Jesus Has Risen From The Dead

Devotion for Sunday (Easter Day) April 1, 2018

Topic: Jesus Has Risen From The Dead

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10

Happy Easter to you! Today is Easter when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Severally, He foretold about this day (Matthew 12:40; 17:9, 23) outside the prediction of the prophets. Mary Magdalene and her colleagues came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:1) but they met an empty tomb. The message from the angel who announced the good news of the resurrection to the women centred on four areas: (1) Do not be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb that Jesus is alive and not in the grave. (2) He is not here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people. (3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the resurrection. It is also our responsibility to spread the great and good news about Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel is simple; Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you “telling” others about this good news? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mark 8:38).

Sing SS&S 152; Abu 50   

Food for Thought: If Jesus did not resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Memory verse: Matthew 28:7

Prayer: Lord God, may I never be ashamed of telling people about you.

Use Your Wealth Wisely

Devotion for Saturday March 31, 2018

Topic: Use Your Wealth Wisely

Text: Matthew 27: 57 – 66           

Joseph from Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin who became a disciple of Jesus. He was a member of the council of Jewish leaders. According to Luke, he was a good and just man, who never consented to their decision to kill Jesus. He was also waiting for the kingdom of God (Luke 23:50, 51). This was the man God used to give Jesus a befitting burial. Jesus acquaintances (Matthew 27:49) stood afar off; they had no money to bear the charge neither the courage to bury Him decently; but God raised one that had both. Joseph made himself available for God to use in the burial of Jesus Christ. If the known disciples were the ones that asked for His body, the Roman Soldiers would have turned down the request. God is wisdom and He does His things wisely. Despite his riches, he was humble enough to serve God. The reason he went and asked for the body of Jesus was because he wants to bury it honourably otherwise, by the Jewish customs; He would have either been burned, or buried in the common place appointed for executed criminals. To others how do you use your wealth? Is it for the good of humanity or to the glory of God? What areas do you channel your riches – to intimidate neighbours, to abuse people or to help the needy and humanity? Joseph of Arimathea showed he loved God. What about you? Sing A&M 210; Abu 34

Food for Thought: “He that will not permit his wealth to do any good to others while he is living prevents it from doing good to himself when he is dead” – Colton.

Memory verse: Matthew 27:58

Prayer: Lord, grant me the right understand of the essence of wealth and talent you have bestowed on me so I can use them wisely.

At Calvary, They Crucified Jesus

Devotion for Good Friday March 30, 2018

Topic: At Calvary, They Crucified Jesus

Text: Luke 23:32 – 49  

Luke called the place where Jesus was crucified, Calvary while the other three evangelists called it, Place of Skull or Golgotha in Hebrew (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22 & John 19:17). Calvary is a hill just outside the city walls of Jerusalem where the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place. The choice of Calvary was for a purpose. The Chief Priest and Romans soldiers choose the place which was conspicuous so as to make mockery of Jesus but they never knew it was symbolic. See Hebrews 13:11, 12 and compare it with these passages Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 4:11 – 12, 21; 6:30; 9:11; 16:27; Numbers 19:3. He was crucified there because bearing the sins of the world just like the lamb in the Old Testament bearing sin is burnt outside the camp. To show what He came to do at Calvary, the first thing was to plea for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. He died to purchase our forgiveness. He also pardoned one of the criminals right there at Calvary. This shows that true repentance is never late. But we should not procrastinate about it because we may not have the grace this criminal enjoyed. As the soldiers taunted Him, He was humble and didn’t retaliate (1 Pet 2:21 – 24). His death was recorded in Luke 23:46 while the reaction of the Centurion to His death is in Luke 23:47. Having died for us, we should seek to glorify God with true repentance and conversion; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.

Sing SS&S 621; Abu 35

Food for Thought: Christ became accursed for us upon the cross. What have you done to reciprocate this sacrifice?

Memory verse: Luke 23:33

Prayer: God, grant that this ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for me will not be in vain.

Do As I Have Done To You

Devotion for Maundy Thursday March 29, 2018

Topic: Do As I Have Done To You  

Text: John 13:1 – 17  

Feet were usually washed before the meal but Jesus waited until during the supper (John 13:2) to make the act of feet washing stand out and to be noted. He took the role of a servant without losing anything (John 13:3). The purpose of this action was to fix in their minds the nature of true greatness. This could be traced to the event in Luke 22:24 – 30 when the disciples were in dispute over who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus had taught them that greatness in the kingdom comes through serving others (Matthew 20:26-27), but they had not learned the lesson. Thus, He gave them this unforgettable illustration. According to Brunner, “When a man turns to God desiring to serve Him, God directs his attention to the world and its need.” Have you realised this truth? At first Peter refused to allow Jesus wash his feet (John 13:6 - 11), which pointed toward Jesus’ cleansing work on the cross. But when Peter saw that this foot washing was symbolic of cleansing from sin, he requested to be washed from head to foot. He misunderstood Jesus the Messiah’s servant role and therefore his own role as disciple. In John 13:10 Jesus came back to the literal point. The spiritual point had already been understood. They were already clean. Jesus was also showing His disciples what it meant to serve and what it meant to be great in the kingdom of God. His challenge in John 13:15 is for us today. Are you serving God in others? Sing A&M 108; Abu 31

Food for Thought: “When a man turns to God desiring to serve Him, God directs his attention to the world and its need” – Brunner.

Memory verse: John 13:15

Prayer: God teach me humility and service for humanity in Jesus name.

A Betraying Kiss – Wednesday in Holy Week

Devotion for Wednesday In Holy Week March 28, 2018

Topic: A Betraying Kiss – Wednesday in Holy Week

Text: Matthew 26:47 – 68

Naturally, kiss is an expression of love (affection) or greeting. One would easily think that the kiss Judas gave to Jesus was expression of affection or greeting judging from the definition of kiss but his was a different type of kiss – a betraying kiss. Such a traitorous kiss shows the level of deceit by Judas under the guise of friendship. That was pretence at the highest level where Judas called Jesus Rabbi while he had already betrayed Him. This is similar to what happened between Joab and Amasa in 2 Samuel 10:9, 10. 

Treachery is sin and has its punishment. Though Judas aided the fulfillment of the scripture by betraying his Master, he had his reward (Matthew 26:24) for making himself a tool in the hands of Satan. There are many ways we betray Jesus too. Judas did his with a kiss. Some of us do ours with lies, denial, negligence, abuse of Christian faith and many more of such shameful acts. Some of us betray Jesus due to pressures from peer group, friends, colleagues and needs. Betraying our Master is sin. 

As Christians, we must be careful in choosing our friends because it is easier for a friend to betray you than an enemy. Judas was a ready tool in the hands of the Chief Priest because he was an insider in the ministry of Jesus. It is my prayer that God will not allow you to have friends that will betray you in Jesus name. 

Sing A&M 94; Abu 171    

Action: Write down some of the ways people betray one another so as to guide you from becoming a victim.

Memory verse: Matthew 26:49

Prayer: Ask God to forgive you in any way you have betrayed Him.

Improper Self-Confidence

Devotion for Tuesday In Holy Week March 27, 2018

Topic: Improper Self-Confidence  

Text: Matthew 26:31 – 46      

Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall off from the glory of God. We all are prone to be over-confident. The reason is what John said in 1 John 4:4. Satan is active, striving to lead us astray and sometimes God leaves us to ourselves, so as to humble us. This over-confidence is the reason Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12. Jesus predicted that His disciples will desert Him (Matthew 26:31). Peter as usual was quick to react that even though others were made to stumble but not him (Matthew 26:33). Self-confident indeed! Then Jesus told him how he will deny Him (Matthew 26:34). These revelations were to caution him and lead him into prayers but he didn’t do that because he was overconfident of himself. This is how some of us behave. Don’t think that you are too spiritual to backslide in faith. If Satan can tempt Jesus, who are you that he cannot tempt? Jesus expected His disciples to pray after the warning when He took them to Gethsemane but they didn’t pray. Rather they slept off. The warning was meant to challenge them into serious prayers for themselves and their Master but it wasn’t so. How seriously do we take cautions from the bible? We shouldn’t take cautions lightly rather we should be very careful and watchful.

Sing A&M 353; SS&S 844; Abu 201

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:12    

Memory verse: Matthew 26:31

Prayer: God, may I not be over confident and neglect your warning in Jesus name.

Give Jesus Christ The Best

Devotion for Monday In Holy Week March 26, 2018

Topic: Give Jesus Christ The Best             

Text: Mark 14:1 – 9                    

It takes someone who knows the value of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity on the Cross of Calvary to give Him something freely and willingly. For example, most people who are faithful in their tithe and offering are people who have received the touch of God. Jesus first poured out Himself for mankind without reservations. It was a willingly offer made to save mankind (John 10:15, 17; 15:13 & Romans 5:7, 8). Mary had come to know Jesus Christ which made her to use a very costly oil to anoint Him. Jesus commended her pious offer to the notice of believers in all ages. Just that one offering immortalized her name. Jesus Christ will always honour those who honour Him (1 Samuel 2:30). He reprimanded the disciples, but comforted Mary. The expensive ointment poured on Jesus was a beautiful, acceptable, appealing act of love and sacrifice. Her act was a public declaration of her faith in Him as Messiah. Christ poured out His soul unto death for us, and shall we think anything too precious for Him? Do we give Him the precious ointment of our best affections by loving Him with all our hearts? At times, it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed but we should remember that charity to the poor will not excuse us from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ words were valuable lessons to Judas and the disciples that devotion to Christ is worth more than money. How devoted are you to God?

Let us sing from SS&S 621, Abu 35

Food for Thought: What can you offer to God that is equal to salvation He gave you?

Memory verse: Mark 14:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you to the extent of offering you the best thing I have in Jesus name.

Jesus Christ Moved The City

Devotion for Sunday Palm Sunday March 25, 2018

Topic: Jesus Christ Moved The City       

Text: Matthew 21:1 – 11 

After the birth of Jesus and the visit of the wise men from the east, the whole city of Jerusalem was “disturbed” (Matthew 2:3). Again, Jesus caused a great disturbance in the city of Jerusalem which gave rise to the question, “Who is this?” The reply to that question was “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” But Jesus is the prophet who was to come (Deuteronomy 18:15–18). No wonder the city was in an uproar! There was great excitement. The sight of such a multitude, the shouts of the people, and the triumphant procession through the city, excited much attention and inquiry to know who was being celebrated. As the procession descended from Mount Olives, it was in plain view of all Jerusalem, and its magnitude, shouts and songs excited the wonder of the whole city. By who is this, the questionnaire wanted to know the person worthy of such honour. By this event, Jesus boldly declared Himself King, and the crowd gladly acknowledged that and joined Him. When Jesus came into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who had waited for the consolation of Israel; others, of the sect of Pharisees, were moved with envy. Where do you belong in these two groups? Do you ask, who is Jesus, because you want to know Him or you want to ridicule Him like the Pharisees? Sing A&M 99, Abu 41  

Food for Thought: Why do seek to know Jesus – to ridicule Him or to serve Him as Lord and Saviour?

Memory verse: Matthew 21:10  

Prayer: Grant O God, that I will know Jesus in order to serve Him as my Lord and Saviour.

God Chose You For A Purpose

Devotion for Saturday March 24, 2018

Topic: God Chose You For A Purpose

Text: Ephesians 1: 3 – 6 

When we have spiritual and heavenly blessings, we cannot be miserable, and when we don’t have them, we will be so miserable. Paul told the Ephesians that the consequence of their election in Christ is that they should be made holy by separating from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, which is the reason God chose us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world.

He used the phrase “God chose us” to emphasize that salvation depends totally on God. We are not saved because we deserve it but because God is gracious and He freely gives salvation to as many as come to Him in true repentance. We did not influence God’s decision to save us; He saved us according to His plan. Thus, there is no way to take credit for our salvation or to allow room for pride. God chose us, and when we belong to Him through Jesus Christ, God looks at us as if we had never sinned. All we can do about our salvation is to express our thanks for His wonderful love for us.

Have you ever wondered why God chose you as Christian despite your past and family background? Have you ever wondered why you are in that position where you are today? It is not just your hard work but by His love and grace for you. Therefore, you have to be grateful that God chose you and favoured you just because He loves you. We should reciprocate His love for us by loving, worshipping and serving Him and humanity in thankfulness for such a privileged status.

Sing A&M 193; SS&S 227; Abu 182  

Food for Thought: Are you living out the reason God choose you?

Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Prayer: God, as you have chosen me, may I live a life of gratitude in love and holiness in Jesus name.

Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Devotion for Friday March 23, 2018

Topic: Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14                

Moses took only 14 verses in this chapter to explain obedience which is a secret to abundance (blessings) life and used the remaining 54 verses of this chapter to speak about disobedience and its consequences (curses). Why did he spend so much time talking about disobedience? He did that because human nature is always inclined to sin and disobedience. 

Moses was emphatic that obedience is the very key (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2) to assessing the numerous blessing mentioned in Deuteronomy 28: 3 – 14. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. God requires them live righteously in their families and nation at large, and then by God’s providence all their outward concerns would prosper. This is God’s assurance of His blessing upon His people. Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after them, and shall be thrown into their laps by God’s special kindness because they are His people who obey His voice. 

Naturally, there is the tendency to bless those who obey us and this is same with God. How obedient are you to God’s commandments? Do you make light of them? Remember that just as the whole destiny of Israelites was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary, so it has been laid out for us. Make the right choice now. 

Sing SS&S 493; Abu 175

Food for Thought: Only he who believes is obedient and only he, who is obedient, believes.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 28:2

Prayer: God, I need the grace to obey your commandments which is a prerequisite for abundant blessing in Jesus name.

Action Generates Abundance

Devotion for Thursday March 22, 2018

Topic: Action Generates Abundance

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 17                           

God instructed Isaac to stay in the land of the Philistines instead of going down to Egypt as his father Abraham did (Genesis 26:2 – 4). Isaac obeyed and dwelt in Gerar (Genesis 26:6). God told him to stay and he took action to ensure that he walks in line with all the promises God made to him. He sowed and the reward was outstanding (Genesis 26:12). The description of the reward Isaac received is challenging (Genesis 26:13) – “The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.” It was the action taken by Isaac that God required to bless him. God indeed blessed him which made the Philistines to start envying him. You need to enter into an action God needs to bless you so that it will make your enemies to start envying you in Jesus name. Beloved, if you desire to live in abundance, you need to take a step and action that God requires to bless you. God gave Israelites manna in the wilderness but He did not throw it into their tents. They went out for the manna. You need to take action today. Don’t fold your hands and keep waiting for the promised blessing. Isaac didn’t start sleeping and praying for blessings rather he took action. Today some Christians are lazy. They prefer to stay at home believing and claiming all the promises of God without a corresponding action. The action you will take now will determine what you will become or the kind of abundance that will attend your way this year and beyond. 

Sing A&M 483

Food for Thought: “Great ideas means nothing without world-class willpower to get the big ideas done” – Robin Sharma.  

Memory verse: Genesis 22:12

Prayer: Lord, lead me into what I will do so that your promised blessing will begin to manifest in my life and family in Jesus name. 

Arise, O Lord!

Devotion for Wednesday March 21, 2018

Topic: Arise, O Lord!

Text: Psalm 10:12 – 18

God is perfectly knows the words and works of both the righteous and the wicked, and in due time will appear and render to all according to their words and works. Here the Psalmist speaks with astonishment, at the wickedness of the wicked, and at the patience and forbearance of God. “Arise, O Lord, O God, lift up your hand” is a call for vindication and deliverance. 

The Psalmist might have suffered so much wickedness from people and it seems his prayers/appeal for help didn’t come. The poor, afflicted, persecuted, or tempted believer should understand that Satan is the prince of this world, and that he is the father of all the ungodly. The children of God cannot expect kindness, truth, or justice from a person. The Psalmist prayed that God should punish the wicked for their wickedness (v15) and then expressed his confidence in the abilities of God to hear the prayers of the humble and to do justice for the oppressed so that the oppressors will no longer oppress (v16 – 18). 

Are you currently under oppression of the wicked? Call on God to arise so that your enemies and His enemies will scatter. He may seem to be delaying but surely His hands will be lifted against them for His namesake and for your faith and confidence in Him. Trust Him to lift up those hands soon and very soon even as you go out today in your favour. 

Sing: Arise O Lord, let your enemies be scattered (3x) 

O Lord, my God, Arise

Food for Thought: Micah 5:9                     

Memory verse: Psalm 10 v 12

Prayer: Lord, lift your hands up against my enemies and turn their hearts to know and fear you in Jesus name.

Why Are You Far From Me, O Lord?

Devotion for Tuesday March 20, 2018

Topic: Why Are You Far From Me, O Lord?

Text: Psalm 10:1 – 11; Sing A&M 352

When God withdraws His grace from us, especially in times when we are in trouble, it is usually very severe. Most times, we stand very far from God by our unbelief, fear and other ways and then complain that God is far from us. The picture represented in our text shows God as standing at some distance, seeing the oppression of His people, and yet apparently unconcerned about it. The Psalmist went further to complain about wicked people (Psalm 10:2 – 11). The sinner proudly glories in his power and success. They do not call upon God nor seek His guidance (Psalm 10:4).

Our perception about God is that as soon as we enter into affliction, we expect Him to help us, but that is not always His due time. Sometimes when He has not acted, we like the Psalmist here will start querying God for being far from us and inconsiderate. We begin to give reasons why God should act. It is not always so. God has His timing for everything. He does not respond to our call because our tears are much or severity of our problem. Isaiah 59:1, 2 give us insight into why sometimes it will look as if God is standing far from us. However, God’s concern for us far outweighs all our worries and cares.

We should not just assume that He is far from us. We should go to Him and ask and He will certainly answer us. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles and not complaining or querying God.

Food for Thought: Beloved, is it not you that is far from God with your unbelief?

Memory verse: Psalm 10:1

Prayer: God draw me closer to yourself so that I will not have reason to accuse you of being far from me.

Trust In Him Always

Devotion for Monday March 19, 2018

Topic: Trust In Him Always

Text: Psalm 62:8 – 12 

There are times we falter in faith despite the level of our knowledge of God and spirituality. It happened to Abraham when he harkened to the voice of his wife by going into her maid. It also happened to John the Baptist while he was in prison. He sent message to confirm from Jesus Christ if He was the Messiah or not (Matthew 11:2 – 6) despite revealing to his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:29 – 36). This has happened to some other men and women of God as we have then all over the scriptures. 

Life usually presents its curves, bumps and pot holes on our life’s journeys. It doesn’t spare anyone though the spate and degree varies. All these are aimed at slowing us down or divert our faith and at times we begin to doubt God and His faithfulness. In our bible reading of the day, the Psalmist who had experienced God’s faithfulness urges us to trust God for some reasons. He is our refuge (v8, see Psalm 18:2), all power belongs to Him (v11, see Revelation 19:1) and He is merciful (v12, see Psalm 103:8). Thus we should trust Him to guide us when we are in doubt, to protect us when we are in danger, to supply all we need when in want and to strengthen us for every good word, and work. We should trust when we can see, as well as when we are utterly in the dark. 

As you go out today, trust God to meet that pressing need of yours. Trust him to bring more customers to your business and to grant you favour as you go for that contract and business opportunities. Also trust Him to grant you peaceful working environment with that your froward boss. The Lord, be with you!

Sing SS&S 804; Abu 238

Food for thought: Proverbs 3:5, 6          

Memory verse: Psalm 62:8

Prayer: Lord, grant me stronger faith to trust you always as I go through curves of life in Jesus name.

There Is Always A Reward For Righteousness

Devotion for Sunday March 18, 2018

Topic: There Is Always A Reward For Righteousness      

Text: Psalm 1:1 – 3  

When parents are happy with their children for obeying and carrying out instructions they reward them sometimes. In like manner God is always happy when we obey His commands and He blesses us. When He told Abraham to go and sacrifice his son Isaac and he obeyed, the response of God is in Genesis 22:15 – 18. We have in this psalm a reward for doing what God wants us to do. The theme of this psalm is the permanent prosperity and happiness of the righteous, and the certain destruction of the wicked. The reward for doing what God wants is being blessed which the Psalmist likened to a tree planted by the riverside. The key to doing what God wants is to know what He wants and such knowledge come through meditating on His word constantly. If we so desire to be blessed by God, we must have regard for His word, as the rule of our actions, and the spring of our comforts; and have it in our thoughts night and day. The righteous man takes counsel from God. This is very important for all that desire to please God. How do you take the word of God? What amount of time do you give to reading, study and meditation on it? That is the key to the breakthrough you desire always. 

Sing A&M 305; Abu 221

Food for Thought: The frequency and earnestness in meditating on God’s word is what ensures our growth and bring blessings upon us

Memory verse: Psalm 1:3

Prayer: Help me O Lord to earnestly and frequently meditate on your word to guarantee my blessings in Jesus name.

When God Has Something For You

Devotion for Saturday March 17, 2018

Topic: When God Has Something For You

Text: Genesis 12:1 – 3                                

There are processes we undergo in life. No one gets all the blessings of life in a place. This is true in all our lives endeavours. God has reasons for doing everything or issuing any instruction to us. This is so because He knows the future and will not want us to distort our relationship with Him again after we have repented. Our bible reading for the day has God’s call on Abraham. He was instructed to leave his home, his kindred to an unknown place. The reason for this instruction was for him to be in a place where He will make a change in his life and faith.

In Genesis 12:4, he did and the changes started. God gave him a new name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham – father of multitude (Genesis 17:5), Sera to Sarah for his wife (17:6) and many others blessings that followed. Maybe these changes would have been hard for Abraham if he had remained in his birthplace. They would have ridiculed him and that was the reason God demanded that he moves to another place. There was the need to move just as we saw yesterday. It was not easy for him. He had many obstacles and oppositions but God used all to bring change in his life and posterity.

Beloved, most things we pass through in life are meant to lead us to something better in life. Joseph went through slavery to become what God spoke to him at very tender age. David had to go on exile before he ascended the throne God anointed him earlier. Hannah went through a process before she got a special child; same way for Zachariah and Elizabeth. What are you going through now that seems to have taken a lot from you? Surely it is meant to lead you into something bigger that God has in stock for you. 

Sing A&M 330; Abu 112

Food for Thought: There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Memory verse: Genesis 12:1

Prayer: God, grant that as you take me through the process of life, may it bring change that will bring me into your kingdom in Jesus name.

Move On To Actualize Your Dream

Devotion for Friday March 16, 2018

Topic: Move On To Actualize Your Dream

Text: Deuteronomy 1:1 – 8                 

The first part of Moses' farewell sermon to Israel begins with this chapter, and is continued to the latter end of the fourth chapter. Moses began his admonition (v5) by reminding them of God’s promises concerning Canaan (v 6 – 8). The people of Israel spent about a year on mount Horeb, the mountain that burned with fire (compare Hebrew 11:18). There God spoke to Moses that the people have stayed so much and should move on. They seem to be comfortable at that mountain but God told them to leave that comfort zone. No one can achieve much when he/she is in the comfort zone. You need to move out of your comfort zone to improve yourself, take more challenges and attain a new height.

Many of us are stagnant in our faith and spiritual lives. Some are comfortable being in the church without any commitment attached to it in terms of winning souls for Christ. Are you satisfied with what you are now? Are there no rooms for improvement in your life and career? If there are, then you should move on. Don’t sit in a place because of troubles of life that seem to have brought you to a standstill. It is time to move on. Are you mourning loss of a friend, a spouse, a parent, a benefactor or a child? It is time to move on. Dust yourself for there are better things ahead as there was Promised Land ahead of the Israelites. Sing A&M 331; Abu 109

Food for Thought: No one ever achieved much in a comfort zone.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 1:7

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me to move in life not minding the troubles and challenges that have come my way in Jesus name.

Excuses Don’t Move God

Devotion for Thursday March 15, 2018

Topic: Excuses Don’t Move God

Text: Exodus 3:7 – 15                                 

Don’t you just hate it when people make excuses? Most of us do. Excuses mean that somebody is trying to avoid responsibility, some job or task that rightly belongs to that person but which he or she considers too inconvenient to do. On the surface the excuse may look right, but closer examination can reveal major flaws in the argument just as we have in the case of Moses in today’s bible reading.

Moses made excuses because he felt inadequate for the job that God asked him to do (Exodus 3:10ff). It was natural for him to feel that way, because he was inadequate all by himself. But God wasn’t asking Moses to work alone. He offered other resources to help (God himself, Aaron, and the ability to do miracles). God often calls us to perform tasks that seem too difficult, but He doesn’t ask us to do them alone. God offers us His resources, just as He did to Moses.

We should not hide behind our inadequacies, as Moses did, but look beyond ourselves to God’s great available resources. Then we can allow him to empower our unique contributions. What has God asked you to do? What excuses are you using to avoid this responsibility and work? Obey God by stepping out in faith. He will give you the resources to do His work.

Sing SS&S 601

Food for Thought: Do you hide behind your inadequacies to give excuses on why you shouldn’t do what God is asking you to do?

Memory verse: Exodus 3:11

Prayer: My God, make my inadequacies adequate for your services in Jesus name. Amen.

Understand When God Is Luring You

Devotion for Wednesday March 14, 2018

Topic: Understand When God Is Luring You

Text: Exodus 3:1 – 6    

That God speaks to us is not in doubt. He loves us and will want to speak to us always but many of us do not take note when He is luring us to a place He can speak with us. Lovers don’t talk in the public. They go to secluded place to talk. That is how God wants to relate with us. Unfortunately, we are always too busy to listen or understand when He is inviting us.

Often times He speaks in a low small voice. If He has a special message for us and He feels we are not showing any interest, He will come in a way that we can’t resist Him just as we have in our text today. God loves to see us employed and doing something. Far above that, He loves to come to us when we are in a lonely place outside the bustles and hustles of life. It was in such serene atmosphere that God appear to Moses in a burning bush to speak with him. Moses opted to turn aside to see such amazing sight (Exodus 3:4). His decision to turn aside made God to call him.

Today, we live in a world of uncertainties and perplexity. We are confronted on daily basis with so many issues begging for an answer. We often shout out, God why, where are you? In our world of today, people no longer make time for God to speak to them. Thus we have confusion upon confusion. Again there are things God wants us to do for Him especially in preaching and healing of the sick. He can only send us when we turn aside to hear from Him. You can turn aside in your personal devotion, retreat, fasting and prayer. How devoted are you to these acts? Always make time to hear from God.

Sing A&M 533; Abu 196

Food for Thought: God speaks to us in lonely places and not in hustles and bustles of life. 

Memory verse: Exodus 3:3

Prayer: My father in heaven, help me to understand when you want to speak to me so that I will not miss my fellowship with you.

Don’t Believe The Lies Of Satan

Devotion for Tuesday March 13, 2018

Topic: Don’t Believe The Lies Of Satan

Text: Genesis 3:1 – 7

In life, every one of us struggles with temptation on daily basis. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because of Satan who come cunningly with words as we have in our topic is always after us. Temptation is Satan’s invitation to live his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin; soon after, Adam yielded to Satan’s tempting offer. So sin entered the world, and every person thereafter has been born a sinner. Today, Satan is busy trying to get us to give in to his temptations in various ways. Can you mention 5 ways he does it? Adam and Eve could have resisted temptation by recalling and standing on what God had commanded them. We must realize that being tempted is not sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation. 

To resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist (Matthew 6:13), (2) we must read our bible regularly (3) stand on God’s word about such situation (4) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong (James 4:7), and (5) run away from the temptation, sometimes literally (Genesis 39:12). James 1:12 tells us about the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted. We should determine to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. Resist Satan and his temptations, and live for God. Sing A&M 300

Food for Thought: Whom you obey is your master

Memory verse: Genesis 3:1

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to obey you always.

Forsake All And Follow Jesus

Devotion for Monday March 12, 2018

Topic: Forsake All And Follow Jesus

Text: Luke 14:25 – 35

Following Christ means being His disciple. It involves total submission to Him above all other things of great value or intimacy to us. It has its consequences and costs. It can involve pain, persecution, diverse temptations and trials, pain, losses, hatred among others. 

In our bible reading for the day, is one of the costs of being a disciple. Jesus said that anyone who wants to be His disciple should not love his or her family and life above Him. Have you forsaken all to follow Christ or you still have them as attachments to your body as you run this heavenly race? Jesus emphasized on the need for feasibility study of anything we want to undertake even repentance. He explained this by two similitude; the former showing that we must consider the expenses of our religion; the latter, that we must consider the perils of it. 

In considering the cost of being a disciple, we should note that it involves mortifying of sin, even the most beloved lusts. It involves self-denial and submitting to will of God no matter how painful it may be while at the same time denying your own will no matter how good they may be. Jesus summed up His teaching here by telling the disciples what they ought to be in the society. He likened them to salt which is very expedient seasoning in any food. This means that we should also act as seasoning to our generation. Are you a seasoning to your family and the society? 

Sing A&M 333; Abu 212

Food for Thought: Have you really forsaken all for Christ?  

Memory verse: Luke 14:26

Prayer: My father in heaven, remove whatever will endanger my relationship with you so I will be a faithful disciple in Jesus name. Amen

Move On, Don’t Procrastinate

Devotion for Sunday March 11, 2018

Topic: Move On, Don’t Procrastinate  

Text: Luke 15:17 – 21

It was Theodore Roosevelt who said that “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in a grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” This is one major problem of many people today. They fear to attempt or give a trial. For this reason, most people are unable to reach the summit of their career or achieve their life’s dream because they have chosen to glue them to a place or certain level of achievement that they find it difficult to progress further. What are the things holding you back from venturing? God is telling you today that you can and should go ahead. Don’t limit yourself. In our text is a well-known story of the Prodigal Son. He did not allow his sin against his father to hold him back from returning to him. He knew that going back to the father is the best opportunity left for him. Though he considered his sins, he decided to move ahead. At last he got a surprise of his life. Beloved, have you been held back by fear, sin or intimidation of the devil? Have you given up repentance because you feel that your sins are too much? Jesus came into this world because of sinners. Don’t be held back by your past. Forge ahead. I urge you to lose every chain that has hitherto held you back. Step out and surely you will step into your miracles of salvation, healing, deliverance and success.

Sing SS&S 804; Abu 238

Food for Thought: What are the things holding you back from moving ahead?

Memory verse: Luke 15:18

Prayer: Lord God, deliver me from anything that is holding me back from making progress in Jesus name. Amen

Don’t Be A Slave Of Sin

Devotion for Saturday March 10, 2018

Topic: Don’t Be A Slave Of Sin

Text: Romans 6:1 – 6                           

Holiness is a necessity in the life of Christians as Paul expresses in our Bible reading. He shows that justification and holiness are inseparable. He posted series of questions in Romans 6:1 – 3) stressing that Christians should abhor the thought of continuing in sin. In view of the foregoing truths (Romans 5) and especially the fact that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, shall we then continue to live in sin, that grace may the more abound? He also gave the answer as NO! Paul exhorts that as Christians who have received the sacrament of baptism, should walk in newness of life so as to be united with Christ in His resurrection (Romans 6:4 – 5). Baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Christians should know this fact that our old nature of sin has been crucified and what is crucified is dead. The reason for crucifying the old nature is to deliver us from being slaves of sin. It is one thing to sin, and another thing to serve sin: To serve sin is to yield willing obedience; to indulge ourselves in any presumptuous act or course of sin. It is prevalent of sin that destroys the sinner. Being in the flesh makes us to continue in sin and that displeases God. Are you still living in sin and serving it? The whole body of sin, whatever is not according to the holy law of God, must be done away with. Thus, we will no more be slaves of sin, but live to God, and find joy in His service.

Sing A&M 349; Abu 170

Food for Thought: Being a slave of sin makes our baptism irrelevant.

Memory verse: Romans 6:6

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a crucified life so I will no longer be a slave to sin.

Be A True Servant

Devotion for Friday March 9, 2018                 

Topic: Be A True Servant

Text: 1 Peter 2:18 – 25                          

Servants in the period Peter wrote this epistle were generally slaves, and had heathen masters, who often used them cruelly; yet he directs them to be subject to the masters placed over them by Providence, with a fear to dishonour or offend God; not only to those pleased with reasonable service, but to those that were severe, and those angry without cause. This may seem a hard teaching but that is what God requires of us. It is said that two wrongs cannot make a right. The sinful misconduct of someone in a relationship, does not justify sinful behaviour of the other person. For this reason, a servant is bound to his duty, though the master may be sinfully froward and perverse. Virtually all Christians are servants to God and in some other places, servants to men. We owe it a duty to serve God diligently whether it is convenient for us or not. Again, we have masters where we work. They may be froward (difficult to deal with) and at times make life miserable for us. However, no matter how difficult they may be to us we owe it a duty to serve well because our service is not only to our earthly masters but also to our God in heaven. Paul also gave similar advice in Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9. How faithfully and effectively are you serving as a civil servant, public servants, apprentice, a maid, nanny or house help and shopkeeper or in your profession? God demands absolute obedience and nothing less.

Sing A&M 308; Abu 226

Food for Thought: Loyalty and perseverance even in the face of unjust treatment singles us out as true Christians.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:18 

Prayer: Lord God, make me a faithful and obedient servant in the place I work in Jesus name.

Be A True Citizen

Devotion for Thursday March 8, 2018

Topic: Be A True Citizen

Text: 1 Peter 2:13 – 17                          

For the sake of peaceful coexistence and unity, there is always the need to have a government. Can you imagine what our society will look like if we don’t have government at all whether traditional or civil? 

To show what Christianity is all about, Peter urges us to live well among others especially unbelievers by submitting ourselves to ordinances of men for God sake 1 Peter 2:13. He asserts that Christian conducts must be honest through a just and careful discharge of all relative duties. He maintains that having regard to those duties is the will of God and consequently the Christians’ duty which will silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. He charged us to endeavour, in all relations, to behave rightly, that we do not make our liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness or for the neglect of duty; but we must remember that we are servants of God. 

Therefore, it is our duty to show respect to all people (1 Peter 2:17). According to Family Bible Notes, “True religion teaches us to conduct with propriety in all conditions and relations of life, and to exercise those feelings towards others which we ought to wish others to exercise towards us.” The exhortation of Peter in verse 17 is fundamental to our living in harmony and having a clear conscience towards people. It embodies the summary of the law (compare Mark 12:30, 31; Romans 13:9). 

Our duties consist in reverencing kings, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of our taxes, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Are you truly doing these?

Sing A&M 295; Abu 205

Food for Thought: Civil power is of God and thus we have duties to constituted authorities.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:17

Prayer: God, make me a faithful and true citizen in Jesus name. Amen\