Devotion for Tuesday January 1 2019

Devotion for Tuesday January 1 2019                

Topic: Those who are Christ’s

Text: Galatians 5:24 - And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Welcome to the first day in 2019! Happy New Year! It is a great pleasure writing this devotion again being published in digital form only. Paul in this verse of this epistle wrote to remind the Galatians about the life they ought to live as Christians and the characteristics of such life. He asserted that the life of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should be life whose flesh has been crucified with its passions and desires. Such a life is no longer control by emotions and desires. Such life is Christ led and obeys the spirit of God with which the Christian is sealed with at salvation.

These words of Paul are good reminder for us as we start the New Year. We must understand that our identity is and should be that of a crucified life. We should begin our year on that premise of a life led by the Spirit of God. True and sincere disciples have crucified their lives, that is, subdued, and in some degree mortified and put to death, their fleshly corruptions (carnal lusts, and sinful affections and passions).

At baptism we promised to die unto sin but we should not understand this as a total and once for all crucifixion. It is what we should do often and again as we assess ourselves through the eyes of the scriptures on daily basis. We should have it as a routine to crucify our flesh because they can disappoint us when we least expected. As you start your new year, have this behind you that you are expected to live life that is crucified to sin and has resurrected to righteousness. Have a great year as you walk with God.

Food for Thought: Are you now habitually weakening and destroying the influence of flesh in your life through the grace that comes from God.

Memory verse: Romans 13:14

Prayer: Lord God, help me to crucify my flesh and may your spirit reign in my life this day and always in Jesus name. Amen.

The Cost Of Following Jesus

Devotion for Tuesday January 30, 2018

Topic: The Cost Of Following Jesus

Text: Matthew 16:24 – 28

There are always terms and conditions which apply to any contract or agreement. In terms of our relationship with God, there are terms and conditions attached to it. Jesus came to establish the New Covenant. Our Catechism has it that Jesus commands us in the New Covenant to believe in Him and to keep His commandments with the promise to bring us into the Kingdom of God and give us life in its fullness. In our bible passage for the day, He states one of the conditions expected of would be disciples which is self- denial, taking up one’s cross and following Him. 

The words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:24 show us the 4 principles of the Christian life. 

1) He must have a sincere desire to belong to Christ - If any man desires to be my disciple. 

2) He should renounce self-dependence, and selfish pursuits – Let him deny himself. 

3) He should embrace the condition which God has appointed, and bear the troubles and difficulties he may meet with in walking the Christian road - Let him take up his cross. 

4) He should imitate Jesus by following Him even in suffering – Let him follow me. 

Everything in life has a cost attached to it. You cannot claim to be a disciple of Jesus without fulfilling these principles and conditions or else you will not be sincere in being His disciple. Have you met the terms and conditions of being a disciple? If not, there is still time for you to key into the conditions so as to benefit from His promises in the New Covenant. 

Sing SS&S 597; Abu 110

Food for Thought: A true disciple of Christ in all things denies his own will, however pleasing, and does the will of God, however painful.

Memory verse: Matthew 10:38

Prayer: Lord God, help me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow you all the days of my life in Jesus name. Amen

Lord, What Do You Want Me To Do?

Devotion for Thursday January 4, 2018

Topic: Lord, What Do You Want Me To Do?

Text: Acts 9:1 – 7

Our topic is a statement that comes from someone under a higher authority. Hitherto, Paul had not recognized the person and authority of Jesus. But when Jesus introduced himself as the person Paul persecutes, he submitted to and recognized Him as Lord. He then asked Him what He wants him to do. What a hard way to know your Lord and Saviour! Such question is a very important one every serious minded Christian should ask his/her Lord at the beginning of the year. If we actually want to be successful in our walk with God; in our careers and businesses, we must recognize the person of Jesus as the Lord whose authority we are under. It will amount not only as disrespect but a revolution against God when we fail to ask from Him what He wants us to do. A servant can’t wake up and set out to do whatever he likes. He must ask the master what he wants him to do for the day. If we are actually servants of God, we must ask Him what he wants us to do. He has entrusted so much on us for the year; good health, time, talents, money and many other things. Have you asked God what He wants you to do with these gifts? Paul’s statement shows how a converted person is ready and desirous to know and do the mind and will of God; Lord, what do you want me to do? Have you actually repented? Have you encountered Jesus? If not, go to Him now in prayer. Sing SS&S 804; Abu 238

Food for Thought: A converted person is ready and desirous to know and do the mind and will of God                   

Memory verse: Acts 2:37

Prayer: My Lord and my Saviour, reveal to me what you want me to do in Jesus name. Amen

WHY DISILLUSIONED? WHY TROUBLED?

WHY DISILLUSIONED? WHY TROUBLED? YOU HAVE THE MAN, JESUS CHRIST

The case of the man at the Pool of Bethesda who said, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me" was the centre of discussion at the just concluded 7th edition of Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) held in National Christian Centre Abuja from 13th – 16th November. This man was sick for 38 years. Though it was not stated if he had spent all the 38 years at the Pool but from the story and the man’s submission, it was obvious that he had spent so many years there. The sickness had affected this man so severely that he couldn’t answer simple question.

Looking at the man, according to Bishop Sunday Adewole, “He was an old man, 38 years of living with infirmity clearly shows that he was not a young man. He totally depended on others for everything. This was made obvious by his statement ‘I have no man …’ He had submitted all his dependency on another human. The sickness had affected his mentality to the extent that he finds it difficult to answer the question Jesus asked him correctly, he rather complained. He was a blame shifter, a sinner, disloyal and ingrate.”

Despite all these weaknesses in that man, who didn’t deserve what he received Jesus chose him for healing. It was the work of grace which God has offered to humanity through Jesus Christ. He demonstrated this grace towards this man. That grace is sufficient for you if only you can come to the full knowledge of God and believe that He is the Saviour.

Today, many of us, despite our long years in the church are still disillusioned, troubled and living in anxiety because of the challenges of life. Some people find it hard to believe that in Christianity, we can stay without food, with sickness, jobless, childless, no prospective spouse coming to ask for your hand in marriage at over 40 years and many more. The present economic stress in the country has worsened the matter. These problems and challenges have so much affected the spiritual life of some people that today, they can hardly pray. A young lady of about 37 years came to me and said, “Daddy, I am tired. I can no longer pray because I have prayed and nothing seems to happen.” When I asked why, she said, “I am now 37 years and no man is asking for my hand in marriage.” This is a sister that is committed and dedicated but things are not working out well for her. This is one in million cases we have today.

However, I bring you the assurance that you have the man Jesus. There is no situation beyond his ability. If you have Jesus, the following are available for you. a) He can give you hope (1 Peter 1:13; Hebrews 10:23). b) He can give you joy amidst all the challenges of life (John 16:24). c) He can provide for you (Matthew 6:25 – 27). d) He can give you salvation (Luke 19:10; 1 Thess. 5:9). e) He can forgive you (Ephesians 1:7 – 8). f) He can comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4). g) He can take away your worries, care and anxiety (Psalm 55:22; Matt. 11:28). h) He can give you eternal life (John 10:27 – 28; John 3:16, 36). i) He can help you (Hebrews 4:15 – 16) j) He can heal you (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

Beloved, you should understand the God you serve; His abilities and all He can do. If you know and have Jesus, you will never be troubled or disillusioned by situations and circumstances. Cheer up because you are not like that man at the Pool of Bethesda (House of Mercy) who claimed that he had no man but you have the man Jesus Christ who is abundantly able to save, heal, deliver and help. Hallelujah!

Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma

Assisting Priest

St. Philip's Anglican Church

AGGS Compound

West End, Asaba

Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Devotion for Thursday October 26, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Text: Romans 8:26 – 28

Holy Spirit is indispensable in the Christian life we live. A Christian life demand living in Spirit and it is obvious that man in the flesh cannot live well and please God if the spirit does not take over such life. Here in our text, Apostle Paul explains some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us in bearing our weaknesses.

1) By giving us strength to bear them

2) By exciting us to make efforts to overcome them

3) By ministering to us consolations, and truths, and views out our Christian privileges that enable us to endure our trials.

The reasons we do not know what to pray for may be for the following reasons:

1) That we do know what would really be the best for us.

2) We do not know want God will grant to us according to His will

3) We are, to a great extent ignorant of the character of God, the reason of His dealings with us and our real wants.

4) We are often in real, deep perplexity. We are encompassed with trials, exposed to temptations, feeble to diseases, and subject to calamities. These, put us in despair and changes our focus.

Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life? When we allow Holy Spirit to have full control over our lives, then we can pray well and get what we need. Allow Him into your life so He can reorder your priorities and needs.

Food for Thought: James 4:3

Memory verse: Romans 8:26

Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can do the impossible in my life and reorder my request always so I can gain your approval in Jesus name.

A Reward For Our Actions

Devotion for Tuesday August 8, 2017

Topic: A Reward For Our Actions

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:9 – 11

This world is world of opposites; good or bad, man or woman, love or hatred, selfish or selfless, angry or happy, etc. God gave to man the will to makes choices at creation. “Man’s power of choice enables him to think like an angel or a devil, a king or a slave. Whatever he chooses, mind will create,” so Frederick Bailes. The power to make choices given to man will be his greatest undoing if we misused it.

Paul charges us here to walk well in our Christian life so as to please God because we shall account of ourselves before the judgement seat of Christ, where He, whose religion we profess will judge us according to its precepts and the grace bestowed on us. We need a conviction that we will stand at the judgement seat of Christ, and receive rewards according to the deeds done in the body, prudent and lead lives that will make us acceptable to Him and this is only possible with Christ-like life we are living here.

We note these facts from our scriptural reading.

1) The necessity of the judgement – We must, willing or unwilling

2) The universality of the judgement – We must all be judged

3) We will be judged by Christ – Whose image we ought to conform

4) It will be based on our person actions and inactions – The things done in the body

5) The reason for the judgement – To be punished or rewarded according to our actions.

Beloved, how prepared are you for this soon coming judgement to reward or punish us?

Food for Thought: The rewards you will receive depend on the way you have lived now. Therefore make good use of your time, talent and treasure to the glory of God

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 5: 10

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to be conscious of the coming judgement so I will live well so as to receive a good reward in Jesus name.

Bad Attitude That Hinders Spiritual Growth

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday June 13, 2017

Topic: Bad Attitude That Hinders Spiritual Growth

Text: Matt. 7:24 – 29

Carelessness, carefree, negligence and presumption are very dangerous attitude that every serious minded Christians should avoid and never imbibe. A careless or carefree man can easily fall victim of the evil one. We know the story of Samson how he was so carefree with the instruction from God before his birth.

God’s word serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It directs and guides us. It guards us against danger and grants us wisdom on how best to live successfully (Joshua 1:7 & 8). When we read or hear the word of God, we should apply them diligently to our lives as evidence we are true disciples of Jesus Christ. This virtue of living out what we hear from the word of God teaches here that we shouldn’t be carefree, careless, negligent or presumptuous of the word we hear. James lends credence to this in James 1:22, 23 and 2:14.

In our spiritual growth, what makes the difference is not how many times you have been through the Bible, but how thoroughly the Bible is reflecting in the life you live. This is what matters in our Christianity. You may have gone through the Bible many times but your character remains questionable.

Does the Bible have any effect on your life? Do you preach and teach the word of God but do the opposite? What is your testimony in your school, office, neighbourhood, etc as a Christian? We should not take God’s word for granted or we end up in hell. It is not just the hearers and preachers that will be saved but the doers of the word.

Food for Thought: James 1:22

Memory verse: Matthew 7 verse 26

Prayer: God, help me to apply your word into my life and not to take it for granted in Jesus name. Amen

Signs Of True Christianity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 23, 2017

Topic: Signs Of True Christianity                                   

Text: Colossians 3:12 – 17                                                                             

When the early followers of Christ exhibited some characters in Antioch, they were easily called Christians – Christ-like (Acts 11:26). Christian should be known by their character. No wonder Jesus challenged us to shine as light and live as salt (Matt. 5:13 – 16). He also urged us to love one another (Jn. 14:34 & 35).

Here, Paul urged us to put on virtues that will single us out as God’s elect; virtues that speak for us as true believers. How many virtues did he mention in this text? God’s elect here means chosen, set apart, sanctified or consecrated. Christians are requested to put on these virtues; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, etc, as the regalia with which we should be known. As God’s elect we should manifest spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love towards Christians and non-Christians.

Sadly, this is not so among us. We love only those we know; contrary to what the Bible says. What do you exhibit as mark of your Christianity? Do you show tender mercies as a Christian? Are you kind, humble, meek, showing longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you? Are you among the people who wear long garment, carry the biggest bible or attend all church programmes to be noticed when you are a wolf in your neighbourhood? How do you treat people when they offend you? Do you show longsuffering when offended? Search yourself and repent before it will be late. Show your Christianity by exhibiting true virtues everywhere you go.

Food for Thought: Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal or eloquence.

Memory verse: Colossians 3 verse 12

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to develop true character of a Christian.

The Imperative Of Inward Beauty

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 17, 2017 

Topic: The Imperative Of  Inward Beauty

Text: 1 Peter 3:4

God created us in His image. The beauty we portray shows how awesome our God is. He made us beautiful and handsome for His glory but these days, I wonder if being beautiful is a crime. The way most people use their beauty in wrong ways is a cause for concern. Most people spend time and enormous resources trying to beautiful themselves. All these are good only if they are targeted at glorifying God (1 Peter 3:4b).

Here, Peter challenged us especially women whose concern is always what to wear, style to sow, style of hair do, etc, to ensure that we are also “beautiful inside in our hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious to God” – Living Bible. John Wesley Notes gives insight into why this is precious in the sight of God when he said that “A meek spirit gives no trouble willingly to any: a quiet spirit bears all wrongs without being troubled.” Meekness is one virtue that is expected of us as Christian.

Do you attach the kind of importance, time and resources you give to your outward beauty to inward beauty? Beautifying our heart is through constant meditation on the word of God. This helps us overcome temptations and trial (Psalm 119:11), and also accommodate the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 3:16). How beautiful is your heart? Have you corrupted yours with malice, anger, bitterness, evil thoughts etc? If so, repent today. Let the beauty of your heart matter most to you than your outward beauty. 

Food for Thought: The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express. –Bacon

Memory verse: 1 Peter 3 verse 4

Prayer: God, make me beautiful within and help me to maintain inner beauty than my outward beauty in Jesus name.

The Labourers Are Few

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 27, 2017

Topic: The Labourers Are Few

Text: Luke 10:2

Jesus compared the work of evangelism and winning souls for the kingdom of heaven to a harvest—the gathering of new believers into His kingdom (see Jn. 4:35). Before someone can think of harvesting, one must have worked on the field or the farm. Lord Jesus had done all the things necessary for the salvation of humanity. He paid the ultimate price by shedding His blood and dying on the Cross of Calvary. No other work or sacrifice is needed to save man. The only task before us is to share the gospel message. Unfortunately, there are so few workers willing to gather those who desire to hear the gospel in.

God has work enough for everyone but who is actually interested to do the works He has designated for us? We shouldn’t fold our hand and watch other Christians do the work of evangelism and other works in the vineyard of God especially in the areas we are gifted or talented because the harvest is great. Beloved, are you one of the labourers in the vineyard of God? The labourers are few.

I have personally observed that majority in the church who claim they are Christians are never interested in evangelism. The reasons are not far-fetched. They are in the church but have not experienced the touch of God. You can’t experience the touch of God and keep quiet. The case of woman of Samaria (Jn. chapter 4) is a clear example. Again, some who have experienced the touch has lost their first love for God. In simple terms they have backslidden. They are the set of people described in Rev. 2:4 and 3:1. Are you among these people? There are counsels for you in Rev. 2:5 and 3:3.

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 22: 30

Memory verse: Matthew 9:38

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my life to serve as one of the labourers in Jesus name.

A Living Hope

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 22, 2017

Topic: A Living Hope 

Text: 1 Peter 1:3 – 5

The Christian's hope is a living principle, and sustains his spiritual life. Our hope is lived out. It is something that is live out for others to see. This hope gives life and looks for life as its object. We are now born again for a wonderful expectation of life to come but not of this world because we are pilgrims and foreigners here. This expectation we have is based on the assurance that God will keep His promise to raise us because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Christ has made necessary power available for our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). His resurrection makes us certain that we too will be raised from the dead.

This assurance is what makes our hope lively. It keeps us going, striving against all odds so as to gain that which God has promised us. What the resurrection of Christ has done for us is that it has inspired hope and grace in us. It has brought the conviction that we are going to be resurrected. The onus on us now is to live our lives with that inspired hope from the resurrection of Christ. It should make us to be heavenly conscious as we read yesterday. It should inspire a more strong faith in us that God is ever faithful to His promises. Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die.

We may be experiencing some negative things that are currently challenging our faiths. That notwithstanding, if we know our God, our hope will be renewed every day. We can achieve this by daily searching out God’s promises and laying hold of them as we pray. Don’t allow uncertainties of life deem your hope rather rekindle it daily basis. 

Food for Thought: Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die. Rekindle it on daily basis as we await the return of our Saviour.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 1 verse 3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to keep the hope of eternal life lively in me in Jesus name.

The Hour Has Come

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday (Holy Week) April 12, 2017

Topic: The Hour Has Come

Text: John 12:20 – 28

Beloved, what is your desire as a Christian? Is it to see Jesus and be part of His glory at the end of your life here on earth? This was the desire of these Greek who came to the disciples. When Philip and Andrew came and told Jesus, He made a startling revelation about His impending death. He painted a picture of the necessary sacrifice He was about to make. He asserts that unless a grain of wheat is planted in the soil, it will not become a blade of wheat producing many more seeds.

Jesus had to die to pay the penalty for our sin, and to show His power over death. His resurrection proves He has eternal life and can give it to us. The words of Jesus in John 12:26 suggest an answer to the inquiry of the Greeks or a charge He left with them. Jesus was troubled as He announced that the hour had come for His betrayal, crucifixion and death, and eventual resurrection. He prayed that God the Father should save Him but handed over everything to the will of God.

Here, Jesus threw a challenge to us. When we are suffering and going through problems of life, how do we take it? From the death and resurrection of Christ, it is obvious that most times we have to go through some problems of life for the glory of God to be revealed in us. My life was a clear testimony about this. Jesus requested God to glorify His name and a voice answered Him. We should always submit to God‘s will so He can glorify Himself in all we do.

Food for Thought: John 17:1

Memory verse: John 12 verse 23

Prayer: God, glorify yourself and perfect your will in my life in Jesus name. Amen.

They Cannot Deny It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 24, 2017

Topic: They Cannot Deny It

Text: Acts 4:15 – 18

The Council was in a dilemma on what to do with the Apostles as they had performed an undeniable and widely publicized miraculous healing of the man born lame. This miracle and others done by the Apostles made the masses to gravitate toward Christianity abandoning the Jewish religion. Their problem now was how they could save their faces (in light of the obviously healed man), discourage further teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and preserve the status quo.

Their solution to the above concerns was to order them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again. Unfortunately, their power and position could not convince them to be silent. When God’s will is unfolding, no one can stop it (Acts 5:34 – 39). Again, His works do not leave traces of doubt behind. The healing of this man was so obvious that the Council couldn’t deny it. They attested to it.

Most unbelievers question our salvation too when they discover that our lives do not reflect the confession we make. We give unbelievers room to doubt our faith when we compromise and live carelessly. Can people in your office, school, neighbourhood, and other places where you may be found say that your salvation and faith are undeniable? Can people actually vouch that you are a true Christian? Ponder on these questions and where there is need; amend your ways now by repenting of your sins before it will be too late.          

Food for Thought: Can people question your credibility as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 16b

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to live well so that people can’t deny or question whether I am a Christian indeed.

No Excuse (VII)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 18, 2017

Topic: No Excuse 7  

Text: Revelation 3:14 – 22

Laodicea was a commercial city and the wealthiest of the seven cities. It was known for its banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school that produced eye ointment. The church there had become lukewarm and thus unpleasant and disgusting. They didn’t take a stand for anything; indifference led them to idleness and complacency. By neglecting to do anything for Christ, the church became hardened and self-satisfied, which led to its spiritual ruin.

Nothing disgusts more than a half-hearted, nominal and self-sufficient Christian. Such people will never seek counsel or make time to fast and pray. God uses things familiar to us in teaching us moral lessons. Laodicea had always had problem with water supply and the water that flows into the city from an aqueduct get there not hot nor refreshingly cool but lukewarm. This was a perfect description of this church.

Today, some of us believe that many material possessions are signs of God’s spiritual blessing. Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the church was also wealthy. But what they could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal. Wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Christ. How does your current level of wealth affect your spiritual desire? Instead of centring your life primarily on comfort and luxury, find your true riches in Christ. Your wealth should not be an excuse.

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:18

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 19

Prayer: God, heal me of complacency and being lukewarm to your service in Jesus name. Amen.

No Excuse II

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Monday March 13, 2017

Topic: No Excuse II

Text: Revelation 2:8 – 11

Pain is part of life, be you a Christian or unbeliever. It is never easy to suffer, no matter the cause. Persecution is of Satan, not of God. He causes believers to be denied of their rights, thrown out of their homes, offices, and schools, thrown into prison and even are killed. Believers under persecution need not fear death, because they will be rewarded with the crown of life. Again, Satan may terminate our earthly lives, but not our spiritual lives.

In our scriptural reading for the day, God commended the church at Smyrna for the tribulation they endured, the poverty they have suffered and the blasphemy from some of the Jews there. God called them “Synagogue of Satan” because they were serving Satan’s purposes, not God’s, when they gathered to worship. He concluded by charging them not to fear what they will suffer even unto death but they should remain faithful to the end in order to be rewarded with crown of life. This is the only church out of the seven that was not rebuked by God. What they suffered during the writing of this letter and thereafter were enough for them to have given up their faith. They had enough reasons to do so but they didn’t do that. They were steadfast.

What is your reason to compromise and backslide from faith? If it is persecution, can you compare it with what the members of the church in Smyrna suffered? If you have been blasphemed, what of these people in Smyrna? Beware because you do not have any excuse (Romans 2:1) for compromising your faith.

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:9

Memory verse: Revelation 2 verse 9 - I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Prayer: God, as I come across blasphemers and persecutors grant me the grace never to compromise my faith in Jesus name.

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.

Don’t Be The Avenger

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 24, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be The Avenger

Text: Romans 12:14 – 19

Apostle Paul summarizes the heart of Christian living in our scriptural reading for the day. If we love people the way Christ loves us, we will be keen to forgive. Those who have experienced God’s grace should be ready and willing to pass it on to others. This is the simple requirement of the gospel we preach. Grace is undeserved favour and because we freely received, we should freely give.

Apostle Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:35 to remind us that though we may want to avenge ourselves, but it is better we leave revenge to God because we are bound to overdo and run into the hands of the law. Refusing to take revenge avoids grudges and feuds. God will ensure that His just vengeance will be given at the appropriate time. He gave the charge in Romans 12:17 and emphasized it in Romans 12:19. The emphasis is for a purpose so we can moderate our actions and learn to live peaceably with others.

We should note that Jesus had set an example for us to follow. When He was reviled, He didn’t reviled back but left everything in the hands of God. Why will ours be different if we profess that we are His followers? We should not take revenge upon those who injure us, but exercise a forgiving spirit towards them. God expects us to leave vengeance to Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 32:35

Memory verse: Hebrew 10:30 – For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people” – (NKJV)  

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the spirit of patience, self-control and love so as to avoid revenge in a quest for vindication. Amen.

Be An Observable Model (In Reactions)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 4, 2017

Topic: Be An Observable Model (In Reactions)              

Text: Romans 12:17 – 21

The way we react to words we hear or to people’s actions speaks volume of the depths of our Christianity. In online bible quotation, Epictetus said, “Deliberate much before you say or do anything, for it will not be in your power to recall what is said or done.” Most of us do not think before we talk. We only think after we had talked. This shouldn’t be the standard of true Christian.

Proverbs 15:1 says “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Again, Proverbs 15:8 says, “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” Our reactions will either avert contention or stirs up anger. If we actually hope to live as true Christians, we should learn how to govern our spirit. Paul confirms this when he said, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets” – 1 Corinthians 14:32. When we shout at one another, it shows that we don’t love one another.

We should show our maturity in Christ by the way we react to the words we hear especially those that are provocative. Jesus Christ gave us an example according to 1 Peter 2:21 – 23. We should be a model for others by the way we control the anger, slander, abuse, hatred, injustice, etc. against us. There is no gain in trying to flex muscles with people over words you could easily ignore, after all the words said against you are not written on your forehead. The author of the book Hebrew also said that Jesus gave us an example (Heb. 12:3). We should follow that example. Don’t think you can gain anything by vengeance, expression of anger and unnecessary and sudden outburst on people.

Food for Thought: He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so He opened not his mouth (Isaiah 53:7).

Memory verse: Proverbs 16:32 - Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Prayer: Grant unto me, O Lord, the grace to control myself in times of and provocation in Jesus name.

It Has Been God’s Grace

My Daily Covenant (2017 Edition) Devotion for Tuesday January 3, 2017                     

Topic: It Has Been God’s Grace

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 11   

The doctrine of Christ's death and resurrection is the foundation of Christianity. If you remove it, all our hopes for eternity will sink at once. That is the basis of our preaching the gospel message and gathering to worship God. It is only by holding this truth about Christ’s death and resurrection firm that we can stand in the day of trial, and are kept faithful to God.

Paul had been an enemy of the Christians because he captured and persecuted them - (Acts 9:1-3). Thus, he felt unworthy to be called an apostle of Christ. Undoubtedly, he was the most influential of the apostles, yet very deeply humble because God bestowed a honour which he felt he never deserved such. He knew that he had worked hard and accomplished much but only because God had poured His kindness and grace upon him.

True humility is not convincing yourself that you are worthless but recognizing God’s work in you. It is having God’s perspective on who you are and acknowledging His grace in developing your abilities. Paul knew that it was not by his own merit to have been called Apostle and the privilege to have seen Jesus, but it was God's grace which enabled him to do a more abundant work than any other apostle. How much do you acknowledge God’s grace working out its purpose in your life, ministry, career, etc?  

It is that grace of God that has sustained us into the New Year and all we have achieved in life. Therefore, we should be grateful to God for this and certainly show our appreciation through our service to Him and humanity. This is what we owe God in this New Year and certainly, that is what He expects from us.

Action: Think and write down in your devotion note the things you can do to appreciate the grace of God you have received and begin to do them.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Prayer: Humble me, O God by granting me the understanding of your grace upon my life in Jesus name Amen. 

BLESSINGS IN PURITY OF HEART

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2016

Topic: BLESSINGS IN PURITY OF HEART    

Text: Matthew 5:8                      Memory verse: Matthew 5:8

Purity is very essential in our Christian walk. God is pure and it is expected that we should be pure too. People characterized as pure in heart are people who are honest and sincere, people who do not accommodate evil thoughts in their hearts. The pure in heart are free from the dominion and pollution of sin. They are people of integrity and they demonstrate single-minded commitment to God. They are also free from evil desires and purposes, pride, evil thoughts, corruption, and lust.

In Psalm 51:10, David prayed that God should create in him a clean heart. This implies that for our heart to be pure, we need the washing of the heart with the blood of Jesus Christ which God alone can do. This is the promise of God in Ezekiel 36:25–28. What it involves is that we should always ask God for cleansing of our hearts because it can be polluted in a matter of seconds if we don’t guard what we take to heart.

Our hearts becomes impure when we allow filth to enter through what we read, hear, see or think. This is the reason for the admonition in Proverbs 4:23. We have a duty here to guide our hearts against pollution so that we will receive this reward. Because of the sincere devotion of a pure heart to Christ, such will see God here and now through the eyes of faith (Hebrews 11:27), and finally face-to-face (1 John 3:2). How pure is your heart? Are you one of those who will see God face to face? It has been my prayer that I will see God. Is that your desire too?

Food for Thought: Psalm 24:3 & 4

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to maintain a pure heart always so I will be qualified to see your face.