DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 2016

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 2016

Topic: THEY SAW EXACTLY AS GOD TOLD THEM        

Text: Numbers 13:21 – 25                Memory verse: Numbers 13 verse 23

When the Almighty God says something, there is no reason to doubt Him. When Jesus spoke to His disciples about heaven during His earthly ministry, some may have doubted as some still doubt the reality of heaven and hell but when He took John the beloved and showed him what he recorded in the book Revelation, the doubts disappeared. God gave the approval to spy out the Promised Land as we read yesterday so that all their doubts about what He told them will end.     

The Twelve Spies went quite through the land, from Zin in the south, to Rehob, near Hamath, in the north (Numbers 13:21) and saw the land as God described it. Probably they did not go altogether as a body because it would have created suspicion and they would have been in more danger and taken up if the Canaanites knew how near the Israelites were to them; but they may have divided themselves into several companies, and so passed unsuspected, as way-faring men. That would have been the wisdom the spies applied.

They took particular notice of Hebron (Numbers 13:22) probably because there, was the field of Machpelah, where the patriarchs were buried (Genesis 23:2) whose dead bodies did, as it were, keep possession of that land for their posterity. They saw the sons of Anak there; where they should have received the greatest encouragements but there they met with the greatest discouragements just because of giants (Anak).

Satan has ways of discouraging us. Where God has kept blessings for us, he will go and plant what will discourage us. That these men saw the Promised Land as God told them through Moses should have encouraged them. Many of us are easily discouraged by what we see or hear despite all the promises of God for us in the bible. Many of us have enjoyed the goodness and mercies of God severally but it have not changed our mentality about God’s grace, providence and protective arm. Having enjoyed the mercies of God, we shouldn’t be downcast when sickness, trials, temptations and problems of life comes our way.              

Food for Thought: God is ever faithful to His word. He doesn’t change. Therefore do not have any reason to doubt.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the eyes of faith to see things the way you see them in Jesus name. Amen.

FOR A PROCESS OF CHANGE: Devotion for Sunday February 7, 2016

FOR A PROCESS OF CHANGE      Sunday February 7, 2016

Text: Genesis 12:1 – 3      Memory verse: v 1

A process leads to change. 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 Abram. He was instructed to leave his home, his kindred to an unknown place. The reason for this instruction was for a change in his life and faith. In 12:4, Abram did and the changes were his name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham – father of multitude (Gen 17:5), Sera to Sarah (17:6). The promise of Canaan did come to fulfillment in time of Abraham but God use him to prepare the actualization of that promise. There was the need to move and 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 process us for change into better glory. 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 Zachariah and Elizabeth went. What are you going through now that seems to have taken a lot from you? It is a process of change. God wants to bring good out of you that is why He has allowed you to go through that process. Remember Job and what his end became. Yours will be more glorious in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: There is always a process to a change

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.

MOVE ON: Devotion for Saturday February 6, 2016

MOVE ON                   Saturday February 6, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 1:1 – 8         Memory verse: v 7

The first part of Moses' farewell sermon to Israel begins with this chapter, and continued to the latter end of the fourth chapter. In the first five verses of this chapter we have the place (1:1, 2) where Moses spoke to the Israelites and the time (1:3, 4). Moses began his admonition (1:5) by reminding them of God’s promises concerning Canaan (1:6 – 8). The people of Israel spent about a year on mount Horeb, the mountain that burned with fire (compare Heb 11:18). It was there God spoke to Moses that the people have stayed so much and should move on. They seem to be comfortable at that mountain but God told them to leave that comfort zone because the better place for them is still ahead.

No one can achieve anything when he/she is in the comfort zone. You need to move out of your comfort zone to improve yourself, take more challenges and attain a new height. Many of us are stagnant in our faith and spiritual lives. Some are comfortable being in the church without any commitment attached to it in terms of winning souls for Christ. Are you satisfied with what you are now? Are there no rooms for improvement in your life and career? If there are, then you should move on. Are you seated in a place because of troubles of life that seem to have brought you to a standstill? It is time to move on. Are you mourning loss of a friend, a spouse, a parent, a benefactor, a child, etc? It is time to move on. Dust yourself for there are better things ahead as there was Promised Land ahead of the Israelites.

Food for Thought: Much can never be achieved in a comfort zone

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me to move on in life not minding the troubles that have come my way in Jesus name.

I WILL GO DOWN WITH YOU: Devotion for Wednesday January 6, 2016

I WILL GO DOWN WITH YOU       Wednesday January 6, 2016

Text: Genesis 46:4             Memory verse: v 4

Family Bible Notes has it that “With the blessing of God we need not fear to undertake any service, make any sacrifice, or endure any trial to which He may call us.” God who sees all things saw how apprehensive Jacob was and decided to allay his fears with the words in Gen. 46:3 and 4. Again, those that go where God sends them shall certainly have God with them. 

This was the case of Elijah when He went to Brook Cherith and had his need met by ravens (1 Kings 17:2–6). Though Jacob never returned to Canaan, but God promised that his descendants would return. That Jacob would die in Egypt with Joseph at his side was God’s promise to Jacob that he would never know the bitterness of being lonely again.

What is that dream or proposal God has laid in your heart as you start this year? Are you apprehensive and skeptical about it? God is saying that He will go into it and you will be prosperous. Just keep trusting and believing.

Food for Thought: When God goes with you in that your endeavour, what do you think will be the result?     

Prayer: God, go down with me into my business and work this year.

THEY MURMURED: Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2015

THEY MURMURED         Thursday September 17, 2015

Text: Numbers 14:1 – 4      Memory verse: v 2

Those who do not trust God will always be in sorrow. The sorrow of the world works death (2 Corinthians 7:10). The Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, and thus reproached God. They look back with causeless discontent. This is madness of uncontrolled passions that makes men prodigal of life itself. They wish rather to die criminals under God's justice, than to live conquerors in His favour. At last they resolved that, instead of going forward to Canaan, they would go back to Egypt. Was that not foolishness?

If you walk against God’s counsel, you will end in ruin. What are you currently passing through that you have resolved to start murmuring? We complain of our place, work and lot, and we would change; but is there any place or condition in this world that doesn’t have something in it to make us uneasy? Beware of murmuring so as not to incur the wrath of God.

Food for Thought: Murmuring is a way to discredit God

Prayer: Help me O Lord not to murmur against you no matter the problem.