Not the Special Type: Devotion for Wednesday August 26, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday August 26, 2020

Topic: Not the Special Type              

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:25 – 31       

Our text is one of the passages in the bible that clearly show us that God is not respecter of human reason. What we value here doesn’t even concern God. It is for this reason the bible says that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thought (see Isaiah 55:8 & 9).

Who would have believed that Jesus Christ would bypass all the intellectual Pharisees, Scribes and Lawyers of His days to pick mere fishermen as disciples?

This is the reason Paul wrote here in our bible passage for the day that God doesn’t prefer the special type as Living Bible puts it in 1 Corinthians 1 v 261:26. Paul tells the Corinthians that they should know the general character and condition of those who are Christians among them that they have not been generally taken from the wise, the rich, and the learned, but from humble life. The design of the apostle here is to show that the gospel did not depend for its success on human wisdom.

Beloved, if being a Christian is based on social status, will you have been considered to be a Christian how much more being a preacher of the gospel? People like me won’t have become priest because I don’t have human qualification for that. But God doesn’t apply human rule.

What this implies is that we who are privileged to be called, should serve God in humility and appreciation. When you are tempted to become proud on what God is using you to do, always remember that God called you not according to human standards, not because you were wise, powerful, or noble (well-born) but just by His grace.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 2:8 & 9

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1 v 26

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for picking me out of the miry clay and made me what I am today. Keep me faithful till the end in Jesus name.

It Is A Gift: Devotion for Saturday May 2, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 2, 2020

Topic: It Is A Gift                                                      

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13                     

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, are the result of the free and rich grace of God bestowed on us. If really we understand that we are what we are today just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, we shouldn’t have any reason to be proud or brag about our achievements.

Paul made it clear that the difference between us Christians in terms talents, etc. depends on the gift we have received from God. Here in our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they (the Corinthians) could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. We should understand that no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received—all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything.

The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God.

Beloved, whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think you are deserve or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and you should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to you. 

Food for Thought: John 3:27

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:7

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name. 

NB:
I have added this message from my Youtube channel. The topic is Uselessness to Usefulness. Watch it and leave your comment. Just click on this topic Uselessness To Usefulness

Meditation: Be Focused on your Goals for 2019

TOPIC: BE FOCUSED ON YOUR 2019 GOALS

TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 – 27

Welcome to another period of 21 days of fasting and praying in preparation for 2019. We thank God for the past one week that we have been coming into His presence for prayers. Our theme for this year is Divine Restoration. It means that whatever restoration or achievement we are hoping for this year, can only come from God. But in believing and hoping for a restoration, we have a duty to perform. We are expected to be focused and not to be distracted by pleasures and worries of life. To receive divine restoration demands being consecrated and being dedicated to God’s course.

Paul talks about self-discipline in our text which is a great tool that will make someone focused on his or her goals in life. What are your goals for this year as a Christian? How are you working to achieve them? Paul asserts that we should see Christianity as a race in which only one person wins the prize which is perishable. Furthermore, he charged us to be the one person that will win the race. He gave example of himself; how he runs his race: “not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” His focus was on heaven; to please his Master, to do according to specifications and to win the ultimate prize which is being with his Master. All other things about life like food, clothing, house, etc., were secondary. This position of Paul confirms what Jesus Christ told us in Matthew 6:33.

Beloved, where is your focus in 2019? What are your prayer points for this 21 days programme? Are they frivolous things or the things that will improve your relationship with God and take you to heaven at last? Are your prayer points based on the will of God for you? Your prayer points should focus on things that will improve your life. God will take care of other things about you and your family but that does not mean that you should wait for God indoors to come and feed you. Remember that God gives food to the birds of the earth but He doesn’t throw it into their nest. 

For you to be focused, you have to set out your goals. These set goals and aims are what will determine your actions and propel you to perform. Your set goals as a Christian should be in two aspects – The spiritual and your vocation. This 21 days programme is not only meant to prepare us spiritually but to also prepare us for our vocations where we get our means of livelihood. Many Christians today are poor because they are not focused on how best to make a living. That Jesus taught us one day at a time does not mean that we should ignore basics of having a good life. You must be focused on your vocation, making every effort to become somebody in this life. Don’t just depend on your salary. Invest your time and money somewhere. Lay good foundation for yourself.

Some of us may argue that many things can distract us from being focused – family, work, business, etc. These things can only distract us when we do not have set goals and objectives. Setting your goals demands also that you state some ways you intend to accomplish them without which, it will be impossible to achieve because there must be distractions.

God expects us to live well here and make heaven at last. You must therefore be disciplined and have self-control over your thought; your actions and your words. It is proper at the beginning of the year like this to do a detox of your life to eliminate what distracts you and take away your joy, whether they are friends, your passions or your likes. Refuse to be distracted on achieving your goals this year. Press on and push yourself even to the extreme. I assure you that you will have reasons to smile at the end of the year.

I wish you a fruitful and rewarding year!

Tabugbo Uzoma

It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Devotion for Tuesday July 31, 2018

Sing A&M 300 – Be Thou, My Guardian And My Guide

Topic: It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. If really we understand that we are what we are just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, there is no reason to boast. Paul made it clear that the difference between Christians in terms talents and gifts we have received from God depends on the way we use them. In our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. Beloved, no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received, all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything. The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God. Whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think that you deserved or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and we should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to us.

Food for Thought: John 3:27              

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:27

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name.

Be A Faithful Steward

Devotion for Monday July 30, 2018

Sing A&M 304; Abu 233 – Fight the good fight with all thy might

Topic: Be A Faithful Steward

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 6

Our bible reading for the day as Paul presented it was prompted by evaluation of humans by the Corinthians. Although the term ‘servants’ (1 Corinthians 4:1) denotes subordination, “stewards” (1 Corinthians 4:2) emphasizes privilege and responsibility. The call to leadership is a call to a pure and trustworthy character (1 Corinthians 4:2).

The Corinthians acted as if they were the judges at the last day, but they had judged much too early (1 Corinthians 4:5 - “before the Lord returns”). Their judgments of Christians were not for edification, but to put a final tag of good or bad, in or out, on the ones they judged. It was a non-ministry judgment that had its source in pride. This is very common even among present day Christians.

According to Family Bible Notes, “Fidelity to God and to the souls of men, in rightly dispensing the truths of the gospel, and in enforcing them by a uniformly holy and consistent example, is required of all ministers of Christ.” This is the emphasis of Paul in verse 2. “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare, poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well’” so says Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.

It is appropriate to evaluate our calls as servants of whatever category we may be. How faithful are you in your job? Do you do it well as Martin Luther Jnr. suggested? We should remember that our call is to be faithful first to God and then to our employer. May God, grant us that grace in Jesus name. Sing A&M 304; Abu 233

Food for Thought: The supreme quality required in a steward is fidelity to his trust.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, help me never to betray the trust you have reposed on me.

Love, The Greatest Gift

Devotion for Wednesday June 13, 2018

Sing SS&S 1155; Abu 279

Topic: Love, The Greatest Gift 

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – 13

Paul mentioned three virtues that distinguish us as true Christians. They are faith, hope and love but love is the greatest among them. He concludes his teaching that love is the greatest gift that distinguishes us a true Christians. Love is the greatest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. Seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have hold of those promises, to what purpose would we have faith and hope again when the end comes? That was the argument of Paul. Only a true Christian experiences these three things; for without Christ we would have only unbelief, despair, and hatred. Faith is directed toward God; hope is for our benefit; and love flows first to God and then to our neighbours. Love is the greatest of all these because it sums up or includes both faith and hope. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. Do you really love God and others? What are the evidences?

Food for Thought: Do you know what true love means?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10:13

Prayer: Help me to love as you love O Lord my God in Jesus name.

God Uses Common Things

Devotion for Thursday June 7, 2018

Sing A&M 181

Topic: God Uses Common Things

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:17 – 31                   

God’s wisdom in dealing with Man is unfathomable. It is really beyond human understanding. How can He choose the manger for the birth of His son? How can he choose fishermen to become bearers of His gospel? Why did He wait for Sarah to reach 90 years before blessing her with a child when her mates were already great grandmothers? Indeed God chooses the foolish things to shame our assumed wisdom because of what is stated in 1 Corinthians 1:19 and 29. See other reasons in Job 5:12-13; Isaiah 29:14; 55:8 & 9. Paul declared that no amount of human knowledge can replace or bypass Christ’s work on the cross. If it could, Christ would have been accessible only to the intellectually gifted and well educated and not to ordinary people or to children. Hence God’s wisdom of salvation far supersedes all other wisdom. Brethren, it is for this reason He chose you as a Christian. Come to think of it; it was not your knowledge, family background, wisdom, beauty, intellect or ability that made God chose you to become a Christian. Some of us have no educational qualification to interpret the bible but God uses our mouth effectively to communicate the gospel and turn hearts unto repentance. Therefore, we should glory in what God made us and not what we think we have achieved by human wisdom. Let all glory be ascribed unto God alone (1 Corinthians 1:30, 31).

Food for Thought: James 2:5           Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1:27

Prayer: Lord, thank you for choosing me as your own. Help me to live my life in gratitude and praise unto you alone in Jesus name. Amen

Sow What You Wish To Reap

Devotion for Saturday January 6, 2018

Topic: Sow What You Wish To Reap

2 Corinthians 9:6 – 7

An aphorism of Anioma people says that “he who plants unworthy yam in his farm is only deceiving himself.” The secret of reaping abundantly is to sow seeds that are worthy. No wonder Paul wrote: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” Galatians 6:7 and 8. In our text, Paul teaches that alms must be given neither grudgingly, nor with an unwilling mind, or sparingly but cheerfully. Thus he compares generous alms to sowing a seed in the farm which has a plentiful harvest of abundant blessing following it. We should have this in mind as we start our year and as we make plans of how to succeed in life. Our commitment, efforts, investment and input into our career, business and every other thing we lay our hands to do will determine the output we will receive. Don’t think you will have a bountiful harvest this year when you are not willing to sow good seed? Paul says, “Don’t be deceived.” Beloved, what have you planned to sow as seed this year? Where have you planned to sow your seeds? What quality of seed do you want to sow? Do your seeds correspond with what you desire to get as result? Think about these as you begin your year. Sing A&M 335; Abu 200

Food for Thought: He who plants unworthy yam in his farm is only deceiving himself

Memory verse: Galatians 6:7

Prayer: Lord God, may I sow seeds that will bring desired blessings to me this year and beyond in Jesus name. Amen

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.

Christ Is Our Message

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday April 18, 2017

Topic: Christ Is Our Message

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12 – 20

In our bible for the day, Paul asserts that the resurrection of Christ is the centre of the gospel message we preach. In simple terms, Jesus died for our sins and resurrected that we may have life. To buttress his point, Paul noted that if Christ was not raised from the dead, then our preaching is vain. It would be vain and useless to preach. Without the solid fact of the resurrection, the whole gospel becomes empty and unreal. If Christ had remained dead, we would have no reason to be sure our sins have been forgiven, for it is the same power of God which raised Jesus Christ that forgives our sins. Our faith then would be empty and worthless. If that were not true, the whole system was false, and Christianity was an imposition.

The word vain here seems to include the idea of useless, idle, false. Whether there are people who still believe that Jesus Christ did not resurrect of not, we Christians believe He did. That is the sole reason why we still have the boldness to preach the gospel and that is all we preach. I don’t know what your message is but my message is that Christ died for my sins and for the sins of the whole world that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved.

Beloved, what is your message as a Christian? If it is not centred on death and resurrection of Christ, then your message is not true. You are only an impostor. What we believe is not in vain because they were written before now and they have manifested. We should not be deceived by what other believe and preach.

Food for Thought: Which group do you belong: those who believe that Jesus resurrected or those who believe that He is still in the tomb?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 14

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me utterance to preach Christ and His resurrection as the gospel message in Jesus name. 

Outward Appearance Deceives

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 14, 2017       

Topic: Outward Appearance Deceives

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:7

Outward appearance can be deceptive. Most times it doesn’t show the real person inside. A pastor sent to a very big church disguised himself as homeless beggar on the first day he went there to be introduced to the congregation. He came very early and he was begging. Over 95% despised him. When he entered the church, he was driven from the front seats and kept at the main entrance to the church. When it was time to introduce him, the chief warden of the church called his name. All eyes were looking out to see their pastor, gorgeously dressed but it turned out to be the man they turned back and looked down on. He was the pastor they were waiting for. He took the microphone and rebuked their hypocrisy, calling them to repentance. O, how often we do this too!

Our perspective of others matters because outward appearance deceives. Based on this, Paul urged the Corinthians to adjust their perspective. They had been making their decisions on the basis of appearance. They were listening intently to the false teachers who were boasting of their own authority (2 Corinthians 10:12-13), their perfect Hebrew heritage (2 Corinthians 11:21-22), and their visionary experiences (2 Corinthians 12:11-12). All of their loud boasts and extravagant displays of power had dazzled the Corinthians so much that they had become blind to the simplicity of the gospel message that Paul had preached to them in the first place (1 Corinthians 2:1-3). We should be very careful not to be deceived by appearances, display of powers, confessions and testimonies. All may not be real. Ask God to grant you discerning spirit.

Food for Thought: “Do not judge from mere appearance; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy” – Chapin.  

Memory verse: John 7:24 - Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (ESV).

Prayer: Almighty God, help me never to judge people on their appearance only.

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. 

Examine Yourself

My Daily Covenant 2017 Edition – Monday January 2, 2017

Topic: Examine Yourself

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:5               

The type of examination we are looking at here is a sort of appraisal of our walk with God last year. By this time last year, some of us made series of resolutions to serve God, walk with Him and be more committed. How did you perform in your resolutions? How did you keep to your promises to serve God better? In all your struggles of last year, are you sure you didn’t offend God? Did you ask for forgiveness of sins? Jesus and His parents went to Jerusalem and after worship, He stayed behind and the parents left thinking that Jesus was in their midst. They never knew that Jesus was not with them (Luke 2:42-46) just like some people who abandoned Jesus and took to pleasures of life during this Yuletide. 

Paul called on Corinthian Christians to examine and test their lives to see if they were still in faith. Just as we get physical checkups, Paul urges us to give ourselves spiritual checkups. This is very much necessary at the beginning of the year like this so as to enable us redirect our steps if we have been on the wrong track of our Christian race. We should look for a growing awareness of Christ’s presence and power in our lives. That is the evidence to show that we are true Christians or merely impostors. If we’re not actively seeking to grow closer to God, we are drawing farther away from Him. Are you truly still in faith?

Food for Thought: 1 Cor. 9:27

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 13 verse 5

Prayer: Lord God, help me to always examine myself to avoid running this heavenly race in a wrong track 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.

WHY NOT ACCEPT WRONG? Devotion for Tuesday October 18, 2016

WHY NOT ACCEPT WRONG? Devotion for Tuesday October 18, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1 – 7     Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 6 verse 7

The greatest desire of Jesus Christ concerning His disciples is unity. He prayed earnestly about it. In the New Commandment He gave to His disciples, He charged them to love one another. This shows His desire for His church. This notwithstanding, there are bound to be misunderstanding where more than one person meets. This led to the problem Paul addressed in this First Epistle to the Corinthians.

Paul’s opinion about disputes between Christians is that such cases shouldn’t be filed in a lawsuit. This is in every aspect the standard that Christians should adopt.  He suggested that disputes between Christians should be handled by qualified Christian leaders in the church. This is so because Christians are seen as brothers and sisters. If that be the case, why should people of same family go outside to settle disputes?

Some other reasons Paul had against secular court settling disputes between Christians because (1) if the judge and jury were not Christians, they would not likely be sensitive to Christian values and standards. (2) The basis for going to court is often revenge; this should never be a Christian’s motive. (3) Lawsuits make the church look bad, causing unbelievers to focus on church problems rather than on its purpose. Above all, Paul’s position was that the best thing a Christian should do is to accept wrong for the sake of peace which ordinarily is the emblem of Christianity.

That these Corinthian Christians had to resort to lawsuits to settle disputes among them was a worldly act and condemnable. It showed that they were still immature in their Christian faith. Paul explained the direction in which they needed to grow; they needed to willingly accept injustice if that would mean protecting the church from abuse and scandal.

Beloved, you should not wrong and defrauded someone especially fellow Christians for any reason at all in the first place. Mature believers would not act in that manner. Such act of defraud is peculiar to unbelievers and non Christians.  A matured Christian should be willing to turn the other cheek when wronged (Matt 5:39) as Jesus taught us. How matured are you in the things of faith? Will you be willing to turn the other cheek?  

Food for Thought: Romans 12:17 – 19

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father in heaven, grant me the grace to grow unto maturity in this Christian race.

LOVE’S CREED: Devotion for Monday February 15, 2016

LOVE’S CREED      Monday February 15, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7        Memory verse: v 4

Creed here means set of principle. Because love is so important among the believers, Paul described love in detail. First of all, love is patient, the opposite of being short-tempered. Patience (sometimes translated “long-suffering” or “slow to anger”) is an attribute of God (see Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:20). In many places, we are called upon to be patient (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians. 5:14). Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Such love bears with certain annoyances or inconveniences without complaint. It does not lose its temper when provoked. It steadily perseveres.

Love is also kind. Kindness takes the initiative in responding generously to others’ needs. Because we have received kindness, we ought to act with kindness toward others too. Real love is considerate and helpful to others. Kind love is gentle and mild; always ready to show compassion, especially to those in need. Love is not jealous. A jealous person desires what another person has and it leads to envy. Love is not boastful or proud. While some believers may have a problem with envy, those with the ‘greater’ gifts might have a problem with boasting or pride. While some pride can be positive, this kind of pride takes credit for an undeserved gift. Gifted believers who are caught up in pride and boasting over their gifts don’t serve well. Without love, they may feel that by using their gifts, they are doing someone a favour, that others should be grateful to them, and that they are far superior. Do you have this kind of love in your heart for God and your neighbour?

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:8

Prayer: God, sow genuine love for you and my neighbours in my heart.

BABES IN CHRIST: Devotion for Monday December 7, 2015

BABES IN CHRIST    Monday December 7, 2015

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1 – 4    Memory verse: v 1

Paul reproved the Corinthians for their contentions (3:1 – 4) and he called them babes in Christ. Paul used plain language which suit the people better than deeper mysteries to challenge their carnality. Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality. True religion makes men peaceable, not contentious. Being carnal as Paul used it is having little religious knowledge or spiritual discernment; being still much under the influence of evil.

Many Christians show themselves as not matured yet, by vain-glorious strife, eagerness for dispute, and readiness to despise and speaking evil of others. These are signs of being led by personal desire. Mature believers are in tune with God’s desires. How much influence do our desires have on our life? Our goals should be to let God’s desires be ours. Being controlled by your own desires will stunt your growth. Are you still a babe in Christ? Grow up now.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 5:13

Prayer: Lord crucify my own desires in me and let yours take precedence in my life in Jesus name.

JUST FOR YOUR SAKE: Devotion for Wednesday November 4, 2015

JUST FOR OUR SAKE                          Wednesday November 4, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16 – 21                     Memory verse: v 21

If we ever hope to know God and appreciate all He does for us, we should retrace our steps backwards to the events at the Cross of Calvary. This is one reason I so much love Easter Period. The readings of that season and all its teachings give me insight into the magnitude of God’s love for us. Paul tells the Corinthians that Jesus was made a sinner simply because He wants to secure for us our righteousness of God. Thus we learn that sin must have a sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22). God made Him to be a sin; that is, a sin-offering, or a sacrifice to atone for our sin. Under the law, the sacrifice was called sin, because the sin of the person was laid upon the sacrifice; there was a sort of a translation of the sin from the sinner to the sacrifice (Leviticus 4:4). 

We also learnt that Jesus Christ being made sin for us is the meritorious cause and means of our being made the righteousness of God in Him. We broke God’s righteous law. Christ kept it and fulfilled all righteousness. We sinned against mercy, Christ suffered without mercy. He did this for our sake. Have you accepted Jesus as Lord? This sacrifice must not be in vain.

Food for Thought: Galatians 3:13

Prayer: Help me O Lord to always acknowledge the sacrifice Jesus made for my sake, by becoming sin so that I will be righteous.

CONTROLLED BY YOUR DESIRES? Devotion for Monday October 5, 2015

CONTROLLED BY YOUR DESIRES?            Monday October 5, 2015

                      

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:3                 Memory verse: v 3

Paul was obviously worried about the spiritual state of the Corinthian church. He did not mince words in saying they were carnal. His reasons are the issues of envy, strife, divisions among themselves. Though they were Christians, yet their divisions and strife show that they are yet, in some degree, under the influence of worldliness. Men who are governed solely by the principles of this world evince a spirit of strife, emulation, and contention. One would ask, where is the love for one another that Jesus gave as new commandment (see John 13:34)?

Envy, as the root, bears strife, and strife breeds divisions and factions. Envy is a pestilent lust; it makes another's good our grief. The devil rejoices at the destruction of sinners and sows seed of discord amongst Christians. Again, strife and contention, differences and divisions, are often found in the churches of Christ, and among particular Christians and that so far as these prevail in and among any, it evidences that they are carnal. Are these evidences in you? See Romans 6:21; 8:7, 13 and Galatians 6:8.

Food for Thought: A carnal man cannot please God nor get His blessings.

Prayer: Lord God, deliver me from every form of carnality in Jesus name. 

TAKE HEED

TAKE HEED                   Sunday July 12, 2015

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:6 – 14       Memory verse: v 12

Carnal desires gain strength by indulgence, therefore should be checked in their first rise. The Israelites sinned and died. They worshiped Baal, committed harlotry (Numbers 25:1 – 3) and complained about food. For these, Paul warned the Corinthian Christians that if they take their salvation for granted, if they thought they were standing strong, that was the time to be most careful not to fall. They were very sure of themselves, full of pride. Paul said that if the Israelites fell into idolatry, so they could. No human being is ever beyond temptation. Paul warns they shouldn’t let down their guard.

All these are warning for us today (10:6). We will not be spared because these were written for our warning. Murmuring against God's disposals and commands, greatly provokes him. God has not promised to keep us from falling, if we do not look to ourselves. All of us are in danger of falling into sin, and of dishonouring our profession. Therefore we should rely on God’s grace and not our spiritual strength.

Action: Take note of things that can make you fail and avoid them.

Prayer: God, make me cautious that I am frail and grant me the grace I need.