DON’T OPPOSE YOURSELF: Devotion for Saturday October 10, 2015

DON’T OPPOSE YOURSELF             Saturday October 10, 2015                    

Text: Proverbs 28:13                           Memory verse: v 13

Our text relates to repentance. (1) If the sinner does not acknowledge his sins but covers and excuses them, and refuses to come to the light of God's word, lest his deeds should be reproved, he shall find no salvation. God will never admit an unrepentant soul, into His kingdom. (2) But if he confesses his sin, with a penitent and broken heart, and forsaking every evil way, then he shall have mercy. Here is a doctrine of salvation of the soul, which could be easily understood.

There are benefits in repentance through a penitent confession. Anyone that confesses his sins to God, and is careful not to return to them again, shall find mercy with God. His conscience shall be eased and his ruin prevented. Again, the favour and blessings of God will come upon that person thereby making all he does to prosper (compare Psalm 1:1 – 3). True repentance will avert labouring for the wind and bags with holes (Ecclesiastics 5:6; Haggai 1:6). Do yourself a favour today by repenting. God will certainly forgive you. 

Food for Thought: Psalm 32:1, 2

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always confess my sins and make necessary restitution which guarantee prosperous life.

OMNIPRESENT GOD

OMNIPRESENT GOD        Tuesday June 30, 2014 

Text: Ezekiel 35:10 – 15       Memory verse: v 10

Idumeans (Edomites) were planning how to overrun Judah and Israel but the Lord God Almighty was there. This verse 10 is an encouragement never to worry about the plans of the enemies against us because for every plan the enemies make, the Lord is always there. He will either thwart the plan or wait for the appropriate time to act. This reminds us about Elisha and the king of Syria, whose war plans and strategies God reveals to Elisha (2 Kings 6:8 – 17). 

We have here the record of the sins of the Edomites and their bad conduct towards the people of God. They thought of conquering and possessing Judah and Israel; and they would have succeeded, but only the Lord was there; and this spoiled their plans, and blasted their hopes. Every plan your enemies are making will attract God who will spoil their plans and blast their hopes in Jesus name. Let us note that, no plan your enemies have made or will make that God is not aware of.

Are you apprehensive of what the enemies have planned? Are you now panicking that they are about to consume you? You shouldn’t worry yourself because your Father was there when they were planning. You don’t even know what He has said about the matter; maybe what He said is in Isaiah 41:11 – 16 and 54:15. When we hear anything the enemies have planned, we should ask God because He was there when they planned and will never keep quite to allow their plans prevail.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 54:15

Prayer: God, when enemies gather against me, frustrate them in Jesus name.

I AM ZEALOUS FOR YOU

I AM ZEALOUS FOR YOU          Friday June 19, 2015

Text: Zechariah 1:13 – 17               Memory verse: v 14  

Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5, 34:14; Nahum 1:2). God alone has the right to be jealous and to carry out vengeance. When human beings are jealous or take vengeance, it is out of spirit of selfishness. God’s jealousy and vengeance are never mixed with selfishness. Their purpose is to remove sin and restore peace to the world (Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9). That hard time you are facing may be out of God’s jealousy to bring you closer to Himself. 

God has strong affection for Israel; and indignation against their enemies. This strong affection made Him zealous for Israel. At times God withdraws or defers His help and comfort from His people, yet in this declarations He showed that He still loves them most dearly, and when it is expedient for them, His help is ever ready. This is the kind of love that God has for us.

Do you know that Almighty God is zealous for you despite your weaknesses and faults? Indeed his zeal is based on the work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. He will not want that price He paid to be in vain. It is in His zeal he drove away merchants from the temple. We should however note that the zeal can make God to compel us into doing things according to His will.

Food for Thought: Zechariah 8:2

Prayer: Lord, use your zeal for me to draw me closer and closer to you on daily basis in Jesus name.