Don’t give up your Faith: Devotion for Thursday January 23, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday January 23, 2020

Topic: Don’t give up your Faith                  

Text: Acts 11:19 – 24

The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch were people dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church later worked for its good. Initially, they concentrated on the Jews only (Acts 11:19) but some other preachers from Cyrene and Cyprus (in present North Africa) came also and preached to Gentiles in Antioch. Divine power attended their preaching and many believed the truth of the gospel (Acts 11:21). The Church at Jerusalem on hearing that the gospel had reached Antioch sent Barnabas to them.

Barnabas was a great link between the Jewish believers and Gentile believers. He was a wise choice to go to Antioch for a number of reasons. From Cyprus, he would have had a natural national connection with the evangelists who had started the movement in Antioch. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. His name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and he lived up to it as he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas came and confirmed what was earlier preached. He didn't try to show off as a ‘senior believer.’  

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Christians should partner one another in the gospel because we are all meant to work for Christ who owns the Church. Barnabas urged them that they should be firm and resolute in their new found faith despite trials and temptation that may come their way. Are you source of encouragement to people around you as Barnabas was?

Food for Thought: Barnabas lived up to his name. Are you living up to your name as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 11:23

Prayer: May I live up to my name as a Christian O Lord and source of encouragement to people around me in Jesus name.    

   

They Believed God’s Word: Devotion for Monday August 26, 2019

Devotion for Monday August 26, 2019

Topic: They Believed God’s Word

Text: Exodus 4:31

Today’s text is contradictory to what we have in Exodus 6:6 – 9 as the Israelites did not heed to Moses. Here, they believed but when what they had expected didn’t come – the immediate release from bondage of Pharaoh and his men, they didn’t believe any longer. They had thought that their deliverance would have been so easy but it was not so. This is one of the many problems of men who come to Jesus Christ because they need a miracle; good job, spouse, healing, deliverance; fruit of the womb, prosperous business and breakthrough in all endeavours. When they come and didn’t receive what they had desired from God, they will easily give up.

The people of Israel believed the word of God through Moses and Aaron that God has appeared for them in mercy and was about to deliver them from bondage. God is better to us than our fears. We overcome difficulties in some of our duties when God appears for us. The yoke which appears to frustrate us will be easy and the burden which seems so heavy will be made light (Matthew 11:29 – 30).

The word of God is a source of encouragement. There is nothing that gives joy more than the word of God we hear. As we hear it, it brings comfort, gives directions, removes fear and grants us boldness (Joshua 1:8; Palm 1:1 – 3).

How do you take God’s word you hear? Do you believe it? It is the word of God we hear that will bring miracles and open doors for us. Constant meditation on the word of God will strengthen our faith to believe in God. Please make time to read and meditate on the word of God for that will give you the needed result in life.

Food for Thought: They believed because they saw. Is it same with you?

Memory verse: Exodus 4:31

Prayer: Lord God, help me to always meditate on your word so I can believe in Jesus name. 

Continue With The Lord

Devotion for Tuesday February 27, 2018

Topic: Continue With The Lord                         

Text: Acts 11:19 – 24

The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch were people dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church was made to work for its good. Initially, they concentrated their preaching on the Jews only (Acts 11:19) but some other preachers from Cyrene and Cyprus (in present day North Africa) came also and preached to Gentiles in Antioch. Divine power attended their preaching and many believed the gospel (Acts 11:21). 

The Church at Jerusalem heard that the gospel had reached Antioch and they sent Barnabas to them. He was a great link between the Jewish believers and Gentile believers. He was a wise choice to go to Antioch for a number of reasons. As he was from Cyprus, he would have had a natural connection with the evangelists who had started the movement in Antioch. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. His name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and he lived up to it as he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord and continue with Him. He came and confirmed what was earlier preached. He didn't try to show off as a ‘senior believer/evangelist.’ 

Christians should partner one another in the gospel because we all are meant to work for Christ who owns the Church. Barnabas urged them that they should be firm and resolute in their new found faith despite trials and temptation that may come their way. Are you source of encouragement to people around you as Barnabas was? 

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Food for Thought: Barnabas lived up to his name by being a source of encouragement. Are you living up to your name as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 11:23

Prayer: May I live up to my name as a Christian O Lord and a source of encouragement to people around me in Jesus name. Amen

He Comforts The Downcast

Devotion for Thursday November 30, 2017

Topic: He Comforts The Downcast

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:5 – 11

Paul was beset by fear and concern for Titus and the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 2:13). But God had encouraged him at the right time with the arrival of Titus. Being reunited with a fellow labourer in Christ brought him joy. But more than that, the news Titus brought from Corinth was enough cause for joy too. God gives us consolation when we are anxious and depressed. The consolations Paul enjoyed were from God, no matter the instrument used. Paul acknowledged God who was the author of the consolation he received. Titus brought him a most satisfactory report of the success of his epistle, and the good state of the Corinthian Church; a boost for his missionary work.

Many a time, we are often discouraged. We look for consolation and comfort as we labour for God and none seem to come. People we work amongst them even frustrate us. The devil and his agents are also on one side fighting against the work we do and we seem very discouraged. At other times, it seems too that God has withdrawn his grace from us. However, in whatever situation we find ourselves, God has ways of comforting us. When Gideon was so discouraged and frustrated, an angel of God brought comfort and encouragement. Are you down and discouraged? God will definitely bring comfort and consolation for you. He will cause your fears to go and your tears to dry in Jesus name. Amen

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 1:5

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 7:6

Prayer: Comfort me O God, in all areas I am discouraged and in need in Jesus name Amen.

It Shall Be Well With You

Devotion for Thursday August 17, 2017

Topic: It Shall Be Well With You 

Text: Isaiah 3:1 - 11

At times there is the need for re-assurance from God in the course of our heavenly race. Most people used by God in the scriptures at one time or the other cried out to God for re-assurance. When Jesus Christ was in agony and pain on the Cross of Calvary, He cried out (Mathew 25:46). David also did it as we can see in Psalm 22:1. Paul did as we have in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Have you asked God for re-assurance once? Share your experience if you are studying as a group.

This encouragement to the righteous was aimed at making them to trust Him, and for sinners to repent and return to Him. This is so because it was time for the Lord to show His might (Isaiah 3:1 – 9). It is an assurance to the godly that God will defend them in the midst of these troubles. “It shall be well with the righteous,” is in all ramifications of life; prosperity, adversity, sickness, health, death, judgement, and through eternity. In every case, occurrence and circumstances, the righteous shall eat of the fruit of his labours.

Beloved in Christ, I bring you re-assurance again that despite the problems of sickness, delayed conception, getting a spouse; a job, admission, any many other human needs we might be facing at this moment, God is saying today that your righteous life is not in vain (Hebrews 6:10). There is a reward for you and you will certainly eat the fruits of your labours and righteousness. Read Psalm 1:1 – 3

Food for Thought: Ecclesiastics 8:12

Memory verse: Isaiah 3:10

Prayer: Lord God, as I follow your ways in righteousness, grant that it shall be well with me in all I do in Jesus name.

An Encouragement For Us

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 3, 2017 

Topic: An Encouragement For Us

Text: John 16:33

Jesus summarizes His teaching with an encouragement to His disciples by saying that they will enjoy peace through their union with Him because He would overcome the world by rising from the dead. The world and Satan are opposed to God and will definitely give Christians many trials and sorrows. But Jesus has defeated Satan, won the victory, and overcome the world. Jesus asserts that in the world His disciples will have problem but He also gave a remedy to the world’s problem which He says is peace in Him; the serenity of mind, a quiet and calm spirit within. This is the proffered solution to the troubles of the world. Jesus tied together themes from 14:27-29, 16:1-4, and 16:9-11.

With the words in John 16:33, He told His disciples to take courage because despite the inevitable resistance they would face, He would be with them. As the Father did not leave Him alone, so He will not abandon us to our struggles either. Christ's blood has purchased peace for us.

Many of us are currently facing diverse challenges which include sickness, imprisonment, marital problems, hunger, challenges from people of different faiths, etc. This was predicted long before now. All we can do is to have the assurance Jesus gave us in our text behind our minds. He will not forsake you. Allow the inner peace which comes from knowing that He is always there for us, fill your heart. That was what sustained me while I battled for life. God will do it for you too.

Food for Thought: I John 5:4

Memory verse: John 16 verse 33b

Prayer: Lord God, let your words of encouragement cheer me up in time of difficulties of life.

The Son of Encouragement

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 16, 2017

Topic: The Son of Encouragement

Text: Acts 4:32 – 37

Barnabas means son of consolation (encouragement). He was a Levite (Acts 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Luke speaks of him as a "good man" (Acts 11:24). He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land (Acts 4:36, 37), which he sold and gave for the service of God.

He personally took Paul and introduced him to other apostles when he returned to Jerusalem after his conversion (9:27). He was a great link between the Jews and Gentiles. He was Paul’s companion in his first missionary journey. He personally invited Paul to work with him in Antioch. Luke mentioned the name of Barnabas as one of those who sold their lands and brought the money.

New King James Version has it that it was the apostles that gave him that name Barnabas as his name was Joses. Probably they gave him that name because of his contributions to the early church. Some of us are more blessed than Barnabas but we have not deemed it necessary to support the work of the church.

If your priest is to describe you by your activities in the church, will he say you are son of encouragement like Barnabas or you are greedy like Judas Iscariot? What is your testimony in your local church? Barnabas didn’t give money alone; he went on missionary work also. Do you think you are too big for evangelism? Let the life of Barnabas be a challenge to you. Give yourself a name that people will not forget in your church

Food for Thought: The character of Barnabas’ ministry gave him the name. What is the character of your ministry?

Memory verses: Acts 4 verses 36 and 37 - Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Prayer: God, may I live up to the name, Christian that I bear in Jesus name. Amen.

GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR PLIGHT: Devotion for Friday September 9, 2016

GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR PLIGHT: Devotion for Friday September 9, 2016

Text: Genesis 26: 24, 25               Memory verse: Genesis 26:24

Most times all we need to overcome the problems of life we pass through is just someone to encourage us; someone to hold our hands or someone we can lay our heads on. Sometimes we don’t even need the money or physical help. Once we have a heart to understand us, we will be okay.

If you are in good relationship with God and usually spend time with Him, you will definitely know that He understands our plight and our need for special encouragement. Occasionally, when we are confronted with series of problems in life, we develop emotion depression and then we will need a heart to lean on. This was the case of Isaac as he needed especial encouragement because of the insult, envy, jealousy and outrage he received from the Philistines.

With the persistent attack and threat, he had to return to the place where Abraham his father died. Such remembrance of the death of his father and the persecution he suffered in the hands of the Philistines afflicted his soul. God who made him and called him into the covenant He made with his father, Abraham, understood his plight and immediately appears to comfort and support him in his trials, by a renewal of all the promises made to him and his father. After God had spoken to him, he built an altar there. God’s words brought reassurance to Isaac that He was there with him. That might have been the reason why he started building the altar for God.

There are times when we are challenged and wronged, and we feel as if God is far from us or has forgotten us. One might ask why God didn’t intervene when Isaac was being wronged by the Philistines. Why did He now appear after he has suffered loses? The reason is that the land of Philistine was not the place God promised Isaac. Again, the famine that made him to run to the land of Philistine was over. God expected him to have returned. God knows when to appear for our good. Are you going through hard times, sickness, in prison, being oppressed, etc? God understands your situation and will appear for your deliverance soon. Don’t give up.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Lord, you know all my ordeals, send your words of encouragement to pacify and reassure me of your love in Jesus name.