Action Generates Abundance

Devotion for Thursday March 22, 2018

Topic: Action Generates Abundance

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 17                           

God instructed Isaac to stay in the land of the Philistines instead of going down to Egypt as his father Abraham did (Genesis 26:2 – 4). Isaac obeyed and dwelt in Gerar (Genesis 26:6). God told him to stay and he took action to ensure that he walks in line with all the promises God made to him. He sowed and the reward was outstanding (Genesis 26:12). The description of the reward Isaac received is challenging (Genesis 26:13) – “The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.” It was the action taken by Isaac that God required to bless him. God indeed blessed him which made the Philistines to start envying him. You need to enter into an action God needs to bless you so that it will make your enemies to start envying you in Jesus name. Beloved, if you desire to live in abundance, you need to take a step and action that God requires to bless you. God gave Israelites manna in the wilderness but He did not throw it into their tents. They went out for the manna. You need to take action today. Don’t fold your hands and keep waiting for the promised blessing. Isaac didn’t start sleeping and praying for blessings rather he took action. Today some Christians are lazy. They prefer to stay at home believing and claiming all the promises of God without a corresponding action. The action you will take now will determine what you will become or the kind of abundance that will attend your way this year and beyond. 

Sing A&M 483

Food for Thought: “Great ideas means nothing without world-class willpower to get the big ideas done” – Robin Sharma.  

Memory verse: Genesis 22:12

Prayer: Lord, lead me into what I will do so that your promised blessing will begin to manifest in my life and family in Jesus name. 

To Their Hurt

Devotion for Sunday November 12, 2017

Topic: To Their Hurt

Text: Ecclesiastics 5:13

Money is good but not everything. There are some things money cannot buy; it cannot buy freedom from sin, peace, secure the future, stop death from coming to them, etc. Many rich people think that they will secure their future and that of their children with their wealth. Unfortunately, it is not so. Solomon sees riches as source of hurt to its owner. This may be the source of hurt to the owner because

1. He may make an improper use of them or lose his health by them

2. He may join in an unfortunate partnership and lose all

3. His riches may excite the desire of robbers and he may spoil him of his goods and even take away his life.

4. He may leave them to his son, who turns profligate, spends the whole and ruins both his body and soul.

For riches to hurt the owner is one vanity of wealth that after a life of toil and care in accumulating it, it will either be lost or become source of the owner’s death. The rich oppressor’s wealth provokes enemies and robbers. The antidote to this hurt is contentment.. Many people hurt themselves in pursuant of wealth at all cost. This is very unfortunate as it is even seen among Christians who have been admonished to set their minds on the things that are above and not below (Colossians 3:1 – 2). When we understand this, it will help our orientation and perception about wealth. Think about this and take a good stand now before you will hurt yourself so badly.

Food for Thought: Wealth, heaped up out of covetousness will always result clashes of interest among heirs.

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 5:13

Prayer: God help me to reorder my priorities in life so that I will not pursue wealth at the detriment of my salvation and hurt in Jesus name. Amen.

God Frustrates The Devices Of The Crafty

Topic: God Frustrates The Devices Of The Crafty

Text: Job 5:6 – 16

Crafty means using or involving cunning or trickery to deceive other people. What our topic for the day connotes is that no matter how much art and subtlety wicked men may lay their plots and ill designs, God does disappoints and baffles them, making them vain and of no effect. He exposes their designs in various ways and shows that He is the friend of the sincere and the honest; showing that He is worthy confidant of the His people. The hands of the enemy around your life will not carry out their plans because God will show up with His finger on your behalf (Exodus 8:19).

Eliphaz, Job’s friend had seen instances where the plans of the crafty, designing and artful people had been defeated, and where the straightforward had prospered and honoured. Thus he asserts it here in our text. Such cases led him to believe that God is the friend of virtuous and worthy to confide in. God works for the good of those who trust and obey Him and counter working the plots of the wicked.

You may have been asking when God will frustrate the plans of the enemies against your life. God is not asleep. He waits for His appointed time to act. The devices of the wicked men shall luckily meet with disappointment, just at the very time when they are ripe and ready for execution. It is not appropriate to ask God how He will frustrate the enemies; He knows best when to do it. Rather, we should trust Him to do it at His own time. It is my prayer that God will frustrate the plans of your enemies in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 8:10

Memory verse: Job 5:12

Prayer: Lord, frustrate every plan of the enemies against my life, my family and your church, in Jesus name.

Enemies Of The Cross

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday July 15, 2017

Topic: Enemies Of The Cross

Text: Philippians 3:17 – 19

In our bible reading for the day, Paul speaks of nominal Christians who used their liberty as a clock for licentiousness. They are enemies of the Cross according to Paul. Their evil lives bring shame upon the religion of the Cross. Paul criticized self-indulgent Christians, people who claimed to be Christians but couldn’t live up to Christ’s model of servanthood and self-sacrifice.

These enemies were professed believers who were corrupting the gospel by their immoral lives and false teachings (Galatians 1:7, 6:12 and Philippians 1:15 – 16). They were not opened and avowed enemies of the Cross nor did they deny that Jesus Christ didn’t die on the Cross to make atonement for our sins rather; they were living in a manner inimical to pure gospel. An immoral life is an enemy of the Cross of Christ who died to make us holy.

Someone becomes an enemy of the Cross when there is no evidence that the heart is renewed. Similar people are found in the churches today. Some are even in the altars. How are you living your life as a Christian? Are you among those that commit all forms of sins because they are no longer under the law (Romans 6:14 and 15)? Are you in the church keeping malice, committing fornication, practicing masturbation, you are still involved in corrupt practices, etc? You are an enemy of the Cross Repent before it would be too late

Food for Thought: Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean freedom to be selfish but taking every opportunity to serve and to become the best person you can be.

Memory verse: Philippians 3 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, help me to avoid any sin that will make me an enemy of the Cross.

Enemies of God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday July 9, 2017

Topic: Enemies of God

Text: Romans 8:1 – 9

Anyone who is not in good terms with God practically cannot enjoy the rights and privileges a son gets from the father. Enmity against God (Romans 8:7) means that the person is opposed to God’s law and demands. One of the consequences of being in enmity with God is eternal condemnation.

What makes one an enemy of God? It is when your mind has not been renewed and it relishes earthly and sinful things (Romans 8:5a). Such person lives in opposition to the laws of God and can’t please God (Romans 8:8). This is so because they do not have the mind of Christ in them as Paul suggested in Philippians 2:5. Jesus said “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

What is the condition of your mind? With what do you fill your mind? Our minds are essentially important and must be guided (Proverbs 4:23). Guide what comes in and what goes out of it. If you allow the word of God to fill your heart and mind, you will not be an enemy of God but if you fill your heart and mind with earthly things you will become an enemy of God. Striving with God will not be in our best interest if we make ourselves enemies of God. When you make yourself an enemy of God, be absolutely sure He will crush you.

Food for Thought: James 4:4

Memory verse: Romans 8:7

Prayer: Lord God, remove from me every form of carnality that makes me your enemy in Jesus name.

Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday July 7, 2017

Topic: Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 54

Satan and his agents know how to harass the children of God. They intimidate Christians with laws against their faith as in the time of Daniel and his 3 Hebrews friends. Goliath’s harassing and intimidation of the Israelites for 40 days was embarrassing. Unfortunately, for the 40 days, no Israelite stood up to his challenge until a minor who had not even qualified and enlisted into the Israel’s army came into the scene and stopped the harassment from Goliath.

Goliath’s taunting revealed the level of faithlessness in the people of Israel. One man blocked the entire army of Almighty God, an army that had seen entire nation run before it in fear. The Israelites viewed the situation only in human terms, much like their forefathers had viewed with fear and faithlessness the giants in the land (Numbers 13:26 – 14:20).

Goliath was 9 feet, 9 inches tall and wore a coat of armour weighing 125 pounds; his bronze javelin weighed 17 pounds (1 Samuel 17:4 – 5). David’s confession in 1 Samuel 17:45 – 47 reveals a teen who knew God and what He can do. He knew that outward physical appearance were nothing when compared with the power of the unseen God. Thus he was determined to stop the harassment of the enemy. He stepped out and God honoured him.

This is how Satan and his agents harass us in our neighbourhood, offices, schools, etc., with laws against our faith. How do we treat such? Do we go into our shells or speak out for God? Or do we take a stand for God as the Hebrew boys did in the book of Daniel. Our God has ways of putting Satan and his agents to shame. Let’s not belittle Him when the enemies come, embarrassing us and defying His name

Food for Thought: Stopping the harassment of the enemies is best done in the spirit (2 Corinthians 10:14)

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 verse 12

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God never to close my eyes and mouth to the embarrassment of the enemies of the cross in Jesus name.

God Controls Nature

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 30, 2017

Topic: God Controls Nature

Text: 2 King 7:5 – 8

There is nothing God created that He cannot use to glorify His name and fight His enemies. He can use wind, water, animals and many more. We have all over the Bible how God used nature to glorify Himself.

In our scriptural reading, God used noise to scare the enemies of Israel away because He was touched by the suffering of His people. The noise, the Syrian army heard threw them into panic and confusion; they imagined they were about to be attacked by powerful auxiliaries, which the King of Israel had hired against them. It was a great miracle which God wrought directly to deliver His people. The Syrian left their belongings including foods, and ran for their lives (2 Kings 7:7).

Geneva Bible Notes affirms that “God needs no great preparation to destroy the wicked. Though they are many He can scatter them with a small noise, or shaking of a leaf.” God is the one that fights for us (Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:30; 20:4). Have the enemies laid siege against you and you are now in distress? Are enemies threatening your life in your office or neighbourhood? God is the one who can use anything to defend, protect and save His people. Call upon Him. Remember He controls the hornet. Just keep trusting Him because He can use any of His creatures for our own good.

Food for Thought: There is nothing impossible with our God.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 7 verse 6 

Prayer: Fight for me, O Lord, against all the plans of the enemies against my life and my family.

Courage Leads To Miracle

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday May 29, 2017

Topic: Courage Leads To Miracle

Text: 2 Kings 7:3 – 4

Many people have failed because they were unwillingness to make attempt on their dreams. Many, out of fear and doubt have missed opportunities to advance in life and make good progress. A good example in the Bible was Saul who couldn’t dare confront Goliath. David a youth did and God honoured his faith. Saul failed because he didn’t attempt. God would have empowered him to face Goliath.

These four lepers had no other option as far as their survival in that period of famine was concerned. Death was staring them at the face because of the famine. If they stay put to the place they were, death will come. If they go into the enemies’ camp, death may come but there is also opportunity of getting food to eat. So they decided to venture into the enemies’ camp. They did not just think about it, they took action (2 Kings 7:5). To the surprise of the lepers there was no enemy in the camp (2 Kings 7:6). They’ve all fled because God had caused them to flee after hearing a mysterious sound of what seems like the coming of a mighty troop against them. God will cause your enemies to give way before you appear in Jesus name.

Are you afraid to make an attempt concerning that business, examination, project, proposal to that lady about marriage, appeal for help and assistance, etc? Ask God to remove fear from you and grant you the spirit of boldness. The lepers had enough to eat and were not selfish (2 Kings 7:9 – 11). Are you selfish with what God has blessed you with? Repent and learn to share what you have with others. It is my prayer and desire that this year, as you bravely act upon the word of God because doors will certainly open for you. Favour will always meet with you. Know that the greatest obstacles to your receiving are fear and doubt. Just believe God you can make it this year in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: You have 50 – 50 chance of getting what you want from God and people by asking than not attempting at all.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 7 verse 4b

Prayer: God, grant me the spirit of courage to dare and venture in my endeavours in Jesus name.

It Is Not Optional

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 25, 2017

Topic: It Is Not Optional 

Text: Romans 12:20 – 21

Four days before I wrote this, we discussed a similar passage (Luke 6:27 – 28) in Men’s Fellowship of our church. Some said it is not possible while others believe it is a difficult and hard task for us. When I rose up to contribute to the discussion, I told them that though it is a difficult and hard teaching, its compliance is not negotiable.

By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing his misdeeds or not condemning the action. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins, just as Christ did for us. The implication of Romans 12:20 is that we should treat those who offend us kindly, well, and when they are in need, we should supply their wants.

This instruction seems very impossible thing to do because of our human nature but we should understand that if we can’t subject our human nature to obey us, then we are not worthy to be called Christians. Until we grow to the level of forgiving our ‘enemies’ we cannot claim that we are truly worthy to be called Christians (see Matthew 5:43 – 48). Matthew 5:44, 45 say, "But I say to you, love your enemies ... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ...” From these two verses, it is obvious that if we can’t forgive our enemies, we shouldn’t lay claims to the fact that we are children of God. This is very important teaching we should take to heart in a time like this when the teaching in vogue is let my enemies fall and die. We should learn to live like our Father in heaven who forgives us freely.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:43 – 48

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 20 – “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head” (NKJV).

Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to forgive and love my enemies in Jesus name.

WHEN YOUR WAY PLEASES GOD

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2016

WHEN YOUR WAY PLEASES GOD            

Text: Proverbs 16:7                          

Have you ever wondered why people look up themselves on the mirror after dressing and want to go out? It is because we want people to like us and we can do anything possible to please them in order to win their approval. We wear make-up, perfume, good clothes and shoes, etc just to appeal to people. That is the extent we can go to get the approval of man. Unfortunately, the energy we channel towards trying to please men is not channeled towards pleasing God.

God requires us to channel all our energy and the resources at our disposal into pleasing Him for it is the only way to guarantee our peace with people including our enemies. How can we please the Lord? List some ways you can please the Lord in your study note for future references. Adam Clarke said something interesting about this our text. He asserts that “God is the guardian and defence of all that fear and love Him; and it is truly astonishing to see how wondrously God works in their behalf, raising them up friends, and turning their enemies into friends.” Isn’t this very interesting that God works in our favour and turning our enemies into our friends? This should make us to please Him the more with our lives, our time and our resources.  

Does it costs anything to please God and do you think you will lose in doing so?  Absolutely nothing and no loss! Rather, it comes with unspeakable blessings, which are uncommon. In 1 John 3:22, we have a reward for pleasing God. Again, Jesus Christ, our example said something challenging in John 8:29. Find out what He said in that bible passage. When any of our children do what is pleasing to us we can do anything for them. So it is with God. Remember the case of Herod who granted the desire of the daughter for dancing by beheading John the Baptist. If Herod can go to that level to please fellow human being, how much more God; who have heaven and earth at his disposal? Determine to please God from today and He will command love to flow from your enemies.

Food for Thought: Does it actually cost anything to please God? Think about it.

Memory verse: Proverbs 16 verse 7

Prayer: God, grant me the heart of obedience to your word so I can please you always in Jesus name.

BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS 2: Devotion for Monday October 10, 2016

BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS 2: Devotion for Monday October 10, 2016

Text: Psalm 112:6 – 10    Memory verse: Psalm 112 verse 6

A man of faith who loves God is fearless and he overcomes (1 John 5:4 & 5) just as we read yesterday. David was fearless when he confronted Goliath and he overcame a well known warrior and champion. If you are afraid, you cannot triumph. Anyone who is afraid will always fail as Saul and other Israelis soldiers failed to have their names written in gold. Anyone who is fearful will easily be shaken. Such person is never stable in his thoughts, faith and actions. Do you want to be victorious and triumph in that spiritual or physical battle you are currently going through? Then fear God and not the devil or man. Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 561 is a great source of insight on how you can be courageous and fearless in your Christian race.

Another blessedness of the righteous is that the person is not shaken. Sometimes, Satan and his agents will try by all means to move the person, but because his foundation in the Lord is firm, he shall never be moved, at least not moved for ever; if he is shaken for a time, yet he settles again quickly. He regains himself like the story I told in yesterday’s devotion.   

Beloved, are you easily shaken by threats of the enemies, lack of basic necessities of life, fear of the unknown, etc? You should always have the words of Christ in mind. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled … (Jn. 14:1). Of a truth, many times I do shake over things that God had done for me previously. However, when I remember what God did previously for me, I will regain myself. That shows the vulnerability of man. Things can move us but when we hide the word of God in our hearts, we can dig them out and strengthen ourselves.

A righteous man will have a good reputation, and that gives him satisfaction. He strives for a good name; a name for good things, with God and man. These will make people to remember him forever (112:6b). His heart is established because he fears the Lord and he is never afraid. What can be said about you? Is your heart established in the Lord? Are you easily shaken by problems? Then trust the Lord for in Him, you will be established and not be shaken.

Food for Thought: An established heart in the Lord can never be shaken.

Prayer: God, establish my heart in you so that problems of life will not shake me.

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:26 – 33                  Memory verse: Genesis 26:28 

Today’s bible passage confirms Proverbs 16:7 which says, “When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This was the case of Isaac in our bible reading of today. We have seen this happen in so many places. David who killed Philistine giant and champion Goliath was offered asylum by Achish one of the Philistines kings who would have seen the coming of David as an opportunity to avenge the death of their champion but it was not so as he openly and warmly welcomed David and his men. He didn’t stop at that, he also gave him the power to choice the place he will stay and David opted for Ziklag to go out of his daily sight.

The bible asserts that the kings' hearts are in the hands of God, which, when it pleases Him, turns their hearts to grant favour to His people. A good man will always be peaceful. That was the case of Isaac. He never insisted on avenging the unfair treatment he received from the Philistines. Rather, he chose to forgive them and to enter into a new relationship and friendship with them.

Our Christian faith teaches and expects us to be good and friendly neighbours with people in our neighbourhood. It always expects us to live peaceably with all men as we have in Hebrew 12:14. For what Isaac did in making forgiving and making peace, providence smiled upon him and God blessed his labours. This persuaded the people of Gerar to come to Isaac.

With Isaac’s enemies wanting to make a peace treaty, Isaac was quick to respond, turning the occasion into a celebration. We should be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with us. When God’s influence in our lives attracts people; even enemies, we must take the opportunity to reach out to them with God’s love. Insisting on wrongs done to us can never bring God’s blessing upon us. Those that God has blessed and favoured have enough reason to forgive those that hate them, since they cannot do them any real harm. Are you willing to forgive those who offended you?

Food for Thought: “Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one, makes you even with him; forgiving it sets you above him” -Nylic Review.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend and hurt me in Jesus name.

WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T HELP: Devotion for TuesdayMay

WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T HELP: Devotion for Tuesday May 3, 2016     

Text: Acts 9:10 – 18      Memory verse: v 13

There are so many people who are suffering today just because their appointed helpers have refused to help. They will always have one reason or another why they won’t help people who come to them for help or they come across. One of the reasons people don’t help is poor understanding of how their wealth came about (see yesterday’s devotion). They will question; where were you when I was making my money? This is sheer arrogance. Another reason is in 9:13 – our past or history. Some will recount what happened in the days of your forefathers and because of that they will not help anyone from your family.

Ananias initially refused to help Saul because of his past. He told God what he knew or heard about Saul. However, God insisted that he was the one chosen for the task. It was that insistence from God that made Ananias to help Saul. My prayer is that God in His mercies will insist that your helpers will come your way in Jesus name. The excuse of Ananias is contrary to the bible teaching concerning our relationship with our enemies – Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you (Matt 5:44; Lk. 6:27, 35; Rom. 12:14, 20; 1 Pet. 2:23; 3:9). As Christians, we should not fail to help people by recounting what happened in the past or any reason at all. We should behave like our Father in heaven as we have in Matt. 5:45.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you do good to someone who actually needs help without counting the cost.

Prayer: God, help me to love my enemies and to do good to them because it is the best way to sow your love in their hearts.              

RIGHT APPROACH TO PROBLEMS: Devotion for Sunday April 24. 2016

RIGHT APPROACH TO PROBLEMS: Devotion for Sunday April 24. 2016

Text: 2 Kings 19:1 – 7                    Memory verse: v 1

Hezekiah had deep concern at the dishonour done to God by Rabshakeh's blasphemy, pride and arrogance. Instead of sending words back in retaliation or to fight for God, he chose to report to the person who was ridiculed and blasphemed. This is the best way to deal with the ignorance of unbelievers. Returning words for words is childish and uncivilized manner in dealing with unbelief and blasphemy of the enemies of the gospel. God is our unfailing resource in all situations. In times of trouble we should always go to Him, and certainly we will find Him to be a very present and All-sufficient helper.

When people ridicule your faith or the God you serve, how do you take it? The Muslims will take up arms to fight for their god but that should not be the way Christians should act. Our God is alive. He can fight for Himself. He doesn’t need us in all situations to start defending ourselves. When the battle line was drawn between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, Elijah only prayed and God intervened. Are people attacking or ridiculing you because of your faith? Are you being persecuted for your faith in your neighbourhood or your office? Always resort to telling your God. God will fight for you. Let the example of Jesus be our guide (1 Pet 2:21 – 23).

Food for Thought: Be silent and safe because silence never betrays you.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to handle people who ridicule my faith.

WHERE LIES YOUR CONFIDENCE? Devotion for Sunday November 29, 2015

WHERE LIES YOUR CONFIDENCE?   Sunday November 29, 2015

Text: Isaiah 36:1 – 10              Memory verse: v 5

Hezekiah refused to serve the King of Assyria which made him to occupy the fortified cities of Judah. He sent Rabshakeh to meet with Hezekiah but Hezekiah sent his men to negotiation table. Rabshakeh tried to convince the Jews that it was to no purpose for them to refuse to serve the King of Assyria. He asked the Jews the kind of confidence they have. His speech showed a great deal of art but a great deal of pride, malice, falsehood, and blasphemy. Hezekiah's nobles held their peace. There is a time to keep silence, as well as a time to speak.

The Jews were calm because they know whom they trust. They were not perturbed by the threat and blasphemies because their God can defend Himself. When enemies throw their challenges, what do you do? Do you start fidgeting or you keep calm knowing whom you trust? Who do you confide in, in time of trouble? Hezekiah and his men trusted God and He fought for them.

Food for Thought: Enemies threat doesn’t move one who confides in God.

Prayer: God, may I confide in you so that I will not be moved by the threats of the enemies.