Walk Worthy of Your Call

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Tuesday Monday January 7, 2018

Topic: Walk Worthy Of Your Call

Text: Colossians 1:9 – 14

The Christian call is fashioned in the likeness of Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Saviour, and that is why our general name is Christian. Paul had constantly prayed that Colossian believers might be filled with the knowledge of God's will, in all wisdom as the will make them walk worthy of their call. This prayer is for us the present day believers. It is only when we walk worthy of our call that we can please God.

Walk as used in this context means act of living, which is the life we should live. By walking worthy of our call, Paul stated that we should live our lives as those who are now followers of Jesus Christ. He went ahead to state how we can do it in verses 10b following. This exhortation is also for us and we can do it in the following ways. 1) Fully pleasing God. 2) Being fruitful in every good work. 3) Increasing in the knowledge of God. 4) Rely on God for strength and patience as we endure suffering with joy. 5) We should always give thanks to God who has qualified us as partakers of His inheritance. As we follow these suggestions of Paul in our text, we will be walking worthy of our call as Christians. Are there other ways you can add to the ones stated above? We should please God with our thoughts; our actions, our reactions, our relationships, our dealing with others and our words. These are what our call demands from us.

Food for Thought: Have you understood what your call is?

Memory verse: Colossians 1:10

Prayer: Grant me the grace that I need O Lord to walk worthy of my call in Jesus name.

God Rescues Us From Evil

Devotion for Thursday May 24, 2018

Topic: God Rescues Us From Evil

Text: Psalm 107:10 – 16 

Never undermine what God can do. Sin has so much consequences and the bible says that the soul that sins shall die. Our text started with the level of affliction meted out on the Israel (Psalm 107:10, 12) because they sinned against God (Psalm 107:11). In most cases sin is the major cause of troubles and problems of life we pass through in life. Most times God allow some of these afflictions to come upon us so we can redress our steps and seek His face in repentance. This was the case as Israel sought the Lord in their trouble and He heard them and delivered them out of their troubles. Most times we don’t turn to God when we run into trouble. We try so many avenues for solution before we remember that God is there for us. God speedily answered His people when they repent. The Israelites took much time before they cried to God, but He was not long before He saved. They had sought for help everywhere else before they came to Him, but when they returned to Him, He welcomed them at once. This is the God we serve. Remember the story of Prodigal Son. Are you in trouble? Call upon God. You should not let your sin pose as a barrier to what God wants to do in your life because He is ever willing to forgive you if you can repent. Call upon Him today and do not delay.

Sing SS&S 1165, Abu 263       

Food for Thought: Psalm 50:15     

Memory verse: Psalm 107:13

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from all troubles of life I am passing through in Jesus name.

When God Has Something For You

Devotion for Saturday March 17, 2018

Topic: When God Has Something For You

Text: Genesis 12:1 – 3                                

There are processes we undergo in life. No one gets all the blessings of life in a place. This is true in all our lives endeavours. God has reasons for doing everything or issuing any instruction to us. This is so because He knows the future and will not want us to distort our relationship with Him again after we have repented. Our bible reading for the day has God’s call on Abraham. He was instructed to leave his home, his kindred to an unknown place. The reason for this instruction was for him to be in a place where He will make a change in his life and faith.

In Genesis 12:4, he did and the changes started. God gave him a new name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham – father of multitude (Genesis 17:5), Sera to Sarah for his wife (17:6) and many others blessings that followed. Maybe these changes would have been hard for Abraham if he had remained in his birthplace. They would have ridiculed him and that was the reason God demanded that he moves to another place. There was the need to move just as we saw yesterday. It was not easy for him. He had many obstacles and oppositions but God used all to bring change in his life and posterity.

Beloved, most things we pass through in life are meant to lead us to something better in life. Joseph went through slavery to become what God spoke to him at very tender age. David had to go on exile before he ascended the throne God anointed him earlier. Hannah went through a process before she got a special child; same way for Zachariah and Elizabeth. What are you going through now that seems to have taken a lot from you? Surely it is meant to lead you into something bigger that God has in stock for you. 

Sing A&M 330; Abu 112

Food for Thought: There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Memory verse: Genesis 12:1

Prayer: God, grant that as you take me through the process of life, may it bring change that will bring me into your kingdom in Jesus name.

Lord, Save Us

Devotion for Thursday February 1, 2018

Topic: Lord, Save Us

Text: Matthew 8:23 – 27

Sometimes, it may seem as if God neglects us when we are in danger but it is not always so as God is always there with us when we are in danger at the right time to save us especially when we call upon Him. No wonder His words say, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15). Jesus entered a boat and His disciples followed Him. While they were inside the boat, the tempest arose “but He was asleep.” Some of the disciples were used to such tempest as fishermen but unfortunately, they were also frightened that they called on Jesus to come to their rescue and save them. Of course Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the sea and there was a great calm. The disciples were marveled at that act. These passages Psalm 65:7; 89:9 and 107:29 talk about God ruling over the raging sea, and calming the storm. These are Old Testament scriptures and our text is in the New Testament showing that such acts were either prophesied or known to people of the Old Covenant as attributes of God. For the disciples to become that fearful means they have not actually come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah despite the fact that they have been with Him. For men to be fearful when following the directions of Christ, shows that they lack confidence in Him but He rebuked the storm and saved them. Do not make room for fear in your heart as a Christian. Sing SS&S 661; Abu 327

Food for Thought: One advantage of trials is to make us know our weakness, so as to oblige us to have recourse to God by faith in Christ.

Memory verse: Matthew 8:25

Prayer: God may I always recourse to you for salvation in time of trouble for you alone are my Saviour.

They Will Fail

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 28, 2017 

Topic: They Will Fail

Text: Jeremiah 1:14 – 19

When God calls us, He gives us details about the intricacies and all that is involved in the call. He tells us what we will benefit and what we will suffer in the process. When God called me into the fulltime ministry, He used Isaiah 43:1 – 10. It has manifested in my life. So He tells us beforehand what we will face in this ministry before they even start manifesting.

This chapter is on the call of Jeremiah with assurance in 1:8. He clearly told him that they will surely fight against him but can’t prevail because God was determined to defend and support him against all his enemies. We know all that Jeremiah suffered; how he was jailed, thrown into a pit and many other things that he suffered. However, in all those trials, persecutions and attack, God saw him through.

Every Christian has a call; a call to live righteously, resist the devil, overcome the world so as to receive a reward at the end. Jesus made it abundantly clear in the bible that in this world we will suffer for His sake. Nevertheless, we should be of good cheers because he has secured our victory (Jn. 16:33). As long as we are in this world, tribulations, trials, temptations will come. They will fight against you but they will not prevail. God will defend you. Are you afraid and has become discouraged? Look up unto God and be focused. God is by your side to fight for you. Just hold your peace.      

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 20:10

Memory verse: Jeremiah 1:8

Prayer: God, thank you for your word. Increase my faith and remove any atom of fear in me. Always defend me according to your promises in Jesus name. Amen.

CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016

Topic: CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE   

Text: Psalm 50:7 – 15                      

Many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers us from them all so says the Bible. There are days or period we pass through and it will seem as if God has turned His back on us. There will be no answer to prayer. You go to people for help but received nothing. We have heard of cases of suicide because of hardship, problems of life, betrayal, great loss, etc. These are some realities of life people pass through every day. Despite these and many others, they don’t actually call for suicide, rather we should call upon Him at that moment and He will deliver us for a purpose. What is that purpose in our text? When under such condition, we should note that God is still faithful and on the throne.

In situations that seem hopeless in eyes of men, as believers, we should anchor our faith and hope in Christ alone. What the Psalmist is saying here is that obedience is better than sacrifice. When we obey God and call upon Him, He will answer us. He doesn’t base his answering our prayers on sacrifice rather obedience. He says call upon me in time of trouble; be it sickness, attacks, disappointments, failure, fear, lost of loved ones or properties, etc and He will answer. Even as we look forward to a new year with uncertainties, we should look up to God and He will see us through.

Food for Thought: God hears humble, believing, affectionate prayer.

Memory verse: Psalm 50 verse 15

Prayer: God, grant me the courage to always call up you in times of trouble.

A CALL TO LIBERATE

Devotion for Tuesday December 27, 2016

Topic: A CALL TO LIBERATE                                     

Text: Judges 6:11 – 24                          

God called Gideon to liberate Israel from the hands of Medianites with a promise in Judges 6:16, “I will be with you.” Regardless of all those promises, Gideon still had excuses to give, why he shouldn’t carry out the assignment from God. This is how many of us give excuses on why we cannot go for evangelism or preach to that woman or man; why we cannot take up one responsibility or another in the church of God. God has given us the mandate to liberate sinners from the kingdom of darkness (Matthew 28:19, 20) but many of us have not taken this command seriously. Do you give excuse when your Pastor calls for evangelism? Have a change of heart and attitude.

When Gideon finally went, what followed? Find out in chapter Judges 7:9ff. Our call as Christians is to liberate sinners (Acts 1:8). God has done all things necessary for salvation of man. All that is expected of us is to go and preach. The rest is for God to perform; the conversion and salvation of the person. We are called by God to be witnesses and through that liberate those under the captivity of sin and Satan. Do you have the excuse that your neighbour will never repent that is why you will not preach to him? Do you warn people with love in your heart or you do so that God might not ask of their blood in your hands? Always pray for sinners (Luke 10:2) and you will have the zeal to preach to them.

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 33: 7 – 9

Memory verse: Judges 6 verse 14

Prayer: God, create in my heart a passion and concern for sinners.

ARE YOU IN DOUBT? Devotion for Thursday October 13, 2016

ARE YOU IN DOUBT? Devotion for Thursday October 13, 2016

Text: Jeremiah 33:1 – 9       Memory verse: Jeremiah 33 verse 3

There are many things that can challenge our faith and make us question if the promises of God are real. It can only take a man of faith to endure the hardship, trials and even imprisonment without questioning God. An average Christian in a prison (33:1) for a long time simply because of his faith and commitment to God will surely ask if God and all His promises are real. The person will question the love God promised, the protection and deliverance He assured us.

This happens when we come to a cross road and are perplexed. When there seems to be no way out of seemly difficult problem and having fasted, and prayed without an answer, we will act like John the Baptist (Matt 11:2, 3). Before his imprisonment, he announced that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God and the Messiah (John 1:29–36). Unfortunately, while in prison, he questioned the truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and had to send his disciples to inquire from Jesus Christ if He is the Messiah. What he saw and passed through led into such doubt. Again, he had a wrong understanding of Messiahship of Jesus Christ. However, in all our doubts, fears and apprehensions, God understands our plight when we come to crossroads.

God saw the ordeal Jeremiah was into and asked the prophet to call upon Him so He might clarify every fears, doubt and apprehensions, and reveal secret things to him. Are you in doubt if indeed God called you as a Christian, a missionary, a Pastor, etc? Are you in doubt if God was the one that gave you that spouse, job, sent you to that mission field, etc? Are you in doubt if your Christianity is real as things are not moving on well with you despite your commitment? It is time to call on God and He will answer and make it clear to you on why you are facing hard times in your call and ministry, and what you will gain by passing through it faithfully. He has reasons for everything happening to you.

Food for Thought: “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt” – William Shakespeare 

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father solve every problem that led me into doubting your love and reveal hidden things to me in Jesus name. Amen.

A MENTOR INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday October 4, 2016

A MENTOR INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday October 4, 2016

Text: Text: Philippians 4:8 & 9      Memory verse:Philippians 4:9  

A mentor is an experienced adviser, trainer or supporter. Here, Paul was confident, bold and unwavering as he made this statement in our text. He knew his call and the person that called him which made him to be focused, dedicated and committed to that call. He exuded such boldness and authority in asking the Philippians to imitate him because of the exemplary life he lived among the people when he ministered there (Acts 18:3; 20:34; 1 Cor. 4:1–12; & 2 Cor. 7:2–4). Can you list some of the exemplary qualities of Paul and his ministry in these verses read? Compare these qualities of Paul with that of your Pastor and see if there is any similarity or difference.

Our call as people in the ordained ministry or the laity is to be worthy shepherds because today we all are priests unto God. God called us to set example for others (1 Tim 4:12). The preacher is the interpreter of the spiritual life and should be an example of it. Can you say the words of our text to people under you as a Pastor, father, mother, teacher, etc? When going on transfer to a new station, will you be bold enough to say what is in our text today? On retirement, can you say what Paul told the church at Philippi? We should live as light of the world and salt of the earth. Beware of how you live because all you are doing is on record. Live as a worthy servant for there is a reward for faithfulness.

Food for Thought: A good mentor is always bold to say imitate me. Are you one?

Prayer: Lord, make me a worthy mentor of people under my care. 

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.