PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL: Devotion for Friday March 18, 2016

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL:  Devotion for Friday March 18, 2016         

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14         Memory verse: v 12

Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. The worst thing that can happen to someone is keeping a bad friend and spouse. When you have a spouse or friends that are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem. Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. I pray that your presence will cause problem for your enemies in Jesus name.

Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife, Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (5:13). This was pleasing to Haman (5:14). According to Family Bible Note, “The measures which men take for the destruction of others often prove the means of their own; and while they glory in anticipated victory, they sink into irretrievable ruin.” This was the case of Haman. Please make time to read the chapter six.

Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death. Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life because “There is nothing into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride. And yet there is no vice that is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture” according Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Prov. 29:23.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.   

WAIT ON GOD: Devotion for Friday October 30, 2015

WAIT ON GOD        Friday October 30, 2015

Text: Psalm 27:7 – 14                    Memory verse: v 14

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience (Galatians 5:22). It takes patience to wait on the Lord because there is nothing like haste with God. He is time conscious yet not in a hurry to do things. There are many things waiting on God can do for us. When we wait on the Lord, He inclines His ear to us and answers our prayers (Psalm 40:1). Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel and he got it (Luke 2:25). Waiting on God grants us discretion on complicated issues. It is an appointed means of grace. As we wait on God, He strengthens our hearts. Waiting does a lot of good for us. It makes us more sensitive, sober and watchful. See Psalm 31:24.

Beloved, are you in need of deliverance, healing, favour, freedom, fruit of the womb, vindication, etc, just wait on the Lord. He will never disappoint you rather you will be strengthened. We should draw up courage from the stories of men and women who waited and were blessed. Be expectant; for He that has promised is faithful. Wait actively; be not idle but use the means of grace; read, hear, pray, believe, work. As you wait on Him, He will not disappoint. 

Food for Thought: “Wait in prayer. Call on God and spread the case before him.  Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord” C. Spurgeon

Prayer: God, grant me the grace and patience to wait on you always.

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM    Tuesday June 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 62:1 – 7                                 Memory verse: v 5

The Bible severally made it clear that we can’t do anything of our own strength or wisdom (John 15:5). See also Romans 9:16; Zechariah 4:6. The Psalmist knows this fact which made him to submit to God, waiting silently because his expectations can only be fulfilled by God. Christians expect from God because we believe in him. 

Treasury of David Commentary says, “Expectation is the child of prayer and faith, and is owned of the Lord as an acceptable grace. We should desire nothing but what would be right for God to give, then our expectation would be all from God; and concerning truly good things we should not look to second causes, but to the Lord alone, and so again our expectation would be all from Him.” If only we are asking for godly things, we will never be weary or try other ways to meet our needs.

Expectations from men will be disappointed as they are frail, while that from God will be abundantly more than realized. Hannah expected and got Samuel. Elizabeth and Zachariah expected and got John the Baptist. Jabez waited and his coast was enlarged. Don’t give up on that thing you have been waiting on God for. Hear what Charles Spurgeon said, “Call on God and spread the case before Him. Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it.”

Food for Thought: Psalm 62:1

Prayer: Grant me the patience as I wait expectantly from you, O Lord.

WAITING FOR HIM

WAITING FOR HIM                                          Saturday March 28, 2015

Text: Luke 8:40 – 41                                                Memory verse: v 40

There is nothing comparable to waiting on the Lord. The man at the pool of Bethesda waited for over 38 years and he got what he wanted. The woman with the flow of blood waited for 12 years before her opportunity came. Jacob had to serve 14 years before he got his love, Rachel. Abraham and the wife Sarah waited for over 25 years before their promised child was born. Their case was over 25 years because they were married before Abram was called by God. Have you been waiting, God will remember you this season in Jesus name.

Jesus Christ was driven away by the people of Gadarenes. However, when He returned to the Galileans, they gladly received Him, as they were waiting for His return. Jairus was waiting to ask for Jesus’ favour (Luke 8:41). He went ahead to do good to those who desired Him. On our own part, we should know that when they reject us here, there are places they want us and our love, fellowship, and service. Again, when we wait patiently for God, it will never be in vain. Psalm 27:4; 37:4 all urge us to wait on the Lord. Beloved, are you waiting on the Lord, keep the faith and He will come back to meet, and honour your request.

Food for Thought: “Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it” – Charles Spurgeon.

Prayer: Lord, as I wait on you, may my expectations not be in vain.