Christians’ Uttermost Task: Devotion for Saturday, April 18, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday, April 18, 2020

Topic: Christians’ Uttermost Task                                         

Text: Act 1:6 – 11

One of the basic teachings Jesus gave His disciples was on the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of heaven as some gospels presents it. When Jesus was crucified, their hope of ruling with Him as He promised seemed to be dashed. However, when He resurrected, that hope came alive. On the day of His ascension, they came up with the question as we have in Acts 1:6. The disciples, like every other Jew, expected the Messiah's kingdom to be at least in part, secular. This had been their understanding.

However, in answering their question in verse 6 Jesus redirected their minds to what would be their uttermost task as disciples. Jesus turned away their thoughts from their worldly inquiries to the spiritual office and work they will soon be equipped with Holy Spirit to perform. Have you seen the reason God has not poured His spirit on you despite your desire and prayers? You must understand the essence of the Holy Spirit coming upon you.

As present day disciples, we have this task also. The heart of God is soul winning and anyone who has that passion will always receive His backing. Most times we lose this vision and begin to seek and crave for earthly things as the disciples had wanted. This made Peter to remind us in 1 Peter 2:9 and 10 of what we are on this earth. Desire for earthly possessions led the disciples into making the enquiry.

Today many of us are so consumed by our quest for worldly possessions like cars, food, job, money, etc., that we have lost focus of why we are Christians. Are you fulfilling your task as a Christian? Start acting today.

Action: Make sure you preach to someone you will meet today.

Memory verse: Acts 1:8

Prayer: God, redirect my mind into what you have called me to do for you as a Christian 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.     

You Are Surrounded By Wolves

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Devotion for Saturday June 10, 2017

Topic: You Are Surrounded By Wolves

Text: Matthew 10:16 - Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

When God calls us to a duty, He makes known to us the intricacies and implications. When He called me into full time ministry, He gave me Isaiah 43:1 – 10 which I see as what I have passed through since my ordination. When God called Paul, He told him about what he would suffer (Acts 9:10–16).

In our text today was the commission Jesus gave His disciples and present Christians on evangelism. Jesus Christ sent the disciples into the world as sheep among wolves; He intimated them that the enemies of the gospel in this wicked world have a great inclination, from their nature, to devour and destroy the ministers of the gospel and Christians alike. This is just as wolves have, from their natural temper to devour sheep. What a metaphor!

Despite all these challenges, Jesus recommended ways they can overcome them. He recommended prudence and innocence; saying you shall be as wise as serpents, to avoid the world's injuries, and harmless as doves, in not revenging against them. What a good counsel from Jesus who actually wants us to succeed in our Christian race! Christians must not be altogether doves, lest they fall into dangers or serpents, lest they endanger others. This teaches us that wisdom and innocence should dwell together. How wise and innocent are you?

Food for Thought: “For as piety without policy is too simple to be safe, so policy without piety is too subtle to be good” – William Burkett Notes.

Memory verse: Matthew 10 verse 16 - "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Prayer: God, fill me with the spirit of wisdom and innocence in my Christianity.

The Gospel Mandate

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Devotion for Saturday April 29, 2017

Topic: The Gospel Mandate

Text: Luke 10:8 – 11

Evangelism has its mandate. Jesus who commissioned the Apostles, disciples and we the present day Christians gave us a mandate on what we should do. We are not just to go out for sake of going out. The first instruction was that we should value our welcome to any home by staying there and accepting whatever is offered to us. In the mandate Jesus stated that we should preach, healing the sick and telling them that the kingdom of God is at hand. We should shake off the dust on our feet against places where we are not welcomed.

The healing of the sick, casting out demons, etc are signs that the kingdom of God is near (see Luke 10:11; 21:31). This nearness of the kingdom has two interpretations; already here and soon to come. The kingdom Jesus established was not aimed at overthrowing any government. Rather, it was a kingdom that began in people’s hearts and was as near as people’s heart who are willing to make Jesus king over their lives.

In Matt. 24:14, Jesus asserted that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the world as a witness to nations before the end will come. How are you carrying out this mandate to preach the gospel? Are you among those who are calling on Jesus to come back for the saint militants when you are not willing to preach the gospel to souls dying without Christ? It is time to wake up to our call and mandate to preach the gospel because God will obviously demand their souls in our hands.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you exercise your mandate today.

Memory verse: Luke 10 verses 8 and 9

Prayer: Lord God, grant me utterance I go out to preach the gospel.

Price of Godliness (Imprisonment 2)

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Devotion for Friday March 31, 2017                

Topic: Price of Godliness (Imprisonment 2)

Text: Act 4:1 – 4

When you have a message from God and preach it raw as received, there is every tendency it will hurt some people and puncture their ego. I have incurred the wrath of many people because of my messages. I thank God that so far, they have not arrested or sent me to prison. The Sadducees don’t believe in resurrection and for the disciples to be preaching that Jesus resurrected was not acceptable to them. They instigated the arrest of the Peter and John.

These men (Apostles Peter and John) had spoken to the people during the afternoon prayer time. The Sadducees moved in quickly to investigate. They were understandably disturbed with what the Apostles were saying because they were refuting one of their fundamental beliefs and thus threatening their authority as religious teachers. Because of their unlimited power over the Temple grounds, they were able to arrest Peter and John for no other reason than teaching what contradicts their beliefs.

Preaching the gospel can offend some people because of their tie with the devil and it can even lead to imprisonment. Though it is not always that preaching can lead to problem but we run risks in trying to win others to Christ. The risks may include attack of the enemies of the cross, rejection, persecution, imprisonment, denial of rights and privileges. Whatever risk we may face, we should note that people of God in the past suffered same and we should be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. Whatever the risks, realize that nothing done for God is ever wasted. You will surely receive your reward.

Food for Thought: You can bind and imprison a preacher but you cannot bind or imprison his message.

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 3

Prayer: Lord, grant utterance to your people to enable them preach no matter the risk and consequences in Jesus name. Amen.

Don’t Be Intimidated

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Devotion for Monday March 27, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be Intimidated

Text: Acts 4:23 – 31          

Sometimes we may exercise boldness and courage over issues but when we leave there, people may talk fear into us and discourage us. When Peter and John got back to the other disciples, they narrated what happened at the council. These disciples didn’t exercise any fear too. Rather they joined hands to pray for more utterance and boldness to preach the gospel. They never asked God to silence their enemies. They didn’t pray for their death neither did they ask God for protection against their threat and persecution. All they were after was how to preach the gospel. Is there any lesson for us in the reaction of the other Apostles and their prayers?

Their prayer was centred on the will of God to get the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth as their master charged them. The direction of their prayer and what they asked for are very important which we should take note of. Observe how they prayed. There was unity and they were of one mind (Acts 4:24). Nobody had ulterior motive. First, they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for His help. They did not ask God to remove the problem but to help them deal with it.

This is a model for us to follow when we pray. Those who query God about problems should understand that they can overcome problems and that will strengthen their faiths. God may choose to remove our problems, when we ask but we must recognize that often He will leave a problem but give us the strength and courage to deal with it.

Food for Thought: Psalm 2:1 – 4

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 24  

Prayer: Lord, grant that I will not be intimidated by threats of the enemies of the gospel in Jesus name. Amen

Obey God Rather Than Men

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Devotion for Saturday March 25, 2017

Topic: Obey God Rather Than Men

Text: Acts 4:19 – 22     

One of the commands the disciples received from Christ at His ascension was to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The death and resurrection of Christ convinced them about the truth of the gospel which they should testify to people. As the council demanded that they should stop preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and John did not waste time in rejecting any such ban on speaking in the name of Jesus, saying it is better to obey God rather than men.

What the response of the apostles means is that the members of the council are at odd with the will of God which is to obey Him rather than men. Thus they asked the council members to judge whether they should obey the council’s orders or God’s. Being with Jesus had actually transformed their lives because they lived with Him; witnessed His resurrection and experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. These had tremendous effect on them so they asserted that they cannot stop speaking about the things they have seen and heard. The response from the disciple was act of courage which can only come from someone filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are times we face such challenges. We may be tempted to yield to such challenge but here is an example for us to follow. Do not give in to such challenges because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. We should choose to obey God no matter what the threat will be. God was with the Apostles and He will be with you if you stand for Him. Obeying Him will bring blessings and peace rather than obeying men.

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey and please God in all things rather than men.

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 19

Prayer: Lord God, help me to obey and please you instead of men in Jesus name. Amen.

They Cannot Deny It

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Devotion for Friday March 24, 2017

Topic: They Cannot Deny It

Text: Acts 4:15 – 18

The Council was in a dilemma on what to do with the Apostles as they had performed an undeniable and widely publicized miraculous healing of the man born lame. This miracle and others done by the Apostles made the masses to gravitate toward Christianity abandoning the Jewish religion. Their problem now was how they could save their faces (in light of the obviously healed man), discourage further teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and preserve the status quo.

Their solution to the above concerns was to order them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again. Unfortunately, their power and position could not convince them to be silent. When God’s will is unfolding, no one can stop it (Acts 5:34 – 39). Again, His works do not leave traces of doubt behind. The healing of this man was so obvious that the Council couldn’t deny it. They attested to it.

Most unbelievers question our salvation too when they discover that our lives do not reflect the confession we make. We give unbelievers room to doubt our faith when we compromise and live carelessly. Can people in your office, school, neighbourhood, and other places where you may be found say that your salvation and faith are undeniable? Can people actually vouch that you are a true Christian? Ponder on these questions and where there is need; amend your ways now by repenting of your sins before it will be too late.          

Food for Thought: Can people question your credibility as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 16b

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to live well so that people can’t deny or question whether I am a Christian indeed.

They Had Been With Jesus

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Devotion for Thursday March 23, 2017

Topic: They Had Been With Jesus

Text: Acts 4:13 – 14

Any Christian whose life has not been thoroughly transformed is a mistake. There must be an all-round transformation of the life of a Christian in his thoughts, actions, reactions, words, etc. Jesus doesn’t abandon His halfway. After Peter had addressed the gathering as we read yesterday, they saw the boldness of the disciples and realized that they had been with Jesus.

Despite the fact that Peter and his colleagues didn’t receive formal education or training, yet they were bold, composed, confident, and undaunted as they defended their act of healing the man born lame. As the apostles stood there with the healed cripple, speaking with authority, the members of the council recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. Their boldness was possible because they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Being with Jesus should be seen in our lives. These men stayed only three years with Jesus. Some of us have been in the church for over three years and above. What have we to show that we have been with Jesus all these years? How bold are we when telling others about our faith? There should be an all-round transformation of our lives; our words should be reformed, our emotions, temperament, desire must be moderated and brought under control or else people will not see us as Christians. Let our lives shine as light for the world (Matt. 5:13 – 16).

Food for Thought: When people hear you speak, can they say, you have been with Jesus?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1:27

Prayer: Make my life, O Lord, to reflect the true nature of Christ through my words and deeds.

The Uniqueness Of Jesus

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Devotion for Wednesday March 22, 2017

Topic: The Uniqueness Of Jesus

Text: Acts 4:5 – 12  

Sometimes, do you wonder why the Pharisees and Sadducees were always picking at Jesus and His disciples even when there are no obvious reasons for such? How can they quarrel with the disciples over the healing of a man born lame instead of being happy and returning the glory to God? The reason for this kind of behaviour is nothing but selfishness and envy or else what would have instigated such action? However, thanks to God for the boldness and authority of the disciples.

Peter used that opportunity to rebuke their hypocrisy, hatred and wickedness against Jesus Christ. He listed what made Jesus unique. Christ was the rejected stone which turned out to be the cornerstone. Peter asserted that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. All these things mention in Acts 4:10 – 12 by Peter made Christ unique.

There are two kinds of courage: reckless courage, knowing the danger, faces it without knowing the consequences and the fearless courage that knows the peril and yet is undaunted. Peter’s boldness is of the latter as he was bold to challenge these men. We should be bold to speak out for Jesus Christ not minding the consequences because of His uniqueness. He even charged us to risk our lives for Him (Matthew 10:39; 16:25). If Jesus Christ in His uniqueness died for us, what will be too much to offer Him? We should show the world the uniqueness of Jesus Christ by living His life. This will make the world to appreciate that He is unique indeed.

Food for Thought: 2 Timothy 2:5 – 6

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 12 - And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Prayer: Lord God, let the words of my mouth and the life I live show the world the uniqueness of Christ.

The Son of Encouragement

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Devotion for Thursday February 16, 2017

Topic: The Son of Encouragement

Text: Acts 4:32 – 37

Barnabas means son of consolation (encouragement). He was a Levite (Acts 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Luke speaks of him as a "good man" (Acts 11:24). He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land (Acts 4:36, 37), which he sold and gave for the service of God.

He personally took Paul and introduced him to other apostles when he returned to Jerusalem after his conversion (9:27). He was a great link between the Jews and Gentiles. He was Paul’s companion in his first missionary journey. He personally invited Paul to work with him in Antioch. Luke mentioned the name of Barnabas as one of those who sold their lands and brought the money.

New King James Version has it that it was the apostles that gave him that name Barnabas as his name was Joses. Probably they gave him that name because of his contributions to the early church. Some of us are more blessed than Barnabas but we have not deemed it necessary to support the work of the church.

If your priest is to describe you by your activities in the church, will he say you are son of encouragement like Barnabas or you are greedy like Judas Iscariot? What is your testimony in your local church? Barnabas didn’t give money alone; he went on missionary work also. Do you think you are too big for evangelism? Let the life of Barnabas be a challenge to you. Give yourself a name that people will not forget in your church

Food for Thought: The character of Barnabas’ ministry gave him the name. What is the character of your ministry?

Memory verses: Acts 4 verses 36 and 37 - Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Prayer: God, may I live up to the name, Christian that I bear in Jesus name. Amen.

Increase Our Faith

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Devotion for Wednesday February 8, 2017

Topic: Increase Our Faith     

Text: Luke 17:5 – 10   

Yesterday, we read about Stephen, a man of faith. In today’s bible reading, the disciples requested that Jesus should increase their faith. Their request was genuine; they wanted the faith necessary for such radical forgiveness. But Jesus didn’t directly answer their question because the amount of faith is not as important as its genuineness. What is faith in religious term? It is complete trust and loyalty to God that results in a willingness to do His will. 

Adam Clarke says that “Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see.” Faith is not something we use to put on a show for others. It is complete and humble obedience to God’s will, readiness to do whatever He calls us to do. Jesus didn’t answer them directly but his answer was to correct an impression that the amount of faith isn’t as important as the right kind of faith—faith in our All-powerful God. He used a mustard seed as an example to show the size of faith that can work if it is faith centred on God. 

A mustard seed is small, but it is alive and growing. Like a tiny seed, a small amount of genuine faith in God will take root and grow. The Apostles didn’t need more faith; a tiny seed of faith would be enough, if it were alive and growing in them. What kind of faith do you have? Are you asking God to increase your faith? Remember our food for thought yesterday that “Faith is kept alive in us, and gathers strength, more from practice than from speculations” according to Addison in Power Bible CD. This is what will make your faith active and working.

Food for Thought: Mark 9:23

Memory verse: Luke 17 verse 5

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen me to develop a genuine faith that will be alive and working in me in Jesus name.

Be An Observable Model (In Fellowship)

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Devotion for Monday February 6, 2017

Topic: Be An Observable Model (In Fellowship)

Text: 1 John 1:1 – 7

The believers devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42) implies that they were continually persisting regularly in the activities of the apostles which included breaking of bread and teaching sessions. These activities form a practical map for not only the day-old church but for any church of any age. From the beginning the early church was devoted to hearing, studying, and learning what the apostles had to teach. Such coming together of believers is usually referred to as fellowship.

The fellowship (koinonia) means association and close relationships. This involved sharing goods, having meals together, and praying together. Sharing in the Lord’s Supper refers to communion services that were celebrated in remembrance of Jesus and patterned after the Last Supper, which Jesus had eaten with His disciples before His death (Matt 26:26-29). It likely included a regular meal shared together (Acts 2:46; 20:7; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-25; Jude 1:12). Prayer is joined with the expression “sharing in the Lord’s Supper” to explain the word ‘fellowship.’ Prayer has always been a mark of the believers’ gatherings. How often do you attend fellowship of believers?

Do you see it as a delight coming together with other believers? In Ps 133:1, the Psalmist said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This is what God expects from us. We should not neglect it. We should be a model with our regular attendance to church activities and programmes.

Food for Thought: Do you attend church programmes and activities regularly?

Memory verse: Acts 2:42 - And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Prayer: Make me more regular to Church activities and programmes, O Lord my God in Jesus name. Amen 

OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY: Devotion for Tuesday September 6, 2016

OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY: Devotion for Tuesday September 6, 2016

Text: Luke 21:10 – 13                 Memory verse: Luke 21:13   

Jesus spoke about the persecution that will come upon the church in Luke 21:12 which they should use as opportunity to testify Luke 21:13. Not long after this admonition, the persecution started as Luke recorded in Acts of the Apostles. We have instances of Paul writing from the prison that he suffered gladly because it helped him to know Christ better and do His work (Philippians 3:10, Colossians 1:24 compare Philippians 1:12–14). Their suffering led to the furtherance of the gospel, a testimony. It was Tertullian, one of the early church fathers in late 2nd century, wrote, “The blood of Christians is seed of the gospel.” The persecutions suffered by the Apostles and early disciples became an added advantage to the spreading of the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.   

Paul and Silas while in prison used the occasion to preach the gospel, which led to the repentance of the Jailer and his family. Beloved, how do you react to what you are suffering for the sake of the gospel? Do you use that problem as a stepping-stone to draw closer to God and witness of His love to others? That problem, trial, or temptation will lead to a testimony in Jesus name. Those who think they want to punish you by redeploying you or by that transfer will see you testifying because it will be a blessing. Persevere and maintain the faith and at last, God will prove Himself to you.

Food for Thought: Something good can come out of that problem you are going through now depending on your perspective.  

Prayer: God, turn the problem confronting me into a testimony in Jesus name.

I AM WITH YOU: Devotion for Friday January 1, 2016

I AM WITH YOU          Friday January 1, 2016

Text: Matthew 28:16 – 20        Memory verse: v 20

Welcome to the year 2016! We thank God for making us part of this year. We have in our text the parting words of Jesus Christ with His disciples on His ascension. He told them about the authorities bestowed on Him by virtue of His death and resurrection (28:18). Solemnly, He commissioned the Apostles and other disciples to go forth among all nations preaching the gospel. They were to preach a common salvation message; whoever wills, let him come, and take the benefit; as all people from every race are welcome to Christ Jesus (28:19, 20a). While concluding their commissioning, He assured them that He is with them till the end of age.

The assurance of Christ being with us is very necessary for us at the start of a new year. We are all faced with uncertainties of what the year holds for us. Some are very anxious because they have spent themselves up at the end of last year and are now faced with bills to pay. Some are curious about their chances of survival in this New Year. However, every Christian should approach each year with faith in God (Mk 11:22) and optimism. God has given us His words about the New Year here. All God requires of us is to trust Him and He will continue to lead (Prov. 6:22), guide (Ps 32: 8; Isa. 58:11; Jn. 16:13), guard (Isa. 58:8), protect, defend (Ps 5:11) and bless us this year. Happy New Year!

Action: Write down the things you can do this year for God to be with you always.

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 promises.

HE CALLED AND THEY CAME: Devotion for Tuesday November 10, 2015

HE CALLED AND THEY CAME     Tuesday November 10, 2015

Text: Mark 3:13 – 21           Memory verse: v 13

Christ calls whom He will; for the grace is His own. He had called the Apostles to separate them from the crowd, and they came to Him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. Christ had to commission them which is a proof that no one may undertake the work and calling of the ministry, but those whom Christ appoints and calls. This is in respect of the special calling of being an apostle or priest.

However, there is the call to universal priesthood. This is the call on all Christians and believers. The commissioning was before the ascension of our Lord that we should be His witnesses. Have you answered that call? If you have not answered, this is the opportunity you have to answer. God needs men and women for His work. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with Him, and have learned of Him to preach His gospel, to be instruments in His blessed work, Amen.

Action: As one called into the universal priesthood, ensure you preach to someone today.

Prayer: God, help me to fulfill my call into the universal priesthood.