Awake From Sleep: Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

Topic: Awake From Sleep                               

Text: Ephesians 5:12 – 20                         

As Christians, we should stand for the truth; we shouldn’t get caught up in gossip about the shameful actions of sinful people (Ephesians 5:12). We should not promote or dignify sin by even so much as discussing it. What the ungodly people do in secret becomes clear for how evil it is as light shines on them. Nothing can hide from the light piercing through darkness. Believers are the “rays” of that light. By our actions (Ephesians 5:8 – 12), we become instruments of light, exposing the dark acts of sin.

Apostle Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right. This is not optional.

It is for this reason the Apostle calls on compromising Christians to wake up from sleep (Ephesians 5:14) and begin to live for Christ. What Paul was stressing here is that the Ephesians should wake up and realize the dangerous condition into which some of them had been slipping into. Are such things not seen in our present day Christendom where we pretend and are nonchalant to our call to rebuke evil and sin? Are we not unperturbed and senseless in the darkness, and pollution of sin, and sometimes rename sin so as to cover our unrighteousness?

We should wake from death in sin to a sense of our guilty, lost condition, and look to Him who died for us, and He will make us light. We should redeem the time we have lost while asleep by being active for God. God is waiting for you to act. Start now (Isaiah 60:1)!   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:11 & 12

Memory verse: Ephesians 5 v 14

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast way the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility so that on the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty: to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever (Collect for Advent Sunday). 

Let Your Light Shine: Devotion for Wednesday May 6, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 6, 2020

Topic: Let Your Light Shine                          

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8                                   

A true Christian is a light to the world. In Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptized will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be.

In Matthew 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and gives to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this?

In our text, the prophet calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is, that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (Isaiah 60:2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (Isaiah 60:2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, it will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2).

For us who are Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it. It is a command. Therefore, ensure you do it through godly living; through the words of your mouth and through your actions.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Memory verse: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name.

Let there be Light: Devotion for Tuesday 18th February, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 18, 2020

Topic: Let there be Light                                  

Text: Genesis 1:3

Let there be light as used here is what God willed, decreed and appointed. There was result when God said it! There was darkness everywhere and God decreed light and darkness went away. May the light of God shine upon you this season for darkness to go away in Jesus name! Darkness is example of evil; backwardness, failure, lack of progress in personal endeavours, etc. Today, many people are in darkness because of ignorance and sin. We also know that devil and his agents are carrier of darkness.

God causes light to shine out of darkness and He can cause light into the darkest part of our lives. Jesus said that He is the light of the world. When we allow Jesus to come into our lives through repentance He will dispel the light in our lives, families and work. Are you living in sin, know that you are surrounded with darkness and you need Jesus Christ in your life. Are you experiencing backwardness, failure, lack of progress, problems in life, marriage, studies and business? You need Jesus to dispel the darkness causing these problems. Allow the light of God in your life because “there is no darkness enough in the entire world to put out the light of one candle” – Epitaph in PowerBible Online. Note that the light of God is greater than the light of the candle. 

Food for Thought: Light makes the difference in our lives and the world.

Memory verse: Psalm 33:9               

Prayer: Lord, decree and shine your light into my life, family and endeavours in Jesus name.

Let Your Light Shine

Devotion for Friday June 8, 2018

Sing SS&S 1138; Abu 240

Topic: Let Your Light Shine

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8

A true Christian is a light to the world. In the Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptized will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be. In Matthew 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and give to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this? In our text, the prophet calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (v2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, He will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2). For us Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Memory verse: Isaiah 60:1

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name. Amen 

LIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE: Devotion for Friday October 14, 2016

LIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE: Devotion for Friday October 14, 2016

Text: Genesis 1:1 – 5       Memory verse: Genesis 1 verse 3

Light symbolises God, good, righteousness and godly living while darkness is a symbol of everything evil failure, backwardness, lack of progress in personal endeavours, etc. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life – John 8:12" and of His disciples, “You are the light of the world” Matt. 5:14. This means that He came into the world to give the world direction in this dark world of sin and evil. As for we, His disciples, we are to give direction to the world too. In our text, the bible recorded that God willed, decreed and appointed that there will be light (1:3) and it was so. There was result and darkness went away. Let every darkness around you leave in Jesus name.

Today, many are in darkness because of sin and ignorance. If you are among them, you need the light of God in your life. It is better you repent now before it will be too late. Family Bible Notes says, “God caused the light to shine out of darkness, and He can shine into dark hearts, and give them the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:6.” It is the light of God that brings progress, peace and unity in a family. It is what makes the difference in families and lives. Are you surrounded by darkness? God is saying let there be light in your life, your family, business and all you do. Allow the light of the word of God into your life.

Food for Thought: There is no darkness enough in the entire world to put out the light of one little candle” – Epitaph in PowerBible CD.

Prayer: God, remove darkness in my life and let your life shine in my life and family in Jesus name.

AWAKE FROM SLEEP: Devotion for Tuesday August 30, 2016

AWAKE FROM SLEEP: Devotion for Tuesday August 30, 2016

Text: Ephesians 5:12 – 20       Memory verse: Ephesians 5:14

Paul teaches us here that as Christians, we should stand for the truth and we shouldn’t get caught up in gossip about the shameful actions of sinful people (Ephesians 5:12). The need for Christians to stand up for the truth cannot be overemphasized. This is so because it is the truth that will set us free. Jesus Christ asserted that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (see John 14:6).  

Paul cautioned us that we should not promote or dignify sin by even so much as discussing it. This is very important aspect of our bible reading today. Discussing sin defiles us how much more committing it. The reason for this is because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Nothing can hide from the light piercing through darkness. The believers’ behaviour and character are the ‘rays’ of that light that shines to reveal the darkness surrounding unbelievers. By our actions (5:8–12), we become instruments of light, exposing the dark acts of sin. Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right.

It is for this reason the Apostle calls on compromising Christians to wake up from sleep (5:14) and begin to live for Christ. What Paul was stressing here is that the Ephesians should wake up and realize the dangerous condition into which some of them had been slipping into through condoning sin and inability to speak out against it. Are these things not seen in our present day Christendom? Are we not unperturbed and senseless in the darkness, and pollution of sin? We should wake from death in sin to a sense of our guilty, lost condition, and look to Him who died for us, and He will make us light. We should redeem the time we have lost while asleep by being active for God. God is waiting for you to act. Start now (Isaiah 60:1)   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:11 & 12

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast way the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility so that on the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Advent Sunday).

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: Devotion for Friday May 6, 2016

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: Devotion for Friday May 6, 2016

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8        Memory verse: v 1

A true Christian is a light to the world. In Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptised will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be. In Matt. 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and give to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this?

In our text, Isaiah calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (60:2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (60:2b). As the light (Christ – Jn. 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, it will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2). For us Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name.

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU: Devotion for Tuesday December 15, 2015

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU   Tuesday December 15, 2015

Text: John 15:18 – 25     Memory verse: v 19

When we, Christians are hated by the world as our Master was, it should not cause us to fear, and rather it should strengthen and encourage us. Here Christ spoke concerning hatred, which is the character of the devil's kingdom, as love is of the kingdom of Christ. The world will hate us because we are not of the world (15:19) and our words, tempers, actions, are quite opposite to theirs. There is no resemblance. The world will love their own and hate what does not belong to them.

Does it baffle you when you see the world turning against you? It shouldn’t baffle you because you are light and they represent darkness that hates light. They hate Christians because their presence reproves their deeds. Do you weep over neglect and abuse you suffer in your neighbourhood, school, office, market, etc? Cheer up! They did it to Jesus; ours will not be an exception. However, know that God will always fight for His own people.

Food for Thought: Knowledge of our status as foreigners here on earth helps us to live well among those who hate us in this world  

Prayer: God, let not the hatred of the world against me weaken my spirit.

A LIGHT IN THE DARK: Devotion for Monday November 9, 2015

A LIGHT IN THE DARK        Monday November 9, 2015

Text: Philippians 2:14 – 16       Memory verse: v 15

Here we have some dangers in complaining and argument. Why is complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about us is that we constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they will get a false impression of Christ and the gospel. Our belief in Christ should unite us who trust Him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ.

We should stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ. The reason for this is because we are called as light (Matthew 5:14 – 16) to shine in the dark. Is your light still shining or has it gone off? Our light should shine through our words and deeds. Be mindful of how you live in your neighbourhood.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: God, trim my lamp and make me shine for you in this dark world.