Let Your Light Shine: Devotion for Wednesday May 6, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 6, 2020

Topic: Let Your Light Shine                          

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8                                   

A true Christian is a light to the world. In Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptized will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be.

In Matthew 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and gives to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this?

In our text, the prophet calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is, that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (Isaiah 60:2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (Isaiah 60:2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, it will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2).

For us who are Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it. It is a command. Therefore, ensure you do it through godly living; through the words of your mouth and through your actions.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Memory verse: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name.

Arise, O Lord!

Devotion for Wednesday March 21, 2018

Topic: Arise, O Lord!

Text: Psalm 10:12 – 18

God is perfectly knows the words and works of both the righteous and the wicked, and in due time will appear and render to all according to their words and works. Here the Psalmist speaks with astonishment, at the wickedness of the wicked, and at the patience and forbearance of God. “Arise, O Lord, O God, lift up your hand” is a call for vindication and deliverance. 

The Psalmist might have suffered so much wickedness from people and it seems his prayers/appeal for help didn’t come. The poor, afflicted, persecuted, or tempted believer should understand that Satan is the prince of this world, and that he is the father of all the ungodly. The children of God cannot expect kindness, truth, or justice from a person. The Psalmist prayed that God should punish the wicked for their wickedness (v15) and then expressed his confidence in the abilities of God to hear the prayers of the humble and to do justice for the oppressed so that the oppressors will no longer oppress (v16 – 18). 

Are you currently under oppression of the wicked? Call on God to arise so that your enemies and His enemies will scatter. He may seem to be delaying but surely His hands will be lifted against them for His namesake and for your faith and confidence in Him. Trust Him to lift up those hands soon and very soon even as you go out today in your favour. 

Sing: Arise O Lord, let your enemies be scattered (3x) 

O Lord, my God, Arise

Food for Thought: Micah 5:9                     

Memory verse: Psalm 10 v 12

Prayer: Lord, lift your hands up against my enemies and turn their hearts to know and fear you in Jesus name.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: Devotion for Friday May 6, 2016

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: Devotion for Friday May 6, 2016

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8        Memory verse: v 1

A true Christian is a light to the world. In Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptised will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be. In Matt. 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and give to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this?

In our text, Isaiah calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (60:2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (60:2b). As the light (Christ – Jn. 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, it will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2). For us Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name.

LORD, LIFT UP YOUR HAND: Devotion for Wednesday February 10, 2016

LORD, LIFT UP YOUR HAND      Wednesday February 10, 2016

Text: Psalm 10:12 – 18            Memory verse: v 12

God is perfectly acquainted with the words and works; both of the righteous and the wicked, and in due time will appear and render to all according to their words and works. Here the Psalmist speaks with astonishment, at the wickedness of the wicked, and at the patience and forbearance of God. “Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up your hand (10:12)” is a call for vindication and deliverance. The Psalmist might have suffered so much wickedness from people and it seems his prayers/appeal for help didn’t come. The poor, afflicted, persecuted, or tempted believer should understand that Satan is the prince of this world, and that he is the father of all the ungodly. The children of God cannot expect kindness, truth, or justice from such a person.

The Psalmist prayed that God should punish the wicked for their wickedness (10:15) and then expressed his confidence in the abilities of God to hear the prayers of the humble and to do justice for the oppressed so that the oppressors will no longer oppress (10:16–18). Are you currently under oppression of the wicked? Call on God to arise so that your enemies will scatter. He may seem to be delaying but surely His hands will be lifted against them for His namesake and for your faith and confidence in Him. As you go out today, trust God to lift up His hands soon and very soon in your favour.

Food for Thought: Micah 5:9

Prayer: Lord, lift your hands up against my enemies and turn their hearts to know and fear you in Jesus name.