Inescapable Choice: Devotion for Thursday August 20, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday August 20, 2020

Topic: Inescapable Choice                             

Text: Matthew 6:24                                 

According to Catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:478, being created in the image of God “Means that we are free to make choices; to love, to create, to reason and to live in harmony with creation and with God.” One of the inescapable choices we make is that of whom to serve. We can choose to serve God the Creator or any of His creatures.

In our text, Jesus says we can have only one master and that it is not possible to have two masters at the same time because there is the tendency to love one more than the other.

Our world of today is a materialistic society where many people serve money and can do anything to get it including killing human being in the process. People’s desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about.

Here in the text, Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when He explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out. We should not be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us. This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us.

Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting. Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because “the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Food for Thought: Can you honestly say that God, and not money or wealth is your master?

Memory verse: Matthew 6 v 24

Prayer: God, I have chosen you as my Lord and Saviour. Help me never to fall into materialistic trap that will take my heart away from you in Jesus name.

The Chosen of God: Devotion for Thursday August 13, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday August 13, 2020

Topic: The Chosen of God                              

Text: Isaiah 49:7 – 12                                        

Have you ever asked yourself, why am I a Christian? Is it because I was born into the church? Is it because God chose me to be a Christian? Being a Christian is not because we are good enough to be, but because God chose us out of His love and grace.

Again, have you ever asked why God is so interested in Israel despite their stiff-neck disposition? The reason for the choice of Israel is to become an instrument through which the world will come to know God (Isaiah 49:8, 9). That is also why you are a Christian.

The catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:480 has it that “God required the chosen people (Israel) to be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Our text speaks of what Christ will do for us and what we should do in appreciation of God’s faithfulness.

Beloved, God chose you as a Christian for some purposes. He chose you to become salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), to become light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and to show forth His praise and glory. From the words of Book of Common Prayer, we are expected to “Be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Have you being doing these? How faithful are you?

In John 15:16, Jesus stated why He chose and appointed us as Christians. It is just simple; we “Should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” John 15:16b. How are you doing this? Are you bearing good fruit or bad fruit?

Action: As you go out today, do the work that will bear fruit for God either through preaching, charity or showing mercy on people you meet.

Memory verse: Isaiah 49:7

Prayer: Help me O Lord to live up to the reason for your calling upon my life.

You Must Make a Choice: Devotion for Thursday March 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday March 5, 2020

Topic: You Must Make a Choice                 

Text: Jeremiah 21:8 – 14   

According to Catechism in the Book of Common Prayers, being created in the image of God means freedom to make choices, etc. Every day, we are faced with options which necessitates making of choices. This is inevitable in our worship of God, relationship with others, food we eat, where to go and many other areas of our daily lives and living.

However, if the choice we make turns against the will of God, we will be accountable for it if not in immediate terms, then later. Joshua gave the people of Israel the option of choosing whom to serve (Joshua 24:15 – 24).

In our text, God told Israel to either choose the way of life or the way of death (Jeremiah 21v8). The reason for this option is in Jeremiah 21:9 & 10. This counsel from Jeremiah was very displeasing to those who were flattered by their false prophets into a desperate resolution to hold out to their ways. Unfortunately it didn’t work.

Most times, we make wrong choices because we are often led by the flesh and again God’s ways most times seem foolish in our eyes. Just like our memory verse, we have a choice to make now – heaven or hell. To choose heaven, you must repent of your sins and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Choosing hell simply means refusal to repent. Have you made your choice?

Food for Thought: True religion is a matter of choice with all who heartily embrace it, and no man ever does or can serve God, in spirit and in truth, without choosing to do so

Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 30:15

Prayer: I choose life this day O Lord and may I not disappoint you at the end in Jesus name.

INESCAPABLE CHOICE: Devotion for Friday July 22, 2016

INESCAPABLE CHOICE: Devotion for Friday July 22, 2016

Text: Matthew 6:24                  

Memory verse: Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:478, says that being created in the image of God “Means that we are free to make choices; to love, to create, to reason and to live in harmony with creation and with God.” One of the inescapable choices we will make in life is that of whom to serve. In our text, Jesus says we can have only one master and serve him well. If we have two masters at the same time, our devotion and commitment will be divided.

Our world of today is a materialistic society where many people serve money and can do anything to get it including looting public funds, backstabbing people to gain favour and approval, kidnapping, and killing. In our present society, people’s desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about. No wonder Jesus made it clear that where our treasures are there will our hearts be.  

Here, Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when He explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out. We shouldn’t be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us and we begin to give less attention to the things of God. This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting. Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because “the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Food for Thought: Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master?

Prayer: God, I have chosen you as my Lord and Saviour. Help me never to fall into materialistic trap that will take my heart away from you in Jesus name. Grant me the grace to control my desire and the blessings you have bestowed upon me and not my blessings controlling me.

A CHOICE MUST BE MADE: Devotion for Sunday March 6, 2016

A CHOICE MUST BE MADE     Sunday March 6, 2016 

     

Text: Jeremiah 21:8 – 14     Memory Verse: v 8

According to Catechism in the Book of Common Prayers, man created in the image of God means having freedom to make choices, etc. Every day, we are faced with options which make choices inevitable in our worship of God, relationship with others, food we eat, where to go and many other areas of our daily lives and living. However, if the choice we make turns against the will of God, we will be accountable for it if not in immediate terms, it will be later. Joshua gave the people of Israel the option of choosing whom to serve (Josh. 24:15–24).

Family Bible Notes posited that “The only path of safety for nations or individuals lies in submission to God's declared will, however humbling it may be to their pride.” In our text, God told Israel to either choose the way of life and the way of death (21:8). The reason for this option is in 21:9 & 10. The counsel Jeremiah gave was very displeasing to those who were flattered by their false prophets into a desperate resolution to hold out to the last extremity. Unfortunately it didn’t work. Most times, we make wrong choices because we are often led by the flesh and again God’s ways most times seem foolish in our eyes. Just like our memory verse, we have a choice to make now – heaven or hell. To choose heaven, you have to accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Choosing hell simply means refusal to repent. Have you made your choice?

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 30:15

Prayer: I choose life this day, O Lord, and may I not disappoint you at the end in Jesus name.