Pay Attention To Him

Devotion for Sunday December 3, 2017

Topic: Pay Attention To Him

Text: Matthew 17:1 – 8

It is imperative to emphasis some things for our proper understanding. God emphasizes some things to clear our doubts or to re-affirm what we already know. At transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son in who I am well pleased …,” highlighting

1) The dignity of Jesus Christ (He is a beloved Son because of His likeness and conformity to Him.

2) The Excellency of his meditation (In whom He is well pleased. Christ is most pleasing to God the Father and through Him, He is well pleased with us).

3) The Authority of His doctrine (Hear Him, not Moses and Elijah but Christ, commissioned to be the Great Prophet and Teacher). God commanded the Apostles to hear Christ; attend to His instructions and follow Him, an indication that there is authority in His words.

Do you listen to the words of Jesus and do you take instructions from Him? Do you follow Him both in words and deeds? There are lots of benefits we can derive from paying attention to Jesus Christ. His words direct us on the right path; illumine our ways and set us free. His words are spiritual foods for us. It heals us; shows us the best way to serve God and how to make heaven at last. How much do you desire to hear from Him? We should regularly hear from God the Son for our good.

Food for Thought: How much do you desire to hear from God?

Memory verse: Matthew 17:5 - While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me a listening ear to hear from you always.

Obey God Rather Than Men

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 25, 2017

Topic: Obey God Rather Than Men

Text: Acts 4:19 – 22     

One of the commands the disciples received from Christ at His ascension was to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The death and resurrection of Christ convinced them about the truth of the gospel which they should testify to people. As the council demanded that they should stop preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and John did not waste time in rejecting any such ban on speaking in the name of Jesus, saying it is better to obey God rather than men.

What the response of the apostles means is that the members of the council are at odd with the will of God which is to obey Him rather than men. Thus they asked the council members to judge whether they should obey the council’s orders or God’s. Being with Jesus had actually transformed their lives because they lived with Him; witnessed His resurrection and experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. These had tremendous effect on them so they asserted that they cannot stop speaking about the things they have seen and heard. The response from the disciple was act of courage which can only come from someone filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are times we face such challenges. We may be tempted to yield to such challenge but here is an example for us to follow. Do not give in to such challenges because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. We should choose to obey God no matter what the threat will be. God was with the Apostles and He will be with you if you stand for Him. Obeying Him will bring blessings and peace rather than obeying men.

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey and please God in all things rather than men.

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 19

Prayer: Lord God, help me to obey and please you instead of men in Jesus name. Amen.

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSING: Devotion for Thursday October 29, 2015

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSINGS

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 – 7                     Memory verse: v 3

God gave a command to Elijah to turn eastward and hide in Brook Cherith because He has given a command that his immediate needs be met there (17:4). Elijah went as God instructed (17:5). He didn’t bring human wisdom into it. He didn’t ask God why must it be Brook Cherith or why not that rich man/woman’s house. He obeyed and word of God was fulfilled. It was necessary, after such a declaration to this wicked and idolatrous king, that he should immediately hide himself; as, Ahab would undoubtedly seek his life. Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Jezebel, who, he knew, would seek to destroy him.

Many a time, we cry of lack of providence; fasting, praying and binding all demons that we can mention, when our needs would have been met by simple obedience to God’s instruction. For your miracle to manifest for you, you must be at the place God wants you to be. Jesus told Peter to go and catch first fish in the river from where he could get money to pay tax (Matthew 17:27). What is money doing in the mouth of fish? However, that is God for us. He is sovereign and can use anything to bless us. Being where God wants you to be matters in accessing and receiving your miracles.

Food for Thought: “Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes” – Dietrich Bonheoffer.

Prayer: Lord God, make me faithful and obedient to your command so I will not miss out in the blessings you have purposed for me.