Don’t Give Up Until It Is Over

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 1, 2017

Topic: Don’t Give Up Until It Is Over

Text: Job 14:14

I watched a penalty shoot-out between two football teams. The last player in team B, came kicked the ball and it hit at the cross bar, went up and fell inside the 18 yards box. The boy who played the penalty held his head mourning. The goalkeeper of the team A left the post; ran to his teammates and they were rejoicing. The referee kept calm watching the ball as it was bouncing and rolling inside and 18yards box.

After about a minute, the ball rolled into the net and the referee blew his whistle to the astonishment of both teams. The boy that played the ball had thought it was over and the keeper also thought it was over but they were all surprised because it was not over.

Job was prophetic when he said he will wait till change will come. Though he had lost all, he was still hopeful for a change. He was full of assurance that God will restore him and God did at the end (Job 42:10 – 12).

Many people have lost opportunities to mount the rostrum for recognition because they gave up at the time they would have been recognised. Some abandoned their studies because they thought they can’t make it; some their businesses, craft, calling, etc. It is not over with you. Therefore don’t give up. We have heard stories of women giving birth for the first time at over fifty years. Why give up trial and believing God for your own child? Why give up in that third attempt to secure admission into the university? As you keep on believing God in this new month, I assure you of your breakthrough in this new month. Happy New Month!

Food for Thought: Don’t give up now. You are closer to success, fulfilment and recognition. Just take the next step or make another effort.

Memory verse: Job 14 verse 14 

They Will Fail

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 28, 2017 

Topic: They Will Fail

Text: Jeremiah 1:14 – 19

When God calls us, He gives us details about the intricacies and all that is involved in the call. He tells us what we will benefit and what we will suffer in the process. When God called me into the fulltime ministry, He used Isaiah 43:1 – 10. It has manifested in my life. So He tells us beforehand what we will face in this ministry before they even start manifesting.

This chapter is on the call of Jeremiah with assurance in 1:8. He clearly told him that they will surely fight against him but can’t prevail because God was determined to defend and support him against all his enemies. We know all that Jeremiah suffered; how he was jailed, thrown into a pit and many other things that he suffered. However, in all those trials, persecutions and attack, God saw him through.

Every Christian has a call; a call to live righteously, resist the devil, overcome the world so as to receive a reward at the end. Jesus made it abundantly clear in the bible that in this world we will suffer for His sake. Nevertheless, we should be of good cheers because he has secured our victory (Jn. 16:33). As long as we are in this world, tribulations, trials, temptations will come. They will fight against you but they will not prevail. God will defend you. Are you afraid and has become discouraged? Look up unto God and be focused. God is by your side to fight for you. Just hold your peace.      

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 20:10

Memory verse: Jeremiah 1:8

Prayer: God, thank you for your word. Increase my faith and remove any atom of fear in me. Always defend me according to your promises in Jesus name. Amen.

Thought For The Week – Have Good Relationship With People

Thought For The Week – Have Good Relationship With People

People all over the world want to be loved; they want someone who will listen to them and talk with them. This is one of the reasons there are so many people in the church and other places where they can interact and share with others. It was Rebecca West who said that “There was a definite process by which one made people into friends, and it involved talking to them and listening to them for hours at a time.” This means that those of us who offer goods and services have a great job to woo people into our businesses by giving out time to talk with them and listening to their complaints.  

In creating and having a good relationship with people, you need to go the extra mile in wooing them to your side through encouraging words; through good moral and character, through money and material things. The essence of this is not for immediate gain but for future and long term fulfilment. However, you should choose your friends for their character; for goodness, for truth and trustworthiness, because some people could take advantage of your goodwill and abuse it. In choosing friends, we should bear in mind that there are relationships for the sake of business and there are relationships for the sake of finding fulfilment in life.

In the opinion of Madame de Tencin, we should “Never refuse any advance of friendship, for if nine out of ten bring you nothing, one alone may repay you.” Having good relationship with people has these advantages:

Ø  It gives a wide range of opportunities to us – networking, more business opportunities, more customers, more members (churches), more income, etc

Ø  It brings us goodwill from people

Ø  It exposes us to the wider world

Ø  It gives us an opportunity of mentoring people or being mentored.

Ø  It helps to actualize our dreams.

As you go out this week, ensure you affect people through your friendship with them. Don’t always wait to receive; give to people and affect them through your character and good morals. Try to show love to someone and you will never regret it.

Have a lovely week

(Culled from the book I will be presenting on my birthday – My Rise To Legendary Status)

Your Brother and Friend,

Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma

Strength Perfected In Weakness

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 27, 2017          

Topic: Strength Perfected In Weakness                

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1 – 10

This bible passage shows that God can use us not minding our weaknesses. I have read of so many servants of God that died of one ailment or another. One of such men greatly used by God died few days ago, prompting me to wonder about the ways of God which is very much different from our ways. Some of the servants of God healed so many people with similar ailment that took their lives but they were never healed.

With all the exploits of Paul in the missionary works, who would have believed he did them with a burden of illness. When he even sought for healing, God told him that His grace is sufficient for him. Using weaknesses or ailment as an excuse in not serving God is not acceptable to Him. The grace was to enable Paul to bear the infirmities with patience. Christ’s gracious favour is what empowered Paul’s ministry, despite his own inadequacies and failures.

Although His request was not granted, Jesus assured him that he would continue to work through him in his weakness. Paul accepted that Jesus, in His divine wisdom, knew what was best for him. Paul would not boast in being healed, but he would boast about his weaknesses, for it was through his weaknesses that Christ could powerfully work through him.

One great lesson here for us is that God is the one who decides what we become in life and the best way to use us. Brethren, we should not be moved by our weaknesses, our not having job, infirmities, no child, no spouse, etc, as excuses because God can still use us even when we have our problems. He asked Abraham to pray for Abimelech to have a child when he had not gotten a child of his own. He did as God commanded him and God answered that prayer (Genesis 20:14–18). His grace is sufficient for us; let us keep trusting Him to use us as He wishes.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 11:30

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9b - Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Prayer: Lord God, grant that my boosting will only be on my infirmities for by your grace I am what I am today in Jesus name. Amen

Knowing God’s Will

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday February 26, 2017

Topic: Knowing God’s Will

Text: Psalm 51:1 – 6

The author of this psalm is King David as generally accepted. Commentators and analysts say he wrote it after Nathan the prophet had come to rebuke him for his crime and evil against the family of Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1ff). This assertion that David wrote it after Nathan had visited him has the backing from the fact that the psalm is a prayer of repentance and with David as the author; it must be the case involving Bathsheba and Uriah.     

One of the things that endeared David to God is his honesty and love for God. What God demands from us is not merely outward virtue, but inward purity. What this implies is that God demands reality, sincerity, true holiness and heart fidelity. He doesn’t care for our pretence of purity; he looks to the mind, heart, and soul (1 Chronicles 28:9).

What David posited here is that it takes a repentant heart to know the will of God. He was of the opinion that our dealing with God should be more of the heart, mind and soul. It should not be that of physical alone but more of spiritual as God is a spirit (John 4:24). To him, it is only when our minds are pure and sincere that God can come in to instruct and grant us the wisdom needed to live well. Have you actually repented? If not, you can never know the will and your actions will always be contrary to what pleases God. 

It takes God’s act to cleanse our hearts to make them pure (see Ezek. 11:19; 36:26). Sin is contrary to God’s will but when our hearts are clean and pure, we will begin to live according to the will of God. How pure is your heart? Do you desire to know God’s will for you? Then allow God to remove the impure and corrupt heart and to give you the heart of flesh. You should also learn how to guard your heart diligently to ward off impure thoughts. Your ability to moderate your thought will help you to live well for God. 

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 36:25 – 27

Memory verse: Psalm 51 verse 6 – Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden parts you will make me know wisdom (NKJV).

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me in Jesus name. Amen.  

It Is Not Optional

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 25, 2017

Topic: It Is Not Optional 

Text: Romans 12:20 – 21

Four days before I wrote this, we discussed a similar passage (Luke 6:27 – 28) in Men’s Fellowship of our church. Some said it is not possible while others believe it is a difficult and hard task for us. When I rose up to contribute to the discussion, I told them that though it is a difficult and hard teaching, its compliance is not negotiable.

By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing his misdeeds or not condemning the action. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins, just as Christ did for us. The implication of Romans 12:20 is that we should treat those who offend us kindly, well, and when they are in need, we should supply their wants.

This instruction seems very impossible thing to do because of our human nature but we should understand that if we can’t subject our human nature to obey us, then we are not worthy to be called Christians. Until we grow to the level of forgiving our ‘enemies’ we cannot claim that we are truly worthy to be called Christians (see Matthew 5:43 – 48). Matthew 5:44, 45 say, "But I say to you, love your enemies ... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ...” From these two verses, it is obvious that if we can’t forgive our enemies, we shouldn’t lay claims to the fact that we are children of God. This is very important teaching we should take to heart in a time like this when the teaching in vogue is let my enemies fall and die. We should learn to live like our Father in heaven who forgives us freely.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:43 – 48

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 20 – “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head” (NKJV).

Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to forgive and love my enemies in Jesus name.

Don’t Be The Avenger

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 24, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be The Avenger

Text: Romans 12:14 – 19

Apostle Paul summarizes the heart of Christian living in our scriptural reading for the day. If we love people the way Christ loves us, we will be keen to forgive. Those who have experienced God’s grace should be ready and willing to pass it on to others. This is the simple requirement of the gospel we preach. Grace is undeserved favour and because we freely received, we should freely give.

Apostle Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:35 to remind us that though we may want to avenge ourselves, but it is better we leave revenge to God because we are bound to overdo and run into the hands of the law. Refusing to take revenge avoids grudges and feuds. God will ensure that His just vengeance will be given at the appropriate time. He gave the charge in Romans 12:17 and emphasized it in Romans 12:19. The emphasis is for a purpose so we can moderate our actions and learn to live peaceably with others.

We should note that Jesus had set an example for us to follow. When He was reviled, He didn’t reviled back but left everything in the hands of God. Why will ours be different if we profess that we are His followers? We should not take revenge upon those who injure us, but exercise a forgiving spirit towards them. God expects us to leave vengeance to Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 32:35

Memory verse: Hebrew 10:30 – For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people” – (NKJV)  

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the spirit of patience, self-control and love so as to avoid revenge in a quest for vindication. Amen.

Anointed For Excellence

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 23, 2017           

Topic: Anointed For Excellence

Text: Romans 12:6 – 13            

Paul listed in Romans 12: 6 – 8, some gifts and how best to use them. How many did he mention there? When you look at the list, is it possible for only one person to possess all these gifts? No! A prophet is often bold and articulate while servers (those in ministry) are faithful and loyal.

A teacher is a clear thinker and encouragers know how to motivate others to do well in their chosen career and in the worship of God. Those who are known givers are generous and trusting. Leaders are good organizers and managers of people and their talents. People with kind heart are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. Now you see that it is not possible for one to have all these gifts.

What matters most is the ability to identify your own gifts and ask how you can use them to build up God’s family. Note that this list is incomplete. No matter your gift, you cannot do the work of the church alone. However, you should understand that God who gave you just one or more of these gifts have anointed you to excel therein.

We should try as much as possible to be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. God requires us to build the His church together.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:10 – 11

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer: God, help me to use my gifts well to excel and glorify you. Grant that I will be thankful for other people’s gifts and to complement them. Amen.

God Blessed Him

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday February 19, 2017        

Topic: God Blessed Him

Text: Genesis 32:29 – 30

Welcome to another new day and new week. Yesterday we saw how Jacob prevailed and was blessed with a new name after an encounter with the angel of God. Today we shall see more of the blessings he received from God in after that encounter.

We observed that after the encounter, Jacob asked the angel his name. The name of God you know determines the blessing you enjoy from Him. The blessing of God is connected to His name. In your walk with God, has He revealed his name to you? He did it to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Saul, etc. Knowing God by His name is a great way of improving our faith and confidence in Him. To know him the more, you should always read His word and listen to messages, and testimonies of what He has done. 

Jacob’s request to know the name of the person he wrestled with was denied that he might not be too elated with his conquest. Again, it was denied so he will not think that he had obtained such advantage over the angel as to make him (the angel) do what he wanted. However, God still blessed him as he requested for. See how wonderfully God condescends to countenance and crown importunate prayer! Those that resolve to trust in God even when He slays them will at length be more than conquerors. This was the resolve of Jacob to keep trusting God when his hip went out of position. Don’t let the ‘displacement’ in your health, your marriage, career, etc; affect your grip on God for a blessing.

Do you desire for a blessing from God? Then don’t border asking for His name, just trust Him for the blessings and they will certainly come. All you have heard and read about Him is enough to increase your faith and confidence in Him. His deeds correspond with His name – Counsellor, Mighty, Healer, Provider, Everlasting, Peace and wonderful Isaiah 9:6. Believe in Him to receive your own blessings today.

Food for Thought: Judges 13:17 – 18

Memory verse: Genesis 32 verse 29 – Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about my name?” And he blessed him there (NKJV).  

Prayer: Blessed me, O Lord and turn me into a blessing in Jesus name. Amen.

Place of Choristers in Worship

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 22, 2017

Topic: Place of Choristers in Worship

Text: 1 Chronicles 16:4 – 7

David brought the Ark of Covenant into Jerusalem because he knew what the presence of God can do. God’s presence assures us of victory, protection and guidance. He used the occasion to show how much he cares about God by making sacrifices as we saw yesterday and by appointing choristers to sing before the Ark.

As soon as the Ark was deposited in its tent, the Levites, who were to officiate in the choir before it, entered into their duties. A select number of the musicians were chosen for the service from the list (15:19-21) of those who had taken a prominent part in the recent procession. The same arrangement was to be observed in their duties, now that the Ark again was stationary.

Two lessons are here for us – the importance of praise in our relationship with God and importance of choristers in our worship. Praise and thanksgiving should be a regular part of our routine, not reserved only for celebrations. We should praise God for His love, mercies, and provision for us, his grace and faithfulness daily.

Again, our text reveals the place of Choristers in worship. They have a place in the position where the Ark of Covenant is. Thus they should always consecrate themselves as they come into the presence of God. They shouldn’t come into the presence of God defiled. The best way to express our gratitude to God’s love and faithfulness is to thank and praise Him always. Learn to do it always.

Food for Thought: The only occupation in heaven is praising God and you can only learn it here on earth.

Memory verse: 1 Chronicles 16 verse 4

Prayer: Teach me to praise you, O Lord my God, as a way of appreciating your love and faithfulness upon my life. 

Leadership and Generosity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 21, 2017     

Topic: Leadership and Generosity

Text: 1 Chronicles 16:1 – 3

David had a great regard and love for God, no wonder he was termed a man after God’s heart. He brought the Ark of God into Jerusalem and wanted to build a house for it but God restrained him from doing it. Some of our leaders today are not perturbed by dilapidated church building in their environment. Unfortunately, it is not so with the Muslims. They always want to build place of worship. Christians who are leaders should always use their position to build places of worship of God Almighty.

When David brought the Ark into the city, he praised God and made offering to the Lord. David was very pleased that the Ark was now in Jerusalem after the previous attempt failed. In his joy he offered burnt and peace offerings to the Lord. He blessed his people and gave them gifts as a mark of his generosity. David’s act of generosity is commendable and should be emulated by all in leadership positions.

As God was generous to David and he demonstrated same, those of us He has been generous to, should do the same to the less privileged and the poor people under us. When Herod was happy, he didn’t remember God. Rather he called for friends to a party and at the peak of his merriment; he made a promise which resulted to the death of John the Baptist.

Those of us in leadership positions should give special considerations to people we lead. They should make laws that will be favourable to their subjects and avoid owing their workers’ wages because the bible condemns it (See Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15). As at the time of writing today’s devotion, some states in Nigeria owed their workers up to 8 months’ salary arrears. Unfortunately, some of these Governors are Christians who never stopped their own salaries and allowances. Christian leaders should be generous to their subjects as David was.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 24:14 – 15

Memory verse: 1 Chronicles 16 verse 3 - And distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant to all those in leadership positions especially in our country, a benevolent heart for their subjects in Jesus name. Amen. 

Constant Prayer Was Offered For Him

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 20, 2017

Topic: Constant Prayer Was Offered For Him

Text: Acts 12:1 – 5                          

Prayer is the life of Christianity and an effectual weapon for believers to face all manner of life’s challenges. Beloved brothers and sisters, if prayer had given you victory before, then engage in constant prayer for a constant victory. That is the way to live a victorious Christian life. We should note that God will not do certain things until we pray; individually or collectively.

Peter, James and John belong to the inner caucus of Jesus’ ministry. One would have taught that Jesus will stop King Herod from killing James (Acts 12:1-2). Unfortunately, constant prayer was not made for him; perhaps it would have been different. When Herod kept Peter in prison to be killed at a later date, the church woke up and offered constant prayer to God for him (Acts 12:5) and he was released (Acts 12:7). If we engage in constant prayer, there will be intervention in our situation because effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16b).

The early Churches often engaged in prolonged corporate prayer (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:24 – 31; 12:5). God intends that we should always gather together for meaningful, enduring prayers. Jesus said, “My house will be called the house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13).

As Christians we should not neglect times for prayer especially corporate prayer. It’s high time we enter constant prayer and start heaping up prayer deposits for the years and generation ahead, and for the good of our nation. The prayer of Jesus in Luke 22:31 contributed in Peter’s freedom in the future. Constant prayer can change evil decree (Dan. 6:8-14). We cannot discover the extent and potency of the power we possess until we start praying. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 18:1 that we should always persist in prayer. Do it often and again and you will never regret it.  

Food for Thought: Prevailing prayer is not eloquence but earnestness.

Memory verse: Acts 12 verse 5 - So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Prayer: Teach us to pray, O Lord, that we should no longer complain.

Jacob Prevailed

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 18, 2017        

Topic: Jacob Prevailed

Text: Genesis 32:24 – 28

Struggle is part of human existence. Struggle (for something) is to try very hard to do something when it is difficult or when there are lots of problems.

Jacob struggled in life perhaps because of the covenant of God to Abraham that had to be fulfilled. From birth Jacob struggled (Genesis 25:21). He “took hold of” (possessions of others) – his brother’s birthright (Genesis 25:29-34), his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-29), and his father-in-law’s flocks and herds (Genesis 30:22-43; 31:1) just to make sure that he succeeded in life. He had an encounter with God at Haran were God assured him of His presence and fulfilment of the covenant (Genesis 28:10-22).

Though God would have fulfilled his covenant without Jacob struggling but the lesson here is that we should not give up in our heavenly race. All we need to do is to persist against all opposition so as to obtain the crown at the end. Don’t give up in the struggle to doing the will of God. His promise and covenant are sure and will surely be fulfilled in your life.

At the ford of Jabbok, Jacob was alone (Genesis 32:24). At night, he was engaged in a wrestling with angel of God. In the process the socket of Jacob’s hips was put out of joint as he struggled with this mysterious stranger, but he refused to release his grip on him until he was given a blessing. He was unrelenting and his struggling earned him a new name (Israel). As you struggle with God through your prayer and faith, it’s my prayer that it will lead to irrevocable blessings and prevailing testimonies in Jesus name. Amen.

Food for Thought: Fervency and perseverance in prayer greatly influence God to act in our favour.

Memory verse: Genesis 32 verse 28 - Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to always struggle and prevail in prayers.

Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 17, 2017

Topic: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of God

Text: Genesis 6:6 – 9

In Noah’s time, the earth was filled with violence and corruption just as it is now in our days. Hardly will a day pass we don’t hear or read about violence especially in my country, Nigeria. These include kidnapping, communal clashes, herdsmen attack on farmers and their farms, assassination, insurgency, militancy, etc.

Then in the days of Noah, people blatantly manifested sin in two primary ways: sexual lust (Genesis 6:2) and violence (Genesis 6:11). It was so rampant that God decided to destroy the world, yet Noah did not allow these evils to rob him of his fellowship with God. He stood out as the only one who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9), as was true of his great – grandfather Enoch (Genesis 5:22).

Noah was a just or righteous man (Genesis 6:9). For this reason, God singled him out among all his contemporaries and chose him to accomplish a great work of salvation of humanity and other creatures. He found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he followed the footsteps of his grandfather in obeying and fearing God.

Today, sexual sins of all kinds and violence are prevalent in the society. We need the grace of God more than ever because human depravity has not changed; it is still through lust and violence that evil finds unrestrained expression in the society. If you set your face against popular public opinion and conduct, you will find grace like Noah did. Amidst the widespread wickedness, compromise and evil of today, are still in communion with God? Noah got the revelation of impeding deluge as a result of grace. When grace is at work in your life, you are sure of safety from evil and danger. The grace of God is always free and undeserved; it must not be taken for granted. Grace is humbly sought through the prayer of faith (Malachi 1:9) and knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:2). Seek for it always in obedience and humility.

Food for Thought: God accepts us on the ground of Christ's righteousness and not our own works. That is grace we need in a time like this.

Memory verse: Genesis 6 verse 8 - But Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord.

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father, may I find grace in your eyes and be distinct in this generation. Amen.

The Son of Encouragement

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 16, 2017

Topic: The Son of Encouragement

Text: Acts 4:32 – 37

Barnabas means son of consolation (encouragement). He was a Levite (Acts 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Luke speaks of him as a "good man" (Acts 11:24). He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land (Acts 4:36, 37), which he sold and gave for the service of God.

He personally took Paul and introduced him to other apostles when he returned to Jerusalem after his conversion (9:27). He was a great link between the Jews and Gentiles. He was Paul’s companion in his first missionary journey. He personally invited Paul to work with him in Antioch. Luke mentioned the name of Barnabas as one of those who sold their lands and brought the money.

New King James Version has it that it was the apostles that gave him that name Barnabas as his name was Joses. Probably they gave him that name because of his contributions to the early church. Some of us are more blessed than Barnabas but we have not deemed it necessary to support the work of the church.

If your priest is to describe you by your activities in the church, will he say you are son of encouragement like Barnabas or you are greedy like Judas Iscariot? What is your testimony in your local church? Barnabas didn’t give money alone; he went on missionary work also. Do you think you are too big for evangelism? Let the life of Barnabas be a challenge to you. Give yourself a name that people will not forget in your church

Food for Thought: The character of Barnabas’ ministry gave him the name. What is the character of your ministry?

Memory verses: Acts 4 verses 36 and 37 - Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Prayer: God, may I live up to the name, Christian that I bear in Jesus name. Amen.

Forget Your Misery

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 15, 2017

Topic: Forget Your Misery

Text: Job 11:16

You can’t do anything about the past, but you can do something about your future. All you need to do is to forget your misery and look up to God for intervention. Job's misery was extreme, and it seemed as if he could never forget it. He never did forget the fact of it, but he did forget the pain of it. There is nothing better that can happen to our misery than forgetting it in the sense referred to here in our text.

When we are in pain of body or depression of spirit, we imagine that we never shall forget such misery as we are enduring. But when God turns towards us with mercy and we are restored to health or uplifted from depression of spirit, we no longer remember, except as a thing that has passed and gone, to be recollected with gratitude. These words of Zophar in our text were prophetic. It later came to pass when God restored all that Job lost. There is also consolation from the future just as Hebrews 12:11 truly say.

Our text can be fulfilled in our lives by the lapse of time. Time is a wonderful healer. Remember how Job forgot his misery when, in a short time, he had double as much of all that he possessed (Job 42:10). When the Lord turns your captivity, you will be like them that dream. They woke up; their dream is all gone, they have completely forgotten it. So it will be with your misery. It will be gone and gone forever as God will remember you this season.

Food for Thought: Dwelling on the past denies us the opportunity of making progress into the future.

Memory verse: Job 11 verse 16 - You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away.

Prayer: Intervene in my life, O Lord, that I may forget my pain and misery.

Outward Appearance Deceives

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 14, 2017       

Topic: Outward Appearance Deceives

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:7

Outward appearance can be deceptive. Most times it doesn’t show the real person inside. A pastor sent to a very big church disguised himself as homeless beggar on the first day he went there to be introduced to the congregation. He came very early and he was begging. Over 95% despised him. When he entered the church, he was driven from the front seats and kept at the main entrance to the church. When it was time to introduce him, the chief warden of the church called his name. All eyes were looking out to see their pastor, gorgeously dressed but it turned out to be the man they turned back and looked down on. He was the pastor they were waiting for. He took the microphone and rebuked their hypocrisy, calling them to repentance. O, how often we do this too!

Our perspective of others matters because outward appearance deceives. Based on this, Paul urged the Corinthians to adjust their perspective. They had been making their decisions on the basis of appearance. They were listening intently to the false teachers who were boasting of their own authority (2 Corinthians 10:12-13), their perfect Hebrew heritage (2 Corinthians 11:21-22), and their visionary experiences (2 Corinthians 12:11-12). All of their loud boasts and extravagant displays of power had dazzled the Corinthians so much that they had become blind to the simplicity of the gospel message that Paul had preached to them in the first place (1 Corinthians 2:1-3). We should be very careful not to be deceived by appearances, display of powers, confessions and testimonies. All may not be real. Ask God to grant you discerning spirit.

Food for Thought: “Do not judge from mere appearance; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy” – Chapin.  

Memory verse: John 7:24 - Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (ESV).

Prayer: Almighty God, help me never to judge people on their appearance only.

Man’s Limited Knowledge

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 13, 2017          

Topic: Man’s Limited Knowledge                                     

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:9

On this earth, everything is imperfect and knowledge is limited. No matter how much people may know, they know only a little. No matter how much prophecy is given, it still reveals little. Everything will only be made perfect and complete when the Kingdom of God arrives (the end of age).

Paul wrote this   “Because we are now in the state that we have need to learn daily, and therefore we have need of those helps, that is, of the gift of tongues, and knowledge, and also of those that teach by them” according to Geneva Bible Notes. There are people who brag that they are learned, they have wisdom, they know everything, etc. All we have today are limited, knowledge, wisdom, etc. We learn every day and will continue to learn through the word of God.

One of my uncle came picked my baby of one month and as she was moving her mouth, he said, “When we get to heaven, we will ask God if children understands what we say.” This shows that our knowledge is limited. The word of God we read is always new to us every morning. When we read a passage and come back to it the following day, we will get a different meaning. What this implies is that we should rely on the Holy Spirit in everything we do as our knowledge is limited. As we know in part now, we should look forward to that time when we will know everything in full. This should challenge and inspire us to live well and come to the time when we will know everything.  Please kindly work towards that. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 8:12

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13 verse 9 - For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

Prayer: God, grant that I will not boast about knowledge because it is limited.