David’s Sincere Love for Saul: Devotion for Thursday July 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday July 16, 2020

Topic: David’s Sincere Love for Saul       

Text: 2 Samuel 1:17 – 27                 

When the news of Saul’s death came to David, he was still in exile in the land of the Philistines occasioned by Saul’s treat to kill him. Here in our text, he mourned the death of who we can see as his avowed enemy. He was touched by the way the anointed of God died.

There are many characters of David that are worthy of emulation. Some of them are in our text for the day. David was sincere about this. An evidence of his sincerity was the fact that he did not immediately take over from Saul. He consulted to gain the people’s approval. Some people would have amplified the news of Saul’s death among the people that harboured him but not David.

In 2 Samuel 1:20, he said, “Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” He urged the daughters to Israel weep over Saul (2 Samuel 1:24). This shows he had no grudges over Saul and his hatred for him.

What David did is a challenge for us today. How many Christians of present generation can demonstrate such love for one who has openly declared that he is your enemy? Some of us would have taken the opportunity to speak evil about Saul to gain favour from the Philistines and other Israelites. David is a type of Christ indeed. No wonder he is a man after God’s heart. Those of us who wish our enemies to die would have gone to Church for a thanksgiving that Saul their worst enemy is dead. If you have such mind, repent because of words of God in Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20.

Food for Thought: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” Luke 6:27, 28.

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 1:20

Prayer: I need your grace O Lord, to love my enemies. Help me to sincerely do this, I pray in Jesus name.

A Betraying Kiss – Wednesday in Holy Week

Devotion for Wednesday In Holy Week March 28, 2018

Topic: A Betraying Kiss – Wednesday in Holy Week

Text: Matthew 26:47 – 68

Naturally, kiss is an expression of love (affection) or greeting. One would easily think that the kiss Judas gave to Jesus was expression of affection or greeting judging from the definition of kiss but his was a different type of kiss – a betraying kiss. Such a traitorous kiss shows the level of deceit by Judas under the guise of friendship. That was pretence at the highest level where Judas called Jesus Rabbi while he had already betrayed Him. This is similar to what happened between Joab and Amasa in 2 Samuel 10:9, 10. 

Treachery is sin and has its punishment. Though Judas aided the fulfillment of the scripture by betraying his Master, he had his reward (Matthew 26:24) for making himself a tool in the hands of Satan. There are many ways we betray Jesus too. Judas did his with a kiss. Some of us do ours with lies, denial, negligence, abuse of Christian faith and many more of such shameful acts. Some of us betray Jesus due to pressures from peer group, friends, colleagues and needs. Betraying our Master is sin. 

As Christians, we must be careful in choosing our friends because it is easier for a friend to betray you than an enemy. Judas was a ready tool in the hands of the Chief Priest because he was an insider in the ministry of Jesus. It is my prayer that God will not allow you to have friends that will betray you in Jesus name. 

Sing A&M 94; Abu 171    

Action: Write down some of the ways people betray one another so as to guide you from becoming a victim.

Memory verse: Matthew 26:49

Prayer: Ask God to forgive you in any way you have betrayed Him.

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.

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.

Can Man Stop God’s Plan?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Easter Eve Saturday April 15, 2017

Topic: Can Man Stop God’s Plan?

Text: Matthew 27:62 – 66 

The answer to the question that formed our topic for the day is emphatically NO. It is not possible that a creature will thwart or overturn the plan of his or her Creator. God intended that Man should disperse and live all over the earth but they chose to build the Tower of Babel. He changed their language and out of frustration, they dispersed.

God’s plan of salvation for man includes the death and resurrection of Christ. After His burial, the Chief priest and the Pharisees came to Pilate to secure the tomb of Jesus Christ so that His disciples will not come and remove His body and claim He has resurrected. They were permitted to do so and “They went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.” Unfortunately, they were disappointed (Matthew 28:1 – 7).

Beloved, God is assuring you today that all His plans and purposes for your life will be fulfilled. His intension is to give you an expected end, though not necessarily the things of this world. So when the things of this world are not manifesting for you, it does not mean that God hates you. All He wants is to take you to a place of eternal bliss not a place of temporal bliss. Perhaps some people are thinking that they will sit upon God’s blessings in your marriage; your office, your children, your work, your business, your health, etc. God will disappoint them by lifting them off from those blessings. Then the blessings will begin to manifest for you in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: There is no amount of gang up and manipulations of the enemies that can frustrate God’s plan for us.

Memory verse: Matthew 27 verse 66

Prayer: Heavenly Father, frustrate every plan to block my salvation and blessing from manifesting in Jesus name. Amen.

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.

HE MOURNED AND WEPT: Devotion for Saturday July 2, 2016

HE MOURNED AND WEPT: Devotion for Saturday July 2, 2016 

  

Text: 2 Samuel 1:11 – 12              

Memory verse: v 12 -And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

In the token of anguish, David tore his clothes. This is a common practice in Israel (Gen. 37:29, 34; 43:13; Josh. 7:6; 2 Kings 19:1; Matt. 26:65; Acts 22:23). David was sincere in his mourning for Saul, Jonathan and the fallen heroes of Israel; and all with him humbled themselves under the hand of God too. David wept, mourned and fasted because of Saul, Jonathan and other Israelis that lost their lives. For a man of his calibre to weep openly does not mean he is weak. Such expression at times is needed for some reasons. It eases stress and burden of the heart, and it is used to pass message of love and empathy. Jesus did it at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:35

David act was a clear testimony of his righteousness. “A good man will not desire the death even of his bitterest enemy, though it would open the way to his own elevation, influence, and honour” according to Family Bible Notes. This was the case of David. The emotional expression showed by David clearly underscores his previous acts of saving Saul when he had the opportunity to have killed him as one who fears God. It takes the fear of God to live righteously in our present day society filled with bitterness, envy, anger and greed.

Are you heavily burdened? Are you mourning the death of loved ones? You should not restrict yourself from expressing your emotion even in the public. Jesus did it. One way to ease our burdened heart especially that of bereavement is by weeping. It is not a mark of weakness. It helps us to ease off and be revived. The act of David here should be a challenge for us. We should not gloat over the downfall of our enemies just as we read yesterday, rather we should show love for them and even when death or evil befalls them, we shouldn’t gloat over them.  

Food for Thought: A good man will not desire the death even of his bitterest enemy, though it would open the way to his own elevation, influence, and honour.

Prayer: God, give me heart of love for those who despise and hate me.