let the word of God richly dwell in you. When you have the word of God in you, it will sustain you when problems and storms of life challenge your faith.

3. Through prayer we can overcome storms of life just as Hannah did (1 Sam. 1:9–11). The story of Hannah is well known to us. She had a challenge of delayed conception. She went to God in prayer after her mate, Peninnah taunted her.

4. Taking positive action as Ruth did. This is another positive way to live above the storms of life. Ruth confronted her fears, disappointments, and challenges with faith. Though everything looked bleak but she was not daunted. God looked favourably on her and blessed her by making a home for her.    

5. Through networking with right minds, we can overcome storms of life. Avoid people with the kind of mind Job’s wife had, people who will give you negative counsel that will demoralize you.

6. Be determined to persevere till the end (Job 13:15; 27:5 & Ps 30:5). Determination is one key to success.

7. Beware of advices you receives when you are passing through storms of life. People like Job’s wife could talk you out of faith.

8. Remember that storms are not meant to last forever (Psalm 30:5). They all have their expiry dates.

Beloved, Job resigned himself to God. His understanding of life and wealth (1:20, 21) made a great difference. He saw the storms of life as a passing phase in his life. This made to overcome at last. These storms did not make him sin. Don’t give up easily when you face storms of life.

Food for Thought: In all this, Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace I need as I pass through storms of life.

STORMS OF LIFE: Devotion for Friday September 16, 2016

STORMS OF LIFE: Devotion for Friday September 16, 2016

Text: Job 1:13 – 19                Memory verse: Job 1 verse 19

Storm when used as a noun or verb is always in the negative. It means violent weather, outburst of feelings, attack vehemently, etc. From creation, Man had experienced all forms of storm of life. Because it is always in the negative, people use the term to express problems of life. These include sickness, death, frustration, abuse, effects of war, famine, lack, delayed conception, failure in examination, collapse of business, etc.

From the time of Adam through Abraham our father in faith, Job, Ruth, Hannah, Zachariah and Elizabeth down to the Apostles, Paul and to the present day Christians, we have records of people going through the storms of life. I have had my own share of storms of life. I captioned my own share of the storms of life, THE BATTLE FOR LIFE.

Here is a record of what came to Job in a single day. Go through verses 13 to 19 and count what he lost in a day. All his life time labours vanished instantly. He lost his children, possessions, houses, etc. It takes a real man of faith to bear this. Job endured this because he knew God he serves who could not suffer His children to pass through what they cannot bear. I know of a priest whose child died and he locked up the corpse at home and went to church. It was after service he informed his members about the death of his son.

Satan is the architect of all storms of life. God may allow them as trial of our faith. There are some things storms of life can do in our lives. It is either for or against us. It helps us to draw closer to God (Job 13:15) and it makes us to depend on Him. Storms of life can be against us because they can weaken our faith; making us doubt God, or distract us from the right track. What storms are you passing though? Know that it is part of what we will pass through in life. Therefore, pass through without losing your faith in God.

Food for Thought: There is no son of God without trials and there is no trial we overcome that does not have crown.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to endure temptation because it will bring crown of life for me at the end in Jesus name (James 1:12). 

PERHAPS GOD PERMITTED IT: Devotion for Thursday September 15, 2016

PERHAPS GOD PERMITTED IT: Devotion for Thursday September 15, 2016

Text: Job 1:8 – 12     Memory verse: Job 1: 12

Our bible reading for the day is the record of the conversation between God and Satan. Satan wanted God to withdraw His favours in the life of Job. This is an eye opener of what the enemies can do to frustrate our relationship with God. We should not discredit God when we are going through the problems of life because Satan might have caused it. From that conversation between God and Satan, here are some lessons for us about the craftiness and subtle nature of Satan who is our adversary and accuser.  

(1) He is answerable to God. The conversation shows that all angelic beings; good and evil, are compelled to present themselves before God (1:6). They come before God to account for their deed. But for Satan who is rebellious and moves about looking for who to devour, it was opportunity for him to target Job. We learn here that God knew Satan was intent on attacking Job.

(2) He is not omnipresence in nature. He can only be at one place at a time (1:6, 7). Though his demons assist him in his work against man, he is handicapped because he is a created being. He is limited.

(3) Satan cannot see our future (1:9 – 11). If he could, he would have known that Job would not break under pressure. This is obvious because he is created by God and thus can never be equal with or greater than God.

(4) Satan cannot do anything against us without God’s permission (1:12). This shows that Christians can overcome his attacks through the power of God.

(5) Another lesson for us in that conversation is that God puts limitations on what Satan can do (1:12; 2:6). He is not permitted to do some things. From this conversation, it is obvious that Satan is (1:7) is real and active on earth. This knowledge about Satan and his limitations should cause us to remain close to the Almighty God who is greater than Satan. This conversation teaches us that some of the things we pass through in life may have been permitted by God. What are you suffering now? Is it sickness, lack of different kinds, business collapsing, retrenchment, death of a benefactor, etc? Maybe God permitted it. Why not seek His face because He has answers to our problems. He will surely give you an answer (Jeremiah 33:3).

Food for Thought: There are limitations on what Satan can do.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to endure every trial that you permit to come my way because it will lead to better things for me at the end.  

PATROLLING THE EARTH: Devotion for Wednesday September 14, 2016

PATROLLING THE EARTH: Devotion for Wednesday September 14, 2016

Text: Job 1:6 – 7               Memory verse: Job 1: 7

Originally, Satan was an angel of God who became corrupt through his own greed and pride. He wanted the position of his creator and that prompted him to rebel against God. Unfortunately for him and his supporters, they were defeated and chased out of heaven. He was casted out of heaven into the earth and bible says that the heavens should rejoice while woe is for the inhabitants of the earth because Satan has been cast down into the earth (Rev. 12:12).

One would wonder why such thing should be said. But the fact is that Satan is accuser and tormenter of those who obey and worship God. He moves about, roaring like a lion, looking for whom to devour. He wants to gain more followers. He has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3:8). Satan considers God as his enemy and tries to hinder God’s work in people, but he is limited by God’s power, and can only do what he is permitted (Lk. 22:31, 32; 1 Tim 1:19, 20; 2 Tim. 2:23–26).

Satan is called the enemy because he actively and constantly looks for people to attack through temptation (1 Pet. 5:8, 9). Again, because he had lost out in heaven, he wants to make people hate God by discrediting Him. He does this through lies and deception (Gen. 3:1-6). It is for this reason; he patrols the earth looking for people who are vulnerable. Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan. Thus God questioned Satan about Job and of course he had an answer.

There were other heavenly councils held outside this one mentioned in the book of Job. In such council, God and the angels plan their activities on earth and some times, the angels were required to give account of themselves (1 Kings 22:19-23). God as the Creator of all angels, both of those who serve Him and of those who rebelled, has complete power and authority over them. He can overrule their actions. Any person who is committed to God should expect Satan’s attacks. If he can rebel against God and tempt Him, who are we that He cannot attack? He hates God and also hates Christians. Job 1:7 describes the nature of Satan, which is always seeking his prey. Therefore we should apply the wisdom Peter shared with us in 1 Peter 5:8.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 5:8

Prayer: Lord, make me sober and vigilant because my adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking those to devour me.   

SO HE DID REGULARLY: Devotion for Tuesday September 13, 2016

SO HE DID REGULARLY: Devotion for Tuesday September 13, 2016

Text: Job 1:4 – 5         Memory verse: Job v 5b

As God blessed Job in various ways, he allowed his children to benefit from that blessing. He did not withdraw the blessing from them. He allowed them to benefit from them. On their birthdays, they will host birthday parties. They usually invite their friends to the parties so as to share in their joy. Because Job had deep concern for the spiritual welfare of his children, he usually make sacrifice after the parties to appease God on their behalf. As he was always fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered these sacrifices for them and this he did regularly.

In the time of Job and even as it stands today, the father of the house is seen as the chief priest of that family whose responsibilities include making sacrifice on behalf of his family. He is often seen as the family’s religious leader. Because there were no priests to instruct Job in God’s laws, Job acted as the priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed. This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless. Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as head of the house.

The period of feasting and celebrations are often seasons of peculiar danger. As we joyfully enjoy during festive periods, we are at times tempted to forget the source of our wealth or dishonour God, the giver of the blessings we are enjoying and thus we need to be forgiving, Can parents today can show the same concern by praying for their children, leading them to Bible studies, Prayer meetings, etc. This means “sacrificing” some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please God. Do you carry out your spiritual duties because they are expected or spontaneously from a heart of devotion to God?

Food for Thought: Do you have spiritual concern for your children? How often do you care to teach them the word of God and pray for, and with them?

Prayer: God, help me to make time each day to pray for forgiveness of my children and grant me grace to help them grow to please you in Jesus name.

WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY? Devotion for Monday September 12, 2016

WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY? Devotion for Monday September 12, 2016

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

On 2nd October, 2014, the Women Fellowship of Cathedral Church of St. Peter Asaba invited me to speak on the topic, ‘Living above storm.’ The topic was so challenging and inspiring that it opened my eyes to so many things we pass through in life especially if we want to please God and live righteously. When I go home that evening I decided to start writing devotions on the lessons I learnt from the topic I spoke on. That evening and the following day, I wrote the devotion for the next 13 days based on the inspiration for that message. The message was indeed inspiring and challenging. I hope you will learn a lot from our devotion for the next 13 days. Welcome!

In our bible reading today, is the introduction of the person, Job. This is a man with a challenging testimony. A man whose character and commitment to God is a challenge to our present generation where people’s faith and believe is on good and nothing but good. A generation that is ready to praise God only when success comes their way. But here is the testimony about Job which says that he was “Blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” He was also blessed with 10 children and was indeed rich with great possession of livestock (1:2, 3). Job’s habit was to fear God and obey all His commandments. Like Zachariah and Elizabeth, he was "Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless" (Luke 1:6). What a testimony!

Beloved, what is your testimony? It was not Job that wrote this. It was written by someone else hence the use of the phrase; were born to him and not born to me. What can people say about you? Do you desire to do the will of God and walk in His statues? You should be exact and consistent in all your dealings with men; someone who has no blame in your transaction with men. God demands us to be godly in all we do.

Action: As you go out today, be determined to live an upright life in all your transactions with people.

Prayer: My God and my Father in heaven, help me to live a life that is pleasing to you always and a blameless life in Jesus name.

SOWING AND REAPING: Devotion for Sunday September 11, 2016

SOWING AND REAPING: Devotion for Sunday September 11, 2016

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

Sowing does not necessarily mean planting seed only. It is much more than planting. It involves working in a bid to earn a living and giving out what we have in anticipation for something better. It involves investing into something. An example of sowing is investing your time towards the service of God and humanity. When you spend your time in the service of others, you are sowing a seed or making investment. Such investment has rewards that go with it.

So many people are afraid of sowing for so many reasons. Ecclesiastics 11:4 gives insight into reasons why people do not want to sow seed and it is one reason some people don’t pay their tithes too. Tithing and sowing are similar. The wind mentioned in our bible reading for the day could be the house rent, school fees, car maintenance, new clothes, development of a landed property, etc. All these are some of the things people consider and become afraid of sowing seeds or what people consider as more important than sowing a seed.   

Sowing is the only way to reap and to have. You can never reap without sowing. That is very impossible and we cannot avoid sowing seeds because it is what we need to have what we desire. The quality of what you reap is determined by the quality of what you sow as seed. If you sow sparingly, you will certainly reap sparingly. Therefore in sowing, consider these 1. Is what you want to sow, of good quality? Good quality here means what is appreciable. If what you are sowing is not of good quality, you will not reap in good quality (Gal. 6:7–10). 2. Where you sow your seed determines what you will reap at the end (Luke 8:4–8). The best place to sow your seed should be where you will expect reward from God. These include the church (God and His work), the poor, widows, orphans, the destitute, priests, etc (Prov. 19:17). 3. Consider your motive for giving (Matthew 6:1–4). Let it not be to please man, get recognition or in anticipation of a reward from recipients. Summarily, the advice in Eccl. 11:6 should be our guide as we go into the world this week. Sow a seed this week and definitely God will reward you abundantly.

Food for Thought: Certainly, what we sow is what we will reap. If it is sparingly, you will reap sparingly. If you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully.

Prayer: Lord, may I sow the good seeds always in words and deed. 

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:26 – 33                  Memory verse: Genesis 26:28 

Today’s bible passage confirms Proverbs 16:7 which says, “When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This was the case of Isaac in our bible reading of today. We have seen this happen in so many places. David who killed Philistine giant and champion Goliath was offered asylum by Achish one of the Philistines kings who would have seen the coming of David as an opportunity to avenge the death of their champion but it was not so as he openly and warmly welcomed David and his men. He didn’t stop at that, he also gave him the power to choice the place he will stay and David opted for Ziklag to go out of his daily sight.

The bible asserts that the kings' hearts are in the hands of God, which, when it pleases Him, turns their hearts to grant favour to His people. A good man will always be peaceful. That was the case of Isaac. He never insisted on avenging the unfair treatment he received from the Philistines. Rather, he chose to forgive them and to enter into a new relationship and friendship with them.

Our Christian faith teaches and expects us to be good and friendly neighbours with people in our neighbourhood. It always expects us to live peaceably with all men as we have in Hebrew 12:14. For what Isaac did in making forgiving and making peace, providence smiled upon him and God blessed his labours. This persuaded the people of Gerar to come to Isaac.

With Isaac’s enemies wanting to make a peace treaty, Isaac was quick to respond, turning the occasion into a celebration. We should be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with us. When God’s influence in our lives attracts people; even enemies, we must take the opportunity to reach out to them with God’s love. Insisting on wrongs done to us can never bring God’s blessing upon us. Those that God has blessed and favoured have enough reason to forgive those that hate them, since they cannot do them any real harm. Are you willing to forgive those who offended you?

Food for Thought: “Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one, makes you even with him; forgiving it sets you above him” -Nylic Review.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend and hurt me in Jesus name.

GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR PLIGHT: Devotion for Friday September 9, 2016

GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR PLIGHT: Devotion for Friday September 9, 2016

Text: Genesis 26: 24, 25               Memory verse: Genesis 26:24

Most times all we need to overcome the problems of life we pass through is just someone to encourage us; someone to hold our hands or someone we can lay our heads on. Sometimes we don’t even need the money or physical help. Once we have a heart to understand us, we will be okay.

If you are in good relationship with God and usually spend time with Him, you will definitely know that He understands our plight and our need for special encouragement. Occasionally, when we are confronted with series of problems in life, we develop emotion depression and then we will need a heart to lean on. This was the case of Isaac as he needed especial encouragement because of the insult, envy, jealousy and outrage he received from the Philistines.

With the persistent attack and threat, he had to return to the place where Abraham his father died. Such remembrance of the death of his father and the persecution he suffered in the hands of the Philistines afflicted his soul. God who made him and called him into the covenant He made with his father, Abraham, understood his plight and immediately appears to comfort and support him in his trials, by a renewal of all the promises made to him and his father. After God had spoken to him, he built an altar there. God’s words brought reassurance to Isaac that He was there with him. That might have been the reason why he started building the altar for God.

There are times when we are challenged and wronged, and we feel as if God is far from us or has forgotten us. One might ask why God didn’t intervene when Isaac was being wronged by the Philistines. Why did He now appear after he has suffered loses? The reason is that the land of Philistine was not the place God promised Isaac. Again, the famine that made him to run to the land of Philistine was over. God expected him to have returned. God knows when to appear for our good. Are you going through hard times, sickness, in prison, being oppressed, etc? God understands your situation and will appear for your deliverance soon. Don’t give up.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Lord, you know all my ordeals, send your words of encouragement to pacify and reassure me of your love in Jesus name.

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:15 – 23          Memory verse: Genesis 26:16

God is ever faithful to the words He has spoken and He keeps them. He doesn’t make a promise without keeping to it. We have series of promises He made to His people which were fulfilled. Though some took a long time to come to pass, the long time in our eyes is not so with God.

He kept His promise to bless Isaac (Genesis 26:3) as Isaac was blessed (Genesis 26:13). The Bible stated that he started prospering until he became prosperous. The neighbouring Philistines grew jealous because everything Isaac did seemed to go right. The first step they took was to plug his wells and tried to get rid of him. By this they thought his blessings will cease. Being jealous is a very bad and it is a dividing force that can tear apart the closest friends. Life Application Notes says, “Jealousy forces you to separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place. When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune.”

The jealousy and envy of the Philistines against Isaac made him to relocate three times and on each occasion, he and his men dug new well. In the first two disputes that arose between Isaac and the Philistines, he moved on. He opted to avoid quarrel and troubles of the Philistines by moving to a more neutral ground. Here is a lesson and challenge for us Christians of this generation. Isaac moved on without challenging back for his rights which were denied him. He finally got to a place where there was room enough for him and the Philistines. Instead of Isaac resorting to start a huge conflict, he opted for give and take for the sake of peace between him and his landlords. We should be willing to forsake an important position or valuable possession to keep peace as those who bear the name of Christ.

Beloved, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your Landlord, your colleagues, your neighbours, etc, begins to envy you. Picking quarrels against them will be a mark of immaturity. With the blessing of God upon you, you are greater than them and will continue to excel above them. If someone is jealous of you, it means you have something he or she doesn’t have. Why then will you be offended? Know that the more they envy you, the more you will continue to prosper. It is my sincere desire that God will prosper you till you become prosperous in Jesus name. Amen        

Food for Thought: Exodus 1:9

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to know when to withdraw and when to stand and fight when people are against me.