The Evil of Aiding and Abetting: Devotion for Friday May 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 15, 2020

Topic: The Evil of Aiding and Abetting       

Text: Genesis 27:18 – 29

Rebecca knew that the blessing God wanted to give through Isaac was intended for Jacob, and expected he would have it. But she acted wrongly against Isaac by putting a cheat on him; she also wronged Jacob by leading him into wickedness of defrauding his brother. By her action she placed a stumbling-block in Esau's way, and gave him a cause to hate Jacob. The long term consequence of that action is the strife of Islam against Christianity.

The aiding and abetting of Rebecca is one of those crooked measures often adopted to further the Divine promises; as if the end would justify, or excuse wrong means. Thus many have acted wrong, under the idea of being useful in promoting the cause of Christ. No one can be wiser than God.

If Rebecca had not lead Jacob to supplant his brother, wouldn’t God have fulfilled his promises concerning Jacob? This is one area Christians make mistake too often. We try in so many ways to aid and abet ourselves and others in accessing favour from God and men. There is no how we can help God to be God. In all His wisdom, He is able to bring His decrees to fruition without our aid.

By aiding and abetting, most of us have encouraged or involved in all manner of crimes. If you have ever aided and abetted or you are planning one now, repent before the anger of God will descend on you. It is a sin to aid and abet in order to access God’s promise.

Food for Thought: Are there ways you aid and abet yourself or someone else to do evil or gain favour?

Memory verse: Genesis 27:7

Prayer: Forgive me O Lord in any way I have helped someone in aiding and abetting, and help me not to indulge in it any longer.

In A Moment Of Weakness: Devotion for Wednesday May 13, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday May 13, 2020

Topic: In A Moment Of Weakness             

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34   

A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Genesis 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless.

In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it. Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, Esau could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in Genesis 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt.

Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent.

People often experience similar pressures and decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. A person might feel such great pressure in one area that nothing else seems to matter and the person loses his or her perspective.

What pressures are you currently facing? Is it taking or giving bribe? No matter the kind of pressure, you can avoid making Esau’s mistake and selling your Christian birthright by comparing that action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Going through that short, pressure – filled moment is the most difficult part of overcoming a temptation.

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Memory verse: Genesis 25:32

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian right for any material gain in Jesus name.

Boomerang or Fate? Devotion for Friday April 17, 2020

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Devotion for Friday April 17, 2020

Text: Boomerang or Fate?                               

Text: Genesis 27:30 – 40

The story of Esau and Jacob is a very pathetic one. It has so many lessons to teach us on how someone who makes light the salvation of God will cry before the judgment seat of God on Judgement Day.

When Isaac told Esau that Jacob had taken the blessing, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry. This was the consequence of making light his birthright. He paid dearly with a cry but the cry could not retrieve the lost blessings and birthright.

According to Matthew Henry, “The day is coming, when those that now make light of the blessings of the covenant, and sell their title to spiritual blessings for that which is of no value, will, in vain, ask urgently for them.” Do make light the covenant God made with you by choosing the pleasures of sin rather than suffering affliction for the sake of heaven (see Hebrews 11:25)?

What happened to Esau was both boomerang and fate. Though God favoured Jacob instead of Esau, he (Esau) also contributed to his problem. Some people who are under condemnation of sin rather than repent, have resolved to remain in their sin. One day it will boomerang on you.

Some people have been indulging in “little sin’ – malice, greed, hatred, manifesting pride because they are now born again. Note that one day, all these little foxes will boomerang and you will cry had I known like the rich man (Luke 16:19ff). What seems to be your fate today can change tomorrow by the way you choose to live. The choice is yours.

Action: Write down some things you can do now to avoid crying like Esau on the last day.

Memory verse: Genesis 25:36

Prayer: Lord, may I not contribute to my rejection in heaven on the last day in Jesus name.

In A Moment Of Weakness

Devotion for Monday January 22, 2018

Topic: In A Moment Of Weakness

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34  

If you have ever given away a valuable possession and later regretted it, you will probably recall that you made that decision of giving out that valuable possession under pressure or in a moment of weakness. At that time, resistance seemed impossible. A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Genesis 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless. 

In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it. Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, Esau could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in Genesis 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt. Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent. 

People often experience similar pressures and face similar decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. What pressures do you face at the moment? You can avoid making Esau’s mistake by comparing an action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Getting through that short, pressure–filled moment is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming a temptation. May God help us in such times in Jesus name, Amen! Sing A&M 184

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Memory verse: Genesis 25:32

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian right for any material gain in Jesus name. Amen

Time Heals Wound

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday June 11, 2017

Topic: Time Heals Wound

Text: Genesis 33:4 - But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

Sin is not good, whether it is supplanting, lie, cheating, stealing with gun or pen, killing, bribery, etc. Apart from eternal consequence of going to hell fire, it makes one uneasy and to run when no one pursues. The person loses peace and for every little thing, his heart condemns him.

With the aid of his mother, Jacob cheated his brother Esau and ran away (Genesis 27: 6 -29). The result of this action of Jacob is in Genesis 27:41 because he falsely took away his brother’s blessings. Hatred and murder are intimately connected. If you indulge in one, it leads to the other. Actually Esau’s aim was to prevent Jacob or his seed from having the dominion, by taking away his life. It is very possible for men to fret at God's counsels, but they can never change them.

In order to prevent mischief or killing of Jacob, Rebecca warned him of the impending danger. She counselled Jacob to flee for his safety and life (Genesis 27:42). “Time heals wound” is a popular saying. When Jacob was returning, his sin started hunting him which made him devise means to appease Esau. However, Esau had overcome his bitterness and welcomed Jacob with open arms.

We must overcome bitterness. Paul admonished us to be at peace with all people (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Indeed, you might have been offended, abused, mocked and ridiculed without cause. As children of God, we have it as a duty to avoid bitterness which leads to other sins. Be the light – Romans 14:19 and Hebrews 12: 14.

Food for Thought: Mark 9:50

Memory verse: Genesis 33 verse 4 - But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

Prayer: God, uproot every form of bitterness, hatred and unforgiving spirit in my heart.

The Profane

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday June 9, 2017                     

Topic: The Profane                                                           

Text: Hebrews 12: 14 – 16       

A profane person here is one who, like Esau, despises sacred things and gives up spiritual blessings for sensual enjoyments. Profane means treating something as irrelevant – showing disrespect for God.

A profane person here is a worldly person who profanes holy privileges by placing on them a worldly estimate. This is the worst that can happen to any man. Esau did it and it was used as a reference point by the author of Hebrews (Genesis 25:27–30). He regretted and repented but that did not solve his problem. There are mistakes we make and even when we repent, it can’t remove the consequences of our actions. Therefore, beware of what you do.

When you treat God’s instructions as irrelevant, you place yourself at loggerhead with Him. Saul did it when He instructed him to go and destroy the Amalekites and all therein. He failed and God rejected him as King. William Burkett Notes says, “We should understand such as mock religion, who lightly regard its promises and threatening, who despise or neglect its worship, who speak irreverently of its concerns” as profane persons.

Do your actions or words mock religion? Do you do things that do not glorify God yet you are in the Church? Do you treat God’s commandments as irrelevant? Don’t play with God’s instructions. Know that there are grave consequences that will follow. When Esau wanted the blessing and sought it with tears, he couldn’t get it (Hebrews 12:17; Genesis 27:34–38; Hebrews 6: 6). Beloved beware and don’t play with your salvation.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 6:6 - If they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Memory verse: Hebrews 12 verse 16 - For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.

Prayer: Deliver me from all acts of profanity, O Lord and make me to be obedient to your words and instructions.

FOR YOU SAID

Devotion for Wednesday December 14, 2016

Topic: FOR YOU SAID                       

Text: Genesis 32:9 – 12         

The promises of God in the scriptures should inspire us to hold on to Him in prayer in order to claim those promises. They are aimed at challenging us to keep to the conditions of the promises while holding on to God for their fulfilment. Jacob remembered the promise God made to him in Genesis 28:13–15, which included his safety and return to the land of promise. As he was going back to his people, he remembered how he supplanted his brother Esau and was afraid. Faced with uncertainties of what might befall him as he goes to meet him, he then went to God to remind Him of the promise He made to him. With the promise, he encouraged himself in the Lord as David did (1 Samuel 30:6). He knew that despite his weaknesses, God is still able to perfect all that concerns him (Psalm 138:8).

You should know the promises God made to you because they are all there in the bible in your hand. In Luke 18:1ff, Jesus taught us the importance of persistence in prayer. When you discover what God said about that your problem, it will spur you into prayer. This is a way to develop faith.  God is not moved by our tears, complain or grumbling, rather by our faith in His word. Faith in the word of God should be your guiding principle as you approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 11:6). Go to God in prayer to and remind Him about His promises. He will not refuse you for it is His will to bless you always.

Food for Thought: Our faith moves God and not our tears or complaints.

Memory verse: Genesis 32 verse 12

Prayer: God, remember the promises (mention them) you made to me and fulfil them in Jesus name.

AIDING AND ABETTING: Devotion for Tuesday April 12, 2016

AIDING AND ABETTING: Devotion for Tuesday April 12, 2016

Text: Genesis 27:6 – 29     Memory verse: v 6 & 7

Rebecca knew that the blessing God wanted to give through Isaac was intended for Jacob, and expected he would have it. But she acted wrongly against Isaac by cheating on him; she also wronged Jacob by leading him into wickedness of defrauding his brother. By her action she placed a stumbling-block in Esau's way, and gave him a cause for hatred towards Jacob and at last to Christianity. The aiding and abetting of Rebecca is one of those crooked measures often adopted to further the Divine promises; as if the end would justify, or excuse wrong means. Thus many have acted wrongly, under the idea of being useful in promoting the cause of Christ. No one can be wiser than God. If Rebecca had not lead Jacob to supplant his brother, wouldn’t God have fulfilled his promises concerning Jacob?

This is one area we Christians make mistake too often. We try in so many ways to aid and abet ourselves and others in accessing favour from God and men. We can’t help God to be God. In all His wisdom, He is able to bring His decrees to fruition. By aiding and abetting, most of us have encouraged or involved ourselves in all manner of crimes. One of my daughters once told me how the parents gave her money to pay for examination malpractices. She refused and at last she failed. She refused because she has accepted Christ as her Saviour. She saw it as sin which some would have easily complied with. If you have ever aided and abetted or you are planning one now, repent before the anger of God will descend on you.

Food for Thought: Are there ways you aid and abet yourself or someone else to do evil or gain favour?

Prayer: Forgive me, O Lord, in any way I have helped someone in aiding and abetting, and help me not to indulge in it any longer.       

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS: Devotion for Monday April 11, 2016

A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS: Devotion for Monday April 11, 2016

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34      Memory verse: v 32   

Beloved, have you ever given away a valuable possession and later regretted it? If you have, you will probably recall that you took that decision under pressure. At that time, resistance seemed impossible. A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Gen 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of, one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless. In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it.

Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, but He could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt. Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent.

People often experience similar pressures and  make similar decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. A person might feel such great pressure in one area that nothing else seems to matter and the person loses his or her perspective. What pressures do you face? You can avoid making Esau’s mistake by comparing an action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Getting through that short, pressure–filled moment is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming a temptation.

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian rights for any material gain in Jesus name.

 

I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU

I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU        Wednesday June 3, 2015

Text: Genesis 28:10 – 15        Memory verse: v 15     

What a great assurance we have in our text today. Our lives will be miserable if God withdraws His mercies, compassion and love from us. The assurance that wherever we are, we are safe; if we have God's favourable presence with us is heartwarming. Jacob didn’t know what will befall him as he was escaping from the fierce anger of his brother Esau, but God foresaw what hardships he would meet under his uncle's service, and therefore promised to preserve him in all places.

Usually, there are doubts and fears when we want to undertake any journey or go into any project. There are skepticisms on what the outcome might be. However, any child of God who discusses his or her plans and proposal, and gets go ahead will not fear or doubt His presence going with him or her. All the fellow can do is to rest on God’s assurances. Do you doubt God’s presence as you want to travel, start up the house project, etc? God has promised not to leave or forsake you. Nigerian parlance says ‘Carry go, no shaking’. God is with you and you will complete that project or have safe journey.

Food for Thought: God knows our future and He leads us on the right part, granting us success in every endeavour we undertake.

Prayer: God, fulfill this promise in my life and family as we travel or undertake any project in Jesus name.