Assured Solidarity: Devotion for Wednesday July 8, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 8, 2020

Topic: Assured Solidarity            

Text: Joshua 1:16 – 18                                     

Usually, when God is at the centre of any movement, it easily receives solidarity and support of the people. There is no need to coax or intimidate people into doing what is right and appropriate. This was the case here in our bible passage for the day.

The people of Israel after hearing the message from Joshua were moved in their hearts which led to their response in bible reading for today. They agreed to obey Joshua. Their response was that whatever you command us to do, we will readily do, without murmuring or disputing. Again wherever you send us, we will go. These were assuring words to Joshua as he takes over the mantle of leadership from Moses.

They promised Joshua obedience (Joshua 1:16), they prayed for God’s presence with him (Joshua 1:17), they pass an act to make it death penalty for any Israelite to disobey Joshua's orders, or rebel against his commandment and they inspired him to go on with cheerfulness in the work to which God had called him; and, in desiring that, he should be strong and of good courage as God admonished him earlier.

How much solidarity do you give to your leaders, your pastors and teachers of the gospel? Do you support their motions for evangelism, revival, etc. in church meetings or you are there to oppose every move whether good or bad simply because you don’t love the Pastor? The work of God cannot progress where there are rancor and disagreement. We should always work as a team for that is the desire of God (John 17:11, 22)

Food for Thought: How much solidarity do you give to your leaders in the society and the church?

Memory verse: Joshua 1:16            

Prayer: Lord God, may I never be a clog in the wheel of progress in your church in Jesus name.

Our Assurance of Salvation: Devotion for Sunday March 29, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday March 29, 2020

Topic: Our Assurance of Salvation                           

Text: 1 John 5: 1 – 5

Probably John had a challenge that some Christians sometimes doubt their salvation and some still express such doubt today. He had explains to his readers how to know if they are truly saved or not. That is the assurance/evidence of our salvation. Read this passage again and again to gain the needed assurance. John also reviewed Jesus’ mission to this earth and in dying from 1 John 5:6ff. He wrote to reassure Christians about their faith because some false teachers had given them cause to doubt the security of their salvation.

How can we know we have eternal life? John tells us: trust in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). Jesus is God’s own Son, the one who came as a human being, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again. His work alone gives Him the power and right to forgive all who confess their sins to Him (1 John 1:9). Anyone who believes in Christ has eternal life (see John 3:16).

Beloved, any time you feel insecure about your salvation and begin to doubt, reaffirm your trust in Christ. It is good to reaffirm our faith on daily basis by confessing our baptismal creed. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour? This is the opportunity for you to do so now.

Food for Thought: Do you still doubt your salvation? Then search yourself and go back to God in prayer.

Memory verse: 1 John 5:2

Prayer: God, help me not to doubt my salvation. Strengthen my faith in you.

Hand Them Over to God: Devotion for Wednesday July 22, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 22, 2020

Topic: Hand Them Over to God              

Text: Psalm 55:16 – 23

In Matthew 7:7 and 8, Jesus told us to ask, seek and find, and it shall be given to us. He did not restrict our asking to certain number of times rather He enjoins us to ask as many times as we can (Luke 18:1). The Psalmist also enjoins us to do same (Psalm 55:22) because he has been doing it and God has always responded.

Here he testifies and gave God all the glory for redeeming him. He was emphatic about seeking the face of God because he has the assurance that God will sustain us. The reason God will answer us is because He does not permit the righteous to slip or fall. Lack of basic necessities can make us slip off the faith.

Get rewarded for simple activities like playing games and more

God wants us to handover our burdens to Him (Psalm 37:5, 24; Matthew 6:25; Luke 12:22; 1 Peter 5:7). Unfortunately, we often continue to bear them even when we say we trust Him. If we believe in God, we should handover our cares, worries, needs, anxieties, apprehensions, burden, etc. to God. Why will you continue to bear the burden you don’t even have solution to? On daily basis, we trust God to wake us up and He does that. We should also trust the same strength that sustains us to carry our cares also. God is waiting for you. Believe Him as you go out today that He will surprise you.

Food for Thought: Dependence on God will keep the soul in peace

Memory verse: 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer: God, I bring my burden to you for I know you care for me

You've Got My Back - Devotion for January 1, 2020

Devotion for Wednesday January 1, 2020

           

Topic: You’ve got My Back                     

Text: Matthew 28:16 – 20

We give all glory to God for making us part of this year 2020. 

Our text was the parting words of Jesus Christ with His disciples on the day of His ascension. He told them about the authorities bestowed upon Him through His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:18). 

He commissioned the Apostles and other disciples by extension to go forth among all nations. The salvation they were to preach is a common salvation; whoever will, let him come, and take the benefit; all people from every race are welcome to Christ Jesus (28:19, 20a). He concluded the commissioning with assurance that He is with them till the end of age.

Proper understanding this assurance is very necessary for us at the start of a new year like this. The year is filled with uncertainties. Some people are usually anxious at the beginning of the year because they have spent themselves up at the end of last year and are now faced with various responsibilities. Some are curious about their chances of survival in this New Year. 

However, we should approach each year with faith in God (Mark 11:22) and optimism bearing in mind this assurance that God is backing us. God has given us His words about the New Year here. 

All He requires of us is to trust Him and He will continue to lead (Proverbs 6:22), guide (Psalm 32: 8; Isaiah 58:11; John 16:13), guard (Isaiah 58:8), protect, defend (Psalm 5:11) and bless us this year. Welcome to 2020!

Food for Thought: "The Lord is my Shepherd," not was, not maybe, not will be.  "The Lord is my Shepherd"-is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and is in war; in abundance and in poverty. -Taylor

Memory verse: Matthew 28:20

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 promise

It Shall Be Well With You: Devotion for Friday August 23, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 23, 2019

Topic: It Shall Be Well With You 

Text: Isaiah 3:1 - 11

At times there is the need for re-assurance from God in the course of our heavenly race. Most people used by God in the scriptures at one time or the other cried out to God for re-assurance. When Jesus Christ was in agony and pain on the Cross of Calvary, He cried out (Mathew 25:46). David also did it as we can see in Psalm 22:1. Paul did same as we have in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Have you asked God for re-assurance once? Share your experience if you are studying as a group.

This encouragement for the righteous was aimed at making them to trust Him, and for sinners to repent and return to Him. This is so because it was time for the Lord to show His might (Isaiah 3:1 – 9). It is an assurance to the godly that God will defend them in the midst of these troubles. “It shall be well with the righteous,” is in all ramifications of life; prosperity, adversity, sickness, health, death, judgement, and through eternity. In every case, occurrence and circumstances, the righteous shall eat of the fruit of his labours.

Beloved in Christ, I bring you re-assurance again that despite the problems of sickness, delayed conception, getting a spouse; a job, admission, any many other human needs we might be facing at this moment, God is saying today that your righteous life is not in vain (Hebrews 6:10). There is a reward for you and you will certainly eat the fruits of your labours and righteousness. Read Psalm 1:1 – 3

Food for Thought: Ecclesiastics 8:12

Memory verse: Isaiah 3:10

Prayer: Lord God, as I follow your ways in righteousness, grant that it shall be well with me in all I do in Jesus name.

Take a look at this

The Assurance Of Salvation

Devotion for Tuesday June 5, 2018

Sing SS&S 873

Topic: The Assurance Of Salvation

Text: 1 John 5: 1 – 5 

From our bible reading, we can understand that John had a challenge that some Christians sometimes doubt their salvation and he decided to address the problem in this epistle. This is very true among Christians. Some have opened up to confess it to me. Do you sometimes doubt your salvation? Then the explanations here are important to you. John teaches how to know if they are truly saved or not. That is the assurance/evidence of our salvation. Read this passage again and again to gain the needed assurance. John also reviewed Jesus’ mission to this earth and in dying for our sins from 1 John 5:6ff. He wrote this letter to reassure Christians of their faith, as some false teachers had given them cause to doubt the security of their salvation.  For us to know that we have eternal life, John tells us: trust in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). Jesus is God’s own Son, the one who came as a human being, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again. His work alone gives Him the power and the right to forgive all who confess their sins to Him (1 John 1:9). Anyone who believes in Christ has eternal life (see John 3:16). The next time you feel insecure about your salvation, reaffirm your trust in Christ. It is good to reaffirm our faith on daily basis by confessing our baptismal creed. Then you can know you have eternal life.

Food for Thought: Do you still doubt your salvation? Then search yourself and go back to God in prayer.

Memory verse: 1 John 5:1

Prayer: God, strengthen my faith so that I will not doubt my salvation.

Hand Them Over To God

Devotion for Saturday March 3, 2018

Topic: Hand Them Over To God

Text: Psalm 55:16 – 23        

In Matthew 7:7 and 8, Jesus told us to ask, seek and find, and it shall be given to us. He did not restrict our asking to certain number of times rather He enjoins us to ask as many times as we can (Luke 18:1). The Psalmist enjoins us to do same (Psalm 55:22) because he has been doing it and has always received answers from God. He testified and gave God all the glory for redeeming him. He was emphatic about seeking the face of God because he has the assurance that God will sustain us.

The reason God will answer us is because He does not permit the righteous to slip or fall. Lack of basic necessities can make us slip off the faith. This shows the mercies and loving kindness of God upon us. God wants us to give our burdens to Him (see Psalm 37:5, 24; Matthew 6:25; Luke 12:22; 1 Peter 5:7). Unfortunately, we often continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in Him.

If we believe in God, we should hand over our cares, worries, needs, anxieties, apprehensions and burden to Him. Why will you continue to bear the burden you don’t even have solution to? Daily we trust God to wake us up and He does that. We should also trust the same strength that sustains us to carry our cares and solve our problems also. God is waiting for you. Believe Him as you go out today that He will surprise you.

Sing 319; Abu 247

Food for Thought: When we depend on God for all we need, we will have peace of mind

Memory verse: Psalm 55:22

Prayer: God, I bring my burden to you for I know you care for me.

The Alpha And Omega

Devotion for Saturday November 25, 2017

Topic: The Alpha And Omega

Text: Revelation 1:8

Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters of Greek alphabets. By applying them to Himself, Christ had shown us that He is the cause and end of all things. In Revelation 1:11, similar application was made to God the Father, thus confirming the Trinity and what Jesus said that by Him everything that is made was made. This saying of Jesus has some inspirations for us as Christians. Jesus being the Alpha and Omega which is the beginning and the end means that He is aware of everything about us. He made us and everything about us is known to Him. As the Alpha and Omega, God is in control of the affairs of this world and this is the greatest assurance we have. He also knows what our end will be. This is a kind of reassurance for us that God knows when the problems confronting us will end. The second part of our text is a description of Christ as Jehovah; self-existing, unchangeable, and eternal. The truth here is that as God who called us is self-existing, He is also able to meet our needs. No matter the kind of boasting of our enemies and the rage they vent on God’s people, even in the interim, God remains the Author and Creator of all things. Whatsoever He proposes, declares, and promises surely must stand. As He is the end, He shall bring all the things which are revealed to a complete and glorious conclusion. What has God revealed to you? Just believe Him because in due time, it will come to a glorious conclusion (Philippians 1:6).

Food for Thought: As the Alpha and Omega, God is in control of the affairs of this world and this is the greatest assurance we have.

Memory verse: Isaiah 44:6                                                                    

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you know everything about me as the Alpha and Omega, bring every promise concerning me to a glorious conclusion in Jesus name. Amen.

It Shall Be Well With You

Devotion for Thursday August 17, 2017

Topic: It Shall Be Well With You 

Text: Isaiah 3:1 - 11

At times there is the need for re-assurance from God in the course of our heavenly race. Most people used by God in the scriptures at one time or the other cried out to God for re-assurance. When Jesus Christ was in agony and pain on the Cross of Calvary, He cried out (Mathew 25:46). David also did it as we can see in Psalm 22:1. Paul did as we have in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Have you asked God for re-assurance once? Share your experience if you are studying as a group.

This encouragement to the righteous was aimed at making them to trust Him, and for sinners to repent and return to Him. This is so because it was time for the Lord to show His might (Isaiah 3:1 – 9). It is an assurance to the godly that God will defend them in the midst of these troubles. “It shall be well with the righteous,” is in all ramifications of life; prosperity, adversity, sickness, health, death, judgement, and through eternity. In every case, occurrence and circumstances, the righteous shall eat of the fruit of his labours.

Beloved in Christ, I bring you re-assurance again that despite the problems of sickness, delayed conception, getting a spouse; a job, admission, any many other human needs we might be facing at this moment, God is saying today that your righteous life is not in vain (Hebrews 6:10). There is a reward for you and you will certainly eat the fruits of your labours and righteousness. Read Psalm 1:1 – 3

Food for Thought: Ecclesiastics 8:12

Memory verse: Isaiah 3:10

Prayer: Lord God, as I follow your ways in righteousness, grant that it shall be well with me in all I do in Jesus name.

He Will Accomplish It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 1, 2017

Topic: He Will Accomplish It           

Text: Philippians 1: 3 – 6   

Lamentation 3:22 says: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” God’s grace brought us to the level we are in today. Despite all we have accomplished so far in life, there are some other desires, dreams and goals we hope to accomplish even in this new month. The greatest of all is to live well and make heaven. This was the major prayer of Paul for the Philippians.

Albert Barnes Commentary on Philippians 1:6 says, “God abandons nothing that He undertakes. There are no unfinished worlds or systems; no half-made and forsaken works of His hands. There is no evidence in His works of creation of change of plan, or of having forsaken what He began from disgust, or disappointment, or want of power to complete them.” This was the assurance of Paul in telling us today that what God has started in our lives, He will accomplish them.

Beloved, be assured that there shall be nothing lacking on God's part to support you; to make you wise, holy, prosperous, happy and to bring you at last to His kingdom and glory. Believe God to accomplish your salvation. You will not miss heaven in Jesus name. Again, what are the goals you hope to accomplish this year? Is God in your plans for them? If so, then be assured that you will accomplish them. All you need is to lean on Him and you will see God working in your favour this month and beyond. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: Philippians 4:13

Memory verse: Philippians 1 verse 6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (EVS).

Prayer: Lord, accomplish every project you have started in my life especially the project of my salvation in Jesus name.

TITHING (INSURANCE AND ASSURANCE): Devotion Saturday August 5, 2014

TITHING (INSURANCE AND ASSURANCE): Devotion Saturday August 5, 2014

Text: Malachi 3:11 - And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the Lord of hosts                  

Memory verse: Malachi 3:11

Tithing is a way of insuring our lives and barring the devourer from coming near us. One of the greatest evil that can befall a farmer is if, after planting, the Lord’s army (Joel 2:25) come visiting and devour everything in the farm. This shows that God can withdraw His protection and we will be prone to attack of the enemies. The devourer as used here means “All kind of devourers; the locusts, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, which though they are in incredible multitudes, yet a rebuke from God will check them all at once, as if they were but one” according to John Wesley Notes.

The devourers mentioned above are connected to farming. Other devourers may be armed robbers, kidnappers, sickness, failure, termination of appointment, failure in business, revocation of contract, etc. These are devourers that God promises to rebuke on our behalf when we are obediently paying our tithe. It means that when we are faithful in paying our tithe, God will prove His faithfulness in keeping the enemies at bay.

Another thing worthy of note in this Malachi 3:11 is assurance of continuous productivity of our farm produce. Outside insurance, God also assures us of regular and constant productivity. This is what tithing does for us. In the case of farmers, I have seen cases where people’s products in the farm were destroyed by rodents, fire and other animals that what they thought would have yielded for them will be eaten by animals. As mark of your obedience and faithfulness, God will bless the land where you cultivate, your business and all you lay your hand will prosper. If you desire to have the insurance and assurance of God, then pay your tithe faithfully and leave the rest for God.

Food for Thought: When we are faithful and obedient to God through our tithes, He keeps the devourers at bay.

Prayer: Almighty God and our Father, as I obediently pay my tithe faithfully, remember your covenant, in respect of paying tithe. Insure me and assure me of your providence and protection.

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.