Ways to Redirect Your Focus 2: Devotion for Saturday August 29, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday August 29, 2020

Topic: Ways to Redirect Your Focus 2      

Text: Colossians 3:8 – 11                       

There is one striking point to note in the ways to redirect our focus on Christ in our bible reading of yesterday and today. It is the point that you are the one to put them to death/put off and not any other person.

In our bible reading of the day, Paul was emphatic. He said, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these …” These things are part of our old nature which sure raises their heads in us. That is why our text called them our members.

Though these sins mentioned in Colossians 3:8 are of less infamy (minorisinfamia) and reproach before men, yet they are of greater guilt (majorisreatus) in the sight of God. Thus any sincere Christian who desire to please God will not hesitate in putting off these sins so as to have a clear focus on Christ.

The five sins of speech/action here are anger, wrath (rage), malicious behaviour, slander (blasphemy) and dirty language. When these are manifest in our lives, they offend the Spirit of God in us. Paul concluded by calling on us to put on the new man after putting off the five sins mentioned above.

Putting on new man means that our conduct should match our faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like a Christian. To be a Christian means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions.

Food for thought: Have you put off anger, wrath, malicious behaviour, slander and dirty language from your life.     

Memory verse: Colossians 3 v 8

Prayer: God, help me to put off old nature and to put on the new man that reveals Christ in me.

God Hears When We Complain: Devotion for Wednesday August 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday August 5, 2020

Topic: God Hears When We Complain                 

Text: Numbers 11:1 – 3                                   

It is proper to remind us that God is not man. He is omnipresent, omniscience and omnipotent. He alone knows what we will do or say tomorrow and even in years ahead. Not only that, He knows the intent of our hearts and the motive behind whatever we do. For this reason, we should be very careful of the utterances we make. When we have in mind that God is always with us in whatever we do, it will make us to be extremely cautious of our actions and inaction.

One of the ways we attract God’s anger is murmuring and complaining. These acts discredit God as unable or unwilling to save, deliver and help us. They are acts of lack of faith and confidence in God. Some major problems between God and His people, Israel is their act of disobedience and lack of faith they showed to Him. They were always faltering between opinions (1 King 18:21). It attracts God’s anger always.

In our text, the Israelites complained bitterly against God and Moses (Numbers 11:1). This made God to send fire against them in Taberah. Discontentment with the ways God deals with us is unwise and wicked. People who indulge in it provoke Him, and expose themselves to His wrath. We should understand that He knows the best for us.

Are you complaining because you are discontented with God for not answering your prayer about job, success in exam, fruit of the womb, no prospective spouse, etc.? As you even contemplate it in your heart, God hears.

Don’t incur His wrath. Know that these things you are seriously asking from God are extra blessings. The ultimate is our salvation.

Food for Thought: Discontentment and complaint are stepping stone to backsliding in faith. Beware because it attracts God’s anger.

Memory verse: Numbers 11:1               

Prayer: Heal me, O Lord, of any discontentment in me and help me never to complain about the position I find myself.

Be Your Brother’s Keeper: Devotion for Monday May 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday May 11, 2020 

Topic: Be Your Brother’s Keeper                   

Text: Genesis 4:3 – 12

Cain’s failures hinged on his reaction to God’s rebuke (Genesis 4:6 – 7). This deteriorated into brotherly hate instead of brotherly love. We don’t know why God rejected Cain’s sacrifice. But instead of listening to God, learning, and changing his ways, he reacted impulsively. Cain was wrong, yet he would not accept responsibility for or deal with it. He countered God’s correction with anger and denial.

After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do so, but Cain proudly refused. The rest of Cain’s life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes and repent of them. It also shows what happens when we blame others for our problems and allow anger to build in us massively. The end will certainly be our ruin except we deal with anger from the onset.

Every wise Christian should learn from Cain’s mistakes. We should not be too proud to analyze our actions and utterances especially when people point out faults in what we say or do.

Beloved in Christ, anytime someone suggests you are wrong, especially with God’s word, take an honest look at your life and make the necessary changes. It will save you crying, had I known. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Food for Thought: Pride and grace do not dwell together.

Memory verse: Genesis 4:9

Prayer: Lord, help me to always accept my mistakes and make changes whenever it is necessary in Jesus name.

God Hates Wickedness: Devotion for Tuesday January 28, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 28, 2020

Topic: God Hates Wickedness                 

Text: Psalm 45:6 – 9

God hates anything wickedness and He vexes His anger anyone who practices wickedness. This is because He is love and expects people created in His image to love instead of being wicked.

In our bible reading, the Psalmist reveals what the throne of God is. He didn’t restrain his adoration of Almighty God expressing what His Kingdom is made of. Scepter means royal authority or staff used as royal emblem. The emblem of our God is justice and righteousness. Because it is his nature being just and righteous, He hates wickedness (See Psalm 5:5; 33:5).   

There are some people who love and desire to practice wickedness. They love it so much that if they have not made trouble with people, they are will not be happy. Wickedness comes in form of oppression, abuse of all kinds, willfully committing sin, luring people into evil, telling lies, betrayal, etc. Christians should not practice or tolerate wickedness.

For this reason Psalm 97:10 admonishes us that we should hate wickedness as our God does. People who have no love find it easier to practice wickedness (See 1 John 2:11; 3:15),

Are you nursing any form of hatred or bitterness against someone? Repent of it now before devil will lead you into wicked act.

Action: If there is anyone who has offended you, make peace with the person today before devil will lead you into wicked act.  

Memory verse: Psalm 33:7

Prayer:  God, make me love righteousness and hate wickedness as you do in Jesus name.

Time Heals Wound

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday June 11, 2017

Topic: Time Heals Wound

Text: Genesis 33:4 - But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

Sin is not good, whether it is supplanting, lie, cheating, stealing with gun or pen, killing, bribery, etc. Apart from eternal consequence of going to hell fire, it makes one uneasy and to run when no one pursues. The person loses peace and for every little thing, his heart condemns him.

With the aid of his mother, Jacob cheated his brother Esau and ran away (Genesis 27: 6 -29). The result of this action of Jacob is in Genesis 27:41 because he falsely took away his brother’s blessings. Hatred and murder are intimately connected. If you indulge in one, it leads to the other. Actually Esau’s aim was to prevent Jacob or his seed from having the dominion, by taking away his life. It is very possible for men to fret at God's counsels, but they can never change them.

In order to prevent mischief or killing of Jacob, Rebecca warned him of the impending danger. She counselled Jacob to flee for his safety and life (Genesis 27:42). “Time heals wound” is a popular saying. When Jacob was returning, his sin started hunting him which made him devise means to appease Esau. However, Esau had overcome his bitterness and welcomed Jacob with open arms.

We must overcome bitterness. Paul admonished us to be at peace with all people (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Indeed, you might have been offended, abused, mocked and ridiculed without cause. As children of God, we have it as a duty to avoid bitterness which leads to other sins. Be the light – Romans 14:19 and Hebrews 12: 14.

Food for Thought: Mark 9:50

Memory verse: Genesis 33 verse 4 - But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

Prayer: God, uproot every form of bitterness, hatred and unforgiving spirit in my heart.

STAND IN THE GAP: Devotion for Monday October 3, 2016

STAND IN THE GAP: Devotion for Monday October 3, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 22:23 – 31      Memory verse: Ezekiel 22 verse 30

Whatever we do as leaders or priest will always have effect on the people we lead whether good of bad. If only we hope to make great impacts on the people we lead, we should be very cautious of what we do; the kind of policies we introduce and the kind of advice we receive from people. When wicked leaders collaborate with wicked and false prophets, and priests to ruin a nation and corrupt its faith and practices through false doctrines, ungodliness and iniquity, it will bring unbearable consequences because it will definitely permeate the masses.

This is the case in this our country and most other countries of the world. Unfortunately, the deceiver and the deceived cannot escape God’s anger. At the revelation of His anger, the people with their rulers and teachers will become like briers and thorns ready to be consumed by the fire of His wrath. None of them will be spared. That is the extend God can go in dealing with us in His anger.

As Christians who fear God, we should unite to promote His truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down. This is what is expected of us if only we can make our world a better place for all of us to live in. A situation where we who ought to be bearers of light turn out to become agents of darkness will at the long run receive the wrath of God.

When the society is morally bankrupt, it will be hard to see anyone who seeks the face of God in fasting and prayers. This was the reason God expressed sadness over the situation in Ezekiel 22:30. God sought for a man that would stand in the gap; that would faithfully exhort, reprove and counsel, with all long-suffering and doctrine because there was a serious breach made in the moral state and feeling of the people. But none was to be found! Today, most of us instead of standing at the gap because of the moral decadence in our society, we resort to joining them or complaining. We should stand at the gap always for that is what God expects from us.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 59:16

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace I need to stand at the gap always for my family and my nation in Jesus name.

WAYS TO REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS 2: Devotion for Sunday July 31, 2016

WAYS TO REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS 2: Devotion for Sunday July 31, 2016

Text: Colossians 3:8 – 11                       

Memory verse: Colossians 3:8 - But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

There is one striking point to note in the ways to redirect our focus on Christ in our bible reading of yesterday and today. It is the point that you are the one to put them to death/put off and not any other person. In our bible reading of the day, Apostle Paul was emphatic about this. He said, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these …” These things are part of our old nature which sure raises their heads in us. That is why our text called them our members.

Though these sins mentioned in Colossians 3:8 are of less infamy (minoris infamia) and reproach before men, yet they are of greater guilt (majoris reatus) in the sight of God. Thus any sincere Christian who desire to please God will not hesitate in putting off these sins so as to have a clear focus on Christ. As long as they are part of us, they will keep on pulling us down.  

The five sins of speech/action here are anger, wrath (rage), malicious behaviour, slander (blasphemy) and dirty language. When these are manifest in our lives, they offend the spirit of God in us. Paul concluded by calling on us to put on the new man after putting off the five sins mentioned above. Putting on new man means that our conduct should match our faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christian means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions.

Food for Thought: Have you put off anger, wrath, malicious behaviour, slander and dirty language from your life?

Prayer: God, help me to put off old nature and to put on the new man that reveals Christ in me.

When Our Cry Offends God: Devotion for Sunday July 10, 2016

WHEN OUR CRY OFFENDS GOD: Devotion for Sunday July 10, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:10

Memory verse: v 10 – Then Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of his tent; and the anger of the LORD was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased.     

The Psalmist noted severally that he cried to God (Psalm 28:2; 61:2; 86:3) and God answered him. God desire us to cry to Him but there are cries that offend Him as we have in our text for today. This chapter of Numbers, records of series of discontentment and complaint by the Israelites. They were never satisfied by anything God did for them. Whether it was planned or not, we can’t say but they all sat at the doors of their tent and were weeping.

Their cry aroused the anger of God. Moses was displeased by their action. Unfortunately, he took a wrong step in addressing it. We shall see that tomorrow. When they complained in Numbers 11:4, God sent manna. What led to the cry in Numbers 11:10, we can’t say but it offended God. Why? They were never contented with God’s provisions. They cried one to another which means cry of discontentment and peevishness.

There are many Christians who are behaving the way Israelites did here. They cry to fellow human being. Such is an indictment that God is unable to take care of them. He gave us open cheque to come to Him with our burdens. Why cry to your fellow human being? Most times instead of crying to God, we complain to Him. That is not the right way to address our problems. We should note that little things matters. Whom do you tell about your problems? Do your cry, offend God? We should learn how to approach God so that our approach will not bring condemnation.

Food for Thought: Crying as a result of discontentment and peevishness is offensive to God and it attracts His wrath too.            

Prayer: God, remove every unhappy and discontent spirit from me. Help me, O Lord my God not to be discontented with your provisions for me and my family.

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.

HE HEARS OUR COMPLAINS: Devotion for Friday July 8, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:1 – 3               

Memory verse: v 1 – Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.

It is proper to remind us that God is not man. He is Omnipresent, Omniscience and Omnipotent. He alone knows what we will do or say tomorrow and even in years ahead. Not only that, He knows the intent of our hearts and the motive behind whatever we do. For this reason, we should be very careful of the utterances we make. When we have in mind that God is always with us in whatever we do, it will make us to be extremely cautious of our actions. 

One of the ways we attract God’s anger is murmuring and complaining. These acts discredit God and are ways of passing vote of no confidence in Him. They are acts of lack of faith. Major problems between God and His people Israel are their act of disobedience and lack of faith. They were always faltering between opinions (1 King 18:21). It attracts God’s anger always.

In our text, the Israelis complained bitterly against God and Moses (11:1). This made God to send fire against them in Taberah. Discontentment with the ways God deals with us is unwise and wicked. People who indulge in it provoke Him, and expose themselves to His wrath. We should understand that He knows the best for us. Are you complaining because you are discontented with God for not answering your prayer about job, success in exam, fruit of the womb, no prospective spouse, etc? As you even contemplate it in your heart, God hears. Don’t incur His wrath. Know that these things you are seriously asking from God are extra blessings. The ultimate is your salvation.

Food for Thought: Discontentment and complaint are stepping stone to backsliding in faith. Beware because it attracts God’s anger.  

Prayer: Heal me, O Lord, of any discontentment in me and help me never to complain about the position I find myself.

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.

WHEN GOD SEEMS INCONSIDERATE: Devotion for Sunday April 10, 2016

WHEN GOD SEEMS INCONSIDERATE: Devotion for Sunday April 10, 2016         

Text: Isaiah 59:1 – 8    Memory verse: v 2

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary states that, “If our prayers are not answered, and the salvation we wait for is not wrought for us, it is not because God is weary of hearing prayer, but because we are weary of praying.” This is one reason why we can say that God seem to be inconsiderate to us and our needs. Another thing is sin. Here the prophet highlighted it consequences especially in our relationship with God. It separates us from God and makes His ears to be heavy towards our prayers. Its consequences are exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and all good God has in plan for us. The prophet went further to enumerate the consequences of sin in 59:9ff.

Many a time, we accuse God of being inconsiderate to our needs and prayers even when we are living in sin. God cannot change His standard because of you. He hates sins and it can turn His ears away from our prayers. How can God answer you when you are living in bitterness? How can He answer when you are hoarding anger and grudges? It cannot work. It is not only when we have killed or committed adultery/fornication that we have sinned. Little foxes like bitterness, anger, hatred, malice, lies will ever continue to make God inconsiderate to our needs until we repent of them. Kill the little foxes now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: God is never inconsiderate to us. We are the ones who sent Him away by accommodating sins in our lives.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace not to accommodate sins in my life that will make your ears heavy towards my prayers.                

BROTHERLY HATE OR BROTHER’S KEEPER: Devotion for Saturday April 9, 2016

BROTHERLY HATE OR BROTHER’S KEEPER: Devotion for Saturday April 9, 2016

Text: Genesis 4:3 – 12    Memory verse: v 9

Cain’s failures hinged on his reaction to God’s rebuke (Gen. 4:6–7). This deteriorated into brotherly hate instead of brother’s keeper. We don’t know why God rejected Cain’s sacrifice. But instead of listening to God, learning, and changing his ways, he reacted impulsively. Cain was wrong, yet he would not accept responsibility for or deal with it. He countered God’s correction with anger and denial. After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do so, but Cain proudly refused.

The rest of Cain’s life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes. It also shows what happens when we blame others for our problems and allow anger to build. It is important we learn from Cain’s mistakes. We should not be too proud to analyse our actions and utterances especially when people point out faults in what we say or do. Beloved, anytime someone suggests you are wrong, especially God, take an honest look at yourself, and make the necessary changes. It will save you crying, had I known.

Food for Thought: Pride and grace do not dwell together.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always accept my mistakes and make changes whenever it is necessary in Jesus name.

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 14:1 – 11         Memory verse: v 3  

God knows the intents of our hearts in whatever we do, which most of us are unaware of or undermine. That is why most things we think that matter are not so with God and vice versa. These elderly people who came to Ezekiel have not actually repented of their sins before coming to God. With one hand they held on to sin and were using the other hand to inquire of God. God cannot be mocked. Their offence is that they have made idols in their hearts which can never take the place of God. God says He is a jealous God. He doesn’t want to share our hearts with idols. Thus He instructed them to repent (14:6) so as to avoid the consequences that might follow (14:8–11).

Idols in the heart according to our bible reading are things that made them to stumble and fall into sin. Beloved, what are the idols that can occupy our hearts and make us stumble? Can you mention five of those idols in hearts of people? Admittedly, most Christians have set up idols of money/wealth, hatred, anger, pride, lust, etc, which easily lead them into sin. God doesn’t take pleasure in the outward form of worship when it is connected with a wicked heart and life. He cannot be deceived by those who come to inquire of Him, and He will not allow Himself to be mocked by people who claim to be serving God and idols at the same time. If they love iniquity and secretly practise it, He will answer them in wrath, and not in mercy. Therefore be warned and don’t be a victim.

Action: Write down things that can become idols in your heart.

Prayer: Deliver me, O Lord, my God, from every idol in my heart so that my worship will be acceptable to you in Jesus name.