First Point of Call During Crises: Devotion for Saturday May 23, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 23, 2020

Topic: First Point of Call During Crises

Text: 1 Samuel 19:18 – 24                 

An aphorism of Aniocha people says that it is only a tree that hears they are coming to fall it and it will stay. This is not so with animal especially with human being. Such person will certainly flee. This was the case of David as we read yesterday.

Saul was consumed with jealousy over David’s growing popularity, but the Spirit of God immobilised him so he was unable to harm David. We saw one attempt yesterday. This shows that no matter what people plan against us, it will not harm us except God approves it.

When David left his home, he ran to the house of God and to the priest. In running to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do concerning the distress he was into. More so, it was Samuel who anointed him as king to take over from Saul.

Beloved in Christ when you are faced with challenges of life or the threat of the enemies, where will be your first point of call? Do you run to a native doctor first or you go to God’s house where the pastor will counsel and pray for you? Do you run to friends for counselling before you even pray about it? This is one serious mistake we make always.

When we place God as our first priority in times of need and trouble, He will rise on our behalf. David went to the house of God because He was the one that made him. He knows that without God, Saul will easily eliminate him. He had the understanding that God is his refuge and shield who is able to protect, guard, keep and secure him.

We should have this kind of understanding. God gave you that position, land, husband, etc, people are struggling with you. Go to Him and He will certainly tell you what to do.

Food for Thought: When problem confronts you, what readily comes to your mind? 

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 19:18

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always seek you first in time of need before any other thing.

Consequences Of Famine

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 26, 2017

Topic: Consequences Of Famine

Text: 2 Kings 6:29

In June 2016, I read a story of how a woman used her child as a surety to get garri (a staple food in Nigeria made from cassava) from a trader in Osun state, Nigeria because she is being owe 7 months’ salary. This is the level people can be desperate to get food in time of crises.

The famine that led to our text was the greatest and worst famine in the history of Israel. It was so severe that people were killing and eating their children. This came as a result of God’s judgment. When we deliberately commit sin, God punishes us and it is usually very severe. Many things can lead to famine – sin, disobedience, for divine purpose, natural disaster like drought and invasion of an area by locust, etc. From what happened in the following verses, it seems the famine was pronounced by Elisha (2 Kings 6:30 – 31).

When the famine came to the level of people eating their children, Elisha went to the Lord and He spoke to him (2 Kings 7:1ff). When we come to crossroad on issues that confuse us, we should go to God for He has solutions to our problems. Elisha knew God was the source of all solution that defies all human wisdom. What would have led to the agreement to kill their children? Indeed, Moses foretold that this very evil shall come upon them if they forsake God (Deut. 28:53 & 57). This evil also came upon them when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Israel (Ezek. 5:10). Killing and eating of fellow human being as one of the consequences of famine is inhuman and against God’s commandment. Let us avoid whatsoever will bring famine by carefully obeying God.     

Food for Thought: Sin and disobedience has grievous consequences

Memory verse: 2 Kings 6 verse 29

Prayer: God, remove anything that will bring famine and its consequences in my life and family.