He Comforts The Downcast

Devotion for Thursday November 30, 2017

Topic: He Comforts The Downcast

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:5 – 11

Paul was beset by fear and concern for Titus and the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 2:13). But God had encouraged him at the right time with the arrival of Titus. Being reunited with a fellow labourer in Christ brought him joy. But more than that, the news Titus brought from Corinth was enough cause for joy too. God gives us consolation when we are anxious and depressed. The consolations Paul enjoyed were from God, no matter the instrument used. Paul acknowledged God who was the author of the consolation he received. Titus brought him a most satisfactory report of the success of his epistle, and the good state of the Corinthian Church; a boost for his missionary work.

Many a time, we are often discouraged. We look for consolation and comfort as we labour for God and none seem to come. People we work amongst them even frustrate us. The devil and his agents are also on one side fighting against the work we do and we seem very discouraged. At other times, it seems too that God has withdrawn his grace from us. However, in whatever situation we find ourselves, God has ways of comforting us. When Gideon was so discouraged and frustrated, an angel of God brought comfort and encouragement. Are you down and discouraged? God will definitely bring comfort and consolation for you. He will cause your fears to go and your tears to dry in Jesus name. Amen

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 1:5

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 7:6

Prayer: Comfort me O God, in all areas I am discouraged and in need in Jesus name Amen.

HIS PROMISES ARE SURE: Devotion for Friday October 21, 2016

HIS PROMISES ARE SURE: Devotion for Friday October 21, 2016

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:20 – 24     Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 1 verse 20

In the lives of some bible characters, we have seen that the things God promised them were fulfilled. He promised to save Noah during the deluge if he builds an ark He did it. His promise to bless Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, down to the Apostles all came to pass. For this reason, Apostle Paul in this letter to the Christians in Corinth admonishes them to remain faithful and focused as they await God’s promises which are sure.

We have some lessons in our bible reading for the day.  

1. That God has made many promises to His people. God made many promises but of great importance and value is the promise of eternal life. Can you mention five promises God has made to us as Christians?

2. That all the promises which God has made to His people, are made in Christ, and ratified by Him. In all the promises of God to His people, Christ acts the part and office of a surety; He undertakes and engages for God, that all which He has promised shall be made good to us.

3. That the promises made by God, and ratified and confirmed in Christ, do all tend to the glory of God. This is what present Christians should understand. God didn’t promise anything that will not glorify Him.

Paul gave the reason for his desired trip to Corinth; to bring joy (1:24). He didn’t want to visit them only to rebuke them severely (1:23). Just as the Corinthians could trust God to keep His promises, they could trust Paul as God’s ambassador to keep his. He would still visit them, but at a better time. All of God’s promises of what the Messiah would be like are fulfilled in Christ.

Jesus was completely faithful in His ministry; He never sinned (1 Pet. 3:18); He faithfully died for us (Heb 2:9); and now He faithfully intercedes for us (Rom 8:34; Heb 4:14-15). Because Jesus Christ is faithful, Paul worked to be faithful in his ministry and so we are expected to be faithful too. How faithful are you in your call as a Christian?

Food for Thought: Do you know your worth in the eyes of God as a Christian?  

Prayer: Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, make me faithful as I live my life with your promises in view in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.