Devotion for Tuesday January 1 2019

Devotion for Tuesday January 1 2019                

Topic: Those who are Christ’s

Text: Galatians 5:24 - And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Welcome to the first day in 2019! Happy New Year! It is a great pleasure writing this devotion again being published in digital form only. Paul in this verse of this epistle wrote to remind the Galatians about the life they ought to live as Christians and the characteristics of such life. He asserted that the life of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should be life whose flesh has been crucified with its passions and desires. Such a life is no longer control by emotions and desires. Such life is Christ led and obeys the spirit of God with which the Christian is sealed with at salvation.

These words of Paul are good reminder for us as we start the New Year. We must understand that our identity is and should be that of a crucified life. We should begin our year on that premise of a life led by the Spirit of God. True and sincere disciples have crucified their lives, that is, subdued, and in some degree mortified and put to death, their fleshly corruptions (carnal lusts, and sinful affections and passions).

At baptism we promised to die unto sin but we should not understand this as a total and once for all crucifixion. It is what we should do often and again as we assess ourselves through the eyes of the scriptures on daily basis. We should have it as a routine to crucify our flesh because they can disappoint us when we least expected. As you start your new year, have this behind you that you are expected to live life that is crucified to sin and has resurrected to righteousness. Have a great year as you walk with God.

Food for Thought: Are you now habitually weakening and destroying the influence of flesh in your life through the grace that comes from God.

Memory verse: Romans 13:14

Prayer: Lord God, help me to crucify my flesh and may your spirit reign in my life this day and always in Jesus name. Amen.

Daily Insight - Use Your Talent And Don't Despise It

Daily Insight - Use Your Talent And Don't Despise It
I am happy welcoming you to the last week of this month. I saw these pictures online which have gone viral because as at the time I share them over 2 thousand persons have already shared the post. People love to associate with hard work, diligence and use of talent. They love creativity and commitment no matter the sex. People shared this picture because they love the courage of this young lady who despise shame and what people might say to make a name for herself. I know that this post will fetch her more job.
Beloved, the greatest undoing to your generation and yourself is to hoard or despise it. If this young lady had despised her talent as a painter, who would have heard her name? To be honest to yourself and your generation, you must discern and find out your talent and make good use of it. Some of the friends of this young lady would have taunted her on her love for painting but she ignored that because all of us can't be doctors, lawyers, Engineers at the same time. I know she has become a sought after with this post.
Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements. Remember that you can't build a reputation on what you intend to do but on what you have done.
After reading my daily insight on Stop Your Emotional Suffering, someone wrote to me saying "More grace to you my brother. I so much like your post online now and I like it so much. Please sir, can you forward same to my WhatsApp? I need it for daily reflections and I owe it to you. God bless you in life, family and ministry in Jesus Christ name."
My talent is to write - books, devotions, insights, food for thoughts and on certificates and gifts items outside my calling as a priest. I thank God that I have discovered them and have been using them to edify souls and people that read most of my post can attest to it. If I hoard it, God and my generation will not be happy with me. Presently, I write the certificate of two schools in Asaba and for my Diocese,
So it is in your case. Use your gifts and talents no matter how negligible it may seem to men. God who gave it to you want your generation to benefit from it. People are waiting to hear your name as a painter, engineer, Carpenter, Electrician, an author, doctor, nurse, etc. Your generation is waiting to hear your name. Don't keep them waiting, do something today. Have a fruitful week.
Tabugbo @Asaba

Is Your Faith Known To People?

Devotion for Friday August 10, 2018

Topic: Is Your Faith Known To People?

Text: Colossians 1:1 – 8

The action of Paul in our text is a challenge for present day Christians. In this letter he told the Church at Colossae that he has heard about their faith through Epaphras and that he has intensified his prayer for them. He did not doubt their Christianity as some of us would have done. He believed that they were still in faith. We must learn how to uphold people in faith by praying for them not questioning their faith. From Paul’s statement in our text, the faith of the Church at Colossae was known to people. It was not hidden. They were not compromising and that is what is expected of us. We should let the world know about our faith. Wherever we go; wherever we find ourselves, we should let people know what we believe in. Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” – Matthew 5:14, 15. We should make our faith known in our offices, schools, neighbourhood, business centres, market, inside the bus and other places we find ourselves daily. Hiding our identity means denying Jesus which has consequences (See Matthew 10:33).

Food for Thought: What is your testimony about your faith among your colleagues and in your neighbourhood? 

Memory verse: Ephesians 1:15

Prayer: God, help me to make my faith known to people wherever I may find myself in Jesus name.

This Is My Beloved Son

Devotion for Wednesday August 1, 2018

Sing Hymn SS&S (Sankey) No 642 – When we walk with the Lord

Topic: This Is My Beloved Son

Text: Matthew 17:1 – 8

Parents delight in their children especially when they are following their will and instructions for a better future. This is how God the Father has infinite delight in His Son which He expressed in our text and also Matthew 3:17. Such delight has been extended to us too because of our faith in the work Jesus Christ on Calvary.

One of the reasons God the Father chose to make such pronouncement is because He wants His Son to be recognized, obeyed and honoured (John 5:23). This instruction to listen; to obey, to hearken, etc. is designed to help us actualize God’s will for us in this heavenly race.

It is important to obey Jesus for so many reasons.

1) He is the author of our life and faith

2) He knows our yesterday, today and tomorrow

3) He has the key to eternal life which is our main priority as Christian.

4) His counsel is meant for our good and wellbeing. How important is hearing God’s word to you? You cannot claim to have a relationship with God without absolute obedience and compliance to His word.

As we begin this month and in this first devotion for this edition, I sincerely charge you to live more righteously, pleasing God in all things and at the right time, He will certainly declare that you are a beloved son/daughter too. May your life begin to please God and bring joy to heaven in Jesus name! Happy new month!

Food for Thought:

Memory verse: Matthew 3:17

Prayer: O Lord, help me to live the life that will please you so that you will announce me to the world in Jesus name.

It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Devotion for Tuesday July 31, 2018

Sing A&M 300 – Be Thou, My Guardian And My Guide

Topic: It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. If really we understand that we are what we are just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, there is no reason to boast. Paul made it clear that the difference between Christians in terms talents and gifts we have received from God depends on the way we use them. In our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. Beloved, no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received, all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything. The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God. Whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think that you deserved or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and we should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to us.

Food for Thought: John 3:27              

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:27

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name.

Be A Faithful Steward

Devotion for Monday July 30, 2018

Sing A&M 304; Abu 233 – Fight the good fight with all thy might

Topic: Be A Faithful Steward

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 6

Our bible reading for the day as Paul presented it was prompted by evaluation of humans by the Corinthians. Although the term ‘servants’ (1 Corinthians 4:1) denotes subordination, “stewards” (1 Corinthians 4:2) emphasizes privilege and responsibility. The call to leadership is a call to a pure and trustworthy character (1 Corinthians 4:2).

The Corinthians acted as if they were the judges at the last day, but they had judged much too early (1 Corinthians 4:5 - “before the Lord returns”). Their judgments of Christians were not for edification, but to put a final tag of good or bad, in or out, on the ones they judged. It was a non-ministry judgment that had its source in pride. This is very common even among present day Christians.

According to Family Bible Notes, “Fidelity to God and to the souls of men, in rightly dispensing the truths of the gospel, and in enforcing them by a uniformly holy and consistent example, is required of all ministers of Christ.” This is the emphasis of Paul in verse 2. “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare, poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well’” so says Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.

It is appropriate to evaluate our calls as servants of whatever category we may be. How faithful are you in your job? Do you do it well as Martin Luther Jnr. suggested? We should remember that our call is to be faithful first to God and then to our employer. May God, grant us that grace in Jesus name. Sing A&M 304; Abu 233

Food for Thought: The supreme quality required in a steward is fidelity to his trust.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, help me never to betray the trust you have reposed on me.

A Perfect And Undefiled Religion

Devotion for Sunday July 29, 2018

Sing A&M 328 – A Charge To Keep I Have

Topic: A Perfect And Undefiled Religion

Text: James 1:27

Caring for the needy, the poor, the less privilege the destitute and the dejected is one of the duties expected of us who are Christians. In the present day church, we have a lot of these set of people and some of them even summon courage to share their challenges with us. Apostle James enjoined us to pay more attention to their need as believers. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case; instead of attending to the needy in the present day church, most Christians help only the rich because they are the ones that can pay them back or also help them when they are in need too, leaving the needy to their faith.

How do we respond to the needy among us? How do we treat the widows, orphans and the destitute among us today? Is serving God through humanity our religion today? Is it the religion of the best dress and cliques of personalities in same class? By not helping the needy in the church, we are directly or indirectly telling them “go the Lord will help you.” James’ opinion is that if we claim to be religious but fail in caring for the needy among us; we are just hypocrites who wash outside of a cup but inside is very dirty.

The religion some of us practice today is that of rich sharing with the wealthy while the poor Christians continue in their pains. Whenever we practice the principle of welfare, we are showing and practicing the “pure religion” James posited (James 1:27). Our Lord Jesus Christ noted that “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). Jesus Christ made it a priority (a must do) for all believers to care for the needy and that He will base His judgment on how well you care for the less privileged people among you (Matthew 25:31-46).

Food for Thought: we were created to do good works that includes taking care of the needy and the poor among us.

Memory verse: Mathew 25:40

Prayer point: Grant me the grace, O Lord my God to help the needy who come to me and direct me to as many who desire my comfort.

A Useless Religion?

Devotion for Saturday July 28, 2018

Sing A&M 330 (Abu 112) – Thine Forever! God of Love

Topic: A Useless Religion?

Text: James 1:26 - If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.

The tongue is a very powerful tool in the life of man; it can bring blessing as well as curse upon a man. A relationship built for years could be destroyed within seconds by the tongue. Marriages have been destroyed because of the use of uncontrolled tongue; families which use to be the envy of others have been shattered by the words of the month.

James said that bridling of tongue is part of our righteous act, and any believer who could not bring restraint to his/her tongue and speech is a deceit. Without control over your words, your religious act is worthless and hypocritical. If Jesus Christ is Lord over our lives He should also be the Lord also over our tongue. Contrary to that, then, there is deception.

For a Christian to maintain his stand with God and man, he should be able to bridle his tongue. A Christian’s use of tongue must be a matter of careful forethought and discipline. Psalm39:1 talked about one being able to restrain one’s tongue before wicked people because all they are after is to get you ensnared in your own words. Christians should not use the tongue with which they bless, to curse.

How do we view gossip, backbiting and slander in the house of God today? St Paul in his letter to the Church in Rome posited that gossip, slanderers and bad-mouths commit the same sin as murders, sexual perverts, and haters of God. He further stated that such sins are worthy of death (Romans 1:28-32). Many Christians have experienced problems and misfortune, or fail to get answers to their prayers, because of the words of their mouth. Above all Christian who wants to enjoy long and blessed life should keep their tongue from evil.

Food for Thought: Psalm 34:12-13                

Memory Verse: Prov. 21:23 - Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

Prayer Point: Help me, O Lord, to keep check on my tongue; help me to have control over the words of mouth so that I will not be ensnared by the words that I speak in Jesus name.

Lord Speak To Me That I May Speak

Devotion for Friday July 27, 2018

Sing SS&S 786 (Abu 129) – Lord Speak To Me That I May Speak

Topic: Be Doers Of The Word

Text: James 1:22 – 25

I remember when I was living in a school hostel and seemed very fanatical about the bible. Each time I made a mistake or by any of my group (fellowship members), a particular student would use the statement to scold us. And when she does that, I would feel pain as if I was whipped. It is not just enough to go to church daily, bible study and hold night vigil through the week yet your life speaks the opposite of what you profess. Non-Christians expect us to live like Christ. We know from the bible that Christ our Lord is good; His works are good, His life speaks well and utterances radiate good and there is no wickedness found in Him. The early disciple radiated same charisma and that was why they were called Christians in Antioch.

To be a Christian means to live like Christ so that when you present the Word to unbelievers they will not reject it. We should note that James wrote this to Christians who attend church and hears the word of God regularly not pagans who don’t go to church nor hear the word of God. His intent was to caution those in the church who hears the word of God regularly for them to know that to hearing without doing what they heard is self-deception while the hearers and doers of the word of God are blessed.

How do we take the word we hear? Do you see the word preached as the right message for you or just meant for Mary or John? A woman who has been an old member of a church shook hands with a pastor after service one Sunday morning and said “that was a wonderful sermon, just wonderful! Everything you said applies to someone I know.” James doesn’t want us to apply the word to someone else but to apply it to ourselves. If you want blessing in your life then apply the word of God you hear or read daily into your life.

Food for Thought: Mere hearers of the word of God are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found to be the worst deceit at last.

Memory verse: James 1:22

Prayer Point: Help me oh Lord, to do all I hear and to learn from you total obedience to your word in Jesus name.

Lay Aside Evil

Devotion for Thursday July 26, 2018

Sing A&M 304 (Abu 233) - Fight The Good Fight With All Thy Might

Topic: Lay Aside Evil

Text: James 1:21 – “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Evil is everywhere as well as good, it is but a matter of choice to cling to any of them. One can choose to live a good life while another person could settle for evil and whichever a person chooses there is always an end result. One thing is sure you cannot carry evil and good at the same time. A Christian whose fruit still show that of wickedness should as a matter of urgency repent and make amend. James admonished Christians to lay aside every form of evil and all kind of wrong because it will be a barrier to maintaining a cordial relationship with Jesus Christ. Christians must walk like children of light living in the Spirit, it is not possible for a Christian to be living in the spirit of God and still live in sin. 1Thess.5: 22 say we should flee from all appearance of evil. How do we know appearances of evil? We know them through 1) Unfruitful work of darkness (Ephesians 5:11) 2) Works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and 3) Walking in the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1:1-2). Though as believers in Jesus Christ we have freedom to do various things as guided by the Holy Spirit yet not everything is good for us. We should be salt and light to non-Christians. We are enjoined to flee from sin and temptation (2 Timothy 2:22); this will help us to stay holy and focused; we should be living in a manner worthy of God not according to the pattern of the world. In a nutshell we should be a good example of a follower of Christ in our speeches and actions.

Food for Thought: Evil may look very attractive but its end result is destruction, therefore flee from evil.

Memory Verse: James 1:21  

Prayer: God, help me to discern evil and flee from it when I sight it.

Be Swift To Hear But Slow To Speak

Devotion for Wednesday July 25, 2018

Sing A&M 194 (Abu 177) – Jesus Meek And Gentle

Topic: Be Swift To Hear But Slow To Speak

Text: James 1:19 – 20

According to Rick Warren “God gave you two ears and one mouth. He wants you to listen twice as much as you speak. But we get in a hurry. What you need to do is try to understand the perspective of other people. Don’t just look at the situation from your point of view”. St. Francis of Assisi also said that “people should seek to understand before seeking to be understood.” James enjoined believers to cultivate the habit of thinking before acting and not just responding to situations emotionally or impulsively. In life it has been observed that nothing done in anger has ever given a good result and so it is always not pleasant at the end when you respond to a situation without giving a serious thought to it. One thing God require from those who profess Christ is self-control and it is one of the fruit of the spirit. I once read a story about a man who at point of stoning his wife hit his only son which rendered the innocent boy permanently brain damaged and the family living in perpetually sorrow because of that. Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything. All of us can be angry and sometimes have been. It can come when things don’t turn out the way we want. It might be a reaction to something which is said of us or to us. We may experience it when people don’t behave the way we want them to behave. Perhaps it comes when we have to wait for something longer than we expected. We might feel angry when others can’t see things from our perspective. There seem to be countless possible reasons for anger. Ephesians 4:26 charges us to be angry but do not sin. It means we should have self-control. By that we will not sin against God or offend man because of our anger.

Food for Thought: He who angers you conquers you so choose not to be conquered, choose not to be angered – Elizabeth Kenny.

Memory Verse: James 1:19

Prayer: O God, my heavenly father, help me to develop self-control in every situation no matter how devastating it may seem.

What Entices You Comes With Temptation

Devotion for Tuesday July 24, 2018

Sing A&M 300 – Be Thou My Guardian And My Guide

Topic: What Entices You Comes With Temptation

Text: James 1:13 – 18

This text draws our attention to the fact that God cannot tempt us rather it comes through the desire of our heart. James had his eye on whatever there was in trial of any kind to induce us to commit sin - whether by complaining, by murmuring, by apostasy, or by yielding to sin. So far as that was concerned, no one should charge it on God. Indeed James enjoined us to strive to overcome trials and temptation but that does not suggest that God will bring the temptation to us so that we can overcome and become perfect; temptations and trial come through the things we see and wish for. Satan thought to take advantage of Christ's humanity by urging Him to submit by obeying his tricks. Satan can solicit us to sin but he cannot compel us to do it. He said to Jesus, "Throw yourself down," knowing that he could not throw Him down; for God would intervene to deliver Him. Nor could Satan force Jesus to throw Himself down. Unless Christ should consent to such temptation coming your way, it could not overcome Him. Not all the power of earth or hell could force Him in the slightest degree to depart from the will of His Father. The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless they are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his power upon us. But every sinful desire we cherish affords him a foothold in our lives. Every point in which we fail in meeting the divine standard is an open door by which he can enter to tempt and destroy us. And every failure or defeat on our part gives occasion for him to reproach Christ. Therefore, let us live our lives as Christians, allowing our will to be lost in His; then we will overcome every trial and temptation that the enemies will bring our way.

Food for Thought: Enticement and temptation are meant to draw you away from God, stay focused and never give in.

Prayer: O God, give me the grace to live above sin and temptation

A Reward For Our Love For God

Devotion for Monday July 23, 2018

Sing A&M 235 (Abu 183)

Topic: A Reward For Our Love For God

Text: James 1:12

It is disheartening to see brethren turn away from faith as a result of troubles of life they had gone through or they are going through. Christianity is a call to persevere and the very moment one resolves to follow the way of Christ, the devil marks him for trouble. We’ve seen a non-Christian do so many treacherous things yet life seems to smile at him and the man who resolves to do things the right ways goes home heartbroken.

There are temptations all around a believer; the actual inducements to sin which surround us and lie in wait for us, and fall upon us to hurt us in the course of our lives. There may be enticements to that which is sinful, as, for instance, when we are tempted in business to be dishonest, or when in association with others, we are tempted to lie, to hold malice, and engage in unrighteous conduct of any kind.

On the other hand, the temptations may arise from what is in itself innocent, but which becomes sinful from an improper use of it. Just as the worth of a sailor is tested by the length and the roughness of the voyage, so is every one of us put to the test by the ordinary circumstances of life according to the stuff that we show ourselves to be made of and that determines our worth and reward.

Trial and temptations show whether or not we love God and can be true to our call. If we conquer them, they become instruments for bracing us up and making us stronger than before. At the end we will have the privilege to be with our God in heaven where we will be rewarded with crown of life. We will be blessed if we can prayerfully persevere and overcome this world and become gloriously ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Food for Thought: Rewards are given to the winners and they are those who endured in a challenge and end so well; chose to end well today.

Memory Verse: James 1:12

Prayer: Oh Lord, give me the grace to joyfully follow you to the end.

Life and Position Are Transient

Devotion for Sunday July 22, 2018

Sing SS&S 661 (Abu 327) – My Times Are In Thy Hand

Topic: Life and Position Are Transient

Text: James 1:9 – 11

In the beginning of this chapter, James the apostle enjoined us to be happy in the face of trial. When we face trials, it is tempting to look around at others and to compare our trials with theirs. Sometimes when we face difficulties too we are tempted to believe that some people don't face difficulties and that their lives are so easy. This is especially true when dealing with rich and poor.

The poor look at those who are rich and believe that they are getting off easy. They told themselves life is much better when one is rich; most times they wish they were same as the rich believing that riches could be the source of happiness; but James tells the lowly Christian to "boast in his exaltation."

Humanly thinking, one will wonder if the poor man ever thought he had anything to boast of; what exaltation could there be in poverty? However, in this text, the scripture is referring back to being "perfect and complete, lacking nothing in Him who has called us (Jesus Christ)." There is hope for the poor Christian who totally depends on the riches of God’s glory. Someday, that Christian who is lowly at the riches of this world now will be brought up, exalted, to a place of completion and fullness. He looks forward to the future, he does not boast in the present, but in what God is going to do. Certainly, there is no position that is permanent. All will one day pass away whether rich or poor. Therefore, let us learn contentment.

Food For Thought: To be rich is not to have all that the world can provide but to have a life that God and man are pleased with.

Memory Verse: James 1:9 – 10

Prayer Point: Oh God, in whom the lowly is complete; give me the grace to appreciate in every situation I found myself.

You Alone Are God

Devotion for Saturday June 23, 2018

Sing Ancient & Modern (Revised) 372; Abu 8

Topic: You Alone Are God

Text: 2 Kings 19:14 – 19

There is no controversy as to who the God we serve is. No matter the idea people may express of what they feel or think about God of Israel, He remains the only God who should be worshipped and feared. Despite all conspiracies against the present day Israel, there is no nation that can be compared with Israel in terms of excellence, fruitfulness, breakthrough in science and agriculture. For this reason, no nation on earth has won Noble Price on Science more than Israel. The total Nobel Peace Prize won by Israel as at 2010 was 129. Amazing you will say!

Our God is God of war and He is able to do anything He purposes. Hezekiah knew this too well and in this prayer, he acknowledged that He alone is God who protects His name and His people. He noted that the nations Assyrians destroyed do not have Him that was why they succeeded. He called on God to arise and save Israel so the world will know that He alone is God. Proper understanding of our God can help us to appropriate to ourselves the benefits in the New Covenant we have with Him. Even in the Old Covenant days, Hezekiah knew what God of Israel can do hence he didn’t hesitate in going to Him. Beloved, we should know the God we serve. He is not a man. He is Omnipotent. He has full control over the whole earth and can turn situations into our favour.

What are the challenges of life you are going through this moment? God alone has control over those challenges and He will bring you out of them as you call on Him today.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 44:6

Memory verse: 2 Kings 19:15

Prayer: Grant me the understanding, O God, that you alone are God beside you there is no other god.

Ignorance Leads To Arrogance

Devotion for Friday June 22, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 414

Topic: Ignorance Leads To Arrogance

Text: 2 Kings 19:8 – 13

Psalm 2:1 says, “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?” The Psalmist mentioned in that Psalm about a gang up against the Lord and His anointed. However, Psalm 2:4, states that “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.” This description fits into our Bible reading for the day. How can Sennercrib and his men compare a CREATOR to a creature? How can they boast that they made successes without acknowledging the source of their strength? How can they be so blind as to say that the God of Israel can’t save His people? Didn’t they hear what He did in Egypt? Didn’t they hear of what He did to give them the Promised Land? Maybe they were not told. Such ignorance gave rise to this unprecedented display of arrogance. A song writer says, “Who can battle with the Lord? (3x), I say nobody.” The best thing you can do for yourself is to know that there is a living God. Pharaoh asked Moses, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go." This is act of a man who is ignorant about God. Do you know God or you are still acting in ignorance? If you know God, you can’t meddle with sin. You can’t live a compromising life if actually you know God. This is so because our God is a consuming fire. Have you known Him? If not, repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour today, and you will know Him and what He can do.

Food for Thought: The way we display arrogance reveals the level of our ignorance.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 19:10

Prayer: Lord God, may I not be ignorant to the extent of not recognizing your supremacy and Almightiness in Jesus name. Amen 

The Best Way To Approach Problems

Devotion for Thursday June 21, 2018

Sing A&M 348; Abu 271

Topic: The Best Way To Approach Problems

Text: 2 Kings 19:1 – 7

Hezekiah had deep concern at the dishonour done to God by Rabshakeh's blasphemy, pride and arrogance. Instead of sending words back in retaliation or to fight for God, he chose to report to the person who was ridiculed and blasphemed. This is the best way to deal with the ignorance of unbelievers. Returning words for words is childish and uncivilized manner of dealing with unbelief and blasphemy of the enemies of the gospel. God is our unfailing resource in all situations. In times of trouble we should always go to Him, and certainly we will find Him to be a Very Present and All-sufficient Helper. When people ridicule your faith or the God you serve, how do you take it? The Muslims will take up arms to fight for their god but that should not be the way Christians should act. Our God is alive. He can fight for Himself. He doesn’t need us in all situations to start defending ourselves. When the battle line was drawn between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, Elijah only prayed and God intervened. Are people attacking or ridiculing you because of your faith? Are you being persecuted for your faith in your neighbourhood or your office? Always resort to telling your God. God will fight for you. Let the example of Jesus be our guide (1 Peter 2:21 – 23).

Food for Thought: Be silent and safe because silence never betrays you.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 19:1

Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to handle people who ridicule my faith.

Unbeliever's Arrogance

Devotion for Wednesday June 20, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 432

Topic: Unbelievers’ Arrogance

Text: 2 Kings 18:26 – 37

A proud and arrogant man has no place in God’s plan. God hates pride and arrogance (James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5). When God sees any atom of pride in you, He will not use you for anything; He will not answer your prayers, His grace will depart from you and your fall will be mighty. Remember the story of Haman against Mordecai. As Christians, we should as a matter of priority remove pride and arrogance from our lives if we intend to please God and enjoy His benevolence. From our text, we saw the arrogance and pride of Rabshakeh an officer sent by Sennacherib king of Assyria to Hezekiah. We can see from 2 Kings 18:17, that Rabshakeh is an office and not name of a person. Their speaker spoke arrogantly because they don’t know the God of Israel. He compared God of Israel to gods of other land that cannot deliver. After all the display of pride and arrogance, Hezekiah’s men didn’t utter a word. No wonder people say that “silence is the best answer to a fool.” In chapter 19, we saw how God discomfited and chased them away. WHO CAN BATTLE WITH THE LORD? This is how unbelievers boast and send threats against believers but at last God will always put them to shame. Are people threatening you because they feel they are greater than you? Your God of Israel will disgrace them. Hold your peace and see the salvation of God.

Food for Thought: Who can battle with the Lord?

Memory verse: 2 Kings 18:29

Prayer: Remove arrogance and pride from me O Lord because no one can battle with you.

What May I Do For You

Devotion for Tuesday June 19, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos 319; Abu 249

Topic: What May I Do For You?

Text: 2 Kings 2:9 – 12

Today’s topic is similar to that of yesterday but what led to the question here is different. Elijah was about to be taken away by God and his faithful servant and some other prophets knew about this. While other prophets were comfortable with their position Elisha who was a mere servant wanted to step into his master’s shoes. He was determined to get divine endowment from Elijah before God takes him. It was his determination and persistence that made Elijah to ask the question that forms our text today. There are lessons for us here. 

1. When you have a need, be determined to find a solution to it in a godly way. Elisha was determined. All words of discouragement from Elijah and people did not deter him. He kept following. We should not be deterred by what people say. We should always keep our focus on God (Hebrews 12:2). 

2. Elisha persisted and was focused. Most times after a session of prayers about our need, we give up. It ought not to be so. Jesus taught us about persistence in prayer in Luke 18:1ff. We shouldn’t easily give up. Keep on trying; your miracle is in the next attempt. 

3. What Elisha asked for was in the will of God. He never asked for mansion, wealth, position or other worldly things rather he asked for what he will use to the glory of God and he got it at last. Most times, our request during our fasting and prayers are mundane things. When we ask from God what pleases Him, He will grant our requests.   

Food for Thought: Elisha’s desire for a double portion of the spirit in Elijah was not out of greed but that which will prepare him as instrument in the hands of God.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 2:9

Prayer: Grant to me, O Lord, everything that will be useful for me to serve you and humanity in Jesus name.

Pride Goes Before A Fall

Devotion for Monday June 18, 2018

Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Topic: Pride Goes Before A Fall

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14

One obvious truth is that self-admiring and self-flattering end in self-deceit. The worst thing that can happen to someone is to have a bad friend and spouse. When your spouse/friends are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem. Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen alone. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. I pray that your presence will cause problem for your enemies and when they see you or hear your name, peace will elude them in Jesus name. Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (Esther 5:13). This was pleasing to Haman (Esther 5:14). According to Family Bible Note, “The measures which men take for the destruction of others often prove the means of their own; and while they glory in anticipated victory, they sink into irretrievable ruin.” This was the case of Haman. Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he was, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high, as they wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death. Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life.

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

Memory verse: Esther 5:12

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.

What Do You Wish?

Devotion for Sunday June 17, 2018

Sing A&M 319; Abu 247.

Topic: What Do You Wish?

Text: Esther 5: 1 – 8 

The story of Esther and Mordecai teaches us that we can gain power and favour from fasting and prayers when our lives are pleasing to God. Esther risked her life by coming before the king which was against the law. Her courageous act is a model for us to follow, in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can (1) calculate the cost: Esther realized her life was at stake. (2) Set priorities: She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. (3) Prepare: She gathered support and fasted. (4) Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly: She didn’t think too long about it, allowing the interlude to lessen her commitment to what she had to do. Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther’s inspiring example. It was Esther’s courageous move that led to the question which is our topic for the day. The king noticed that something led Esther to risk her life and thus he raised the question and she demanded a dinner with the king and Haman. If God can grant Esther such favour before men how much more when He is involved (Matthew 7:11)? Beloved, what is your wish? Is it money for rents and bills? Is it fruit of the womb? Is it a job? If you follow Esther’s model, God will certainly move in your favour (Luke 18:1ff).

Food for Thought: How do you make good use of the blank cheque God issued to us in Matthew 7:7?

Memory verse: Esther 5:3

Prayer: Make your request known to God bearing in mind Numbers 14:28 and Matthew 7:7 

Are You A Vessel For Honour?

Devotion for Saturday June 16, 2018

Sing A&M 325; Abu 157

Topic: Are You A Vessel For Honour?

Text: 2 Timothy 2:19 – 21

Vessel unto honour literally means a vessel that is useful in honourable way. When God used Assyrians to punish Israel, they were useful in the hands of God but not for honour because they were punished at the end too. God requires us to be vessels unto honour for that was the reason behind our creation and call. In our text, Paul admonishes us to be mindful of how we live our lives because God knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). Therefore everyone who is a Christian should depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19). The reason for this advice is in 2 Timothy 2:20 so that we can become vessels unto honour. When we cleanse ourselves from all forms of defilement, we will become “vessels for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” Have you cleansed yourself from all defilement? As a Christian sister/brother who is single and engaged, what is your secret life with your fiancé/fiancée? We can’t serve God and be useful in His hands when we are living in sin and compromising our faith. To be a vessel unto honour we must avoid all form of defilement be it in words, actions, reactions and deeds. Couples should be sincere in their relationships; they should love and be loveable, be at peace with all people and above all be sincere in their worship of God with faith in Christ Jesus.

Food for Thought: A sanctified life is pleasant to God and such is always a reliable instrument in His hands.

Memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:21

Prayer: God may I be a vessel unto honour in your house now and forever.

There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Devotion for Friday June 15, 2018

Sing SS&S 601

Topic: There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Text: Luke 18:28 – 30                        

Most times, people assume that those who surrender their lives to Christ are at a loss because they will no longer “enjoy” the things of the world. This is a wrong notion. There is no loss in salvation or following Jesus. It was this notion that led Peter to ask Jesus what becomes their fate as His followers (Luke 18:28). The response of Jesus is in Luke 18:29 – 30. Jesus noted that those who had left all and followed Him are no losers; that is, in this world they shall receive manifold blessings in hundred-fold (Mark 10:30). Job lost all in order to prove to Satan about his faithfulness in serving God and at the end, God restored all he lost while he was still alive (Job 42:10) and I know that his faith will certainly take him to heaven. Is there any lesson for us here in this story of Job? Beloved, our God is faithful. 1Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” For this reason, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). People may have been taunting you concerning your faith in Christ Jesus and calling you names. Don’t mind them! There is a reward for you. The greatest reward we look forward to is the eternal life in the bliss of heaven. Are you looking forward to that city? Don’t allow the distractions of the world to keep you out of it.

Food for Thought: There is no loss for the sake of the gospel that is greater than the love God has for us.

Memory verse: Luke 18:30

Prayer: Lord God, as I have left all to follow you, may I not lose my reward in Jesus name.

Salvation Is Possible For All

Devotion for Thursday June 14, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 471

Topic: Salvation Is Possible For All

Text: Luke 18:18 – 27                         

This rich young man mentioned in our bible reading came to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus pointed out the significance of his use of the word “good” (Luke 18:19), stating that there is no one good. He sought for reassurance from Jesus; a way to ascertain that he had eternal life. He wanted Jesus to measure and grade his qualifications, or to give him some task he could do to be assured of his own immortality. So Jesus gave him a task, the one thing the rich man knew he could not do. The rich man’s problem was that he would not obey Jesus’ final command (Luke 18:22). His riches were only the surface problem; the real problem lay in the love he had for his wealth. This shows that riches are `not bad but love for it instead of God is the problem. “Then who in the world can be saved?” the bystanders asked. No one can be save, by his or her own achievements, was Jesus’ answer. “What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God.” Salvation cannot be earned—it is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-10). Have you doubted your salvation? Are you deep into sin and now you think your salvation is no more possible? God who offers us salvation is ever ready to save you and it is open to all who are willing to come to Him. All you need do is to pertinently come to Him and He will forgive you. Are you ready to do that today?

Food for Thought: Salvation cannot be earned—it is God’s gift

Memory verse: Luke 18:27

Prayer: Father, help me to sustain my salvation and not to lose it.

Love, The Greatest Gift

Devotion for Wednesday June 13, 2018

Sing SS&S 1155; Abu 279

Topic: Love, The Greatest Gift 

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – 13

Paul mentioned three virtues that distinguish us as true Christians. They are faith, hope and love but love is the greatest among them. He concludes his teaching that love is the greatest gift that distinguishes us a true Christians. Love is the greatest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. Seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have hold of those promises, to what purpose would we have faith and hope again when the end comes? That was the argument of Paul. Only a true Christian experiences these three things; for without Christ we would have only unbelief, despair, and hatred. Faith is directed toward God; hope is for our benefit; and love flows first to God and then to our neighbours. Love is the greatest of all these because it sums up or includes both faith and hope. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. Do you really love God and others? What are the evidences?

Food for Thought: Do you know what true love means?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10:13

Prayer: Help me to love as you love O Lord my God in Jesus name.

Love Never Fails

Devotion for Tuesday June 12, 2018

Sing SS&S 648; Abu 40

Topic: Love Never Fails

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8 – 10

Paul expresses the value of love which he said can never be obsolete; it will always have its place. All the spiritual gifts will eventually disappear, but love will last forever. On this earth, outside of heaven, everything is imperfect. No matter how much people may know, they know only a little. No matter how much prophecy is given, it still reveals little. Not until the arrival of God’s Kingdom (the end), will everything be made perfect and complete. At that time, all the special gifts of the Spirit will disappear. Because gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ, they will no longer be needed. The body will be complete, and God’s Kingdom would have arrived. Yet love will continue (1 Corinthians 13:8), because love is the very essence of God. “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). God’s love caused Him to reach out to undeserving humanity and send a Saviour. His love saved us and will bring us into His Kingdom to be with Him forever. The Kingdom rests on God’s love. On the other hand, works of love never die too. They outlive us. Love is the gift and virtue that can accompany us to heaven because that is the essence of life of Christianity. The first fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in Galatians 5:22 is love. It shows how important love is in our lives as Christians. Do you actually love God and man? Note that without genuine love for God and man, you are deficient in your character as a Christian. 

Action: As you go out today, use every opportunity you have to show love to someone.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10

Prayer: Lord God, help me to love you and my neighbours as I ought to in Jesus name.

Don’t Postpone Your Salvation

Devotion for Saturday June 9, 2018

Sing SS&S 1165; Abu 263

Topic: Don’t Postpone Your Salvation

Text: Matthew 8:18 – 22

The scribe mentioned in Matthew 8:19 was too hasty in promising to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Unfortunately many resolutions for Christ like this are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration and its consequences. They eventually come to nothing at the end. His resolve seems to have been from a worldly, covetous principle; but Christ had not a place to lay His head on, and if he follows him, he must not expect anything better than what Christ had. The other person volunteered to follow Christ only after he had buried the father, Jesus requested that he shouldn’t postpone his salvation. Delay in doing the will of God is as bad on the one hand, as hastiness in resolving is on the other. He asked for leave to attend his father to his grave, and then he would be at Christ's service. This seemed reasonable, yet it was not right. He had not true zeal for the work. This is how some people keep postponing their salvation. I will repent after New Year. I will repent after graduation, etc. Why postpone your salvation. The Bible warns us that now is the time of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). A young man went to a crusade with his girlfriend. After hearing the word of God, had wanted to give his life to Christ but his girlfriend stood against that decision. They left the crusade ground and as they were crossing the road, a vehicle knocked down the man and he died on the spot. He could no longer repent again. Beloved, don’t postpone your salvation. Repent now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: Have you actually repented? If not, do it right now.

Memory verse: Matthew 8:21

Prayer: O Lord, may I not postpone any act that will make me part of your kingdom at the end of my life here on earth in Jesus name. Amen

Let Your Light Shine

Devotion for Friday June 8, 2018

Sing SS&S 1138; Abu 240

Topic: Let Your Light Shine

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8

A true Christian is a light to the world. In the Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptized will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be. In Matthew 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and give to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this? In our text, the prophet calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (v2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, He will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2). For us Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Memory verse: Isaiah 60:1

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name. Amen