What May I Do For You? Devotion for Thursday March 19, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday March 19, 2020

Topic: What May I Do For You?                             

Text: 2 Kings 2:9 – 12

Today’s topic is similar to that of Wednesday but what led to the question here is different. Elijah was about to be taken away by God and his faithful servant and some other prophets knew about this. While other prophets were comfortable with their position Elisha who was a mere servant wanted to step into his master’s shoes. He was determined to get something from Elijah before God takes him. It was his determination and persistence that made Elijah to ask the question in our text today.

There are lessons for us here.

1. When you have a need, be determined to find a solution to it in a godly way. Elisha was determined. All words of discouragement from Elijah and people did not deter him. He kept following. We should not be deterred by what people say. We should always keep our focus on God (Hebrews 12:2). 

2. Elisha persisted and was focused. Most times after a session of prayers about our need, we give up. It ought not to be so. Jesus taught us about persistence in prayer in Luke 18:1ff. We shouldn’t easily give up. Keep on trying; your miracle is in the next attempt.

3. What Elisha asked for was in the will of God. He never asked for mansion, wealth or other worldly things rather he asked for what he will use to the glory of God and he got it at the end.

Most times our requests are mundane things. When we ask from God what pleases Him, He will always grant our requests.    

Food for Thought: Elisha’s desire for a double portion of the spirit is not out of greed but that which will prepare him for usefulness and for glory of God.

Memory verse: Matthew 7:7

Prayer: Grant to me, O Lord, everything that will be useful for me to serve you and humanity in Jesus name. 

Go to God and Stop Giving Excuses: Devotion for Friday January 17 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday January 17 2020                                                                    

Topic: Go to God and Stop Giving Excuses                                                           

Text: 1 King 19:9 – 18                                                                                        

The question God asked Elijah, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" is a reproof. The reason is that he left what he was called to do. He abandoned his duty post just because he felt his life was in danger. He complained of the people, and their obstinacy in sin; “I only am left.”                                          

Despair of success hinders many a good enterprise. This is what we do at times asking ourselves the question God asked Elijah. Am I where I should be? Has God actually called me? Is this what I can do and be successful?     

Elijah came to the mountain of the Lord and God met with him. The Lord not being in the wind, earthquake and fire indicate that Elijah would not reform Israel by terrific outward displays of God’s power, but by the quiet persevering labours of his servants, under the invisible and silent influences of His Spirit. Finally, God spoke and told him what to do in verses 15 – 18.

When we are fearful, discouraged, and desponding, we should go to God’s mountain. Running away will worsen our fears and thus we will not fulfill our call and ministry. God will not accept any excuse for failing to fulfill our ministry.                                                                               

Are you running away from what God has called you into; marriage, evangelism, going to preach to that ‘notorious criminal’, etc.? Are you giving God excuses why you will not do His bidding? He does not accept excuses. Ask Him for grace to carry on, He will oblige you.                                            

Food for Thought: When people neglect their duty, they are more likely to complain, find fault with others, and sink into despair.                                         

Memory verse: 1 Kings 18:22                                                                         

Sing A&M 184; CONH 272 (Dear Lord and Father of mankind) before you pray 

Prayer: God, remove fear and excuses from my heart and strengthen me to do what you have called me to do in Jesus name.

What May I Do For You

Devotion for Tuesday June 19, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos 319; Abu 249

Topic: What May I Do For You?

Text: 2 Kings 2:9 – 12

Today’s topic is similar to that of yesterday but what led to the question here is different. Elijah was about to be taken away by God and his faithful servant and some other prophets knew about this. While other prophets were comfortable with their position Elisha who was a mere servant wanted to step into his master’s shoes. He was determined to get divine endowment from Elijah before God takes him. It was his determination and persistence that made Elijah to ask the question that forms our text today. There are lessons for us here. 

1. When you have a need, be determined to find a solution to it in a godly way. Elisha was determined. All words of discouragement from Elijah and people did not deter him. He kept following. We should not be deterred by what people say. We should always keep our focus on God (Hebrews 12:2). 

2. Elisha persisted and was focused. Most times after a session of prayers about our need, we give up. It ought not to be so. Jesus taught us about persistence in prayer in Luke 18:1ff. We shouldn’t easily give up. Keep on trying; your miracle is in the next attempt. 

3. What Elisha asked for was in the will of God. He never asked for mansion, wealth, position or other worldly things rather he asked for what he will use to the glory of God and he got it at last. Most times, our request during our fasting and prayers are mundane things. When we ask from God what pleases Him, He will grant our requests.   

Food for Thought: Elisha’s desire for a double portion of the spirit in Elijah was not out of greed but that which will prepare him as instrument in the hands of God.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 2:9

Prayer: Grant to me, O Lord, everything that will be useful for me to serve you and humanity in Jesus name.

Pay Attention To Him

Devotion for Sunday December 3, 2017

Topic: Pay Attention To Him

Text: Matthew 17:1 – 8

It is imperative to emphasis some things for our proper understanding. God emphasizes some things to clear our doubts or to re-affirm what we already know. At transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son in who I am well pleased …,” highlighting

1) The dignity of Jesus Christ (He is a beloved Son because of His likeness and conformity to Him.

2) The Excellency of his meditation (In whom He is well pleased. Christ is most pleasing to God the Father and through Him, He is well pleased with us).

3) The Authority of His doctrine (Hear Him, not Moses and Elijah but Christ, commissioned to be the Great Prophet and Teacher). God commanded the Apostles to hear Christ; attend to His instructions and follow Him, an indication that there is authority in His words.

Do you listen to the words of Jesus and do you take instructions from Him? Do you follow Him both in words and deeds? There are lots of benefits we can derive from paying attention to Jesus Christ. His words direct us on the right path; illumine our ways and set us free. His words are spiritual foods for us. It heals us; shows us the best way to serve God and how to make heaven at last. How much do you desire to hear from Him? We should regularly hear from God the Son for our good.

Food for Thought: How much do you desire to hear from God?

Memory verse: Matthew 17:5 - While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me a listening ear to hear from you always.

You Will Not Be Ashamed

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday June 2, 2017

Topic: You Will Not Be Ashamed

Text: Psalm 37:18 – 20

Famine and war are two things that we should not experience. It is my prayer they will not come to us in Jesus name. We saw few days ago dangers and consequences of famine. It leads to stealing, killing, covetousness and all manner of crimes. Famine can come as a result of sin, war, natural disaster or God’s intent to manifest His glory. From whichever way famine might come, God has a way of taking care of His people and taking away shame as our text suggests.

The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8 – 16) is a true case. Elijah was not disappointed. We should know that when we are faithful in what God commits into our hands, He will always take care of whatever consequences that may arise. Sometimes calamities will come, but deliverance will come also. The righteous are never immune from trouble. When it happens and they call upon God, He will prove his faithfulness and love.

Beloved, if God's providence is our inheritance, we need not worry about famine or escalating prices of food items as it was when I was writing. The barrel of meal and cruse of oil lasted out the days of famine for widow of Zarephath and if ravens do not bring your bread and meat, your supply shall come in some other ways. Have this assurance as He has promised to help us (Isa. 41:10, 13 & 14). Read Psalmist’s assurance in Ps. 37:25 and stand by it also.

Food for Thought: Providence knows what we need better than we do.

Memory verse: Psalm 37 verse 19

Prayer: God, provide all I need through your providence in time of trouble or famine.

Wavering In Faith?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday March 21, 2017

Topic: Wavering In Faith?

Text: 1 Kings 17:17 – 24

Affliction, pain, problem and sickness, want, etc, can make us behave funny and abnormal. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) but when he was imprisoned, he sent message to ask if Jesus was indeed the Messiah. One would wonder why sudden doubt? This is one effect of a backslidden life or one who had not actually repented. Another reason for such doubt maybe the result of knowing God just because of miracle you have received and not because you have a relationship with Him.

This latter reason may be the cause of this woman of Zarephath’s action against Elijah in our scriptural reading for the day. She received a miracle when she had not developed a relationship with God. However, one would have expected that with such a miracle received, she would have known God the more. This woman’s action is one way sinners react. They see the presence of true Christians as the cause of their problem instead of repenting and using such opportunity to develop a relationship with God.

On daily basis we receive one form of miracle or another from God. These miracles especially waking up everyday should challenge us to develop a relationship with God. Again, we shouldn’t start wavering in faith because of one problem when we have previously been blessed with a miracle. The miracle should challenge us to draw closer to God in our time of troubles, problems, affliction, sickness and pain. These problems of life shouldn’t despair us.

Food for Thought: Cynicism and fear freezes life; faith thaws it out. Release your life and set it free with faith.

Memory verse: 1 King 17 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, increase faith in me so as to set me free from wavering in Jesus name.

The Widow Of Zarephath

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday March 20, 2017

Topic: The Widow Of Zarephath

Text: 1 Kings 17:8 – 16

In mid-2016, I read in one of the Nigerian National dailies how a woman used her child as a surety to get food for her family in Osun State Nigeria because of hunger. In August 2016, I also read how a pregnant woman stole N300:00 (less than a dollar) to eat. She didn’t deny when arrested. These and many more are effects of hunger on Nigerians as at the time of writing especially the one caused by famine.

That makes it worse as was this case in Israel in time of this woman of Zarephath. Her faith in this time of crises was exemplary and worthy of emulation. This woman and Jezebel, wife of Ahab are from the same territory. She was not a Jewess. Zarephath is a Phoenician seaport on the Mediterranean between Tyre and Sidon, usually subject to Tyre. How come she had faith in God of Israel to believe Elijah? Is there any lesson for us about those who are not of the same faith with you?

How could this woman easily believe the words of Elijah as she was not an Israelite? Probably, she had heard so much about Elijah and the God of Israel. Or she had become a secret worshipper of God of Israel. Beloved, you might have heard so much about God or you might have read so much about Him in the scriptures. Do you believe His words or you still have doubts in His ability to heal, deliver and save you?  

This woman gave up what she termed her last meal before death to a total stranger. She acted like the widow who gave a mite. That was an uncommon faith. Her faith is a challenge for us. How many of us are willing to give out from our best or last food, clothes, car, etc? Most of us give out the over used clothes, remnant of our food, etc. We should learn to give the best. This woman was rewarded for such a faith. You will receive far more if you learn to give your best.

Action: As you go out today, ensure that you give your best in words and deed to those who need them.

Memory verse: 1 King 17 verse 15

Prayer: God, grant me the kind of faith in that woman of Zarephath in Jesus name. Amen.

It Happened As God Said It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday March 6, 2017

Topic: It Happened As God Said It

Text: 1 King 17:8 – 16

God’s word that has been spoken doesn’t go back to Him without fulfilling the purpose for which it was sent (Isa. 55:11). God confirmed what He said through Elijah the prophet in 1 Kings 17:14. This widow of Zarephath thought she was preparing her last meal when Elijah met her but her simple act of faith produced an unprecedented miracle. She trusted Elijah and gave out all she would have eaten.

Faith is a step between promise and assurance. When we have feeble faith, miracles seem so out of reach. Every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. Solution to our problems may not come until we take the first step of faith. God expects this from us. When we take God’s word to heart by faith it opens the gate to miracle.

Most people don’t believe the word of God because the name used there is not theirs but Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Elizabeth, Samuel, etc. To get the real blessing from the bible, we have to fix our names where there is a name. Where it speaks good things, you will learn and where it speaks evil you will receive warning. Whatever God has spoken about you, just believe and act in obedience. Is it about your salvation, marriage, studies, job, imprisonment, children, fruit of the womb, etc? It will surely come to pass.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 45:23

Memory verse: 1 Kings 17 verse 16

Prayer: Lord God, as you speak to me through your word, grant me the grace to act on them so it will be fulfilled in Jesus name.

I WILL GO DOWN WITH YOU: Devotion for Wednesday January 6, 2016

I WILL GO DOWN WITH YOU       Wednesday January 6, 2016

Text: Genesis 46:4             Memory verse: v 4

Family Bible Notes has it that “With the blessing of God we need not fear to undertake any service, make any sacrifice, or endure any trial to which He may call us.” God who sees all things saw how apprehensive Jacob was and decided to allay his fears with the words in Gen. 46:3 and 4. Again, those that go where God sends them shall certainly have God with them. 

This was the case of Elijah when He went to Brook Cherith and had his need met by ravens (1 Kings 17:2–6). Though Jacob never returned to Canaan, but God promised that his descendants would return. That Jacob would die in Egypt with Joseph at his side was God’s promise to Jacob that he would never know the bitterness of being lonely again.

What is that dream or proposal God has laid in your heart as you start this year? Are you apprehensive and skeptical about it? God is saying that He will go into it and you will be prosperous. Just keep trusting and believing.

Food for Thought: When God goes with you in that your endeavour, what do you think will be the result?     

Prayer: God, go down with me into my business and work this year.

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSING: Devotion for Thursday October 29, 2015

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSINGS

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 – 7                     Memory verse: v 3

God gave a command to Elijah to turn eastward and hide in Brook Cherith because He has given a command that his immediate needs be met there (17:4). Elijah went as God instructed (17:5). He didn’t bring human wisdom into it. He didn’t ask God why must it be Brook Cherith or why not that rich man/woman’s house. He obeyed and word of God was fulfilled. It was necessary, after such a declaration to this wicked and idolatrous king, that he should immediately hide himself; as, Ahab would undoubtedly seek his life. Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Jezebel, who, he knew, would seek to destroy him.

Many a time, we cry of lack of providence; fasting, praying and binding all demons that we can mention, when our needs would have been met by simple obedience to God’s instruction. For your miracle to manifest for you, you must be at the place God wants you to be. Jesus told Peter to go and catch first fish in the river from where he could get money to pay tax (Matthew 17:27). What is money doing in the mouth of fish? However, that is God for us. He is sovereign and can use anything to bless us. Being where God wants you to be matters in accessing and receiving your miracles.

Food for Thought: “Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes” – Dietrich Bonheoffer.

Prayer: Lord God, make me faithful and obedient to your command so I will not miss out in the blessings you have purposed for me.

JUST AS GOD SAID

JUST AS GOD SAID            Wednesday June 24, 2015

Text: 1 King 17:8 – 16          Memory verse: v 16

God’s word that has been spoken doesn’t go back to him without fulfilling the purpose for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11) When God says something, nothing hinders it from coming to fruition because He is not man who cannot cause His word to manifest (Lamentation 3:37). Verse 16 confirms what God said through Elijah the prophet in 17:14.

When the widow of Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she was going to prepare her last meal. But a simple act of faith produced a miracle. She trusted Elijah and gave all she had to him. Faith is the step between promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. However, every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith. This is what God expects from us.

God’s word taken to heart by faith is the gateway to miracle. Most people don’t believe the word of God (the Bible) because the name used there is not theirs but Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Elizabeth, Samuel, etc. The proper way to get the real blessing from the word of God is by fixing your name where there is a name. Where it speaks good, you will learn and where it speaks evil you will receive warning. Whatever God has spoken about you, just believe and act in obedience. Is it about your salvation, marriage, studies, job, children, fruit of the womb, etc? It will surely come to pass.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 45:23.

Prayer: Lord God, as you speak to me through your word, grant me the heart to act on them so that all will come to fulfillment in Jesus name.