GOD HAS ALTERNATIVE PLANS: Devotion for Tuesday August 23, 2016

GOD HAS ALTERNATIVE PLANS: Devotion for Tuesday August 23, 2016

Text: Isaiah 63:1 – 6               Memory verse: v 5

Isaiah 63 verse 5 is a clear warning for us not to think that we worth anything special in the eyes of God especially when He is using us. Being used by God is not a right but a privilege that should humble us because He can even raise stones to do our work. We should rather be up and doing because He has alternative plans. He can push us aside when we misbehave to use others. We know the case of Eli’s family, King Saul, etc.

Here, the prophet Isaiah, in a vision, saw the Messiah returning in triumph after the conquest of His enemies, of whom Edom was a type. In that vision, he saw Christ as travelling, not wearied by the combat, but, in the greatness of His strength, prepared to overcome every opposing power. Christ declares that He had been treading the wine-press of the wrath of God, (see Rev. 14:19; 19:13) and by His own power (Isaiah 63:3), without any human help, He had defeated His stubborn opposers (Isaiah 63:4), for the day of vengeance was determined on, being the appointed season for rescuing His people.

When Jesus Christ appeared on this earth for the first time, it was in apparent weakness, to pour out His precious blood on the Cross of Calvary as atonement for our sins. However, He in due time He will appear in the greatness of His strength to judge the living and the dead. How prepared are we for that day when He will appear in His strength? Again let us remember that He sought for help but none came. So He resorted to His second plan to redeem His people. 

This shows that there are things God want us to do for Him. What He desires me to do may not be what He wants you to do. It all depends where we find ourselves. We shouldn’t disappoint God to make Him resort to His alternative plan. Don’t ever think that without you the work of God will not go on. He will raise a man in your stead. Therefore be wise.

Food for Thought: Will God resort to alternative plan in your stead?

Prayer: Lord God, may I not be a disappointment to you that will make you resort to alternative plan in Jesus name.

POSSES YOUR POSSESSION: Devotion for Monday August 17, 2015

POSSES YOUR POSSESSION     Monday August 17, 2015

Text: Obadiah 1:17 - 21            Memory verse: v 17

Any wickedness and persecution against the people of God will definitely be judged and punished by God. Our text is a recompense for Edom. God’s word concerning Edom actually came to pass. The Edomites were routed by Judas Maccabeus in 164 B.C. The nation no longer existed by the first century A.D. At the time of Obadiah’s prophecy, Edom may have seemed more likely to survive than Judah. Yet Edom has vanished, and Judah still exists. This demonstrates the absolute certainty of God’s word and of the punishment awaiting all who have mistreated God’s people. Do you doubt God’s promises concerning you? Let this text encourage you.

When God afflicts His covenant people, it is always for their purification and salvation; in due time He grants them, through Christ, a glorious deliverance from their troubles, and makes them victorious over all that hated and persecuted them. God (Zion) is source of our possession. Let us rely on Him.

Food for Thought: God does honour His word.

Prayer: God, grant that I will posses all my possession and none will elude me.