For My Name Sake: Devotion for Wednesday July 1, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday July 1, 2020

Topic: For My Name Sake         

Text: Ezekiel 35:21 – 24                         

When God visits and revives his people after a season of declension, they should remember that He did such, not for their sake, but for the glory of His own name. They deserved only evil at God’s hand. He showed mercy upon them, because He will magnify Himself in their salvation. This is typical nature of God.

Paul wrote in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did that for His own glory not that we actually deserved it. We have not repented when He died for us just like the Israelis did not repent but God chose to bring them back from exile for His name sake.     

There are so many things we do as Christians that we do not even deserve any mercy. There are so many prayers we say and God answers not because we are worthy or righteous to receive answers but because God just want to honour His name. An example is in Numbers 20:7 – 12. God answered Moses by letting water out of the rock to honour His name but that action was offensive against God (Numbers 20:12).

Jesus warned that God will reject some who will come with the claim that they did miracles in His name because they were workers of iniquity (Luke 13:25 – 28). Therefore, do not boast that God answers you and you perform miracles. Heed the warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12 because God’s dealing with us is just for His name sake.

Again in this new month, I prophesy to you that the Almighty God will do new things for you because of His name sake. Expect His irrevocable blessings in your life and in your family in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Psalm 106:8

Memory verse: Ezekiel 35:22

Prayer: Lord God, I ask for your grace to remain under your will so that I will not lose my salvation in Jesus name.

When They Remembered God: Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

Topic: When They Remembered God

Text: Judges 6:7 – 10                                    

The best thing to do in time of distress or when we are suffering due to our sins is to remember that God is ever willing to welcome us back to Himself and to forgive us like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11 - end.

The people of Israel remembered God, cried to Him for a deliverer, and He sent them a prophet to teach them. This shows the importance of the word of God in our salvation, deliverance and healing. When God furnishes a land with faithful ministers, it is a token that He has mercy in store for it. He charges them with rebellion against the Lord; he intends to bring them to repentance.

Repentance is real when the sinfulness of sin, as disobedience to God, is chiefly lamented. The only hope of deliverance from sin and its consequences is in the Lord; and when people have this understanding, and cry unto Him, He sends help for Christ's sake.

Beloved, what are you suffering at this moment? Are you sick, in prison, indebted, etc.? Whether it may be that came as a result of your sin or not, the best option you have now is to remember God and go to Him. You can’t heal yourself or deliver yourself from bondage. God is the only one that can help us.

Some people query God for abandoning them at the mercies of the devil but are you sure you were not the one that abandoned God? We should know that God is ever willing to help us but most times it is our sins that forms barrier against God whose righteousness forbids sin (Isaiah 59:1 – 2).

Food for Thought: Psalm 60:1 – 3 (Living Bible)

Memory verse: Judges 6:7

Prayer: Cause me never to forget you O Lord so I will not suffer the consequences of forsaking you in Jesus name.

The Faithful Stewards: Devotion for Friday May 1, 2020

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Devotion for Friday May 1, 2020

Topic: The Faithful Stewards                                  

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 6                         

Our bible reading for the day was the response to the 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 us Christians of today. 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 1 Corinthians 4:2.

“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.

As we celebrate Workers’ Day, 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 so 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.

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

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2

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

God Rescues and Saves Us: Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

Topic: God Rescues and Saves Us                                               

Text: Psalm 107:10 – 16

Never undermine what God can do. He can turn a very bad and irredeemable situation into our favour when He is determined and that is why He is never too later in case He wants to act on. We should note that sin has so much consequences and the bible says that the soul that sins shall die.

Our text started with the level of affliction meted out on the Israelites (Psalm 107:10, 12) because they sinned against God (Psalm 107:11). In most cases sin is the major cause of troubles and problems of life we pass through. Most times God allow some of these afflictions to come upon us so we can redress our steps and seek His face in repentance. This was the case as they sought the Lord in their trouble and he heard them and delivered them out of their troubles.

Most times we don’t turn to God when we run into trouble. We try so many avenues for solution before we remember that God is there for us. God speedily answered His people when they repent. The Israelites stayed very long before they cried to God, but He was not long before He saved. They had sought for help everywhere else before they came to Him, but when they did address themselves to Him, they were welcome at once. This is the God we serve. A loving Father indeed! Remember the story of Prodigal Son which Jesus Christ used to teach us about the forbearance of God.

Beloved, are you in trouble? Are you concerned about the lockdown and Covid-19? Are you troubled about your family, children, spouse, business and many others? Call upon God now. Do not procrastinate about it and don’t let your sin pose as a barrier because He is ever willing to forgive you. Call upon Him today and don’t delay. He will safe you speedily no matter how irredeemable it may seem in the eyes of men.       

Food for Thought: Psalm 50:15

Memory verse: Psalm 107:13

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from all troubles of life I am passing through in Jesus name.

God Is Ever Faithful To His Word: Devotion for Monday April 20, 2020

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Devotion for Monday April 20, 2020

Topic: God Is Ever Faithful To His Word                          

Text: Luke 2:25 – 35  

Any prayer we make according to the will of God especially those that will bring glory to His name we receive answers from Him. The man Simeon was “Just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he will see the salvation of Israel before death. What a privilege! By the leading of the Spirit, he came into the temple at the dedication of the child, Jesus.

Here is the confession of Simeon’s faith, that the child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself; the salvation God has appointed for the world. God was faithful in keeping him to see that salvation promised (Luke 2:29ff).          

There are some lessons for us in this story.

1) Simeon had a good standing with God; a just and devout man, which made God to reveal mysteries to him. What is your standing with God? What testimony can people share about you? The life of Simeon should be a challenge to you.

2) God is faithful to His word. He spoke to Simeon about seeing the Salvation and Consolation of Israel. He kept His word and Simeon saw the Consolation of Israel. This shows that God cannot deny us and His word. Whatever He has said about you, He will perform.

3) When we wait patiently on God, He will answer us. Simeon waited for Consolation of Israel and he got it. Are you waiting on God for something, be sure that you will not be disappointed.

Food for Thought: God fulfills all His word; keeps all his promises, and never disappoints those who trust in him.

Memory verse: Luke 2:30

Prayer: As I keep on trusting your word, O Lord, may you fulfill them in Jesus name.


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Boomerang or Fate? Devotion for Friday April 17, 2020

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Devotion for Friday April 17, 2020

Text: Boomerang or Fate?                               

Text: Genesis 27:30 – 40

The story of Esau and Jacob is a very pathetic one. It has so many lessons to teach us on how someone who makes light the salvation of God will cry before the judgment seat of God on Judgement Day.

When Isaac told Esau that Jacob had taken the blessing, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry. This was the consequence of making light his birthright. He paid dearly with a cry but the cry could not retrieve the lost blessings and birthright.

According to Matthew Henry, “The day is coming, when those that now make light of the blessings of the covenant, and sell their title to spiritual blessings for that which is of no value, will, in vain, ask urgently for them.” Do make light the covenant God made with you by choosing the pleasures of sin rather than suffering affliction for the sake of heaven (see Hebrews 11:25)?

What happened to Esau was both boomerang and fate. Though God favoured Jacob instead of Esau, he (Esau) also contributed to his problem. Some people who are under condemnation of sin rather than repent, have resolved to remain in their sin. One day it will boomerang on you.

Some people have been indulging in “little sin’ – malice, greed, hatred, manifesting pride because they are now born again. Note that one day, all these little foxes will boomerang and you will cry had I known like the rich man (Luke 16:19ff). What seems to be your fate today can change tomorrow by the way you choose to live. The choice is yours.

Action: Write down some things you can do now to avoid crying like Esau on the last day.

Memory verse: Genesis 25:36

Prayer: Lord, may I not contribute to my rejection in heaven on the last day in Jesus name.

The Cost of being a Disciple: Devotion for Saturday April 4, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday April 4, 2020

Topic: The Cost of being a Disciple                           

Text: Luke 14:25 – 35

Following Christ means total submission to Him above all other things of great value or intimacy to us. It has its consequences and costs. One of the costs of being a disciple is not allowing your intimacy on your immediate family to be far above your intimacy with God.

What Luke 14:26 says is not a contradiction to the fifth commandment rather Jesus Christ meant that we are to love them less than we love Him; we are to obey Him more rather than them especially in the things spiritual. Again, we should be willing to forsake them if He calls us to go and preach His gospel; and we are to submit, without a murmur, to Him when He takes them away from us.

Jesus Christ emphasized on the need for feasibility study even in Christianity. He explained this by two similitudes; the former showing that we must consider the expenses of our religion; the latter, that we must consider the perils of it. We should count the cost of being a disciple which include mortifying of sin in our body and even the most beloved things we lust after.

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Jesus summed up His teaching here by telling the disciples what they ought to be in the society. He likened them to salt which is very expedient seasoning in any food. This means that we should also act as seasoning to our generation. Are you a seasoning?

Food for Thought: Have you really forsaken all for Christ?  

Memory verse: Luke 14:26

Prayer: My Father in heaven, help me to remove whatever will endanger my relationship with you so I will be a faithful disciple in Jesus.

Did God Really Say? Devotion for Friday April 3, 2020

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Devotion for Friday April 3, 2020

Topic: Did God Really Say?                               

Text: Genesis 3:1 – 7

Everyone struggles with temptation on daily basis. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because of Satan (Genesis 3:1-6) who come cunningly with words as we have in our topic.

Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin; soon after, Adam yielded to Satan’s tempting offer. So sin entered the world and everyone born became a sinner. Satan is still busy trying to get us to fall into temptation in various ways. Can you mention some of the ways he tempts us?

Adam and Eve could have resisted temptation by recalling what God had commanded them. Being tempted is not sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation.

To resist temptation, we must

(1) pray for strength to resist (Matthew 6:13),

(2) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong (James 4:7), and

(3) run away from the temptation, sometimes literally (Genesis 39:12).

James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted. We should determine to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. Resist Satan and his temptations, and live for God and God will continue to bless you.

Action: Write down some ways Satan tempts us as a guide to protect you from giving in to temptations

Memory verse: Matthew 10:16

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need O Lord, to obey you always.

Benediction I: Devotion for Wednesday April 1, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday April 1, 2020

Topic: Benediction 1                               

Text: Numbers 6:24

Today and tomorrow, we shall be looking at the prayer of benediction the priest says at the close of church services, meetings and fellowships. In our text for the day, we have blessings as contained in our benediction – The Lord, bless and keep you. It is a prayer asking God to bestow upon us all manner of blessings both temporal and spiritual.

God’s blessings of His Covenant people include receiving food and provisions, fertility in their fields and among their herds and cattle, and children (Lev. 26:3 – 15 & Deut. 28:1 - 14). May God bestow these blessing on you in Jesus name!

Another aspect of the Benediction is that God should keep us which means that God should continue to preserve us as we have received His blessings and as we use those blessings. It also means that God should keep us from sins and its bitter effects.

Blessings of God and protection from evil are the two most unquantifiable needs of people. God will bless you with irrevocable blessings and keep you from evil this month and always especially in a time like this when the world is face with the deadly virus, coronavirus.

Unfortunately, most people undermine this Benediction and walk out from church service before dismissal. You should desire it always and even request your priest to say it upon you and your family always.

Food for Thought: Why did God command Moses and Aaron to pronounce these blessings on His people?

Memory verse: Psalm 121:7

Prayer: Lord, grant me your blessings and protection now and always. Amen

What is your Excuse? Devotion for Tuesday March 31, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday March 31, 2020

Topic: What is your Excuse?                             

Text: Exodus 3:7 – 15

Excuses in this context mean that somebody is trying to avoid responsibility, some job or task that rightly belongs to that person but which he or she considers too inconvenient to do. On the surface the excuse may look right, but closer examination can reveal major flaws in the argument just as we have in the case of Moses in today’s bible reading.

Moses made excuses because he felt inadequate for the job that God asked him to do (Exodus 3:10ff). It was natural for him to feel that way, because he was inadequate all by himself. But God wasn’t asking Moses to work alone. He offered other resources to help (God himself, Aaron, and the ability to do miracles).

God often calls us to perform tasks that seem too difficult, but He doesn’t ask us to do them alone. He offers us His resources, just as He did for Moses – the Holy Spirit. We should not hide behind our inadequacies, as Moses did, but look beyond ourselves to God’s great available resources. Then we can allow him to empower our unique contributions.

What has God asked you to do? What excuses are you using to avoid this responsibility and work? Excuses don’t bring result rather they avoid responsibilities and blessings in any given task.

The day I wrote this devotion, I shared a picture of a man with disabilities preaching on Facebook. If he can do that with his disabilities, why can’t you do so with all your abilities?

Beloved, I urge you today to obey God’s call to perform that task by stepping out in faith. He will give you the resources to do His work.

Food for Thought: Do you hide behind our inadequacies to give excuses on why you shouldn’t do what God is asking you to do?

Memory verse: v 11

Prayer: My God, make my inadequacies adequate for your services in Jesus name.

Best Way to Hear from God: Devotion for Monday March 30, 2020

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Devotion for Monday March 30, 2020

Topic: Best Way to Hear from God                  

Text: Exodus 3:1 – 6

That God speaks to us is not in doubt. Often times He speaks in a low small voice. If He has a special message for us and He feels we are not showing interest, He will come in a way that we can’t resist Him just as we have in our text today.

Satan loves to see us idling away our time but not so with God. God loves to see us employed and doing something. Far above that, He loves to come to us when we are in a lonely place outside the bustle and hustle of life. It was in such serene atmosphere that God appeared to Moses in a burning bush to speak with him. Moses opted to turn aside to see such amazing sight (v4). His decision to turn aside that made God to call him.

Today, we live in a world of uncertainties and perplexity. We are confronted on daily basis with so many issues begging for an answer and of recent we have the Coronavirus. We often shout out, God why? God where are you? Unfortunately, we do not have time to turn aside to hear God speak or tell us why or where He is. We are too busy and on the fast lane. We only worship God when we are less busy. We no longer care about retreats.

In our world of today, people no longer make time for God to speak to them. Thus we have confusion upon confusion. Again there are things God wants us to do for Him especially in preaching and healing of the sick. He can only send us when turn aside to hear Him. Turning aside can be in your personal devotion, retreat, fasting, etc.

How devoted are you to these acts? Do you rush your devotion because of other commitment? Always make time to hear from God.

Food for Thought: God speaks to us in lonely places and not in hustles and bustles of life.

Memory verse: Exodus 3:3

Prayer: God, help me to always turn aside to hear from you in Jesus name

Everything Has Its Appropriate Time: Devotion for Wednesday March 25, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday March 25, 2020

Topic: Everything Has Its Appropriate Time             

Text: Ecclesiastics 3:1 – 10

Most times, God allow us to pass through many things in life which He uses to teach us what life means. Solomon is one person in the Bible who had everything (wisdom, power, riches, honour, reputation, God’s favour) and he is the one who discussed the ultimate emptiness of all that this world has to offer.

Solomon’s point in this text is that God has a plan for all people. Thus, He provides cycles of life, each with its work for us to do. According to Life Application Notes, “Timing is important. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God’s perfect timing. The danger is to doubt or resent God’s timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without his advice.”  

Although we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plan, these should not be barriers to believing in Him, but rather opportunities to discover that, without God, life’s problems have no lasting solutions.

Do you think you are running out of time in respect of marriage, child birth, university education, securing a job, etc.? Time is never against you. At God’s own time (appropriate time), He will remember you. Don’t ever give up.

Food for Thought: “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work” – Ecclesiastes 3:17

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 3:1

Prayer: Almighty God, your time for me is perfect. Help me never to doubt or resent your timing for me.

The Day of Many Troubles: Devotion for Monday March 23, 2020

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Devotion for Monday March 23, 2020

Topic: The Day of Many Troubles                     

Text: Job 1:13 – 19

In 1 Samuel chapter 3 is the story of how the Ark of God was captured by the Philistines when Eli was the Chief Priest. On that day he died with his two sons. What a trouble for that family! That was a day of many troubles for the family. Some people may opt for suicide on a day of many troubles.

On a day of many troubles, Satan unleashed his anger against Job in order to make him turn against God. He lost all his wealth, his children, investments and properties. All these was the result of God vouching for Job.

This was not even enough for Satan as he came back in chapter 2 to fight the more. When Job was being attacked, he never knew that it was his uprightness and integrity that attracted those troubles.

Most times we tend to believe that when we pass through troubles of life, it means that we have fallen out of favour with God. It is not always true! The troubles all came upon Job at once; while one messenger of evil tidings was speaking, another followed (v15, 16, 17 and 19). His dearest and most valuable possessions were his ten children and they were killed.

Obviously, some people concluded that such calamities can only come on sinners. We should understand that in this world we will have troubles but in all we should be of good cheer (John 16:33) bearing in mind that God will make a way of escape for us (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Probably those troubles you have been passing through is the result of God vouching for you. Do not lose your faith in times of many trouble because God who allowed them will definitely grant you the grace to overcome all the troubles.         

Food for Thought: “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” – Job 14:1

Memory verse: v 19  

Prayer: Lord, grant me the enabling grace to endure the troubles of life knowing that better things await us in heaven.

Are You A Vessel For Honour: Devotion for Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday March 18, 2020

Topic: Are You A Vessel For Honour?                   

Text: 2 Timothy 2:19 – 21

Vessel unto honour literally means a vessel that is useful in honourable way. When God used Assyrians to punish Israel, they were useful in the hands of God but not for honour because they were punished at the end too. God requires us to be vessels unto honour.

Paul admonishes us in our text to be mindful of how we live our lives because God knows those who are His (v19). Therefore everyone who is a Christian should depart from iniquity (v19). The reason for this advice is in verse 20. Read it. When we cleanse ourselves from all forms of defilement, we will become “vessels for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Have you cleansed yourself from all defilement or you are still defiled? As a Christian sister/brother who is single and engaged, what is your secret life with your fiancé/fiancée? We can’t serve God and be useful in His hands when we are living in sin and compromise.

To be a vessel unto honour we must avoid all form of defilement be it in words, thoughts, actions, reactions and deeds. Couples should be sincere in their relationships; we should love and be loveable, be at peace with all people and above all be sincere in our worship of God with faith in Christ Jesus.

Food for Thought: A sanctified life is pleasant to God and such is always a reliable instrument in His hands.

Memory verse: 2 Timothy 2 v 21

Prayer: God, may I be a vessel unto honour in your house now and forever.

You Were Born for a Reason: Devotion for Tuesday March 17, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday March 17, 2020

Topic: You Were Born for a Reason                          

Text: Jeremiah 1:4 – 10  

Our bible reading today, gives us insight into the truth that we were born for one reason or another. I have heard people complain bitterly that there is no reason living any more. I want us to understand that we were not born to fulfil numbers. You were not born into that family just because your parents needed a child.

Rather God planned your birth because you have a role to play in your family, the church and your generation. There is a gap you will fill. The problem is ability to understand what role God has appointed you for. In Jeremiah 1:5, God told Jeremiah that before his birth, He ordained him a priest to nations. The reason for his birth was to become a prophet of God. When the family, church or generation need men to serve at different capacities, God raises men for those positions.

Beloved, God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you in various ways. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that He has a purpose in mind for you.

Remember what the bible says in Isaiah 49:13 – 17. Do not give up now. You still have a future because there is a reason why God is still keeping you alive. That reason for your creation will be perfected and your generation will hear of you in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: God has created you for a purpose; to love, obey and serve Him and humanity. How are you fulfilling these purposes?

Memory verse: Jeremiah 1:5

Prayer: God, you created me for a purpose. Grant that the purpose for my creation will be fulfilled in my life in Jesus name.

Lend to God: Devotion for Sunday March 8, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday March 8, 2016

Topic: Lend To God                                                         

Text: Proverbs 19:17  

Our text for the day is a very interesting one because many people are confused about it and they have kept acting ignorantly. A friend gave me this request: “My Pastor, please help me in prayer. I am going through terrible bad times. I am so badly indebted. Nothing is moving around me and I have been seeking God’s face to help me. The more I am sowing the seed, the more things are getting worse. Cash, my electronics, my jeep car, all I have given with hope to be better but the opposite is what I get. I am so much indebted. Please pray for me.”

What led this friend into debt is ignorance and lack of basic foundation of Christian faith. Lending to God must not be with conditions or with intent to receive more. God is not a lottery. It must come from a heart of love for God and the recipient.

Our text says that the best investment of our property is in deeds of charity. Compassion is the inward principle of charity in the heart and it is to have pity on the poor. You may not have a kobo for the poor, yet you can have pity for them, a charitable concern and sympathy bearing in mind what Paul sail in 1 Corinthians 13:3. See also Isaiah 58:10.

Lending to the Lord or seed sowing should not be a priority due to desire to have more rather due to love for God and humanity. Anything outside of this will amount to regret of your charitable deeds and seed sowing. Let the love for God propel us in giving to God and fellow human beings in need.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 58:10

Memory verse: Proverbs 28:27         

Prayer: Lord God, may love for you propel me into charitable deeds and seed sowing.

Grow in Grace: Devotion for Monday February 17, 2020

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Devotion for Monday February 17, 2020

Topic: Grow in Grace                                     

Text: 1 Peter 3:14 – 18

In our scriptural reading for the day, Apostle Peter counsels us as an elder and someone who had a very close intimacy with Christ. In verse 14, he urged us to look forward to the things mentioned in verse 13. What are those things mentioned? Read verse 13. He charged us to do it diligently.

“The new heaven and the new earth promised by God is a state of perfect holiness and bliss into which after judgement God will receive His people; and for which the highest holiness and bliss on earth are but a preparation and a foretaste” according to Family Bible Notes . How are you preparing for this new heaven and new earth?

To grow in grace (1 Peter 3:18) means that we should increase in knowledge of Christ and in His likeness. Safeguard against seductions of error and the way to increase in holiness is increasing in knowledge of Jesus Christ through the study of the word of God. Grace is obtained through studying the word of God in Bible Studies, Fellowship and prayers meetings, and more other ways were we can read and study the bible. This will help us to strive daily to be like Him. Remember that we are called to conform to His image. Grow in grace and strive to be like Jesus Christ.    

Action: Write down in your Bible Study Notebook what you can do to grow in grace.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:2

Prayer: God, may I grow in your grace and likeness from this day onward till eternity in Jesus name.

The Mercies of God: Devotion for Sunday February 16, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday February 16, 2020

Topic: The Mercies of God   

Text: Psalm 103:8-14

The mercies of God have brought us into this new day. It is of God’s loving kindness and mercies that you and I are alive today. People died yesterday! Are you better than them? Think of the blessings you received in the past? Were they out of hard work? No! They came out of the mercies of God. He is forever gracious (Psalm 103:8). For this reason we should always appreciate this gesture on daily basis.

God has shown us much mercies and love in bring us into this new day because His mercies is from everlasting to everlasting. What will you use to reciprocate God’s mercies upon your life? To him much is given, much is expected! God expects to reap abundant righteousness from us (See Isaiah 5:1 – 7). God expected to reap righteousness from Israel but instead, they gave out oppression and evil. Thus they were punished for that. We should live fruitful life for that is what pleases God (John 14:4, 16).

In what ways are we expected to bear fruits for the Lord as mark of His love, mercies and kindness towards us? Faithfulness and obedience are marks of gratitude for mercies we have received from Him.

Action: Write down in your book 5 ways you can bear fruit for God

Memory verse: Psalm 86:15

Prayer: God help me to reciprocate your mercies towards me by bearing fruits of righteousness for you in Jesus name.

Love’s Article of Faith: Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020

Topic: Love’s Article of Faith  

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7

Yesterday we talked about Love. In our bible reading for the day, Paul goes further to explain what Love really means which I have termed Love’s Article of faith or creed. Creed 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). Real love bears with certain annoyances or inconveniences without complaint. It does not lose its temper when provoked. It steadily perseveres amidst trials.

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. 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. 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 favor, that others should be grateful to them, and that they are far superior. It is this kind of love Paul described here that we need in our hearts to serve God and our neighbours.

Food for Thought: Do you have this real love in your heart?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:8

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

What is Love? Devotion for Friday February 14, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 14, 2020

Topic:  What is Love?                           

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3

Today is the feast of St. Valentine; a day popularly known as Lovers’ day. “Appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail and later executed” so says Wikipedia. Whether this lore is real or not, the essence of love as seen in the story of St. Valentine has been hijacked and abused.

The excellent way Paul mentioned in the close of the former chapter, is not charity in our common use of the word, almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning; true love for God and man. Love in this aspect is not romantic love as people practice today. Paul explains that love for God and Man is the best gift which God bestows on us. We should most earnestly desire and cherish it in our lives and in others. What is love? In simple terms, Biblical love is simply sincere obedience to God and his service, and serving fellow human beings. This is the reason charity which is sometimes translated love means almsgiving. 

Do you have that gift of love in you? How much do you love your neighbours? How do you use your gift of beauty, knowledge, money, strength and others talents? See these passages; Luke 10:30 – 37 and 1 John 4:20

Food for Thought: Are you using your gifts in an excellent way?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 12:31

Prayer: Lord, let love be the guiding principle of all my words and deeds.