Awake From Sleep: Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

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Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

Topic: Awake From Sleep                               

Text: Ephesians 5:12 – 20                         

As Christians, we should stand for the truth; we shouldn’t get caught up in gossip about the shameful actions of sinful people (Ephesians 5:12). We should not promote or dignify sin by even so much as discussing it. What the ungodly people do in secret becomes clear for how evil it is as light shines on them. Nothing can hide from the light piercing through darkness. Believers are the “rays” of that light. By our actions (Ephesians 5:8 – 12), we become instruments of light, exposing the dark acts of sin.

Apostle Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right. This is not optional.

It is for this reason the Apostle calls on compromising Christians to wake up from sleep (Ephesians 5:14) and begin to live for Christ. What Paul was stressing here is that the Ephesians should wake up and realize the dangerous condition into which some of them had been slipping into. Are such things not seen in our present day Christendom where we pretend and are nonchalant to our call to rebuke evil and sin? Are we not unperturbed and senseless in the darkness, and pollution of sin, and sometimes rename sin so as to cover our unrighteousness?

We should wake from death in sin to a sense of our guilty, lost condition, and look to Him who died for us, and He will make us light. We should redeem the time we have lost while asleep by being active for God. God is waiting for you to act. Start now (Isaiah 60:1)!   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:11 & 12

Memory verse: Ephesians 5 v 14

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast way the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility so that on the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty: to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever (Collect for Advent Sunday). 

The Fruit of the Spirit: Devotion for Thursday October 8, 2020

                

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Devotion for Thursday October 8, 2020

Topic: The Fruit of the Spirit          

Text: Ephesians 5:6 – 11                             

Yesterday, we read Paul’s admonition on the need to be mindful and cautious about what we say and also to avoid immorality. Few days before I wrote this devotion, a friend of mine in Facebook asked a question: “Will someone who is caught up in sin during rapture make heaven?” He went further to say that the reason for his question was that he heard a renowned General Overseer of a big church in Nigeria say that not “accepting Christ as Saviour is the only thing that can take someone out of Kingdom of God and not sin because Jesus had already paid the price of sin.”

This kind of General Overseer belongs to the group Paul mentioned in Ephesians 5:6. They are deceivers according to Family Bible Notes which posited that “Those who maintain that continuance in sin will not exclude men from heaven are deceivers. As such they should be treated and their doctrines be rejected.”

Instead of falling to their deceits, we should rather avoid them (Ephesians 5:7) as people who are now in light and should walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). The reason we should walk in light is our memory verse for today. We should bear fruit of the Spirit which is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9).

Are you bearing the fruit of goodness, righteousness and truth? Such fruit is the only thing that can distinguish us as true Christians.

Food for Thought: Galatians 5:22, 23.

Memory verse: Ephesians 5 v 9    

Prayer: My Lord, give me the grace and all I need to bear Fruit of the Spirit as a true Christian.

As Befits the Saints: Devotion for Wednesday October 7, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday October 7, 2020

Topic: As Befits the Saints                              

Text: Ephesians 5:3 – 5                              

There are things that befit Christians and there are things that shouldn’t be associated with Christians and Christianity. In our text for the day, Paul is saying to us that filthy lusts must be rooted out of our lives. These immoral sins mentioned in Ephesians 5:3 – 6 must be dreaded and detested by Christians. Most of us find pleasure in obscene stories and coarse jokes that we begin to take them for granted.

However, Paul cautions that outside immorality Ephesians 5:3, improper language should have no place in the Christian’s conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us (Ephesians 5:4). How can we praise God and remind others of His goodness when we are speaking coarsely? These shouldn’t be associated with us who are Christians because by our call, we are made holy unto God and such acts of immorality defiles us.

Our society today is a liberal one. People do what pleases them. Sexual immorality includes any kind of sexual perversion and many people have claimed some bible passages to back up their sexual immoralities. Sexual immorality was tolerated in the pagan Roman society (see Romans 1:24 – 32), but it should not exist in the Christian community especially our own. Neither should there be any impurity amongst us. No matter the name some Christians call sin to cover their evil, true Christians should be different. We must hate sin because God does so.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 4:17 – 19

Memory verse: Ephesians v 3

Prayer: Help me to mortify, O Lord, every immoral desire in my life in Jesus name.

Be Like Your Father: Be Like Your Father

 

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Be Like Your Father

Topic: Be Like Your Father   

Text: Ephesians 5:1 – 2                        

Here in our scriptural reading for the day, Paul reminds us that our perfect example is God. We haven’t see God the Father or God the Holy Spirit. It is God the Son that we have heard about Him in the Scriptures. When Paul said that we should imitate God, he was talking about Christ. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus said, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” This is what our call as Christians demand.

In being like our father in heaven, we should imitate;

1) His acts of mercy (Luke 6:36).

2) His compassionate life (Mark 1:41; Luke 7:11 – 15). We should also show compassion to people especially those in need.

3) We should love as He loves us (John 3:16; 13:34; 15:12.)

4) We shouldn’t condemn people (John 3:17; 8:10, 11).

5) We should be like Him in obedience (Philippians 2:5 – 11).

6) We should be just and maintain justice too (Isaiah 30:18).   

Just as children imitate their parents, we should follow God’s example. His great love for us led Him to sacrifice Himself so that we might live. Our love for others should be of the same kind; a love that goes beyond affection to self-sacrificing service. We have reason for everlasting gratitude to God that He has given us a perfect example; and it should be our great object perfectly to imitate it.   

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:48

Memory verse: Ephesians 5 v 1

Prayer: God, make me perfect as you are as I imitate you daily through godly living in Jesus name.

No Intercessor: Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

 

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Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

Topic: No Intercessor                                    

Text: Isaiah 59:16 – 21                              

This passage is connected with the following chapters. It is generally thought to describe the coming of the Messiah, as the Avenger and Deliverer of His church. There was none to intercede with God to turn away His wrath; none to interpose for the support of justice and truth. Yet He engaged His own strength and righteousness for His people.

Isaiah 62:6 & 7, say, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” This passage explains the importance of intercessors. Unfortunately, God sought for the intercessors but found none as we have in our bible reading for the day. Maybe that informed the decision in Isaiah 62:6 and 7.

There was no man to intercede for the course of truth and equity. Despite no intercessors, God saved His people for His own glory because by His righteousness He is bound to maintain the cause of truth.

Beloved, God has called us as watchmen not only to our immediate family alone but to the society where we live. How much are we interceding for them? As watchmen and watchwomen, how serious do we take this call God has placed on us? We should note that our call as Christians is not just to enjoy our relationship with God alone but to help others through preaching and intercession. We should not fail in intercession.

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus Christ taught us, He used plural form and not singular – Our father, forgive us, give us, etc. We should make it a priority to pray for salvation and deliverance of people because we are product of other people’s intercession too.

Food for Thought: When last did you intercede for sinners especially that person in your neighbourhood, office or business arena?

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 16

Prayer: Lord, lay the burden of intercession in my heart in Jesus name.

Intercessors, Lord’s prayer, Watchmen, Prayer, Jerusalem, Messiah, Devotion,

They Drove Away Justice: Devotion for Saturday October 3, 2020

 

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Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

Topic: They Drove Away Justice

Text: Isaiah 59:9 – 15                                

According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If we shut our eyes against the light of Divine truth, it is just with God to hide from our eyes the things that belong to our peace.” No wonder the bible says that “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). A situation where the sins of those who profess themselves as God's people, are worse than the sins of others is very unfortunate.

Here in our bible reading for the day, the Prophet Isaiah decries the sad state of the nation where justice and righteousness are absent in the courts of law (Zechariah 8:16), and in social matters in general. All over the scriptures, God is always against injustice. He upholds justices and righteousness and He expects nothing less from us. But sad to say that He got the least from His people and was displeased about it.

What can we say of our present day religious and political leaders in this generation especially in our nation, Nigeria? Are they upholding justice? What of our judges? Have they not turned back justice by declaring the guilty, innocent and the innocent, guilty? Compare Amos 5:12 and 6:12.

Beloved, God is never happy when we pervert justice. It is a wicked and sinful person that does so (Proverbs 7:23). When we witness in any case, we should also not testify to pervert justice (Exodus 23:2). That should be the mark of true Christianity we confess.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 16:19

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 14

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord to always stand for justice no matter the circumstances in Jesus name.

Our God Is Not Handicapped: Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

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Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

Topic: Our God Is Not Handicapped                 

Text: Isaiah 59:1 – 8                                

It is erroneous to believe that God is handicapped. It is the belief of some many people that is why their miracles elude them and that is the reason some give up the faith and drop their bibles.

In 1 Samuel 5:1 – 5, is the story of how God proved that He is not handicapped and can fight for Himself. His Ark of Covenant was taken to the shrine of Philistine god, Dagon and He brought the statue down on two occasions. Unlike the Muslims who always take to arms when they perceive that Mohammed their prophet has been blasphemed. Our God fights for Himself. If we are not saved and our prayers are not answered, it is not because God is handicapped or incapacitated.

Here we see sin in its consequences; exceedingly hurtful, separating from God, and so separating us, not only from all good, but to all evil and their consequences. Yet there are many who derive joy in living in sin. This is very unfortunate!

Because God is holy, He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn’t matter. Sin cuts people off from Him, forming a wall to isolate God from the people He loves. No wonder this long list of wretched sins makes God angry and forces Him to look the other way. People, who die with their life of sin, separate themselves eternally from God.

Finally, let us always search ourselves because our salvation is not because God is handicapped but because of our sins. Have you confessed to God and repented of them, allowing Him to remove it? The Lord can save you if you turn to Him. Maximize this opportunity because He is ever willing to save you if you can repent.   

Food for Thought: You can hinder your salvation and blessings not because God is incapacitated.

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 1

Prayer: God, I repent of my sins today (mention them) because they are hindrance to my blessings in Jesus name.

God Has Alternative Plans: Devotion for Thursday October 1, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday October 1, 2020

Topic: God Has Alternative Plans    

Text: Isaiah 63:1 – 6                                  

Our memory verse for the day is a clear warning for us not to think that we worth anything special in the eyes of God especially when He is using us. We should rather be up and doing because He has alternative plan.

Here, the prophet, in vision, beholds the Messiah returning in triumph from the conquest of His enemies, of whom Edom was a type. Travelling, not as wearied by the combat, but, in the greatness of His strength, prepared to overcome every opposing power. He declares that He had been treading the wine-press of the wrath of God, (see Revelation 14:19; 19:13) and by His own power (Isaiah 63:3), without any human help, He had crushed His obstinate opposers (Isaiah 63:4), for the day of vengeance was determined on, being the appointed season for rescuing his church.

Once, the Messiah appeared on earth in apparent weakness, to pour out His precious blood as an atonement for our sins; but He will in due time appear in the greatness of His strength.

How prepared are we for that day when He will appear in His strength? Again let us remember that He sought for help but none came. This shows that there are things God want us to do for Him. What He desires me to do may not be what He wants you to do. It all depends where we find ourselves. We shouldn’t disappoint God to make Him resort to His alternative plan. Don’t ever think that without you the work of God will not go on. He will raise a man in your stead. Therefore be wise.

Food for Thought: Will God resort to alternative plan in your stead?

Memory verse: Isaiah 63 v 5

Prayer: Lord God, may I not be a disappointment to you that will make you resort to alternative plan in Jesus name.        

 

Weekly Prophetic Declaration

Weep Not: Devotion for Tuesday September 29, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday September 29, 2020

Topic: Weep Not        

Text: Revelation 5:1 – 5                               

John the beloved saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, a scroll sealed with seven seals. This represented the secret purposes of God about to be revealed which no one could know except God, and those to whom He should reveal them.

John wept because he knew that the unopened scroll would mean that the closing scene of history could not begin; thus, evil would continue unabated on the earth, and there would be no future for God’s people. However, one of the elders (Revelation 4:4, 10) told John not to weep any longer, because someone was worthy to open the scroll; the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David who is Jesus Christ.

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, has proved himself worthy by living a perfect life of obedience to God, dying on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of the world, and rising from the dead to demonstrate his power and authority over evil and death. Only Christ conquered sin, death, hell, and Satan himself, so only he can open the scroll and break its seven seals, setting in motion the forces that will bring about the final destruction of all evil.

This story should be a source of consolation for us when we are faced with challenges and we weep because we feel there is no way out. We should remember that Jesus Christ has conquered and He alone is the one who can save us from all problems of life.

Beloved, weep no more because of that problem, sickness, etc. There is hope because Christ has prevailed and by trusting and keeping faith on Him, you will definitely overcome and prevail too.

Food for Thought: Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

Memory verse: Revelation 5 v 5

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for conquering sin, death, Satan and hell, and you are able to solve my problems. Remember me at the point of my needs and solve my problems.

God’s Mysterious Ways: Devotion for Monday September 28, 2020

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Devotion for Monday September 28, 2020

Topic: God’s Mysterious Ways

Text: Exodus 14:21 – 31                                 

This story is an instance of God’s wonderful favour to His people, Israel. God showed His Almighty power, by opening a passage through the waters, some miles over for them to pass through. There was no apparent way of escape, but the Lord opened up a dry path through the sea.

This shows that God can bring His people through the greatest difficulties, and force a way for them where He does not find it. They went through the sea; they walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea. This was done, in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust Him in the greatest straits. What cannot He do who did this do for you if only you trust Him to do so?

Sometimes we find ourselves caught in a problem and see no way out. Don’t panic; God can open up a way. What is the trap before you that there is no way of escape? God will make a way for you. When challenged and trapped, let this story and the words of this song by Don Moen encourage you.

 

God will make a way, Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me

He will be my guide, Hold closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way, He will make a way

 

By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see heaven and earth will fade

But His word will still remain; He will do something new today

   

Food for Thought: The parting of Red Sea was done in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust Him in the greatest straits.

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 31

Prayer: God, make way for me today as I go forth into the world. Open doors and gates of opportunities for me in Jesus name. 

Go Forward: Devotion for Friday September 25, 2020

 

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Devotion for Friday September 25, 2020

Topic: Go Forward                                       

Text: Exodus 14:15 – 20                         

When we are desperate, in need or fearful, God is always waiting for us to ask for His solution. He is ever ready to hear us speak to Him. One thing we must know about God is that He doesn’t force His will on us. He allows us to demonstrate our faith.

Here, Moses' silent prayers of faith prevailed more with God than Israel's loud outcries of fear. The pillar of cloud and fire came behind them, where they needed a guard, and it was a wall between them and their enemies. We should understand that it is our duty not merely to pray, but to act; and unless we go forward in our duties and call, our prayers will not avail. God helps those who do what He requires to help them. On Tuesday, we read how Moses told them to stand still and expect orders from God: and now orders are given – Go Forward.   

This order from God is for you and I today. Many of us are stagnant in our spiritual lives, refusing to make progress. Many are not willing to improve on their relationship with God but He is saying, go forward. Are you afraid to undertake that meaningful project? God is saying go forward! That interview you are skeptical about should not intimidate you.

Go forward because it is only in going forward that you can make progress. The Israelites moved forward and doors and gates were opened to them in a place it was never possible. Doors and gates will open to you in places that seem impossible today in Jesus name. Just go forward.

Food for Thought: The way to success, freedom and progress is to keep going forward and not backward or sideways which are distractions.   

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 15

Prayer: God, strengthen my faith to go forward for therein I will find miracle, favour, opportunities and open doors.

Believe To See: Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2020

Topic: Believe To See                                          

Text: Exodus 14:10 – 14                             

In John 20:29, Jesus said, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Thomas wanted to see the wound inflicted on Jesus before he could believe that Jesus had risen. But Jesus told him to believe before seeing for their lies the blessings of God.

When Israel came to Pi Hahiroth as God directed them in Exodus 14:2, they camped there and Pharaoh with his men came pursing. There was no way open to Israel but upward, and thence their deliverance came. In their front was the Red Sea; behind them were Pharaoh and his men while their sides are hills. Thus it was hard for them to escape. The fearful cried out to Moses out of fear while the faithful looked through the only way opened to them which is heaven.

They quarrel with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt; and were also angry with God for the greatest kindness ever done them; thus gross are the absurdities of unbelief. Our fears should quicken our prayers and endeavours, but not silence our faith and hope. So Moses told them to be still, to believe and see what God will do for them (Exodus 14:13 and 14). What these two verses imply is that it is only when they believe that they will see miracles and if they don’t, the problem will consume them.

Beloved, are you afraid because the enemies have surrounded you and you don’t have the way of escape? Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Just believe God miraculous intervention because you will no longer see those enemies again. Be still! The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.     

Food for Thought: A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 13

Prayer: Give me the heart to believe your words, O Lord, that I might see your miracles and blessings upon my life in Jesus name.

To Gain Honour Over Pharaoh: Devotion for Monday September 21, 2020

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Devotion for Monday September 21, 2020

Topic: To Gain Honour Over Pharaoh          

Text: Exodus 14:1 – 9                                 

It is act of foolishness to use human reasoning to access God. It will amount to failure. God is never programmed. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are higher than ours.

There is this aphorism of my people which says that “He that the god will kill; first, will be made mad.” This was the case of Pharaoh. God hardened his heart so as to gain honour over him. Pharaoh thought that all Israel were entangled in the wilderness, and so would become an easy prey for him. But God says, I will be honoured upon Pharaoh. Of course we all are made for the honour of our Maker. If men would not have their hearts hardened, they must not continue knowingly to disobey God. If they thus disobey, all the blame will rest upon them when God’s anger is revealed (Romans 1:24 – 26).

After relenting and giving them permission to depart with the greatest reason, he now changes his mind and determines to prevent them; and without any farther restraining grace, God permits him to rush on to his final ruin, for the cup of his iniquity was now full. This shows that there is a limit to which we can enjoy the grace of God. Never think that you have all the days and years to enjoy the grace of God.

Are you living in sin and thinking that you can continue to live the way you like? Today may be your last day to commit that sin and God will expose you. Why not repent at this moment and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour before God will gain honour over you as He did with Pharaoh?

Food for Thought: Exodus 9:16

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 4

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a life that will bring honour to you and not you, taking it by force.

Lay Your Trophies at His Feet: Devotion for Saturday September 19, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday September 19, 2020

Topic: Lay Your Trophies at His Feet    

Text: 1 Samuel 17:54                           

There are many reasons David won the heart of God. One of them is what he did in our text. He surrendered insignia of his exploit in that battle to God. A youth like that was so humble that he didn’t want a show off rather, he laid that “trophy” at God’s feet. Great exploits God uses us to perform or miracles God did for us can be a source of temptation to arrogate the glory to ourselves, making our heads swell.

If some of us were David, we would have erected a 20m by 15m sign post showing us and Goliath requesting that people should come and see the man who killed the giant. Our houses would have turn into tourist centres and we will request that people should pay money before they can see David and shake his hand. In this our clime, everything is now money.

However, it was not so with David. He took the sword to God’s house and went home. He did not allow that exploit to enter his head. He laid the trophy at God‘s feet. He dedicated the sword of Goliath as a votive offering to the Lord. 1 Samuel 21:9 confirms that David kept Goliath’s sword at the tent that houses the Ark of the Covenant. A lesson and challenge for us.

When God uses us to perform miracles or to do exploits, how do we react? Does it enter our heads as if there is none like us? In Acts 14:8ff, Paul healed a crippled man who hasn’t walked since birth in Lystra. They termed him Hermes and Barnabas was called Zeus. The priest in charge of that temple of Zeus in Lystra brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes (Acts 14:13). But Paul resisted them (Acts 14:14).

We shouldn’t take the glory that belongs to God. When we are used by God, we should appreciate Him in humility and return all the glory to Him.

Food for Thought: Humble disposition is the best way to honour God for what He has made us.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 54

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace never to take the glory that belongs to you.

God Honours Our Faith: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

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Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

Topic: God Honours Our Faith                      

Text: 1 Samuel 17:48 – 53                           

Who would have believed that David will kill Goliath the way he went into the encounter with him? He went against every military device and tactics. He didn’t go with sword, no spear, no shield, no gun though there was none then, etc. Rather he went with a catapult and five stones.

Going with mere catapult was a slight in the eyes of Goliath and he never bothered about David’s style. Unfortunately for him, he never knew that his coming was not just ordinary. See how frail and uncertain life is, even when a man thinks himself best fortified; how quickly, how easily, and by how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out, and death to enter! No wonder the assertion Paul gave in 2 Corinthians 10:4 – 6. David prevailed with a sling (catapult) and a stone. God honoured his faith. Of recent Archeologists found the skull of Goliath to confirm what this biblical story.

Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. God resists the proud, and pours contempt on those who defy him and his people. No one ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. The strongest as well as the weakest are dependent upon God, and that expectation which rests on creatures is liable at any time to be disappointed.

One lesson for us here is that when we rely on God in times of challenges, He will always glorify Himself but when we go on our own wisdom and strength, we will definitely fail. Therefore, beware when you think you stand because you will fall if care is not taken.

Food for Thought: No one defies God and goes scot free.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 50

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I not glory in my strength rather humble me to depend on you in anything I need strength to perform in Jesus name.

Faith: Key For Victory: Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2020

Topic: Faith: Key For Victory                         

Text: 1 Samuel 17:40 – 47                        

David approached the Goliath with faith in Jesus and not sword which signifies the five stones he took. JESUS and FAITH are five letters each.

When David appeared, Goliath looked at him with disdain and these were his word: "Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” Matthew Henry summed up our text thus: “The security and presumption of fools destroy them. Nothing can excel the humility, faith, and piety which appear in David's words. He expressed his assured expectation of success; he gloried in his mean appearance and arms, that the victory might be ascribed to the Lord alone.” How foolish Goliath acted because, he thought all his victories were of his gods but God brought him to Israel to humiliate him since he failed to acknowledge God as source of his victories.

The size and stature of Goliath could have deterred anyone but not David. He was optimistic that God will see him through even as God promised in Deuteronomy 20:1 – 4. His words were filled with humility, faith and confidence of success because he knows His God. “All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions” as Adam Clarke posited. This was true of David.

We also need faith to be strong as we face life’s challenges daily. Keep focused and trust Him to see you through your day’s appointments and schedules; trust Him to fight your battles and trust him to provide for your needs.

Food for Thought: “Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and rests on that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and says it shall be done” – Wesley

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 45

Prayer: Lord, as I meditate daily on your word, build my faith so that I will laugh at impossibilities, and say it shall be done in Jesus name.

Let No Man's Heart Fail: Devotion for Wednesday September 16, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday September 16, 2020

Topic: Let No Man's Heart Fail                    

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 39                       

A man who knows His God speaks with boldness and confidence. David knows the God He serves and all His promises of protection, favour, fighting our battles, guarding us, guiding us, etc. He knows that God is able to use him especially when it involves the “uncircumcised.”

A shepherd lad, come the same morning from keeping sheep, had more courage to challenge the Philistine giant than all the mighty men of Israel. So God does great things for Israel, by the weak and foolish things of the world. Remember the devotion of August 2th – Not the special type.

By all standard; military wise and stature, David cannot be compared to Goliath but he was the only man in Israel at that time that has the spirit and mind of God in him. Confidence in God is a source of the highest and noblest courage, the most self-sacrificing devotion to duty, and the most exalted virtue. David had no single iota of fear about Goliath. He told Saul and his captains, "Let no man's heart fails because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."

As a child of God, what kind of message do you give to people when they face challenges of life? Do you speak faith into them or you bring more fear? The way people post and forward stories about kidnapping, Boko Haram, herdsmen, etc., is worrisome to people like me. It has made some Christians fearful and apprehensive. Presently some Christians are fearful of these sets of people more than they fear God.  

Because David had the spirit of God in him, he was calm, confident and relaxed amidst the threat of Goliath. Is your heart troubled because of problems of life? Are you trouble because you are in prison; sick, unable to pass that examination, etc.? Never mind, Jesus is saying “"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me,” John 14:1.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 20:1 – 4

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 32

Prayer: Lord God, send your spirit to comfort me in areas I am troubled.

Maximizing Opportunity: Devotion for Tuesday September 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday September 15, 2020

Topic: Maximizing Opportunity                  

Text: 1 Samuel 17: 12 – 30                     

We have opportunities that come our ways every day; opportunities to amend our ways, opportunity to live well, and opportunity to help humanity, opportunity to work and be successful. These and many other opportunities crosses our part daily but we hardly recognize them nor utilize them.  The opportunities when we maximize them usually lead to more opportunities and blessings.

Jesse’s thought of sending David to his brothers in the Israeli army at that critical juncture when Goliath was threatening the army was proper though he didn’t know it;  but God who in His wisdom orders actions and affairs was there to use David to serve His purpose.

David does this visit occasionally (1 Samuel 17:15). However, on this particular visit, David saw the Philistine champion, giant and hero as he threaten the army of Israel for 40days. When David heard the words of Goliath and the promise made by Saul to whoever will kill Goliath, he opted to maximize the opportunity to glorify God. He saw Goliath as inferior in power compare to dreadful animals he had killed earlier while tending his father’s sheep.  

“In times of general formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal which implies readiness to go further, or to venture more in the cause of God than others, will be blamed as pride and ambition” so posited Matthew Henry. This was the case of David’s senior brother who picked offence against him for offering to fight Goliath. David saw that opportunity as appropriate and right to glorify God in the eyes of heathen nation and faithless Israel.

We do have such opportunities on daily basis to preach God’s word and to do good to others. How do we utilize them? Do we consider what our relations will say and thus fail to speak out for God? Remember that if God can use donkey to speak, He can use any other thing to glorify His name. Will God use stones to glorify Himself when you are alive? Think about it.

Action: Use one opportunity you have this day to preach the gospel to someone.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 26

Prayer: My Father in heaven, help me to maximize every opportunity I have to glorify you in Jesus name. 

Just Mere Intimidation: Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2020

Topic: Just Mere Intimidation      

Text: 1 Samuel 17:1 – 11                                

I once read a story of a young Christian in the United States of American army who was always preaching the word of God to fellow soldiers. He never hid his faith. This did not go down with his captain in the military who always challenge him that there is no God.

One day, this captain wanting to make mockery of this young Christian gave him key to a car without engine and asked him to go and start the car. Initially, he protested that he can’t drive. Unknown to the young man that there was no engine, he prayed fixed the key into the ignition and started the car. From that day, the Captain came to acknowledge that indeed there is God. If the young soldier had taken to heart the intimidation of his Captain.

Philistines used their giant Goliath to intimidate Israelites. Not only did he intimidate the people, he also defied the God of Israel. This was insult on the God we serve. Unfortunately, Saul and his soldiers did not see it as intimidation and defilement of their God. It took David a boy to see it so. Thank God for David who rebuked him and killed him in disgraceful way.

There are many ways the enemies intimidate us; by instilling fear in us, making mockery of our faith as the Captain we mentioned earlier, demanding that we do some things that are beyond reasoning, by proclaiming sanctions and fines against us, etc. We have a clear example in Daniel 3:8 – 12 and 6:4, 5. These young Jews held on to their faith and God honoured them.

Are you being intimidated in your school, office, neighbourhood, home, etc., because of your faith? Never mind their intimidation. Hold on to God. He will not disappoint you. He did not disappoint Daniel and his compatriots and He will not disappoint you. 

Food for Thought: Intimidation is devil’s weapon to weaken our faith.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 10

Prayer: My Father in heaven, make my faith stronger amidst all forms of intimidation of the enemies in Jesus name.