At Calvary, They Crucified Him: Devotion for Good Friday April 10, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Good Friday April 10, 2020

Topic: At Calvary They Crucified Him                            

Text: Luke 23:32 – 49

Luke called the place where Jesus was crucified, Calvary while the other 3 Evangelists say it is “Place of Skull called Golgotha” in Hebrew (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22 & John 19:17).

Calvary is a hill just outside the city walls of Jerusalem where the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place. Why the choice of Calvary? The Chief Priest and Romans soldiers choose the place which was conspicuous so as to make mockery of Jesus but they never knew it was symbolic. See Hebrews 13:11, 12 and compare it with these passages Ex. 29:14; Lev. 4:11 – 12, 21; 6:30 and Num. 19:3.

He was crucified there because He was bearing the sins of the world just like the lamb in the Old Testament bearing sin is burnt outside the camp.

To show what He came to do at Calvary, the first thing was to plea for forgiveness of those who crucified Him. With His death He purchase and procured for us forgiveness of sin. He also pardoned one of the criminals right there at Calvary. This shows that true repentance is never late. But we should not procrastinate about it because we may not have the grace this criminal enjoyed.

As the soldiers taunted Him, He was humble and didn’t retaliate (1 Pet 2:21 – 24). His death was recorded in v 46 while the reaction of the Centurion to His death is in v 47.

Having died for us, we should seek to glorify God with true repentance and conversion; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.

Food for Thought: Christ became accursed for us upon the cross. What have you done to reciprocate this sacrifice?

Memory verse: Luke 23:33

Prayer: God may this ultimate sacrifice made for me not be in vain.

Our Reconciliation is in Christ

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Thursday January 10, 2019

Topic: Our Reconciliation Is In Christ

Text: Colossians 1:19 – 23

Two days ago, we read about the preeminence of Jesus Christ; born of God and existed before the creation of the world. In continuation of Paul’s position about the supremacy of Christ, he noted that Christ has all the fulness of the Godhead and as a Saviour, He has all that was needed to save to the uttermost all those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25).

In Colossians 1:20, Paul’s statement showed that the work of reconciliation and salvation of man Jesus Christ did at the Cross of Calvary was predestined. This work of salvation Jesus Christ did for us restored us to God because we were alien to Him; hitherto, we were not in any relationship with God. However, the death of Jesus Christ brought us back to God. Thus that reconciliation Jesus did for us has opened greater doors for us in that we can now approach God directly without intermediary. We are now adopted sons and daughters of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

For such honour that has been bestowed on us, we should live a life of gratitude to God for His mercies upon us. We should not abuse such a privilege by living carelessly. Paul advised us in Ephesians 4: 1–3 saying, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Let this advice be our watchword always.

Food for Thought: Colossians 3:12 – 13

Memory verse: Hebrews 10:12

Prayer: God, help me to live a life of gratitude for the salvation you have offered me in Jesus name. Amen

This Is My Beloved Son

Devotion for Wednesday August 1, 2018

Sing Hymn SS&S (Sankey) No 642 – When we walk with the Lord

Topic: This Is My Beloved Son

Text: Matthew 17:1 – 8

Parents delight in their children especially when they are following their will and instructions for a better future. This is how God the Father has infinite delight in His Son which He expressed in our text and also Matthew 3:17. Such delight has been extended to us too because of our faith in the work Jesus Christ on Calvary.

One of the reasons God the Father chose to make such pronouncement is because He wants His Son to be recognized, obeyed and honoured (John 5:23). This instruction to listen; to obey, to hearken, etc. is designed to help us actualize God’s will for us in this heavenly race.

It is important to obey Jesus for so many reasons.

1) He is the author of our life and faith

2) He knows our yesterday, today and tomorrow

3) He has the key to eternal life which is our main priority as Christian.

4) His counsel is meant for our good and wellbeing. How important is hearing God’s word to you? You cannot claim to have a relationship with God without absolute obedience and compliance to His word.

As we begin this month and in this first devotion for this edition, I sincerely charge you to live more righteously, pleasing God in all things and at the right time, He will certainly declare that you are a beloved son/daughter too. May your life begin to please God and bring joy to heaven in Jesus name! Happy new month!

Food for Thought:

Memory verse: Matthew 3:17

Prayer: O Lord, help me to live the life that will please you so that you will announce me to the world in Jesus name.

At Calvary, They Crucified Jesus

Devotion for Good Friday March 30, 2018

Topic: At Calvary, They Crucified Jesus

Text: Luke 23:32 – 49  

Luke called the place where Jesus was crucified, Calvary while the other three evangelists called it, Place of Skull or Golgotha in Hebrew (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22 & John 19:17). Calvary is a hill just outside the city walls of Jerusalem where the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place. The choice of Calvary was for a purpose. The Chief Priest and Romans soldiers choose the place which was conspicuous so as to make mockery of Jesus but they never knew it was symbolic. See Hebrews 13:11, 12 and compare it with these passages Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 4:11 – 12, 21; 6:30; 9:11; 16:27; Numbers 19:3. He was crucified there because bearing the sins of the world just like the lamb in the Old Testament bearing sin is burnt outside the camp. To show what He came to do at Calvary, the first thing was to plea for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. He died to purchase our forgiveness. He also pardoned one of the criminals right there at Calvary. This shows that true repentance is never late. But we should not procrastinate about it because we may not have the grace this criminal enjoyed. As the soldiers taunted Him, He was humble and didn’t retaliate (1 Pet 2:21 – 24). His death was recorded in Luke 23:46 while the reaction of the Centurion to His death is in Luke 23:47. Having died for us, we should seek to glorify God with true repentance and conversion; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.

Sing SS&S 621; Abu 35

Food for Thought: Christ became accursed for us upon the cross. What have you done to reciprocate this sacrifice?

Memory verse: Luke 23:33

Prayer: God, grant that this ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for me will not be in vain.

Why Fiery Serpent?

Devotion for Friday November 10, 2017

Topic: Why Fiery Serpent?

Text: Numbers 21:4 – 9

God chose this method of healing to cure the snakebite on the Israelites for some reasons. God prescribed this method to show that it was God’s own work, and not the effect of nature or art. Again, that it might be an eminent type of our salvation by Christ. The Fiery Serpent here signified Christ, who was in the likeness of sinful flesh, though without sin, as this brazen serpent had the outward shape, but not the inward poison of the other serpents.

The pole resembled the cross upon which Christ was lifted up for our salvation and looking up to the fiery serpent is similar to our belief in the work Christ did at the Cross. It took some time to make the fiery serpent because God would not speedily take off the judgement, until He saw that they were thoroughly humbled. God chose the fiery serpent to show us what He intended to for us through Christ.

Many still died without looking at the fiery serpent. In the same manner, people are dying today without looking at Jesus’ work on Calvary. Jesus went to the Cross of Calvary for a purpose. You should look at Him on the Cross now that you are alive before it will be too late. Those who refused to look at the fiery serpent died even when there was an opportunity to being healed. Act now and look at Jesus who died for you on the Cross of Calvary and you will not need to die again.

Food for Thought: Jesus went to the Cross of Calvary for your sake. Are you aware of this and have you actually believed in what He did for you there?

Memory verse: John 3:14

Prayer: God, may I look at Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary of the poisonous effect of sin in my life in the name of the same Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen

To Be Saved Is Very Simple

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday June 7, 2017                

Topic: To Be Saved Is Very Simple                                        

Text: Luke 23:40 – 43            

Some people believe that salvation offered by Christ is very hard to obtain. People who know that armed robber who Jesus forgave on the Cross of Calvary would have concluded that he went to hell fire. Those he robbed would have wished he went to hell to suffer in hell fire for all the atrocities he committed. This is how most of us condemn and conclude wrongly. We should be careful because on the last day we will be disappointed when we see the people that made heaven and hell at last. My desire is that we will make heaven in Jesus name. Paradise is the place where the souls of the righteous remain after death till the resurrection. It is a place of blessedness. On the cross, the evil doer, who believed in Christ received forgiveness and was granted access to paradise. This goes to confirm what Paul said in Rom. 10:10. From this passage we should note that there is future and eternal state into which all souls pass at death. It takes surrendering your life to Christ, believing in His death and resurrection to be saved. The thief made that simple prayers and God was merciful to him. Are your sins too many and you think God cannot forgive you? There is no sin He cannot forgive when we truly and sincerely turn to Him. The expectation from you is repentance. It was so simple for the Jailer and his family (Acts 16:30–33). It will be so simple for you if only you could believe and accept Him today.

Food for Thought: We receive salvation when we believe in our hearts and confess it with our mouth.

Memory verse: Luke 23 verse 43

Prayer: Pray about your salvation. If you have received Christ pray it will be permanent. If not, repent and surrender your life to Him now.

EXTRAORDINARY LOVE: Devotion for Wednesday July 27, 2016

EXTRAORDINARY LOVE: Devotion for Wednesday July 27, 2016

Text: Luke 15:11 – 32                     

Memory verse: Luke 15:24 - For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

The parable of the prodigal son shows what is expected of us in repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to Him. It fully sets forth the riches of gospel of grace – the extra ordinary love of God. This young man took a decision to go back to the father and acted on it. “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” – Luke 15:20b. The father immediately restored this destitute and humbled young man as his son. “This represents the readiness with which God receives returning sinners. To be saved, men must not only resolve, but they must return to God; taking all the blame and shame of their departure to themselves, and ascribing righteousness to Him, they must surrender all their interests for time and eternity to His care, guidance, and disposal” as Family Bible Note opined.  

The sheep was lost because it may have foolishly wandered away (15:4); the coin was lost through no fault of its own (15:8); and the son left out of selfishness (15:12). God’s great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why or how they got lost. His concern is to bring them back into the sheep fold. Beloved, have you ever wondered why God has showed so much love on you despite your weaknesses? Does it make any sense to you that God’s love for you is unconditional? What steps can you take to reciprocate this extra ordinary love of God for you? Reciprocating God’s love can be done in so many ways; through more commitment to God’s work, selfless service, through love for humanity, etc. It will be great injustice if we neglect and fail to appreciate the love of God for us. This starts when we accept His work on the Calvary, repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Food for Thought: Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4

Prayer: God, may I never fail to reciprocate your love for me. Help me to serve you out of love and gratitude for loving me despite my sins. 

AT CALVARY: Devotion for Good Friday March 25, 2016

AT CALVARY: Devotion for Good Friday March 25, 2016

Text: Luke 23:32 – 49    Memory verse: v 33

Luke called the place where Jesus was crucified, Calvary while the other three evangelists called it, Place of Skull or Golgotha in Hebrew (Matt. 27:33; Mk. 15:22 & Jn. 19:17). Calvary is a hill just outside the city walls of Jerusalem where the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place. Why the choice of Calvary? The Chief Priest and Romans soldiers choose the place which was conspicuous so as to make mockery of Jesus but they never knew it was symbolic. See Heb. 13:11, 12 and compare it with these passages Ex. 29:14; Lev. 4:11–12, 21; 6:30; 9:11; 16:27; Num. 19:3. He was crucified there because bearing the sins of the world (just like the lamb in the Old Testament bearing sin) is burnt outside the camp.

The first thing Jesus did at Calvary was to plea for forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him, an evidence of His mission on earth. Another thing He did was to purchase and procure for us, forgiveness of sins. He also pardoned one of the criminals right there, a proof that true repentance is never late. But we should not procrastinate about it because we may not have the grace this criminal enjoyed. As the soldiers taunted Him, He was humble and didn’t retaliate (1 Pet 2:21–24). His death was recorded in 23:46 while the reaction of the Centurion to His death is in 23:47. Having died for us, we should seek to glorify God by true repentance and conversion; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.                 

Food for Thought: Christ became accursed for us upon the cross. What have you done to reciprocate this sacrifice?

Prayer: God may this ultimate sacrifice made for me not be in vain.