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 

God Uses Common Things

Devotion for Thursday June 7, 2018

Sing A&M 181

Topic: God Uses Common Things

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:17 – 31                   

God’s wisdom in dealing with Man is unfathomable. It is really beyond human understanding. How can He choose the manger for the birth of His son? How can he choose fishermen to become bearers of His gospel? Why did He wait for Sarah to reach 90 years before blessing her with a child when her mates were already great grandmothers? Indeed God chooses the foolish things to shame our assumed wisdom because of what is stated in 1 Corinthians 1:19 and 29. See other reasons in Job 5:12-13; Isaiah 29:14; 55:8 & 9. Paul declared that no amount of human knowledge can replace or bypass Christ’s work on the cross. If it could, Christ would have been accessible only to the intellectually gifted and well educated and not to ordinary people or to children. Hence God’s wisdom of salvation far supersedes all other wisdom. Brethren, it is for this reason He chose you as a Christian. Come to think of it; it was not your knowledge, family background, wisdom, beauty, intellect or ability that made God chose you to become a Christian. Some of us have no educational qualification to interpret the bible but God uses our mouth effectively to communicate the gospel and turn hearts unto repentance. Therefore, we should glory in what God made us and not what we think we have achieved by human wisdom. Let all glory be ascribed unto God alone (1 Corinthians 1:30, 31).

Food for Thought: James 2:5           Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1:27

Prayer: Lord, thank you for choosing me as your own. Help me to live my life in gratitude and praise unto you alone in Jesus name. Amen

Is Your Marriage Honourable?

Devotion for Wednesday June 6, 2018

Sing A&M 463; Abu 132

Topic: Is Your Marriage Honourable?         

Text: Hebrew 13:4  

The first 3 verses of this chapter stipulate what the social life and responsibilities of Christians should be. It went further to give command on private lives too (v4). Christian couples have the responsibility to give honour to their marriage, and remain faithful to one another in it due to the vows they made before God. This would include promises to continually love one another mutually, to remain faithful in thought, attitude, and action, and to support and provide for each other. Hebrews shows how best to do these – we should stay away from immoral behavior and adultery. Immorality and adultery have split marriages for thousands of years. God’s commands against immorality (given for people’s own good) have been in place for a very long time now (see Exodus 20:14, 17; Job 24:15-24; Proverbs 5:15-23). Christians are to maintain high standards (Matthew 5:27-28). Marriage being honourable means being right, proper, and for ministers of the gospel as well as others. As marriage is God's institution for the happiness of man and the prevention of fornication and other abominable vices, he who forbids or discourages it increases the temptations to fornication, and exposes himself to the just indignation of God. Hebrews makes the point that even if no consequences are seen right away, promiscuous people will incur God’s wrath and He will surely judge them.

Food for Thought: How faithful are you in your marriage?

Memory verse: 13:4

Prayer: Pray for all couples that they will remain faithful in their marriages especially those whose marriages are having problems.

The Assurance Of Salvation

Devotion for Tuesday June 5, 2018

Sing SS&S 873

Topic: The Assurance Of Salvation

Text: 1 John 5: 1 – 5 

From our bible reading, we can understand that John had a challenge that some Christians sometimes doubt their salvation and he decided to address the problem in this epistle. This is very true among Christians. Some have opened up to confess it to me. Do you sometimes doubt your salvation? Then the explanations here are important to you. John teaches how to know if they are truly saved or not. That is the assurance/evidence of our salvation. Read this passage again and again to gain the needed assurance. John also reviewed Jesus’ mission to this earth and in dying for our sins from 1 John 5:6ff. He wrote this letter to reassure Christians of their faith, as some false teachers had given them cause to doubt the security of their salvation.  For us to know that we have eternal life, John tells us: trust in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). Jesus is God’s own Son, the one who came as a human being, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again. His work alone gives Him the power and the right to forgive all who confess their sins to Him (1 John 1:9). Anyone who believes in Christ has eternal life (see John 3:16). The next time you feel insecure about your salvation, reaffirm your trust in Christ. It is good to reaffirm our faith on daily basis by confessing our baptismal creed. Then you can know you have eternal life.

Food for Thought: Do you still doubt your salvation? Then search yourself and go back to God in prayer.

Memory verse: 1 John 5:1

Prayer: God, strengthen my faith so that I will not doubt my salvation.

Righteousness Has Rewards

Devotion for Monday June 4, 2018

Sing SS&S 791; Abu 61

Topic: Righteousness Has Rewards 

Text: Proverbs 11:18 – 19 

In our text, we have reward for wickedness and righteousness. Wicked people do deceitful works. The works of the wicked work is like building houses upon the sand, which will deceive them when the storm comes. When the wicked is engaged in various acts of wickedness, it will seem as if it will ever remain the same, but Proverbs 11:19 have it that such person pursues evil to his death. Remember the case of Pharaoh and the Israelites. At the end, that same wickedness will cut his throat when it smiles upon him. He will finally say that sin deceived me, and by it slew me. However, it is not so with the righteous. The rewards of the righteous are many. People who live in righteousness lay up the best securities for themselves. He who sows righteousness, which is good, and continues in it, looking forward to heavenly reward shall surely have them (Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8 – 9; James 3:18). “As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death (Proverbs 11v19).” Righteousness can never disappoint us. Its rewards are numerous. Above all, it leads to life eternal which is the desire of every Christian. Psalm 1:1 – 6 gives us a clue into what the righteous man will gain here on earth and in the life to come. If you desire these rewards, then live righteously.

Action: Write down 10 rewards for righteousness in your notebook for future reference.

Memory verse: Proverbs 10:6 

Prayer: Lord, may I live my life in righteousness that I might receive its reward now and in eternity in Jesus name. Amen

Unlock Your Hidden Treasure

Devotion for Sunday June 3, 2018

Topic: Unlock Your Hidden Treasure        

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                                  

Every human being has hidden treasures waiting to be unlocked. They can only become real and useful to us when we take some actions. There are many ways to unlock our hidden treasures. Some of the ways are through revelation, challenges of life, reading of books and practices. I became an author through the revelation I received from reading of books from my mentor, Robin Sharma. Some of his books opened my eyes to the enormous gifts in me. Then I realised that I can do something with my life. Many of us today are yet to manifest our gifts because we are not aware of them. I pray that God will reveal them to you. You will not die without realising your gifts and using them for your generation in Jesus name.

Moses had a task of leading the people into the Promised Land but was denied the opportunity because of anger and disobedience. God saw the kind of obstinate and rebellious heart they displayed under Moses and assured Joshua that he will succeed in leading them into the Promised Land on the condition that he meditates on the word of God regularly. Joshua 1: 8b says, “For then” ... which means that the means of being inspired and to increase true courage, is daily attention to the principles and precepts of the Bible, so as to understand and obey them. For Joshua to discover his ability in leadership, he must as a matter of priority, read and meditate on the word of God to unlock that treasure in him.

Some of us have the treasure of becoming inventors, great athletes, great evangelists, pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc, but fear have hindered us from attaining such greatness. God has an assurance for you in Joshua 1:9. Shake off that fear, put on courage and certainly you will be at the top. See you there.

Sing the Hymn A&M 561; Abu 188

Food for Thought: Fear is the greatest obstacle to attaining our greatness in life. 

Memory verse: Joshua 1:8

Prayer: Lord God, remove every fear in me that is an obstacle to the manifestation of the gifts hidden in me in Jesus name. Amen

Devotion for Saturday June 2, 2018

Topic: God’s Pardon For Sinners

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28                           

Another word for pardon is amnesty which literally means prosecution free period for an offender. Our memory verse is similar to what we have in Isaiah 1:18. For it to be repeated by Isaiah, it shows how serious God is about it. In our bible passage, God showed the real condition between Him and Israel; they have not cared to call upon him (Isaiah 43:22), neither did they offer sacrifices to Him (Isaiah 43:23, 24). Despite all these, God out of His abundant mercies opted to grant them pardon and forgive them (Isaiah 43:25). God has extended this same pardon to us. This is an encouragement for us to repent, because there is forgiveness with God. God’s pardon for us is still there till date and till death. Just like the case of Boko Haram that rejected the amnesty offered by the Federal government which led the President and Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed forces to order full onslaught against them so will God unleash His anger on those who refuse to accept His pardon now. Have you accepted the offer from God or you have rejected it Now is the time you have to decide. The pardon God offers us ends at death. Once you die without accepting it, you will face persecution and judgment of God. Decide now on what to do for your own good. Sing SS&S 379; Abu 258

Food for Thought: “He that promised pardon on our repentance has not promised life till we repent” – Francis Quarles.

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:25

Prayer: God, help me to accept your pardon and forgiveness before it will be too late.