The Key to Salvation: Devotion for Thursday April 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 16, 2020 

Topic: The Key to Salvation                                        

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built their religious worship on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith. The zeal Israelites had, was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Roman 10:2). Some people have great zeal in religion but are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal will be in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character, kind in spirit, and useful in tendency.

The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. Based on this reason; Paul tries to point out to them the key to salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (10:4ff). He posited in 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” His stand on this is the truth expressed in Romans 10:10.

Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptised into the body of Christ.

Have you ever been asked, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give you the beautiful answer: Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the Risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.      

Food for Thought: The basic proofs of our Christian faith are our belief in Christ (inward faith) and confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

Divine Inspiration: Devotion for Thursday August 15, 2019

Devotion for Thursday August 15, 2019

Topic: Divine Inspiration

Text: Matthew 16:13 – 20

If we must make wise decisions that will please God and affect humanity, we have to rely on divine inspiration. Solomon showed such inspiration in the historic judgement between the two harlots claiming a child (1 Kings 3:16ff).

It takes walking with God to have divine inspiration. If you are living in sin and disobeying God and His word, you cannot be inspired divinely. Sin drives the spirit of God from us and denies us blessings of His fellowship.

Peter is impetuous and impulsive in character. He is always at the forefront when questions are asked or actions needed which shows his faith. Jesus had asked the disciples a question to know what they think of Him (Matthew 16:15). Peter’s reply, expressed his faith. His confession was an inspiration from God because by then, Jesus had not been transfigured where the voice confirmed that He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:1 – 6).

The confession of Peter is the Christian confession and the foundation of the church, into which all saints are built as living stones of the temple (Matthew 16:17 – 19).

Have you sincerely made this confession that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the confession upon which our baptismal creed was made. If we are to rightly apprehend divine truth and absolutely regard it, we should allow God to give us inspiration.

We can get inspiration as we study the scriptures, and from direct teaching of God on our minds. How often do you draw inspiration from God by studying your bible? See Joshua 1:8

Food for Thought: “There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory verse: Matthew 16:16

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding always as I study your word and inspire me to live out all I read in Jesus name. 

What do you confess in times of trouble?

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Monday January 14, 2019

Topic: What Do You Confess In Times Of Trouble

Text: Proverbs 18:21

Most times, we are very careless or carefree with our tongues. We say so many things without recourse and thereafter, we begin to regret our utterances. This is not a good attribute or character of a true Christian. Any Christian who cannot tame his/her tongue and moderate his/her actions is not worthy to answer a Christian. Jesus Christ showed us examples to follow. When He was accused falsely, He didn’t open His mouth. This should be the character of a Christian. We should emulate that. It is my prayer that God will help us in that area in Jesus name.

Our text says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. That means we can speak something to life and command something to die. It also holds that what we confess at any given time invariably affect us. Unfortunately, when some people are in distress, trouble or sick, they tend to forget the power of God and they begin to confess negatively. This also goes a long way to affecting their spiritual and physical life.

Our confession in time of trouble, sickness or crises should be to speak about what God can do and not to speak fear, danger or regret. I have acted like that severally. After the heart operation and second kidney transplant surgery, I came back, hard at hearing. This affected my ministry that I started questioning why I was still alive but today, I have so many reasons to be alive. Our God is a God of all possibilities. He can still use you despite our weaknesses. Remember the case of Paul and his eye problem. He can do far above what we can imagine. Please keep trusting Him in that trouble you are currently going through and certainly, you will come out with testimony.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 4 v 23  

Memory Verse: Matthew 12 v 37

Prayer: Help me O Lord to moderate my thought and words in Jesus name. Amen.

Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Devotion for Thursday April 5, 2018

Topic: Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith as a result of not willing to open up for change. Their zeal was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Romans 10:2). Today, we have some people with great zeal in religion, and yet are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal is always found in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character and kind in spirit. The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. It was based on this reason; Paul tried to point out that confession is necessary in salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (Romans 10:4ff). His position is “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9. He further expressed this truth in Romans 10:10. Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of Him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptized into the body of Christ. Some people often ask, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give us the answer: Salvation is as close as our lips and heart. People think that it is a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.

Sing the hymn: SS&S 493; Abu 175.

Food for Thought: The basic proof of our Christian faith is to believe in Christ (inward faith) and our confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

Divinely Inspired

Devotion for Saturday August 12, 2017

Topic: Divinely Inspired

Text: Matthew 16:13 – 20

If we must make wise decisions that will please God and affect humanity, we have to rely on divine inspiration. Solomon showed such inspiration in the historic judgement between the two harlots claiming a child (1 Kings 3:16ff). It takes walking with God to have divine inspiration. If you are living in sin and disobeying God and His word, you cannot be inspired divinely. Sin drives the spirit of God from us and denies us blessings of His fellowship.

Peter is impetuous and impulsive in character. He is always at the forefront when questions are asked or actions needed which shows his faith. Jesus had asked the disciples a question to know what they think of Him (Matthew 16:15). Peter’s reply, expressed his faith. His confession was an inspiration from God because by then, Jesus had not been transfigured where the voice confirmed that He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:1 – 6). The confession of Peter is the Christian confession and the foundation of the church, into which all saints are built as living stones of the temple (Matthew 16:17 – 19).

Have you sincerely made this confession that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the confession upon which our baptismal creed was made. It we are to rightly apprehend divine truth and absolutely regard it, we should allow God to give us inspiration. We can get inspiration as we study the scriptures, and from direct teaching of God on our minds. How often do you draw inspiration from God by studying your bible? See Joshua 1:8

Food for Thought: “There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory verse: Matthew 16:16

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding always as I study your word and inspire me to live out all I read in Jesus name. 

Yes My Redeemer Lives

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday July 14, 2017

Topic: Yes My Redeemer Lives

Text: Job 19:25

If we ever hope to reap from God’s goodness and mercies, we must have a good knowledge of Him. Here in our text is Job’s creed or confession of faith - his belief in God the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and the principles of natural religion, had often professed. Job believed in a living Redeemer and looked for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Job made his confession of faith in steadfastness of his belief in God.

What do you confess in times of trouble? Do not forget that what you confess matters a lot because life and death are in the power of tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Even when you are questioned about what you confess, don’t stop saying it. It will produce result for you, so long as it is the promise of God.

Jesus Christ our near kinsman has redeemed us after our heavenly inheritance was mortgaged by sin. He has paid our debt, satisfied God’s justice for sin, and so has taken off the mortgage and made a new settlement of our inheritance. Jesus Christ is our living Redeemer. Though He died on the Cross, He rose again. Although Job had lost all his wealth and friends, he was not separated from Christ. He trusted God and spoke prophetically about the Redeemer and resurrection.

In that your sickbed, that problem or trouble, what is your relationship with Christ? Do you still see Him as your Redeemer? Do you serve God only when things are good and you back out on Him when trouble comes your way? What is your take about Jesus? Is He your Redeemer?

Food for Thought: Strong confidence in God supports the soul in the deepest afflictions and causes it to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Memory verse: Job 19:25

Prayer: Lord, even when the world turns against me, help me to understand that you are there for me as my living Redeemer.       

Faith And Action: Two Sides Of The Coin

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 20, 2017

Topic: Faith And Action: Two Sides Of The Coin                      

Text: James 1:22

Faith without work is dead so says James in Jas 2:26. For anyone to become a faithful Christian, he/she must developed faith as a virtue in personal life and works. Today, Abraham is called the father of the faithful because by his works he proved his faith. God didn’t tell him where to go, but by the instruction to leave his father land, he left (Gen 12:4). Many of us today will argue with God to tell us where He is sending us. Great heroes and heroines of the Scriptures attained that status because of the faith they demonstrated in their walk with God. Faith goes with action. Both are two sides of coin you can’t do without.  You cannot say you believe in God but has nothing to prove what you actually believed in. It must be substantiated with actions.

James tells us that we should always substantiate our faith by doing what we hear in the word of God. Albert Barnes says “If a man supposes that by a mere punctual attendance on preaching, or a respectful attention to it, he has done all that is required of him, he is labouring under a most gross self- deception.” Unfortunately these words of Barnes are true in the life of some Christians today. They are utterly regardless whether these words have any influence on their lives or not. This is mere hypocrisy. There must be a corresponding action to the faith we confess. We have so many church denominations but its effects are not seen in our daily lives. If we say we are Christians, we should be justified by our action not by our confession alone (Matt.7:21; Lk 11:28 & Rom. 2: 13).

Food for Thought: Is your faith justified by your confession and action

Memory verse: James 1 verse 22

Prayer: Lord God, make me a doer of your word and not hearer alone.

Faith And Action: Two Sides Of The Coin

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 20, 2017

Topic: Faith And Action: Two Sides Of The Coin                      

Text: James 1:22

Faith without work is dead so says James in Jas 2:26. For anyone to become a faithful Christian, he/she must developed faith as a virtue in personal life and works. Today, Abraham is called the father of the faithful because by his works he proved his faith. God didn’t tell him where to go, but by the instruction to leave his father land, he left (Gen 12:4). Many of us today will argue with God to tell us where He is sending us. Great heroes and heroines of the Scriptures attained that status because of the faith they demonstrated in their walk with God. Faith goes with action. Both are two sides of coin you can’t do without.  You cannot say you believe in God but has nothing to prove what you actually believed in. It must be substantiated with actions.

James tells us that we should always substantiate our faith by doing what we hear in the word of God. Albert Barnes says “If a man supposes that by a mere punctual attendance on preaching, or a respectful attention to it, he has done all that is required of him, he is labouring under a most gross self- deception.” Unfortunately these words of Barnes are true in the life of some Christians today. They are utterly regardless whether these words have any influence on their lives or not. This is mere hypocrisy. There must be a corresponding action to the faith we confess. We have so many church denominations but its effects are not seen in our daily lives. If we say we are Christians, we should be justified by our action not by our confession alone (Matt.7:21; Lk 11:28 & Rom. 2: 13).

Food for Thought: Is your faith justified by your confession and action

Memory verse: James 1 verse 22

Prayer: Lord God, make me a doer of your word and not hearer alone.

Hosanna In The Highest

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Palm Sunday April 9, 2017

Topic: Hosanna In The Highest

Text: Mark 11:1 - 11

During the celebration of Passover festival, Jews usually come to Jerusalem from all over the Roman world for this week-long celebration to remember the great exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:37-51). It was on the Sunday preceding the festival, that Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King. Many in the crowds had heard of or seen Jesus and were hoping he would come to the Temple (John 11:55-57). He eventually came, not as a warring king on a horse or on a chariot, but as a gentle and peaceable King on a donkey’s colt (Zechariah 9:9). Thus with this entry, Jesus declared His Kingship and Messiahship. Unfortunately, some people misunderstood it.

The tumultuous crowd shouted “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Hosanna simple means “save now” or “save, we pray!" This was the cry of the multitudes as they thronged in our Lord's triumphal procession into Jerusalem. Some of these Jews were merely shouting Hosanna because others were shouting. Some others were shouting because they were indeed expecting a Messiah. These two groups were there.

Today, some of us shout Hosanna from our hearts while some others shout without believing what they are saying. Paul says that salvation is near our mouth (Romans 10:8-9). The confession you make, is it out of a sincere heart or just to fulfil all righteousness because you are in the crowd? Remember that our relationship and dealings with God are based on faith. 

Food for Thought: Do you mean the hosanna you shout or you do it to fulfill all righteousness?

Memory verse: Mark 11 verse 9

Prayer: Lord, let what I believe be same and true with my confession in Jesus name. Amen.

THE KEY TO SALVATION: Devotion for Thursday March 31, 2016

THE KEY TO SALVATION: Devotion for Thursday March 31, 2016

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11      Memory verse: v 9

The Jews built on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith. The zeal Israelites had, was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (10:2). Some people may have great zeal in religion, and yet be blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal will be in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character, kind in spirit, and useful in tendency. The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. It was based on this reason; Paul tries to point out to them the key to salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (10:4ff). This he posited in 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” His stand on this is the truth expressed in 10:10.

Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of Him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptised into the body of Christ. Rom 10:8–11 show us how to become a Christian. Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity. Grab it with two hands.       

Food for Thought: The basic proofs of our Christian faith are; to believe in Christ (inward faith) and confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

DON’T OPPOSE YOURSELF: Devotion for Saturday October 10, 2015

DON’T OPPOSE YOURSELF             Saturday October 10, 2015                    

Text: Proverbs 28:13                           Memory verse: v 13

Our text relates to repentance. (1) If the sinner does not acknowledge his sins but covers and excuses them, and refuses to come to the light of God's word, lest his deeds should be reproved, he shall find no salvation. God will never admit an unrepentant soul, into His kingdom. (2) But if he confesses his sin, with a penitent and broken heart, and forsaking every evil way, then he shall have mercy. Here is a doctrine of salvation of the soul, which could be easily understood.

There are benefits in repentance through a penitent confession. Anyone that confesses his sins to God, and is careful not to return to them again, shall find mercy with God. His conscience shall be eased and his ruin prevented. Again, the favour and blessings of God will come upon that person thereby making all he does to prosper (compare Psalm 1:1 – 3). True repentance will avert labouring for the wind and bags with holes (Ecclesiastics 5:6; Haggai 1:6). Do yourself a favour today by repenting. God will certainly forgive you. 

Food for Thought: Psalm 32:1, 2

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always confess my sins and make necessary restitution which guarantee prosperous life.