God Rescues and Saves Us: Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

Topic: God Rescues and Saves Us                                               

Text: Psalm 107:10 – 16

Never undermine what God can do. He can turn a very bad and irredeemable situation into our favour when He is determined and that is why He is never too later in case He wants to act on. We should note that sin has so much consequences and the bible says that the soul that sins shall die.

Our text started with the level of affliction meted out on the Israelites (Psalm 107:10, 12) because they sinned against God (Psalm 107:11). In most cases sin is the major cause of troubles and problems of life we pass through. Most times God allow some of these afflictions to come upon us so we can redress our steps and seek His face in repentance. This was the case as they sought the Lord in their trouble and he heard them and delivered them out of their troubles.

Most times we don’t turn to God when we run into trouble. We try so many avenues for solution before we remember that God is there for us. God speedily answered His people when they repent. The Israelites stayed very long before they cried to God, but He was not long before He saved. They had sought for help everywhere else before they came to Him, but when they did address themselves to Him, they were welcome at once. This is the God we serve. A loving Father indeed! Remember the story of Prodigal Son which Jesus Christ used to teach us about the forbearance of God.

Beloved, are you in trouble? Are you concerned about the lockdown and Covid-19? Are you troubled about your family, children, spouse, business and many others? Call upon God now. Do not procrastinate about it and don’t let your sin pose as a barrier because He is ever willing to forgive you. Call upon Him today and don’t delay. He will safe you speedily no matter how irredeemable it may seem in the eyes of men.       

Food for Thought: Psalm 50:15

Memory verse: Psalm 107:13

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from all troubles of life I am passing through in Jesus name.

Why Trials Come Our Way: Devotion for Wednesday April 22, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday April 22, 2020

Topic: Why Trials Come Our Way                                               

Text: James 1:12

In our bible reading for today, James shows the reasons for trials and reward of passing through it faithfully. As athletes persevere in training in order to improve their abilities and endurance for competition, so Christians persevere in spiritual training as they patiently endure testing that will bring out maturity and completeness in them. Most times, today’s trials are training that prepares us to tomorrow’s challenges.

The way to get into God’s winner’s circle is to love Him and stay faithful even under pressure. James noted that there is always an ample reward for us. The reward is crown of life. James asserts that a Christian, who is patient and endures trials and afflictions in this life, shall certainly be rewarded with a crown of life.

It is pertinent to note that it is not every man who suffers receives blessing but he who patiently endures all difficulties that comes his way without disobeying God. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it does not come as a result of our fault. A tried Christian shall be a crowned one if he endures. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in the world to come, where love is made perfect.

Beloved, what are you currently suffering because of your faith? Are you in prison now because of the crime you didn’t commit? God will certainly vindicate and reward you. Note that “God has one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial” according to Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A trial is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith” – Henry in Power Bible Online 

Memory verse: Proverbs 3:12

Prayer: Almighty God, strengthen me never to lose my faith in time of trials for there is always a blessing when one endures trials.

No Second Affliction: Devotion for Wednesday February 19, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 19, 2020

Topic: No Second Affliction                              

Text: Nahum 1:9 – 13

We serve a jealous God who avenges for us and delivers us from bondage. Though our God is slow to anger but when He is angry, heaven and earth trembles. In spite of that, our God is good (Nahum 1:7). This chapter of Nahum expresses God’s anger against Assyrians (Nineveh).

Here in our text, God asserted that He knows all the plans of the people of Nineveh (Nahum 1:9). He searches and knows the intents of our hearts too (1 Chronicles 29:8). Nahum told the Assyrians that any attempt at resisting the All Powerful God is insane because He is not like other opponents they have conquered. God protects His people (Isaiah 37:23 – 29).

Affliction shall not arise the second time has Judah as the object of God’s blow (Nahum 1:12) and it refers to an end to their punishment. This shows that our God is merciful and gracious. Have you been under God’s punishment because of sin and disobedience, He is telling you today that He has remembered mercy and will no longer allow that affliction again. He says that you will not experience misfortune and failure again. That is God’s assurance for you today. Trust Him to do it.

Food for Thought: “As sure as God puts His children in the furnace, He will be in the furnace with them” – Charles Spurgeon

Memory verse: Nahum 1:9

Prayer: Pray against spirit of failure, affliction and misfortune in your life and family in Jesus name.

It Renews Our Hope: Devotion for Monday January 27, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday January 27, 2020

Topic: It Renews Our Hope           

Text: Lamentations 3:21 – 36            

Having stated his distress and temptations (Lamentation 3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify God in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:8) should observe what makes for us, as well as what is against us.

God's compassion fail not; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation because the portion is forever. Affliction has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world; otherwise, they would have been proud and unruly.

There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. These are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray, etc. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Psalm 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11).

You may be going through afflictions, troubles, trials or temptations now. Just be of good cheer and put all your hope on him. The Lord is your strengthen and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name.

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24

Memory verse: Malachi 3:6

Prayer: Lord may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

Submit To God’s Will

Devotion for Friday June 1, 2018

Topic: Submit To God’s Will

Text: Luke 1:26 – 38 

There are many reasons why Mary would have rejected the message from Angel Gabriel. The shame as a result of being pregnant out of wedlock, the consequences it will have on her faith, her family and her fiancé. To some people they will choose to avoid such honour rather than bearing the shame like most of us who deny our faith in the face of adversities and temptations. Mary knew she will be ridiculed but like Moses, she chose to suffer affliction of shame, abandonment by friends and loved ones, and reproach, instead of going against the will of God. When Mary said the words in Luke 1:38, she didn’t know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve Him, and she willingly obeyed. 

Don’t wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems disastrous. It will never lead to regret at the end. Please stop battling with God on the need to submit to His will. You cannot battle with your maker. God is saying submit now before it will be too late. 

I knew how I battled with God before resigning from teaching and to start full time church work. It was a real battle in 1995 that lasted months. I thank God I took the right decision at the end and today, I am better off. If not I wouldn’t be alive today. Beloved, submit to God’s will in everything you will do this month and you will never regret doing so. This hymn was the hymn God gave me in 1995 and I want you to share it with me – A&M 357, Abu 193

Food for Thought: Expression of resignation to the will of God, and of faith in His promise is essential in gaining God’s approval and blessings.

Memory verse: Luke 1:38

Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith in you so that I will always resign to your will for me in all situations in Jesus name. Amen

I Am Aware Of Their Ordeal

Devotion for Monday September 25, 2017

Topic: I Am Aware Of Their Ordeal

Text: Exodus 3:9

God Almighty is Omnipresence and He hears what we say even in our closet. Jehovah is just, kind, , compassionate and merciful. He tenderly sympathizes with all who are distressed, especially such as wrongfully suffer. He delivers them who are oppressed and punishes the oppressor. This was the case of the Israelites in the land of Egypt.

Moses was in the land of Median when God met him and told him what was happening in the land of Egypt. He told Moses that the cry of the children of Israel had come to Him as a reason of the oppression of the Egyptians. Job 34:28 says “So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.” God hears the cry of the oppressed (Exodus 22:33). They cry of the Israelites came to God who hates oppression and unjust affliction of people.

Are you going through affliction of the enemies? Are you groaning under heavy yoke of burden of a wicked Boss, Madam, Master, Director, Headmaster or Head Teacher and you have been asking when will your salvation come? God is telling you that He has seen those tears. Do your husband pommel you and you are contemplating of giving up or walking out of the marriage? God is saying that He has seen your tears and will rescue you soon. Don’t give up. Beloved, God has heard your cry for job opportunity, promotion, a life partner, a child or those your other needs. He will soon complete His redemption plans for you. Keep trusting him!

Food for Thought: Psalm 145:19

Memory verse: Exodus 3:9

Prayer: Lord, I know that you hear when I cry. Do not delay to answer me in Jesus name. 

They Grew Despite Affliction

Devotion for Friday September 20, 2017

Topic: They Grew Despite Affliction

Text: Exodus 1:8 – 12

Afflicting someone out of sheer jealousy and envy will only amount to blessing on the person being afflicted. We know the case of Joseph, Mordecai and many others in the scriptures. Times of affliction have often been the time the church grew as Christianity spread most when it was persecuted.

The King that does not know Joseph arose to become jealous of God’s blessings upon Israel and decided to punish them (Exodus 1:8 – 11). Unfortunately, the more he does that, the more God bless them and they grew in population. Do you afflict or punish a child of God because you are jealous of what God is doing in his or her life or what God has given to him/her? Repent today before God’s anger will descend on you. Despite the affliction and torture, the Israelites multiplied and grew because of God’s blessings (Exodus 1:12).

How can your enemies and those who afflict you become afraid of you? This can only become possible when you are in the will of God. Psalm 1:1 – 3 speak a blessed man. A blessed man has the favour, protection and backing of God. He prospers despite oppositions or afflictions. The level of your commitment to reading, meditation and application of God’s word to your life, will help you live the life that people will dread of just like the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites. The choice to do or not to do is all yours.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:10 – 12

Memory verse: Exodus 1:12

Prayer: Grant that my life will please you, O Lord, so that you will bless me to the extent  that my enemies will begin to dread me in Jesus name.

Wavering In Faith?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday March 21, 2017

Topic: Wavering In Faith?

Text: 1 Kings 17:17 – 24

Affliction, pain, problem and sickness, want, etc, can make us behave funny and abnormal. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) but when he was imprisoned, he sent message to ask if Jesus was indeed the Messiah. One would wonder why sudden doubt? This is one effect of a backslidden life or one who had not actually repented. Another reason for such doubt maybe the result of knowing God just because of miracle you have received and not because you have a relationship with Him.

This latter reason may be the cause of this woman of Zarephath’s action against Elijah in our scriptural reading for the day. She received a miracle when she had not developed a relationship with God. However, one would have expected that with such a miracle received, she would have known God the more. This woman’s action is one way sinners react. They see the presence of true Christians as the cause of their problem instead of repenting and using such opportunity to develop a relationship with God.

On daily basis we receive one form of miracle or another from God. These miracles especially waking up everyday should challenge us to develop a relationship with God. Again, we shouldn’t start wavering in faith because of one problem when we have previously been blessed with a miracle. The miracle should challenge us to draw closer to God in our time of troubles, problems, affliction, sickness and pain. These problems of life shouldn’t despair us.

Food for Thought: Cynicism and fear freezes life; faith thaws it out. Release your life and set it free with faith.

Memory verse: 1 King 17 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, increase faith in me so as to set me free from wavering in Jesus name.

CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016

Topic: CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE   

Text: Psalm 50:7 – 15                      

Many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers us from them all so says the Bible. There are days or period we pass through and it will seem as if God has turned His back on us. There will be no answer to prayer. You go to people for help but received nothing. We have heard of cases of suicide because of hardship, problems of life, betrayal, great loss, etc. These are some realities of life people pass through every day. Despite these and many others, they don’t actually call for suicide, rather we should call upon Him at that moment and He will deliver us for a purpose. What is that purpose in our text? When under such condition, we should note that God is still faithful and on the throne.

In situations that seem hopeless in eyes of men, as believers, we should anchor our faith and hope in Christ alone. What the Psalmist is saying here is that obedience is better than sacrifice. When we obey God and call upon Him, He will answer us. He doesn’t base his answering our prayers on sacrifice rather obedience. He says call upon me in time of trouble; be it sickness, attacks, disappointments, failure, fear, lost of loved ones or properties, etc and He will answer. Even as we look forward to a new year with uncertainties, we should look up to God and He will see us through.

Food for Thought: God hears humble, believing, affectionate prayer.

Memory verse: Psalm 50 verse 15

Prayer: God, grant me the courage to always call up you in times of trouble.

Why Pick On Me: Devotion for Monday July 11, 2016

WHY PICK ON ME: Devotion for Monday July 11, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:11 – 15       

Memory verse: Numbers 11: 11 – So Moses said to the Lord, "Why have you afflicted your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you have laid the burden of all these people on me?

The cry of the people provoked Moses. That made him to undervalue the honour God had put upon him. He magnified his own performances, while he had the divine wisdom to direct him, and Almighty power to dispense rewards and punishments. He speaks distrustfully of the divine grace. The Israelites complained, and then Moses complained to God. But God responded positively to Moses and negatively to the rest of the people. Why? The people complained to one another, and there was no result. Moses took his complaint to God, who could solve any problem.

Many of us are good at complaining to each other even when we know that those people we complain to; can’t help us. Many of us usually say why me. That was the case of Moses here. This is a grave way of discrediting and dishonouring God. We need to learn to take our problems to the One who can do something about them instead of complaining and saying why me. The action of the people led Moses to complain too. Those of us in leadership position should always say this prayer; Lord, lead us not into temptation. Do you have a burden that you feel you can share with people? Why not go to God in prayer. He will hear and answer you.

Food for Thought: Why pick on me is a way of saying that God made mistake in calling you into His service.

Prayer: God, you don’t give someone assignment without the corresponding power to do it. Help me to always focus on you when the task seems too hard for me. Grant me the grace never to complain about the assignment you have given to me no matter the obstacles, opposition and confrontations on my way to carrying out those instructions.   

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

IT RENEWS OUR HOPE: Devotion for Wednesday January 27, 2016

IT RENEWS OUR HOPE            Wednesday January 27, 2016

Text: Lamentation 3:21 – 36             Memory verse: v 21

Having stated his distress and temptations (3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm as we have in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify to God in all situations (1 Thess. 5:18) God's compassion doesn’t fail; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation because the portion is forever. Affliction has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world. If not, they would have been proud and unruly.

There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. They are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray, etc. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Ps 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11). You may be going through afflictions, troubles, temptations or trials now. Be of good cheer and put all your hope on Him. The Lord is your strengthen and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name.

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24

Prayer: Lord, may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

REQUESTING FOR DEATH? Devotion for Friday January 15, 2016

REQUESTING FOR DEATH?    Friday January 15, 2016

Text: 1 Kings 19:1 – 4     Memory verse: v 4

It is natural with man to forget easily favours enjoyed previously when we are going through pains, trials, sickness, hardship, suffering, persecution or temptation. I have done it severally. However, when I do that, God will always deal with me with just few words, like the way He humbled Elijah here. Any instrument God is using for revival will definitely face oppositions. The person will become a lone voice and if such didn’t receive the needed support, will opt for death or will vehemently abandon the call. This was the case of Elijah. He might have asked, is God actually leading me? Again, he would have questioned himself saying if God is in this matter, why all these oppositions and threats? Moses and Jonah did similar thing (Numbers 11:15 & Jonah 4:3, 8).

It is so hard to control our impatience in affliction. Most of us are easily quick to speak negative things. Have you done this once? Elijah was quick to request for death. He did not ask of God first to know if there is any way out of the problem. This is how many of us have brought upon ourselves curses and problems. We can hardly seek the face of God in times of afflictions, difficulties and problems. Are you sick, going through trials, discouraged that your marriage is not working and you are now requesting for death? All those who requested for death including myself have been disappointed because we still have a ministry to fulfill. Beloved, it is not over with you. There are some things God still wants to use you to accomplish.

Food for Thought: When your ministry has not ended, no amount of threat, sickness or problem can take your life.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me as I face oppositions and problems of life.

LOOK UPON MY AFFLICTION: Devotion for Friday August 28, 2015

LOOK UPON MY AFFLICTION           Friday August 28, 2015

Text: Psalm 25:15 – 22                       Memory verse: v 18

The Psalmist expresses dependence on God and desire toward Him. It is good to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. Though guilty before God which he acknowledged (v 18), yet, as to his enemies, he had the testimony of conscience that he had done them no wrong. For this reason he asked God to look upon his affliction and act accordingly.

Do life’s problems always seem to go from bad to worse for you? God is the only one who can reverse this downward spiral. He can take our problems and turn them into glorious victories. We should cry to God as David did. When we are willing to do that, God can turn the worst into something wonderful. The next step is yours. God has already made His offer.

Action: Go to God in fasting and prayers, crying concerning that affliction.

Prayer: Lord, look upon my affliction and act on my behalf for your name sake

SELF EXAMINATION: Devotion for Tuesday August 4, 2015

SELF EXAMINATION    Tuesday August 4, 2015

Text: Lamentation 3:37 – 41     Memory verse: v 40

We should complain to God and not of Him when we are confronted with challenges and problems of life. Usually, we are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people's ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn from evil to God. Instead of feeling that the punishment was more than we could bear, we should accept it as correction from God and then turn to Him for restoration. This is what God wants us to do when he corrects us. See Hebrews 12:5 – 11.    

When we are affliction, it is good to remember that God chastens us less than our iniquities deserve, and that we have occasion, not for complaint, but for adoring gratitude. This view will lead to earnest self-examination and repentance, and thus to the restoration of God's favour (v 41). How often do you examine yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5)?

Food for Thought: Self examination helps us to live within ambit of the law

Prayer: Lord, help me to examine myself always so I will not miss the mark.