In Times like This, Look Up to God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 1, 2017          

Topic: In Times like This, Look Up to God           

Text: Psalm 121 (Living Bible)  

Our world of today especially the Nigerian case has so many challenges like high cost of living, irregular payment of salaries, poor power supply, fuel scarcity (as at the time I was writing), threat against Christianity, etc. These have placed so many people in a strait especially those who want to live righteously. 

Here the Psalmist started with a question: Shall I go to the mountain gods for help? In order words, do I go to where I ought not to go or do what is not right to get help? He also gave the answer as ‘No!’ He said so because he knew God and what He can do. He also knew that the righteous can never beg for food (Psalm 37:25). God holds the affairs of this universe. He has the best plan for our tomorrow. His thought far supercedes ours. His plan is to give us an expected end. Hunger, hardship, persecution, lack, etc. cannot stop God’s plan for us. 

In this new month, I urge you to look up to God to sustain you and your family. The month of January may have been a month of stress and strait. Never mind, God has already planned for you. Look up to Him. He called you and will perfect all that concerns you. We wish you a lovely month of February 2017. 

Food for Thought: Looking up to God for help is a mark which distinguishes the true believer from all other men.

Memory verse: Psalm 121 verse 2

Prayer: God, may I rely on you in every situation and not on man.       

Requirements In The Promised Land

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 31, 2017

Topic: Requirements In The Promised Land

Text: Deuteronomy 8:5 – 9   

When you are making a trip to a foreign country, you will want to know some of the dos and don’ts in that country. This is to enable you conform to the standard expected of you when you get there. In some cases you may want to know the thing you will have in your luggage to avoid being embarrassed when you get there. Such requirements and tips are essential in having not only a smooth trip and entry but also a perfect stay in that country.

The requirements and tips on how to stay in the Promised Land are here exposed by Moses. He charged them to keep God’s commandments, walk in His ways and fear Him. This is pertinent because the land they were inheriting is a land blessed by God specifically for them.

As Christians, we are looking forward to a kingdom prepared for us. Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for us and He will come back to take us (Jn. 14:2 – 3). Living in that kingdom has some requirements. Some of them are; (1) you must be born again (Jn.3:3 – 6), you must be holy (Heb. 12:14), etc. How are you preparing for that Kingdom? The type of life you will live in that kingdom begins here on earth. If you are not living according to the commandments of God now, living in heaven will be difficult for you. Begin now to adapt to heavenly lifestyle.

Food for Thought: How prepared are you for the Kingdom of God?    

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 8 verse 6

Prayer: Equip me, O God; with everything necessary live in your kingdom in Jesus name. Amen.

The Quiet Blessings from God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion Monday January 30, 2017

Topic: The Quiet Blessings from God

Text: Deuteronomy 8:4      

Deuteronomy 2:7b; 29:5 and Nehemiah 9:21 all speak about the quiet blessings the Israelites enjoyed in the wilderness. Quiet blessings are those blessings we hardly notice. Have you ever sat down to ask how your meagre salary sustains you and your family? Have you thought about the provisions God made for you which you didn’t request for? Have you ever thought of the mysteries behind waking sleeping and waking up? Have you ever thought of then air which we have at our disposal. If we are to buy air, how much do you have to buy the one that will sustain you a day?

All these lay credence to the words of Moses in our text. They indicated a special or miraculous providence from God, their loving Guardian in preserving them amid the wears and tears of nomadic life in the desert. Moses used this reminder also to reassure the Israelites about God’s faithfulness whether he was there with them or not.

Most times, we take God’s protection for granted. We hardly take notice or thank God when we have a smooth journey, our car doesn’t break down on the road, our clothes don’t rip, or our tools don’t break while working. It seems that the people of Israel also failed to take notice, for they didn’t even notice that in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, their clothes didn’t wear out and their feet didn’t blister. Thus, they did not remember to give thanks to God for these blessings and Moses had to remind them.

What has been working well for you in your family and in your office/business? What has been giving you good service? What has been lasting for a long time without breaking down or tearing apart? For all those other quiet and unnoticeable blessings, we should endeavour to always thank God for these quiet blessings. It is only when we thank Him for what He had done for us that He will do more. Develop a heart of gratitude today.

Food for Thought: How often do you appreciate the quiet blessings from God – The air you breathe, water you didn’t buy, etc.?

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 29 verse 5 - I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet.

Prayer: God, help me to appreciate all your blessings and live well to please you in Jesus name. Amen.

Reasons Behind Trials

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 29, 2017

Topic: Reasons Behind Trials

Text: Deuteronomy 8:1 – 3  

There are reasons God allows us to pass through tests and trials. We don’t go through them without a purpose. In the book of Job, we saw that all the problems, losses and sickness that came upon Job were to test his fidelity unto God because He had boasted to Satan that Job was ever faithful to Him. When Job was going through them, he never knew that what came upon him were tests. He endured them to the shame of Satan, thereby proving God faithful. Thereafter, God restored all that he lost.

The trial of Job is an eye opener for us never to become unfaithful to God when we are in problem. We should remain focused because God may have allowed that problem; death of a benefactor, sickness, gang up against you in the office, etc, as a way of trying our faith.

In our text, Moses told the Israelites that they should remain faithful and obedient to God because when He took them through the wilderness, it was aimed at humbling them so as to know what was in their hearts, whether they would keep His commandments or not. In the process of humbling them, He allowed them to go hungry, and fed them with manna which they didn’t know nor did their fathers know. This issue of manna was to make them know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Remember the case of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 9. That problem made Paul not to exalt himself above measure. All we pass through in life are for lessons and experiences; go through them faithful and God will certainly reward you at the end.

Food for Thought: God permits tribulations to come upon us which He turns to our advantage and to the glory of His name.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 8 verse 3 - And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Prayer: God, turn tribulations I am facing to my advantage and to your praise, and glory in Jesus name. Amen.

Maximize Every Opportunity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 28, 2017

Topic: Maximize Every Opportunity

Text: Matthew 14:34 – 36            

In the previous chapter of Matthew (Matthew chapter 13), we read how the people of Jesus hometown despised Him and He didn’t do much miracles because of their unbelief (Devotion for Wednesday January 25th) but it was not so in the Land of Gennesaret. They were able to recognise Him and received him to their land.

In Luke chapter 5, Jesus used that Lake to preach and it was there He gave Peter and his colleagues a great catch of fish which they abandoned and followed. All those teachings and miracles were still fresh in their memory that they easily recognised Him. Thus they decided to maximize the opportunity to the fullest by bringing all manner of people with sicknesses and ailments, and they were all healed.

There are some lessons for us in our text for the day.

1) They recognised Jesus and welcomed Him. Can you recognise Jesus when you see Him or His work when you see it? Such recognition is very import to our blessings.

2) They maximized the opportunity to benefit from His presence. Most times programmes are organised and people hardly attend. They make light of the preacher and the programme. You can’t receive miracle with such mindset. You need a mindset of faith to receive.

3) They demonstrated a kind of faith that Jesus can’t deny them. They requested to touch the hem of His garment. This was similar to what the woman with the issue of blood did. If we will receive anything from God, we should approach Him with faith (Hebrews 11:6).

Often we miss so many opportunities to receive from God because we are unable to recognize when God is at work for us. We should understand that God is willing to heal, bless, save, deliver and provide, etc, for us at any moment. Don’t think that He is programmed to do some things at a particular place. As you go out today, open yourself to God and certainly, you will see Him manifesting for your good.           

Food for Thought: Recognition of the person of Jesus leads to receiving of what He has to offers.

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 35 - And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased.

Prayer: Help me to maximize every opportunity to benefit from your presence.

Focus On Christ And Not Problem

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Friday January 27, 2017

Topic: Focus On Christ And Not Problem

Text: Matthew 14:28 – 33    

The author of Hebrews advised us to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Have you ever thought of living a good Christian life without Christ? Do you think it is possible?

Looking unto Jesus is very expedient because we will fail woefully if we undertake anything without the help of God. He is our help, our source of strength, our anchor, etc. He doesn’t fail. He has passed through this road and He alone is able to keep us through. Just keep trusting Him in all situations, no matter how severe or terrible the case may be.

The disciples doubted if the person walking on the sea and talking to them was Jesus Christ. This prompted Peter to make the request in Matthew 14:28. Jesus granted his request and he walked on the sea to meet Jesus. All was well as long as he focused on Jesus Christ but when he removed his eyes from Him, he saw the wave and his faith faltered. He started sinking but had to shout out to Jesus for help.

Most times we focus on our problems instead of focusing on the solution to the problem. Jesus is able to solve our problems. His verdict is what matters and He can overrule what the doctor has said or what Satan had decree. Therefore we shouldn’t be so upset when we face challenges. We should look up to Christ for help. He will always answer us.

Food for Thought: Hebrew 12:1

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 30 - But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Prayer: God, I stretch out my hands to you this day. Help me out of all troubles aiming to swallow me up in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Of Good Cheer

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday January 26, 2017

Topic: Be Of Good Cheer

Text: Matthew 14:22 – 27     

Have you ever wondered why some of the initiatives, plans and promises of God are hindered by Satan’s attacks? It is because Satan and his agents do not want us to enjoy the promises of God. This is the reason some people can’t grow as Christians; they move one step and fall two steps backward.

In our text is the story of how Jesus asked the disciples to move ahead of Him. They obeyed and went on. Satan thought that the absence of Jesus on the boat will be a good opportunity to attack. Unfortunately, he greatly made a mistake. When the disciples felt the threat of the wave, Jesus immediately appeared for them saying, “Be of good cheer.”

There are great lessons for us here.

1) When God instructs us to move on, we should obey because He is always there with us (Matt 28:20).

2) When we are threatened and in despair, we should always remember His words in Jn. 16:33.

3). God doesn’t abandon us to threats of the enemies especially when we are doing His will or command.

4) Jesus knows our needs and He is able to meet us at the point of our need. When the disciples felt threatened, Jesus knew and came to their rescue. Yours will not be different.

As you go out today, be of good cheer because He is already working in your favour to protect you from attacks of the enemies and to provide for you.

Food for Thought: Hearing the voice of Christ saying “It is I,” is a sufficient support in all afflictions of life.

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 27 - But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Prayer: My Lord and my God, speak your word to me in all the afflictions I am going through in Jesus name.

No Mighty Works There

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday January 25, 2017

Topic: No Mighty Works There

Text: Matthew 13:53 – 58     

The people of Jesus’ hometown had known Him since He was a child and were acquainted with his family. They saw him grew up, go to places with His mother, Mary. They saw him with Joseph in his carpentry workshop. They were too familiar with Him to have believed where he got the powers He was displaying. They could not bring themselves to believe in His message.

Jesus Christ came to them as a prophet, who challenged them to respond to unpopular spiritual truth. Jesus was almost thirty years old before He began His public teaching ministry, and He was not trained as a rabbi. For the years before that, He had been at home, learning carpentry from his father, Joseph. These made them wonder how He could so much do the things He did without formal training.

They did not listen to the timeless message He was preaching because they could not see beyond the man. Their familiarity with Jesus blinded them to the spirit in Him. Jesus did few miracles there “because of their unbelief.”

Unbelief blinds people to the truth and robs them of hope of salvation and deliverance. Over familiarity is the problem with so many Christians today. Because they can preach and teach the word of God, they find it had to submit to other teachers of the gospel too. At conferences and seminars, you will see them loitering about when the message is going on just because they are preachers also. Most times we don’t belief what other preachers can offer. Such spirit is pure manifestation of pride. This is a way Satan robs us the blessings of God in the church activities and programmes.

How does your faith measure up? Do you believe God to do that thing bothering you? If you can’t see God’s work, perhaps it is because of your unbelief. Today, believe, ask God for a mighty work in your life, and expect Him to act. Look unto God with the eyes of faith and you will certainly see Him working in your favour.

Food for Thought: Familiarity breeds contempt

Memory verse: Matthew 13 verse 58 - And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Prayer: God, help me not to be too familiar with you that I despise your words and lose my miracles in Jesus name, Amen.

The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Inestimable

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 24, 2017

Topic: The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Inestimable

Text: Matthew 13:44 – 52            

Jesus teaches us in these four parables the inestimable value of the Kingdom of heaven and of being part of that Kingdom. He described it as a treasure found hidden in a field. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. Though treasures are hardly stumbled upon rather they are searched for but Jesus was showing the value of this treasure that is worth every sacrifice and commitment to obtain. Jesus Christ used stumbled upon and not searched for despite its value was to show us how easy one can get into the kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it.

The merchant was earnestly searching for the pearl of great value, and when he found it, he sold everything he had to purchase it. This is what Jesus used to illustrate how priceless the Kingdom of heaven is.

In the third parable, Jesus speaks about the far-reaching efficacy of the gospel. This gospel net gathers every kind of persons, meaning every variety of character. Have you found the Kingdom of heaven? What price tag have you placed on it – inestimable, priceless or unworthy to die for? The value you place on it determines the commitment you will put into it. The decision is yours today.

Food for Thought: What is your value for the Kingdom of heaven?

Memory verse: Matthew 13 verses 45 and 46 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (ESV).

Prayer: Grant me the understanding of the true worth of heaven so that it will help me to live for it here on earth in Jesus name. Amen.

God Doesn’t Forget His Kindness

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday January 23, 2017

Topic: God Doesn’t Forget His Kindness

Text: Ruth 2:18 – 23             

There are some lessons in our text for the day.

1. Ruth brought back to Naomi, food provided for her by Boaz. She didn’t keep it back for her later use but for her mother in law. We should be magnanimous to share our blessing with our loved ones in the family.

2. Though Naomi was bitter about events in Moab (1:20-21), but her faith in God was still alive, as she praised God for Boaz’s kindness to Ruth. She still trusted God. We may feel bitter about a situation, but we must never despair. Today is a new opportunity to experience God’s care and love.

3. Naomi asked Ruth how her day went and where she gleaned. Parents and guidance should examine their children, as Naomi did, not to frighten or discourage them but to commend them if they have done well, and with mildness to reprove and caution them if they haven’t done well.

4. Ruth went to glean, not knowing where to go and it just happened she went to the field owned by Boaz who just happened to be a close relative of her late husband. This was more than mere coincidence. It was God leading her.

Today, as you go about your daily tasks, God is working in your life in ways you may not even notice. We mustn’t close the door on what God can do. Events do not occur by luck or coincidence. We should have faith that God is directing our lives towards what He has purposed for us.

Food for Thought: Events we see as luck or coincidence are directed by God to fulfil His purposes in our life.

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 20 - And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, the man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen (ESV).

Prayer: Direct my steps O Lord my God to the place you have prepared to bless me this day in Jesus name.

Unprecedented Favour

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 22, 2017

Topic: Unprecedented Favour

Text: Ruth 2:14 – 17           

The favour Boaz showed Ruth continued at mealtime when he invited her to eat with the reapers. She ate and also kept for Naomi. Some would have eaten everything after all she is at home doing nothing but not Ruth. It was as if Boaz was uncomfortable that he has not done enough for Ruth, (just like King Ahasuerus on the night he remembered Mordecai) that he gave approval for Ruth to glean. 

In his words, he commanded his reapers saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her." This act of Boaz is unprecedented because he just met Ruth, a foreigner for the first time. This shows that when our ways are pleasing to God, He can do anything for us. 

On the day I wrote this devotion, a man walked into my house and after exchanging pleasantries, brought out an envelope, counted N25,000:00 and gave to my family. I looked at the man, he wasn’t indebted to me. He just woke up, walked to my house and gave my family N25,000:00. I concluded that it was God working in my favour. God will work for you this day in Jesus name. 

Ruth obeyed the leading of God and “Line started falling for her in pleasant places.” Are you ready to allow God work for you or you want to help yourself? Some ladies would have started flirting about but not Ruth. Humility, industry, obedience, etc., pays.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 11:25

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 16

Prayer: Lord God, show me favour as I go out this day that in all I will do, I will be favour abundantly in Jesus name. Amen.

The Lord Will Repay You

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 21, 2017

Topic: The Lord Will Repay You

Text: Ruth 2:11 – 13           

Boaz opened up and acknowledged that he has heard all the works of love shown Naomi since the death of her (Ruth’s) husband and have come to a people whom she did not know before. For this reason he prayed for her as we have in 2:13. Boaz also stated that God of Israel is a refuge to all who come to Him. God rewards affection and love we show our elderly people.

This prayer of Boaz is regarded by some theologians as the key to understanding the purpose of this book; that is to show the sovereignty of God in His relationship with His people. ‘Wings’ symbolizes divine protection (Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 61:4; 91:4). Boaz also recognizes that Ruth’s actions can only mean that she has come to have faith in the God of Israel which confirmed her words in 1:16. All our labours of love are never in vain.

According to Middleton in Quotations, PowerBible CD stated that, “Charity is never lost: it may meet with ingratitude, or be of no service to those on whom it was bestowed, yet it ever does a work of beauty and grace upon the heart of the giver.” Again, “Charity sees the need not the cause” as German proverbs says. We should help people not minding the reward. Definitely, the reward will come at God’s time.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 6:10

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 12

Prayer: Lord, remember all my labours of love and reward me accordingly.

Why Take Note Of Me?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday January 20, 2017

Topic: Why Take Note Of Me?

Text: Ruth 2:10           

Ruth clearly overwhelmed by the gesture of kindness she had received from Boaz who do not know her before now, prostrated before Boaz and asks why he is being so kind to her, a foreigner (Ruth2:10). In the real sense, Ruth never expected such kindness, not too early because that was their first meeting and again she is a foreigner who ordinarily could have been rebuffed but it was not so.

Falling on her face was expression of reverence and gratitude common in Israel. Ruth’s life exhibited admirable qualities: She was hardworking, loving, kind, faithful, and brave. These qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch over you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in, no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in.

Again, we should not give bad impression to visitors we meet because we don’t know what the future holds. If Boaz and Ruth didn’t treat themselves well, the events that unfolded wouldn’t have gone smoothly. Come to think of it, if Ruth had proved stubborn or Boaz maltreated her, what would have happened when Naomi suggested to Ruth what to do to gain inheritance in Israel? Treat everyone you meet well because you don’t know what tomorrow holds for you.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 3:3, 4

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 10

Prayer: Heavenly Father; may your favour and that of men follow me wherever I go in Jesus name.

There Was No Ulterior Motive

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL 

Devotion for Thursday January 19, 2017

Topic: There Was No Ulterior Motive

Text: Ruth 2:4 – 9  

Men and women can be used as reapers in the Near East. The binding of the sheaves was normally done by women, the handling of the sheaves by men. The rough male labourers in Israel could be as crude and insulting to young women. However, Boaz spared Ruth from insult and exhaustion by letting her glean right behind his women field workers.

He also provided water for Ruth by urging her to go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. These kind gestures by Boaz had no ulterior motives attached to them. He had heard about so much love, friendship and care Ruth had shown Naomi. These challenged Boaz because such love can hardly be seen between mother in laws and daughters in laws.

This type of kindness that Boaz showed Ruth is no longer or hardly in practice in our communities again. Most men help widows only on the condition that they play games with them. Some of the men would even go as far as withdrawing some of the rights of these women as a means of pressurizing them to yield to their demands. Unfortunately, some of these men are even in the church today as leaders and elders.

Do you attach ulterior motives in the help or charity you offer widows, pastors and the poor in the society? Do you give out your goods because of what you intend to gain? We shouldn’t attach motives to our good deeds. God recompenses and He will recompense us. Let our good deeds speak well of us and not bad of us. God bless you and have a great day.      

Food for Thought: What are the motives behind your alms and charity – to take advantage of people or on humanitarian grounds?

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 8 - Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.”

Prayer: Help me never to attach any ulterior motive to the alms and charity I give to people in Jesus name. Amen.

An Industrious Lady

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday January 18, 2017

Topic: An Industrious Lady

Text: Ruth 2: 1 – 3                 

We find in this book called Ruth, excellent examples of faith, piety, patience, humility, industry, and loving-kindness, in the common events of life as demonstrated by Ruth and Naomi. Now Ruth had made her home in a foreign land. Instead of depending on Naomi or waiting for good fortune to happen, she took the initiative. She went to work. She was not afraid of admitting her need or working hard to supply it.

When Ruth went out to the fields, God provided for her. If you are waiting for God to provide, consider this: He may be waiting for you to take the first step to demonstrate just how important your need is. This is what most people don’t know about Providence. God is ever working.

Again, He has deposited great talents in us to make a living and be a blessing to our generation. Unfortunately, many of us have been blinded to the diverse opportunities beckoning on us. Just as we saw yesterday, we shouldn’t allow our immediate environment, our lineage, etc., to block our view of what lies ahead of us. Ruth went out to work even in a foreign land. Why can’t you work?

On the day I wrote this devotion, I read the story of Jennifer Adokorach from northern Uganda who was paralyzed at 5years as a result of injection in a hospital, but rose through primary school to a university with that paralysis. As she wasn’t employed after studies because she was paralyzed, she started farming and from the proceeds, she opened a hair dressing saloon. She now takes care of her aged mother and her 3 nephews – two in the university and one in secondary school. She is presently contesting for District Councillorship position and hopes to run for the Parliament in future.

If this woman, Jennifer Adokorach can go this far, what stops you? Think about it and be industrious.

Food for Thought: What are your excuses for not working hard enough?

Memory verse: Ruth 2 v 2 - Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favour.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter” (ESV)

Prayer: Make me industrious, O Lord that I will have enough for my family, dependants and the needy around me. Amen.

Call Me Mara

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 17, 2017

Topic: Call Me Mara

Text: Ruth 1:19 – 22  

Naomi had experienced severe hardships. She had left Israel married and secure; she returned widowed and poor. Naomi changed her name to express the bitterness and pain she felt. She was now a woman of a sorrowful spirit. She had come home empty, poor, a widow and childless. This might be the reason for the reaction of people in 1:19. In response, she opted to answer Mara – bitterness. Naomi was not rejecting God by openly expressing her pain. However, she seems to have lost sight of the tremendous resources she had in her relationship with Ruth and with God. 

Most of us face bitter and severe hardship like Naomi did. Some of us have lost all we worked for to fire overnight, some have lost their benefactors, and some have had chains of sicknesses as if they will never end. These notwithstanding, when we face bitter times, God welcomes our honest prayers, but we should be careful not to overlook the love, strength, and resources that He provides in our present relationships. Again, we shouldn’t allow bitterness and disappointment to blind us to new opportunities He gives to us.

Food for Thought: In every disappointment there are opportunities.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 v 19

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace I need in times of hardship and disappointments never to be blinded to opportunities you will provide.

Your God Will Be My God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday January 16, 2017

Topic: Your God Will Be My God

Text: Ruth 1:11 – 18       

The story of Ruth took place sometime during the rule of the judges that is one reason the book is found immediately after Judges in then scriptures. The period was dark days for Israel, when “the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). That was a clear evidence that the people had forgotten God and the covenant they have with Him. But during those dark and evil times, there were still some who followed God.

In this book of Ruth, Naomi and Ruth were beautiful examples of loyalty, friendship, and commitment; to God and to each other. Within the brief sojourn of the family of Elimelech in the land of Moab, Ruth might have observed them worshipping the God of Israel. That might have left an indelible impression in her and that might have motivated her to kept faith with Naomi despite the ordeals she has passed through occasioned by the death of her husband.

The way we act during ordeals, afflictions, trials and temptations go a long way to affecting people around us either positively or negatively. We shouldn’t undermine what the effect our actions and reactions will have on others. Therefore we should be very mindful of our actions and utterances

Read the words of Ruth to Naomi in 1:16, 17. What could have inspired such words and vow from Ruth? Outside divine revelation, she had noticed the difference between her god and God of Israel. She had also seen the kind of faith exhibited by Naomi.

As Christians, wherever we find ourselves, whether in our locality or outside our locality, we should live well because someone is watching. Do not think you are out of view of your pastor or parents and you can now behave the way you like. Christian lives are gospel message to the world. Our actions speak louder than our voices. Therefore we should be mindful of what we say or do. Our words and actions can either win people for Christ or chase them away.

Food for Thought: Our lives preach better messages than our words.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 16 - But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God (ESV).

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father may my life be a challenge to people I meet on daily basis in Jesus name Amen.

Return To Your People

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 15, 2017

Topic: Return To Your People

Text: Ruth 1:6 – 10  

There was almost nothing worse than being a widow in the ancient world even in our present day society. They are still not recognised. They are to be seen and not heard. Widows were taken advantage of or ignored as in the days of Naomi. They were almost always poverty stricken. Some were denied of assess to their late husband’s wealth.

It was for the above reason, God’s law, therefore, provided that the nearest relative of the dead husband should care for the widow; but Naomi had no relatives in Moab, and she did not know if any of her relatives were alive in Israel. However, she decided to go back to Israel.

As she set to go, the daughters’ inlaw, Orpah and Ruth decided to go with her. Though she had right over Orpah and Ruth as daughters in law, she didn’t want to stick to that right. That is a challenge for us in the action of Naomi. Most times, we stick to our right as Christians and that doesn’t work well in most cases. She encouraged them to return to their people to start live anew. This is a selfless attitude that is required to live well as a Christian. Even in her desperate situation, Naomi had a selfless attitude. She would have stood on her right at least to have someone live with her. As she had decided to return to Israel, she encouraged Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and start their lives anew, even though that would mean hardship for her.

Like Naomi, we (Christians) must consider the needs of others and not just our own. As Naomi discovered, when you act selflessly, others are encouraged to follow your example. This led to the reaction of Ruth as we shall see tomorrow in our devotion. We should note that service to others is the justification for our existence and self-sacrifice is our highest moral duty, virtue and value which we should show to people we meet on daily basis.

Food for Thought: Selfless acts are always good examples for people especially the goodly, to follow.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 8 - And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord, to consider the needs of others as I take decisions concerning my welfare in Jesus name. Amen.

The Bitter Experience

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 14, 2017

Topic: The Bitter Experience

Text: Ruth 1:3 – 5       

When God called the Israelites and brought them into the Promised Land, He discouraged friendly relations with the Moabites (Deut. 23:3-6) but probably not forbidden, since the Moabites lived outside the Promised Land. Marrying a Canaanite (and all those living within the borders of the Promised Land), however, was against God’s law (Deut. 7:1 – 4).

Moabites were not allowed to worship at the Tabernacle because they had not let the Israelites pass through their land during the Exodus from Egypt. Unfortunately, this was the land

Elimelech chose as his destination for succour in time of famine and it left bitter experience for Naomi who survived the succour in the land of Moab.

As God’s chosen nation, Israel should have set the standards of high moral living for the other nations. Ironically, it was Ruth, a Moabitess, whom God used as an example of genuine spiritual character. This shows just how bleak life had become in Israel during those days.

There are things that can bring bitter experience for us especially when we remove ourselves from the terms of covenant we have with our God. The major thing that can bring bitter experience to us is sin. Sin is disobedience to God’s law and command.

God had set boundaries for us where we must remain or else there will be consequences. We must remain within the confines of God’s grace to enjoy that grace. We will only remain within the confines of God’s grace when we live in obedience to His word and commandments. Remember what the bible says that, he that breaks the hedge, the snake will bite.

Naomi lived 10 years in Moab and had nothing to show for it except Ruth who was used by God to console her for the wrong decision of the husband. Have you taken wrong decisions and they are now hurting and hunting you? God is ready to heal the hurt and remove the hunt if only you can return to Him and ask for forgiveness of your disobedience and sins. The choice is all yours. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: Wrong decisions can affect you and your posterity. Always seek God’s leading in your decisions.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 5 - ​ And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband (ESV).

Prayer: God, grant that I will not take decisions that will bring bitter experiences to my families in Jesus name.

Mahlon And Chillion - Sickly And Dying

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday January 13, 2017

Topic: Mahlon And Chillion

Text: Ruth 1:2                  

Yesterday we read about the main theme behind the book Ruth which is famine. We also saw that Elimelech was not the first in the Scriptures to flee from the land afflicted by famine. Today, we have in our text the nativity of Elimelech and the names of members of his family. They are from Ephrathites-Bethlehem otherwise called Ephratha.

The name Elimelech means “My God is King,” while Naomi signifies
“My amiable, delight or pleasant one.” But the names of their children are worthy of note because it teaches us some lessons concerning the name we bear. Names are very significant in what we become or the way we behave in future.

Mahlon and Chillion signify “Sickness and consumption.” This shows that probably they were sickly children (sickle cell anaemia), and not likely to live long. They were seen as weak and infirm, fading and dying, and their parents gave them such names.

Most parents give names to their children as a reminder of what they have passed through before they were born. We can recall that of Jabez, Ichabod, etc. All these are not good names because they have ways of affecting the children in future. Some names can affect the way we live and behave just like Nabal (1 Sam 25:25) who acts foolishly because his name means foolishness.

Unfortunately, just as their names were, Mahlon and Chillion died in Moab without accomplishing anything simply because they were called sickly and dying, and it was eventually so. We should be mindful of the names we bear as it can make us or mar us. We shouldn’t bear names that will destroy our bright future. On the other hand, parents should give names that show faith, praise and joy of the Lord to their children. This will bring blessings upon our children more than the likes of Mahlon and Chillion.

Food for Thought: Your name affects what you eventually become in life either good or bad.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 2 - And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chillion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

Prayer: God, I dedicate my name to you that I will live it out to your praise and glory in Jesus name. Amen.