You've Got My Back - Devotion for January 1, 2020

Devotion for Wednesday January 1, 2020

           

Topic: You’ve got My Back                     

Text: Matthew 28:16 – 20

We give all glory to God for making us part of this year 2020. 

Our text was the parting words of Jesus Christ with His disciples on the day of His ascension. He told them about the authorities bestowed upon Him through His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:18). 

He commissioned the Apostles and other disciples by extension to go forth among all nations. The salvation they were to preach is a common salvation; whoever will, let him come, and take the benefit; all people from every race are welcome to Christ Jesus (28:19, 20a). He concluded the commissioning with assurance that He is with them till the end of age.

Proper understanding this assurance is very necessary for us at the start of a new year like this. The year is filled with uncertainties. Some people are usually anxious at the beginning of the year because they have spent themselves up at the end of last year and are now faced with various responsibilities. Some are curious about their chances of survival in this New Year. 

However, we should approach each year with faith in God (Mark 11:22) and optimism bearing in mind this assurance that God is backing us. God has given us His words about the New Year here. 

All He requires of us is to trust Him and He will continue to lead (Proverbs 6:22), guide (Psalm 32: 8; Isaiah 58:11; John 16:13), guard (Isaiah 58:8), protect, defend (Psalm 5:11) and bless us this year. Welcome to 2020!

Food for Thought: "The Lord is my Shepherd," not was, not maybe, not will be.  "The Lord is my Shepherd"-is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and is in war; in abundance and in poverty. -Taylor

Memory verse: Matthew 28:20

Prayer: Almighty God, may your hands uphold me every hour and all days of this year. Be with me and bless me according to your promise

Sow Your Seed And Reap: Devotion for Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Devotion for Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Topic: Sow Your Seed And Reap               
Text: Genesis 26:12 – 14                         
The instruction God gave Isaac in 26:2, 3 was "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.”
Isaac obeyed and stayed in Gerar (26:6).
He didn’t just stay, waiting for fulfillment of God’s promise.
He sowed in the land where he was a stranger and God blessed him 100 times more than what he sowed.
The blessing attracted envy of his landlords the Philistines (26:7). They made Isaac go out of their country.
Wisdom teaches us to give up our right, and to draw back from contentions. If we are wrongfully driven from one place, the Lord will make room for us in another.
So it was in the case of Isaac.
One thing we should understand in this text is that Isaac didn’t wait for God’s blessings as promised to start manifesting.
He went ahead to do something for himself. It was what he was doing that God blessed and he prospered therein.
God has promised to bless us. But we still have a part to play in bringing the promises to fulfillment. We have to sow our seed. That seed maybe money, training, studies, investment and many other numerous ways.
When God provided manna, He kept them outside and not inside their tent. He could have sent them into their tents but not so because He wanted to teach them that they have a part to play in their blessings.
Again it was to test their obedience. Isaac obeyed God and stayed in Gerar when God blessed him and he prospered.
How obedient are you to God’s instructions?
Food for Thought: Obedience is the very key that opens the door of miracles, blessings and favour
Memory verse: Genesis 26:12
Prayer: Lord help me to obey your instructions and to sow my seed so you will use it to bless me.

They Believed God’s Word: Devotion for Monday August 26, 2019

Devotion for Monday August 26, 2019

Topic: They Believed God’s Word

Text: Exodus 4:31

Today’s text is contradictory to what we have in Exodus 6:6 – 9 as the Israelites did not heed to Moses. Here, they believed but when what they had expected didn’t come – the immediate release from bondage of Pharaoh and his men, they didn’t believe any longer. They had thought that their deliverance would have been so easy but it was not so. This is one of the many problems of men who come to Jesus Christ because they need a miracle; good job, spouse, healing, deliverance; fruit of the womb, prosperous business and breakthrough in all endeavours. When they come and didn’t receive what they had desired from God, they will easily give up.

The people of Israel believed the word of God through Moses and Aaron that God has appeared for them in mercy and was about to deliver them from bondage. God is better to us than our fears. We overcome difficulties in some of our duties when God appears for us. The yoke which appears to frustrate us will be easy and the burden which seems so heavy will be made light (Matthew 11:29 – 30).

The word of God is a source of encouragement. There is nothing that gives joy more than the word of God we hear. As we hear it, it brings comfort, gives directions, removes fear and grants us boldness (Joshua 1:8; Palm 1:1 – 3).

How do you take God’s word you hear? Do you believe it? It is the word of God we hear that will bring miracles and open doors for us. Constant meditation on the word of God will strengthen our faith to believe in God. Please make time to read and meditate on the word of God for that will give you the needed result in life.

Food for Thought: They believed because they saw. Is it same with you?

Memory verse: Exodus 4:31

Prayer: Lord God, help me to always meditate on your word so I can believe in Jesus name. 

Request Sinners Often Make: Devotion for Sunday August, 25, 2019

Devotion for Sunday August, 25, 2019

Topic: Request Sinners Often Make

Text: Exodus 8:25 – 32

Unbelievers use these words often and again, “Pray for me.” Most times, they say it casually but it shows two basic truths. First and foremost, it shows that they know that the life they are living is not according to the will of God and needed mercy. Again, it shows that they have acknowledged that you are a child of God who can intercede on their behalf.

King Jeroboam’s hand withered when he ordered the arrest of a man of God. Thereafter he said, “Please entreat the favour of the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand maybe restored to me” – 1 Kings 13:6b. The man of God did as requested and his hand was restored (1 Kings 13:6c). So of us present ministers will not even want that hand to be restored. However, we should realize that God is the person that fights our battle and vengeance belongs to Him alone.

Pharaoh hardened his heart by refusing to allow the Israelites to go and God dealt with him and his people. When he saw the outstretched arm of God, he asked Moses to intercede for him. This was similar to the case of Simon Magus, who, like Pharaoh, fearing the divine Judgement, begged for Peter’s prayers (Acts 8:24).

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Why will people deliberately sin and thereafter ask for prayers? If they actually know that what they are doing is evil, why do it? Can you give some reasons why people act that way? Write down your answers in your devotional notebook.

Do you deliberately commit fornication, steal tell lies, etc., and thereafter you begin to ask for prayers or begin to pray? Repent now because the judgement of God is at hand. Don’t think that the grace of God is eternity. Remember how Pharaoh eventually died with his men inside the Red Sea because of obstinacy. Therefore be warned!

Food for Thought: The knowledge of Divine Judgement coming upon all unrighteousness should make us live in awe of God.

Memory verse: Exodus 8:28

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to l need so that I will not deliberately sin against you.

Jairus Came To Jesus: Devotion for Saturday August 24, 2019

Devotion for Saturday August 24, 2019

Topic: Jairus Came To Jesus 

Text: Luke 8:40 – 42

Kings and Rulers hardly make out time to serve God. The most some of them can do is to send messenger to the Prophet or Servant of God. Maybe the case of his only daughter made Jairus to come to Jesus. If not that his daughter was dying, would Jairus have come to Jesus? Think about that? Some people are so self-centered that they only do good when it affects them.

When Jairus came to Jesus, he fell down at His feet. It may be an evidence of his faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ or maybe he believed Him to be God or hero worshipping because he wanted something from Him; the healing of his daughter. Whatever may be his reason, Jesus demonstrated His love and passion to save souls by going immediately with him. When he came to Jesus, He (Jesus) did not reject him or deny his request. Jesus exhibited great humility, suffering Himself to be thronged with much people who followed Him.

Why are you following Jesus? Why have you come to Jesus by becoming a Christian and being in the Church? Is it because you need healing, protection, a good spouse, deliverance, salvation, where to ease off tension after the weeks work, etc?

God knows our hearts; those who are sincere in coming to Him and those who are not. We should love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:9). Again, we should be ready to go to Christ when we are in distress because He is so ready hear and help us, if we seek Him in sincerity, though our faith maybe weak and feeble. Ask Him today and He will answer you.

Food for Thought: What motivates you to go to Christ? Is it because you love Christ?

Memory verse: Luke 8:41

Prayer: Lord, may I always come to you with sincere heart.

It Shall Be Well With You: Devotion for Friday August 23, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 23, 2019

Topic: It Shall Be Well With You 

Text: Isaiah 3:1 - 11

At times there is the need for re-assurance from God in the course of our heavenly race. Most people used by God in the scriptures at one time or the other cried out to God for re-assurance. When Jesus Christ was in agony and pain on the Cross of Calvary, He cried out (Mathew 25:46). David also did it as we can see in Psalm 22:1. Paul did same as we have in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Have you asked God for re-assurance once? Share your experience if you are studying as a group.

This encouragement for the righteous was aimed at making them to trust Him, and for sinners to repent and return to Him. This is so because it was time for the Lord to show His might (Isaiah 3:1 – 9). It is an assurance to the godly that God will defend them in the midst of these troubles. “It shall be well with the righteous,” is in all ramifications of life; prosperity, adversity, sickness, health, death, judgement, and through eternity. In every case, occurrence and circumstances, the righteous shall eat of the fruit of his labours.

Beloved in Christ, I bring you re-assurance again that despite the problems of sickness, delayed conception, getting a spouse; a job, admission, any many other human needs we might be facing at this moment, God is saying today that your righteous life is not in vain (Hebrews 6:10). There is a reward for you and you will certainly eat the fruits of your labours and righteousness. Read Psalm 1:1 – 3

Food for Thought: Ecclesiastics 8:12

Memory verse: Isaiah 3:10

Prayer: Lord God, as I follow your ways in righteousness, grant that it shall be well with me in all I do in Jesus name.

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Don’t Advertise Yourself: Devotion for Sunday August 18, 2019

Devotion for Sunday August 18, 2019

Topic: Don’t Advertise Yourself

Text: John 4:16 – 26

Some people are fond of telling others who they are by their words and actions. They will always want people to acknowledge them by introducing themselves even though the occasion does not demand or warrant such. This is common attitude of the Pharisees.

Such attitude is opposed to God, no wonder Jesus always rebuke them (Luke 11:39 – 44). Are you one of those who would always introduce yourself to people so as to be recognised? Know that unwarranted self introduction is an act of pride.

Jesus met this woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well and as their discussion ensued, the woman made the statement in John 4:19. She perceived that Jesus is a prophet from His manner and His knowledge of her of her history.

The word “prophet” here denotes one who knew her heart and life, and who must therefore have come from God. Every word that Jesus had uttered excited her to wonder more and more, and when He lifted the curtain off her life, she was convinced at once of Jesus superhuman knowledge. Jesus didn’t tell her He is a prophet rather it was through His word, the woman came to understand.

How do you present yourself to others? Do you allow people to discern that you are a child of God by your actions and words or you go about to announce and advertise that you are a child of God, a prophet, a demon bulldozer and in many other ways? Allow people to know you by the fruit you bear (see also Matthew 7:16 & 20)

Food for thought: “Those that are truly desirous to be owned and accepted by God will likewise desire not to be taken notice of nor applauded by men.” - Henry     

Memory Verse: John 4:19

Prayer: Grant me the spirit of humility, O Lord, that people will know me by the fruit I bear

Use Your Christianity to Break Barriers: Devotion for Saturday, August 17, 2013

Devotion for Saturday August 17, 2019

Topic: Use Your Christianity to Breaks Barriers

Text: John 4:4 – 15

The ancestors of the Samaritans were introduced into the land of Israel by the King of Assyria, after he had led the ten tribes into captivity (2 Kings 17:24 – 41). When the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon and began to rebuild their temple, the Samaritans asked for permission to build with them, and when this was refused, an enmity arose between the two people which never died out (Ezra 4:1 – 5; Nehemiah 2:10; 4:1 – 3).

There was no familiarity nor friendship between Jews and Samaritans before Jesus came into the world. However, this may not affect business as the disciples of Jesus Christ had gone to buy food in the town. This woman of Samaria knew that Jesus was a Jew. The antipathy between the Jews and Samaritans was so bitter that they will never want to ask any hospitable rite. The woman’s reply is not a refusal of the Jesus’ request anyway, but an expression of astonishment that a Jew should ask a favour of a Samaritan. However, Jesus had come to set example for us that Christianity should break barriers, build bridges and not walls.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:24; Luke 6:27 and 35). Jesus did not want to follow the status quo maintained by His people. He was distinct and that is what He expects from us. A Christian shouldn’t join his/her family to maintain enmity with another family.

Do you use your Christianity to break barriers and mend fences? Do you seek for avenues to reconcile people in enmity? This is what Christianity is all about; making peace and reconciling people, and people with God (2 Corinthians 5:17 – 19 and Matthew 5:9).

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:18

Memory verse: John 4:9

Prayer: Lord God, make me an instrument of peace in my generation in Jesus name.

The Vulnerability of Man: Devotion for Friday August 16, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 16, 2019

Topic: The Vulnerability of Man

Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23

In our bible reading yesterday, we read how Jesus Christ praised Peter for a divine inspiration he expressed when he answered His question.

In today’s bible reading, Peter in his impetus and impulsive manner came up again but this time, it was no praise for him but rebuke. This shows the vulnerability of man. We do similar things at times by acting according to our emotions which result to problems. When God inspires us to act or react, it can never result to problem.

The word Satan means literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs, dreams or goals. It is applied to the devil because he opposes us as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8).

There is no evidence that the Lord Jesus applied this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or that he used

the term in anger. Rather, He meant that Peter was trying to hinder the redemption of mankind by giving Jesus the advice that opposes his mission on earth.

We should note that Satan uses our closest allies, family members or best friends to tempt us. When they give us such advice, we should be careful or they will make us to lose our salvation. Jesus accused Peter of not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.

Beloved in Christ, are you vulnerable beyond control? Are you only mindful about the things of the flesh that you undermine the things of the spirit? Ask God to help you overcome your vulnerability.

Food for Thought: “You cannot run away from your weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or you perish” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Memory verse: Matthew 16:23

Prayer: Lord God, help e to deal with my weaknesses before they deny me entry into heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

Divine Inspiration: Devotion for Thursday August 15, 2019

Devotion for Thursday August 15, 2019

Topic: Divine Inspiration

Text: Matthew 16:13 – 20

If we must make wise decisions that will please God and affect humanity, we have to rely on divine inspiration. Solomon showed such inspiration in the historic judgement between the two harlots claiming a child (1 Kings 3:16ff).

It takes walking with God to have divine inspiration. If you are living in sin and disobeying God and His word, you cannot be inspired divinely. Sin drives the spirit of God from us and denies us blessings of His fellowship.

Peter is impetuous and impulsive in character. He is always at the forefront when questions are asked or actions needed which shows his faith. Jesus had asked the disciples a question to know what they think of Him (Matthew 16:15). Peter’s reply, expressed his faith. His confession was an inspiration from God because by then, Jesus had not been transfigured where the voice confirmed that He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:1 – 6).

The confession of Peter is the Christian confession and the foundation of the church, into which all saints are built as living stones of the temple (Matthew 16:17 – 19).

Have you sincerely made this confession that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the confession upon which our baptismal creed was made. If we are to rightly apprehend divine truth and absolutely regard it, we should allow God to give us inspiration.

We can get inspiration as we study the scriptures, and from direct teaching of God on our minds. How often do you draw inspiration from God by studying your bible? See Joshua 1:8

Food for Thought: “There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory verse: Matthew 16:16

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding always as I study your word and inspire me to live out all I read in Jesus name. 

Are You Prepared For Your Death? Devotion for Wednesday August 14, 2019

Devotion for Wednesday August 14, 2019

Topic: Are You Prepared For Your Death?

Text: Hebrew 9:27 – 28

The issue of death was decreed by God when Man fell off His glory. So death coming to Man is not a strange thing. Death is a passage to eternity.

Our place of eternity is determined by the way we live our lives on earth before we die. Jesus taught that there is eternity which comprises of eternal life or eternal condemnation (John 5:27 – 29).  At death, every man’s final state is determined.

The fixed order for all men is to die once, and to be judged after death. When they die, finality is tamped on their work on earth. The death is the result of this appointment (Genesis 3:9). The cause of the appointment is sin (Romans 6:23) and the appointment with death is for all men whether godly or ungodly.

How are you preparing for your death? Robin Sharma said in his book, WHO WILL CRY WHEN YOU DIE that if someone desire to live well, he should often organize his funeral. Robin Sharma’s idea will certainly help us to number our days and live well as the Psalmist asserted in Psalm 90:12. Do you live your life as if death and judgement will never come? Do you oppress people because you feel they are inconsequential?

The judgement awaiting us after death will be based on the way we live our lives here on earth (John 5:29). There is need to prepare yourself for death on daily basis because it can come at any time and any age. Start the preparation now because it will determine where you will spend your eternity.

Food for Thought: “Death to the Christian is the funeral of all his sorrows and evils and the resurrection of all his joys” – John H. Aughey

Memory verse: Psalm 90:12

Prayer: Lord, may I daily prepare myself for my death and judgement so as to escape eternal condemnation in Jesus name!

They Tested Him: Devotion for Tuesday August 13, 2019

Devotion for Tuesday August 13, 2019

Topic: They Tested Him

Text: Matthew 16:1 – 4

The sect of Pharisees and Sadducee were opposed to each other in principles and in conduct; yet they joined forces against Christ. They had to put aside all their differences because they wanted to test Jesus.

This is how funny the devil and his agents can be!

They desired a sign of their own choice, despising the signs of healing the sick, and those that brought succour and comfort to the less privileged (Luke 4:18 & 19). They sought for something else to satisfy their curiosity by feigning a desire for evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but their real desire was to see Jesus make the attempt to work miracle and fail, that they might betray and ruin Him.

It is hypocrisy, when we slight the signs of what God have ordained by seeking for signs of our own devise. However, Jesus knowing their persons countered them (Matthew 16:2 – 4).

Many people by their thought and actions are testing God. Many are still in the church on the condition that God will have to answer them and if He doesn’t answer them at a particular time, they will stop serving Him.

Some people have given God conditions that if He does not do what they desire, they will drop their bibles and stop going to church.

Some people test God by getting involved in things that got them entangled and thereafter, they started crying, “God why?’

Beloved in Christ, do you test God? Israelites tested Him and paid dearly for it (Psalm 95:9 – 11; Numbers 14:1 – 24). Don’t try it again.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:9

Memory verse: Matthew 16:1

Prayer: O Lord and my God, grant me the grace that I will not tempt by my words and actions which I will thereafter pay dearly for them.

Our God Keeps To His Words: Devotion for Monday August 12, 2019

Devotion for Monday August 12, 2019

Topic: Our God Keeps To His Words

Text: Joshua 21:45

The words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:56 confirm our topic for the today. God has never spoken and failed to do what He said. Joshua subscribed to the fact that all God said concerning possessing the Promised Land by Israel came to pass.

The inviolable truth of God’s promise and its fulfillment is what Christians should look up to even when it delays in coming to pass. If in anything, it has seemed to come short, we should be ready to take all the blame to ourselves. God does not speak always but when He utters a word, He abides by it.

What are His promises you have laid hold on, prayed about them and they have not come to pass? What are you currently passing through that has almost consumed you and you have started to doubt the promises of God and their fulfillment in your life?

Joshua testified that all God promised him and Israel came to pass. Solomon did same. All the promises He made to Paul also came to pass. I am assuring you, the user of this devotional today that God’s promises about your life and future will be fulfilled.

Congratulations in advance!

All will come to pass in your life in Jesus name. Just keep trusting and waiting for at the right time, it will be fulfilled.        

Food for Thought: “He who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in the performance of it” – Jean Jacques Rousseau

Memory verse: Joshua 21:45

Prayer: God, bring all your promises for me and my family to fulfillment in Jesus name. Amen.

A Reward for Our Actions: Devotion for Sunday August 11, 2019

Devotion for Sunday August 11, 2019

Topic: A Reward for Our Actions

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:9 – 11

This world is a world of opposites; good or bad, man or woman, love or hatred, selfish or selfless, angry or happy and many more. God gave to man the will to makes choices at creation.

“Man’s power of choice enables him to think like an angel or a devil, a king or a slave. Whatever he chooses, mind will create,” so Frederick Bailes. The power to make choices given to man will be his greatest undoing if we misused it.

Paul charges us here to walk well in our Christian life so as to please God because we shall account of ourselves before the judgement seat of Christ, where He, whose religion we profess will judge us according to its precepts and the grace bestowed on us.

We need a conviction that we will stand at the judgement seat of Christ, and receive rewards according to the deeds done in the body, prudent and lead lives that will make us acceptable to Him and this is only possible with Christ-like life we are living here.

We note these facts from our scriptural reading.

1) The necessity of the judgement – We must, willing or unwilling

2) The universality of the judgement – We must all be judged

3) We will be judged by Christ – Whose image we ought to conform

4) It will be based on our person actions and inaction – The things done in the body

5) The reason for the judgement of God – Will you be punished or be rewarded according to our actions.

Beloved, how prepared are you for this soon coming judgement to reward or punish us?

Food for Thought: The rewards you will receive depend on the way you have lived now. Therefore make good use of your time, talent and treasure to the glory of God

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 5: 10

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to be conscious of the coming judgement so I will live well so as to receive a good reward in Jesus name.  

  

Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings? - Devotion for Saturday August 3, 2019

Devotion for Saturday August 3, 2019

Topic: Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings?

Text: Luke 12:13 – 14

While teaching on greed, Jesus gave a parable about this man mentioned in our text. The Greek word for greed literally means the thirst for having more. Working to provide for you family’s need is not covetousness. However, while we work for our needs, we must be rich towards God by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Little did the poor fool (though materially rich) in our text, so wise in matters of earthly business, suspect that the awful doom was close to him. He forgot what Solomon said, “Do not boast about tomorrow” (Proverbs 27:1).

Jesus used this parable to teach the dangers in greed and covetousness. This farmer saw his wealth as an opportunity to please himself. He had no thought of others or of God. There’s certainly nothing wrong in following good business principles, or even with saving for the future (1 Timothy 5:8). But this man in our text had a false perception or view of life and death. He thought that life comes from accumulating things and death was far away.

On March 11, 1856, Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal, “That man is the richest whose pleasures are cheapest.” He also said, “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” Being wealthy is not sin rather making wealth your god (Colossians 3:5). The man lived without God and died without God and his wealth was but incident in his life.

What about you? How do treat God’s blessings upon your life; are you hoarding it for you and your posterity or you are using it to please yourself or to please God? Beware!

Food for Thought: Wealth and pride are enemies of salvation

Memory verse: Luke 12:19

Prayer: O God, make me rich towards you by seeking first your kingdom and His righteous in Jesus name. 

They Found Favour with All Men: Devotion for Friday August 2, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 2, 2019

Topic: They Found Favour with All Men

Text: Acts 2:42 – 47

Being in favour with all men is only possible when you are at peace and favour with God. This is so because men are hard to please. It is when you do the things that are pleasing to God that He will begin to make men to like you and extend favour to you.

From Acts 2:42 – 47, we have reasons why the early church had favour with all men. Use the reasons and compare them with your local church to see if there are differences. The early church did what was pleasing to God in everything. They started by being submissive to the instructions of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:4 – 5). They obeyed and the result was the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:1ff). Again, they had things in common, were studying, breaking bread and praying together. All these granted them favour before God and with all the people. This resulted in what we have in Acts 2:47b.

When Christians manifest sincerity and show commitment to the things of God by being united in affection and efforts, the result will be prosperity of the church as people that repent will join the church. The church should be joyful in the Lord and striving always to do good as they have the opportunity to do so to all men. Are you at favour with people in your neighbourhood and can they follow you to your church because of your character? Remember that religion without character ends in hell fire. Therefore, be the light God called you to be (Matthew 5:14 – 16).

Food for Thought: “Unless there are people who are responding to the love of God as revealed in Christ and so are worshipping Him, the Church is not very important.” – Blake

Memory verse: Act 2:47

Prayer: Help me my Lord and my God, to live well and be at peace with all people within my neighbourhood and others I meet on daily basis in Jesus name. Amen.     

A New Thing: Devotion for Tuesday August 1, 2019

Devotion for Tuesday August 1, 2019

Topic: A New Thing

Text: Isaiah 43:16 – 21

The Lord has promised to do a new thing for you in this new month. The new thing will not be delayed because it shall ‘spring forth now.’ My confidence about it hinges on 2 Peter 3:9 which says that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises and Isaiah 40:8 confirm that God’s word will stand forever.

A new thing from God goes with a new song; new title, new office, new privileges, new blessings, new joy, new victory and many more. When you are promoted, your level changes. However, a new thing from God can be positive or negative depending on which divide you belong. Our God will surprise us with new things this month in Jesus name.

In Exodus 14:21 – 28, when God parted the Red Sea, it was a new thing. The Israelites experienced this as a way of freedom. But to Pharaoh and his men, it was a way of total destruction.

When God says to His children that He will do a new thing, it means that He will move them to a level of freedom they have never known before.

It also means that God is about to surprise their enemies beyond recovery. Get ready; it is your season for a new thing that will lead to a new song (Psalm 40:3) in your life, family, business and ministry.

Beloved in Christ, before you hold on to a promise, you should first get to know who made the promise with the terms and conditions.

The one who is making this promise to His own is the one called Jehovah El-Shaddai – the God that is more than enough, the Almighty (Genesis 17:1).

Have you known and accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour? If not, do something now so you could enjoy the new thing packaged for you this season and beyond. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:19

Prayer: Lord God, do a new thing in my life that will lead to a new song this month and always in Jesus name. Amen.

No Special Favour with God: Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

Topic: No Special Favour with God

Text: Romans 11:16 – 21

God is no respecter of man. You may be His favourite today but if tomorrow you sin, He punishes you without looking at your face or blinking an eye. David’s case with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah was a clear demonstration that God punishes even His favourite.

Paul tells us that the reason why the Jews were broken off (Romans 11:20) was their unbelief. Again the only reason we (the Gentile) are still in place is because of our trust in God of the Jews.

He thus warns us not to go the ways of the Jews God rejected or else He will not spare us. If God did not refrain from rejecting the Jews who became unbelievers assuredly He will not refrain from rejecting us in the same circumstance.

Therefore, Paul advises us not to take God’s goodness and severity for granted (Romans 11:22 compare John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2 and Hebrews 3:6, 14).

Beloved, with God there is no favouritism. God’s standard is the same whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, male or female, of black race or white, etc.

As children of God, we should not be partial too. As Personnel Manager in your office, do you consider tribe, religion or relationship in offering employment to people?

In the church, do you give your people certain position because they are your people? If we are called children of God, we must behave like God in all ramifications.

God looks at the heart, no wonder He chose David instead of Eliab.

Lastly, we should not think that as Christians today, we have made it to heaven. We should be mindful of what we do because any little slip or compromise can cost us our salvation. We must continue to take heed lest we fall off.

Almighty God, please help us to remain steadfast in Jesus name. Amen

Food for Thought: It was possible that God could break off the Jews on the account of their unbelief. Certainly, He will not spare us if we follow suit.

Memory verse: Romans 11: 21

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith and not to be partial in my dealing with people.