New Life in Christ Jesus: Devotion for Thursday July 2, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday July 2, 2020

Topic: New Life in Christ Jesus                        

Text: Ezekiel 36:25 – 38                             

Water is an emblem signifying cleansing our impure souls from sin as God promised in Ezekiel 36:25. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental (baptism) sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost in the Old Testament; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ as we have in the New Testament.

The beginning of all true reformation is the inward cleansing of the soul by God's Spirit. His power alone can change the heart of stone to flesh. When this is done, men will render willing obedience to all God's statutes and judgments. This act of cleansing with water is the sign or beginning of new life in Christ Jesus as we have in the New Testament.

Have you actually received the sprinkling of this water? If you haven’t received it, you can hardly live a fruitful Christian life.

In our bible text, God stated the benefits of having the spiritual cleansing in Ezekiel 36:27 – 33. List them out. The aftermath of these promises is that God will make His presence and power so manifest in the life of His people, that their enemies shall be compelled to see and acknowledge that He is with them, as their Almighty Friend and Helper.

It is my prayer that God will do something in your life this season that will make people around you to say it is good to serve God.

Food for Thought: Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?                                                                     

Memory verse: Ezekiel 36:27                                                                                     

Prayer: Lord God, wash me with the cleansing power in the blood of Jesus that I might have new life in Christ Jesus, Amen

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.

Walk In Newness of Life: Devotion for Monday April 13, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL     

Devotion for Monday April 13, 2020

Topic: Walk In Newness of Life                               

Text: Romans 6:1 – 11

Yesterday was Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from death which gave us hope of eternal life. Paul talks about new creation in our bible reading for today (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). The newness of life starts at repentance. It is expected that believers must die to sin, and live to God (6:1, 2). Dying to sin is likened to death of Christ and living to God is likened to the resurrection of Christ.

Our baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being as it were buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Those who believe in Christ are baptized into him and baptized into his death; in other words, they are baptized to become one with Christ Jesus. As Christ died, we have die to our old, sinful lifestyle, and a new life begins. Is that true about you?

If we believe that our old, sinful lives are dead and buried, we will have a powerful motive to resist sin. We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus (see also Galatians 3:27; Colossians 3:1-4).

Are you still under the influence of old life? Is sin still having upper hand in your life? Then you are not walking in newness of life.

Food for Thought: Our death with Christ to sin implies our resurrection with Christ to God, which is to us a new life of holiness. Is that true about you?

Memory verse: Galatians 6:15

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in newness of life as one who has resurrected with Christ through my baptism.

Servants of Sin:Devotion for Wednesday January 29, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday January 29, 2020

Topic: Servants of Sin

Text: Romans 6:1 – 6

Paul expresses the necessity of holiness in life of Christians. He shows that justification and holiness are inseparable. He asked series of questions here (Romans 6:1–3) stressing that Christians should abhor the thought of continuing in sin. In view of the foregoing truths (Romans 5) and especially the fact that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, shall we continue to live in sin, that grace may the more abound?

In Romans 6:4, Paul exhorted Christians who have received the sacrament of baptism, should walk in newness of life so as to be united with Christ in His resurrection (Romans 6:5). Baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life.

Christians should know that our old man (old nature of sin) has been crucified and what is crucified is dead. The reason for crucifying the old nature is to deliver us from being servants of sin. It is one thing to sin, and another thing to serve sin: To serve sin, is to yield willing obedience, to indulge ourselves in any presumptuous act or course of sin. It is prevalent of sin that destroys the sinner. Being in the flesh makes us to continue in sin and that displeases God.

Are you still living in sin and serving it? The whole body of sin, whatever is not according to the holy law of God, must be done away with, so that we may no more be the slave of sin, but live to God, and find happiness in His service.

Food for Thought: Continuing in sin makes our baptism irrelevant.

Memory verse: Galatians 5:24

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a crucified life so I will no longer be a servant of sin.

Devotion for Tuesday January 1 2019

Devotion for Tuesday January 1 2019                

Topic: Those who are Christ’s

Text: Galatians 5:24 - And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Welcome to the first day in 2019! Happy New Year! It is a great pleasure writing this devotion again being published in digital form only. Paul in this verse of this epistle wrote to remind the Galatians about the life they ought to live as Christians and the characteristics of such life. He asserted that the life of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should be life whose flesh has been crucified with its passions and desires. Such a life is no longer control by emotions and desires. Such life is Christ led and obeys the spirit of God with which the Christian is sealed with at salvation.

These words of Paul are good reminder for us as we start the New Year. We must understand that our identity is and should be that of a crucified life. We should begin our year on that premise of a life led by the Spirit of God. True and sincere disciples have crucified their lives, that is, subdued, and in some degree mortified and put to death, their fleshly corruptions (carnal lusts, and sinful affections and passions).

At baptism we promised to die unto sin but we should not understand this as a total and once for all crucifixion. It is what we should do often and again as we assess ourselves through the eyes of the scriptures on daily basis. We should have it as a routine to crucify our flesh because they can disappoint us when we least expected. As you start your new year, have this behind you that you are expected to live life that is crucified to sin and has resurrected to righteousness. Have a great year as you walk with God.

Food for Thought: Are you now habitually weakening and destroying the influence of flesh in your life through the grace that comes from God.

Memory verse: Romans 13:14

Prayer: Lord God, help me to crucify my flesh and may your spirit reign in my life this day and always in Jesus name. Amen.

Let Your Light Shine

Devotion for Friday June 8, 2018

Sing SS&S 1138; Abu 240

Topic: Let Your Light Shine

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8

A true Christian is a light to the world. In the 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 give 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 (v2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, He 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?

Memory verse: Isaiah 60:1

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

Walk In Newness Of Life

Devotion for Monday April 2, 2018

Topic: Walk In Newness Of Life

Text: Romans 6:1 – 11

Yesterday was Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from death which gave us hope for eternal life. This is the reason Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. That new creation is the life that he talks about here in our bible reading for today. The newness of life starts at repentance. It is expected that believers must die to sin, and live to God (Romans 6:1, 2). Dying to sin is likened to death of Christ and living to God is likened to the resurrection of Christ. Our baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being as it were buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Those who believe in Christ are baptized into Him and into His death. In other words, they are baptized to become one with Christ Jesus. As he died, we die to our old, sinful lifestyle, and a new life begins. If we believe that our old, sinful lives are dead and buried, we should develop the motive to resist sin. We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus (see also Galatians 3:27; Colossians 3:1-4). Are you still under the influence of the old nature? Is sin still having upper hand in your life? Then you are not walking in newness of life. Sing A&M 169; Abu 9

Food for Thought: Are you living a new life of holiness as a Christian?

Memory verse: Romans 6:4

Prayer: Lord God, help me to walk in newness of life as one who has resurrected with Christ through my baptism.

Don’t Be A Slave Of Sin

Devotion for Saturday March 10, 2018

Topic: Don’t Be A Slave Of Sin

Text: Romans 6:1 – 6                           

Holiness is a necessity in the life of Christians as Paul expresses in our Bible reading. He shows that justification and holiness are inseparable. He posted series of questions in Romans 6:1 – 3) stressing that Christians should abhor the thought of continuing in sin. In view of the foregoing truths (Romans 5) and especially the fact that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, shall we then continue to live in sin, that grace may the more abound? He also gave the answer as NO! Paul exhorts that as Christians who have received the sacrament of baptism, should walk in newness of life so as to be united with Christ in His resurrection (Romans 6:4 – 5). Baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Christians should know this fact that our old nature of sin has been crucified and what is crucified is dead. The reason for crucifying the old nature is to deliver us from being slaves of sin. It is one thing to sin, and another thing to serve sin: To serve sin is to yield willing obedience; to indulge ourselves in any presumptuous act or course of sin. It is prevalent of sin that destroys the sinner. Being in the flesh makes us to continue in sin and that displeases God. Are you still living in sin and serving it? The whole body of sin, whatever is not according to the holy law of God, must be done away with. Thus, we will no more be slaves of sin, but live to God, and find joy in His service.

Sing A&M 349; Abu 170

Food for Thought: Being a slave of sin makes our baptism irrelevant.

Memory verse: Romans 6:6

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a crucified life so I will no longer be a slave to sin.

They Are Gifts From God

Devotion for Tuesday November 21, 2017

Topic: They Are Gifts From God

Text: John 3:26 – 33

There is nothing we have that is not from God. He is the one that appoints our work and gives us all that we have. Some Jews steered up envy in the mind of the disciples of John the Baptist by telling them that Jesus was baptizing. They came to John, who was wise enough to correct this erroneous perception that no other person can baptize except him and also the envy and jealousy of his disciples. John the Baptist made effort to root out all prejudice against Christ out of their minds, which made him to show them a five-fold difference between Christ and himself (John 3:29 – 33).

There is no ministry we have today that God has not entrusted to us. He gives to all, their places and work as He sees best for us. John cautioned them not to be dissatisfied that a greater than himself has come, for this is what he foretold.

From the above, we should note that it is important every gospel minister should endeavour to magnify Jesus Christ; to display His Glorious Excellency and perfections before the people and not themselves. They should also revere His person, respect His authority and laws. This is the duty we owe God as Christians. That we are being used today doesn’t mean we are to arrogate the praise to ourselves and we start answering big names like Demon Bulldozer, Apostle of Fire, Miracle Worker, etc. We should be humble in whatever way God uses us and never to be envious of the way He uses others too.

Food for Thought: Envy and prejudice kill our gifts and make us unproductive.

Memory verse: James 1:17

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the understanding that you appoint our work for us and help me not to envy another person or arrogate praise to myself for what you are using me to do in Jesus name.

Divinely Inspired

Devotion for Saturday August 12, 2017

Topic: Divinely Inspired

Text: Matthew 16:13 – 20

If we must make wise decisions that will please God and affect humanity, we have to rely on divine inspiration. Solomon showed such inspiration in the historic judgement between the two harlots claiming a child (1 Kings 3:16ff). It takes walking with God to have divine inspiration. If you are living in sin and disobeying God and His word, you cannot be inspired divinely. Sin drives the spirit of God from us and denies us blessings of His fellowship.

Peter is impetuous and impulsive in character. He is always at the forefront when questions are asked or actions needed which shows his faith. Jesus had asked the disciples a question to know what they think of Him (Matthew 16:15). Peter’s reply, expressed his faith. His confession was an inspiration from God because by then, Jesus had not been transfigured where the voice confirmed that He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:1 – 6). The confession of Peter is the Christian confession and the foundation of the church, into which all saints are built as living stones of the temple (Matthew 16:17 – 19).

Have you sincerely made this confession that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the confession upon which our baptismal creed was made. It we are to rightly apprehend divine truth and absolutely regard it, we should allow God to give us inspiration. We can get inspiration as we study the scriptures, and from direct teaching of God on our minds. How often do you draw inspiration from God by studying your bible? See Joshua 1:8

Food for Thought: “There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory verse: Matthew 16:16

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding always as I study your word and inspire me to live out all I read in Jesus name. 

Don’t Misuse The Grace Of God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday June 6, 2017                      

Topic: Don’t Misuse The Grace Of God                               

Text: Romans 6:1 – 3

God grants us grace at different levels and variations. The grace He has given me may not be the same with yours. Continuing in sin after you have repented is an abuse of God’s grace. When the grace will disappear, you will pay dearly for it as Samson did. God is of a purer eyes not to behold our sins (Habakkuk 1:13) and does not live in sin either (Ephesians 4:30) because the moment we offend Him, He leaves. When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we provoke God (1 Corinthians 10:22) and it will attract unbearable consequences.

What Paul is saying in our text is that believers (Christians) must die to sin and live to God (Romans 6:1 and 2). He explained further in Rom 6:3–10, that this act of living in holiness is necessary because of our baptism and union with Christ. He shows that the connection between justification and holiness are inseparable. Anyone united with Christ should live as Christ did. The attitude of deciding ahead of time to take advantage of God by sinning shows that the person does not understand the seriousness of sin. That God forgives us does not make sin less serious; allowing His Son to die for our sins shows how dreadful sin is.

Genuine and true Christians died to sin at their baptism and therefore should not live in sin again. It is a well-known fact that we can never be dead and alive at the same time. Only those who are foolish and deceivers can say they are dead unto sin while they are still living in it. Remember you cannot serve two masters.

Food for Thought: By virtue of our baptism, we ought to have died to sin. Are you truly dead to sin?

Memory verse: Romans 6:15

Prayer: God, make me dead to sin and never to abuse your grace I enjoy.

The Implications Of Our Baptism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday April 19, 2017

Topic: The Implications Of Our Baptism

Text: Romans 6:1 – 7

Misconception and misunderstanding of our basics of faith can affect our relationship with God badly and make the foundation of our faith shaky. Paul realized that his teaching in the previous chapter about God’s kindness to sinners could be interpreted to suggest that people ought to keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness. Hence the question Paul asked in Romans 6:1. He also answered by emphatically saying, “Certainly not!” Paul’s idea here is that the gospel of grace was not aimed at finding an excuse for sin, but to give freedom from sin. He clarified this with the following illustration that the believer has died to sin.

Using the burial of Christ as a reference point, Paul stated that our baptism implies we have died with Christ. Our baptism connotes death to sin and exchange of our sinful life for Christ’s resurrection life. Paul speaks of this death to sin as a fact and concludes, therefore, that believers cannot continue to live in it. This is what is expected of us in our baptism.

From this teaching of Paul, the usefulness of our baptism does not lie on the place or means by which we were baptised as some lay credence to immersion. What matters is the repentance from sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus. This was the point Peter raised in 1 Pet. 3:21. It is not just enough to be baptised, we should strive to live out the life required of us who have been baptised. It should be lives that are dead to sin and alive unto righteousness. Do you manifest a life that is dead to sin and alive unto righteousness?

Food for Thought: Are you living the life required of someone who has been baptised?

Memory verse: Colossians 2:12

Prayer: Lord God, cause me to die to sin and live unto righteousness as required of me in Jesus name. Amen.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

Text: John 14:25 – 27      Memory verse: John 14:26

Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. According to Nicene Creed, He proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:26; John 15:26). Holy Spirit is a person and not a dove or olive oil. Some ministers even use ‘it’ for Holy Spirit when they are ministering. You will hear them say, “Receive it”. He is a person and He is equal with the Father and the Son. In Baptism, we use the three equally (Matthew 28:19) when we say “I baptize you in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. When we say the Apostolic benediction (the grace), we use the three also. He has the attributes of God the Father (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Therefore, He should be worshipped the way we worship God the Father or God the Son.

Our text shows us one of the works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer in John 14:26. The works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer include;

1) He teaches us – John 14:26

2) He empowers us – Acts 1:18

3) He counsels, comforts and guides us – John 16:7

4) He guarantees our salvation – Ephesians 1:14     

5) He helps us to bear good fruits – Galatians 5: 22 & 23.

We should understand that as believers, the power of God comes into us immediately we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (John 1:12). It is from that moment that the Holy Spirit will begin to influence our lives until we allow Him full control of our lives. Speaking in tongues is not the only sign to know if the Holy Spirit is in us. It is the fruit we bear (Galatians 522 & 23). Is the Holy Spirit in control of your life or you are still living in the flesh?

Food for Thought: As a Christian, is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Take control of my life, Holy Spirit, as I surrender to you this day in Jesus name.

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS: Devotion for Friday June 10, 2016

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS: Devotion for Friday June 10, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 36:25 – 38   Memory verse: v 27

Water is an emblem of the cleansing our impure souls from sin as God promised in 36:25. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental (baptism) sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost in the Old Testament; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ as we have in the New Testament. The beginning of all true reformation is the inward cleansing of the soul by God's Spirit. His power alone can change the heart of stone to flesh. When this is done, men will render willing obedience to all God's statutes and judgments. This act of cleansing with water is the sign or beginning of new life in Christ Jesus as we have in the New Testament.

Have you actually received the sprinkling of this water? If you haven’t received it, you can hardly live a fruitful Christian life. In our bible text, God stated the benefits of having the spiritual cleansing in 36:27–33. List them out. The aftermath of these promises is that God will make His presence and power so manifest in the life of His people, that their enemies shall be compelled to see and acknowledge that He is with them, as their Almighty Friend and Helper. It is my prayer that God will do something in your life this season that will make people around you to say it is good to serve God.

Food for Thought: Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Prayer: Lord God, wash me with the cleansing power in the blood of Jesus that I might have new life in Christ Jesus, Amen

WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE: Devotion for Monday March 28, 2016

WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE: Devotion for Monday March 28, 2016

Text: Romans 6:1 – 11      Memory verse: v 4

Yesterday was Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from death which gave us hope for eternal life. This is the reason Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17).” That new creation is the life that he talks about here in our bible reading for today. The newness of life starts at repentance. It is expected that believers must die to sin, and live to God (6:1, 2). Dying to sin is likened to death of Christ and living to God is likened to the resurrection of Christ. Our baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being as it were buried with all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Those who believe in Christ are baptized into Him and baptized into His death; in other words, they are baptized to become one with Christ Jesus. As he died, we die to our old, sinful lifestyle, and a new life begins.

If we believe that our old, sinful lives are dead and buried, we have a powerful motive to resist sin. We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus (Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:1-4). Are you still under the influence of old life? Is sin still having upper hand in your life? Then you are not walking in newness of life and resurrection power hasn’t affected you.

Food for Thought: Our death with Christ to sin implies our resurrection with Christ to God, which is to us a new life of holiness. Is that true about you?

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in newness of life as one who has resurrected with Christ through my baptism.       

BE AN ILLUMINANT: Devotion for Friday February 12, 2016

BE AN ILLUMINANT    Friday February 12, 2016

   

Text: Matthew 5:14 – 16      Memory verse: v 14

An illuminant is source of light – something that gives off or provides light. Jesus Christ told His disciples that they are light of the world and should shine as the light of a city on the mountain which could be seen from afar and it cannot be hidden. Jesus later explained this in Jn. 8:12. Without darkness, we can’t know the importance of light. The Fourfold Gospel says that “As light dispels darkness and enables a man to see his way, so the Christian, by his teaching and example, removes ignorance and prejudice, and discloses the way of life.” The church, reflecting the light of Christ, is necessary as conspicuous body, so that neither its blemishes nor its beauty can be concealed.

If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ looks like. We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others. Be a beacon of truth; don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world. 

Beloved are you really light in your family, office, school, business and neighbourhood? What this passage implies is that we are expected to live a life of high moral standard to reflect our call as Christians. We should let the light of Christ we have received (as we have in our liturgy for baptism) be seen in us otherwise we are either being selfish or deceits.

Food for Thought: Is your light still shining?

Prayer: Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray, Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Keep me burning till that brighter day (Song). Use this song to pray.

SERVANTS OF SIN: Devotion for Friday January 29, 2016

SERVANTS OF SIN                  Friday January 29, 2016

Text: Romans 6:1 – 6                Memory verse: v 6

Paul expresses the necessity of holiness in life of Christians. He shows that justification and holiness are inseparable. He asked series of questions here (6:1–3) stressing that Christians should abhor the thought of continuing in sin. In view of the foregoing truths (Rom 5) and especially the fact that, where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, shall we continue to live in sin, that grace may the more abound? In 6:4, Paul exhorted that as Christians who have received the sacrament of baptism, we should walk in newness of life so as to be united with Christ in His resurrection (6:5). Baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life.

Christians should know this fact that our old man (old nature of sin) has been crucified and what is crucified is dead. The reason for crucifying the old nature is to deliver us from being servants of sin. It is one thing to sin, and another thing to serve sin: To serve sin, is to yield willing obedience, to indulge ourselves in any presumptuous act or course of sin. It is prevalent of sin that destroys the sinner. Being in the flesh makes us to continue in sin and that displeases God. Are you still living in sin and serving it? The whole body of sin, whatever is not according to the holy law of God, must be done away with, so that we may no more be the slave of sin, but live to God, and find happiness in His service. 

Food for Thought: Continuing in sin makes our baptism unprofitable.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a crucified life so I will no longer be a servant of sin.

THE SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED

SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED                    Saturday June 13, 2015

Text: Matthew 4:1 – 11                                    Memory verse: v 1  

God does and allows everything for a purpose. Deuteronomy 8:2 says that God led Israel into the wilderness to humble and test them; to see whether or not His people would really obey Him. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey but didn’t. This temptation of Jesus really showed that He is the Son of God. He was able to overcome the devil and his temptations. Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted because that is the way to prove that He is the Son of God. Most temptations are allowed by the Spirit to see how much we love God. Your ability to resist temptations of the devil is determined by the level of the word of God in you.  

When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life. Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the Temple or at his baptism but in the wilderness, where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable—when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). He also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride.  We must guard at all times against his attacks by watching and praying.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 5:9.

Prayer: God, I know that when I overcome temptation, there is a reward for me. Grant me the grace never to yield into any temptation.