God Honours Our Faith: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

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Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

Topic: God Honours Our Faith                      

Text: 1 Samuel 17:48 – 53                           

Who would have believed that David will kill Goliath the way he went into the encounter with him? He went against every military device and tactics. He didn’t go with sword, no spear, no shield, no gun though there was none then, etc. Rather he went with a catapult and five stones.

Going with mere catapult was a slight in the eyes of Goliath and he never bothered about David’s style. Unfortunately for him, he never knew that his coming was not just ordinary. See how frail and uncertain life is, even when a man thinks himself best fortified; how quickly, how easily, and by how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out, and death to enter! No wonder the assertion Paul gave in 2 Corinthians 10:4 – 6. David prevailed with a sling (catapult) and a stone. God honoured his faith. Of recent Archeologists found the skull of Goliath to confirm what this biblical story.

Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. God resists the proud, and pours contempt on those who defy him and his people. No one ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. The strongest as well as the weakest are dependent upon God, and that expectation which rests on creatures is liable at any time to be disappointed.

One lesson for us here is that when we rely on God in times of challenges, He will always glorify Himself but when we go on our own wisdom and strength, we will definitely fail. Therefore, beware when you think you stand because you will fall if care is not taken.

Food for Thought: No one defies God and goes scot free.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 50

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I not glory in my strength rather humble me to depend on you in anything I need strength to perform in Jesus name.

Faith: Key For Victory: Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2020

Topic: Faith: Key For Victory                         

Text: 1 Samuel 17:40 – 47                        

David approached the Goliath with faith in Jesus and not sword which signifies the five stones he took. JESUS and FAITH are five letters each.

When David appeared, Goliath looked at him with disdain and these were his word: "Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” Matthew Henry summed up our text thus: “The security and presumption of fools destroy them. Nothing can excel the humility, faith, and piety which appear in David's words. He expressed his assured expectation of success; he gloried in his mean appearance and arms, that the victory might be ascribed to the Lord alone.” How foolish Goliath acted because, he thought all his victories were of his gods but God brought him to Israel to humiliate him since he failed to acknowledge God as source of his victories.

The size and stature of Goliath could have deterred anyone but not David. He was optimistic that God will see him through even as God promised in Deuteronomy 20:1 – 4. His words were filled with humility, faith and confidence of success because he knows His God. “All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions” as Adam Clarke posited. This was true of David.

We also need faith to be strong as we face life’s challenges daily. Keep focused and trust Him to see you through your day’s appointments and schedules; trust Him to fight your battles and trust him to provide for your needs.

Food for Thought: “Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and rests on that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and says it shall be done” – Wesley

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 45

Prayer: Lord, as I meditate daily on your word, build my faith so that I will laugh at impossibilities, and say it shall be done in Jesus name.

Where Are The Nine? Devotion for Sunday June 28, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 28, 2020

Topic: Where Are The Nine?                                   

Text: Luke 17:11 – 17                           

People who had leprosy were required to try to stay away from other people and to announce their presence if they had to come near the place where normal people are living (Leviticus 13:46; Numbers 5:2, 3). It was for this reason, these lepers were in village in between Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11) as we have in our bible passage for the day. These lepers might have heard about Jesus which made them to stand afar off and with a loud voice shouted "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

Sometimes leprosy went into remission. If a leper thought his leprosy had gone away, he was supposed to present himself to a priest, who could declare him clean (Leviticus 14). Jesus sent the 10 lepers to the priest before they were healed and they went! They responded in faith, and Jesus healed them on the way. Is your trust in God so strong that you act on what He says even before you see evidence that it will work?

Of the ten lepers, it was a Samaritan (Luke 17:16) that came back to thank Jesus for the mercies of healing received. This prompted Jesus to ask the question in 17:17, 18. Jesus had been distressed many times with his own people’s lack of acceptance and faith (Luke 7:9; 8:25; 12:28). This time was no different.

Familiarity breeds contempt. Ten men had been healed, but only one, the foreigner (referring to the man from Samaria), came back to give glory to God. Jesus was not so much concerned about being thanked as he was about the men’s understanding of what had happened. The other nine went off, free from leprosy but not necessarily free from sin through the salvation Jesus could offer.

What is usually your attitude when God does something for you? Do you return to thank Him or you behave like the nine?

Food for Thought: “A man’s indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude” – Ruth Benedict

Memory verse: Luke 17 v 17 

Prayer: Grant unto me O Lord, the heart of gratitude for everything you do for me.

Faith That Works: Devotion for Sunday June 28, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 28, 2020

Topic: Faith That Works                                          

Text: Luke 17:5 – 10                                    

This request in Luke 17:5 was motivated by the difficulty of avoiding and forgiving “offences.” Jesus tells His disciples, that if they have the smallest degree of true faith; lively, operative faith, it will enable them to perform this difficult duty of forgiving injuries, and all other duties, with as much facility and ease as a miraculous faith would enable them to remove mountains and transplant trees.

When we obey Jesus’ instructions, we have only done our duties and should regard it as a privilege. We shouldn’t expect thanks, for we were only doing what we were supposed to do. Jesus used the example of a slave who renders service and does not expect to be thanked to explain what is required of us in carrying out our responsibilities as Christians.

Obedience is not something extra done for God; it is the duty of anyone who desires to be Christ’s follower. We must lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. How deep is your faith in Christ Jesus? It is not how big your faith is but how deep to counter deep problems of life.

With these words, Jesus was not rendering service as meaningless or useless, nor was He doing away with rewards. He was attacking unwarranted self-esteem and spiritual pride; perhaps such as many of the religious leaders were exhibiting at that time, or what the disciples themselves might be tempted to fall into as they would seek to serve God when their faith has been increased.

Christians should focus their eyes on God with their goal only to serve and please Him. They don’t work for recognition or rewards or even for God to praise them for their hard work. Don’t allow self-esteem and pride for what God is using you to do in your generation enter into your head.

Food for Thought: No obstacle can withstand a confiding faith in God.

Memory verse: Luke 17:6                                                                                    

Prayer: Grant me a strong faith to believe every word that comes from your mouth, O Lord my God.

Understanding the Basics of Our Faith: Devotion for Friday May 8, 2020

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Devotion for Friday May 8, 2020

Topic: Understanding the Basics of Our Faith                              

Text: 2 Peter 1:1 – 11

Winners in all sports never forget the basics in their sport and they build their game upon them like a house on a foundation. Here in our bible reading for the day, Peter as an elder in the Church, does not want Christians to forget the basics of their faith, so he reviews them here as a way or reminder.

Peter had concern about his readers’ faith surviving over the long run. Because he knew that his death is near, he reviewed the basics of the faith urging Christians to etch them into their memory (2 Peter 1:12 – 15). He wanted his readers to firmly grasp the gospel’s basic message, a goal that would take repetition to achieve.

Apostle Peter want them to hear it often and again that Jesus had come to die for their sins, had risen on the third day, had given them eternal life, and would one day return to judge the earth. Knowing and believing those simple basics would uphold their faith and keep them strong.

From time to time, it is good to review the basics of our faith in Christ. Doing this will refresh our memory, strengthen our faith, and dispel any spiritual falsehoods we may have begun to believe. Do you know the basics of our faith? Reviewing the Gospels and Epistles regularly will help us to stay spiritually focus and sharp.

Food for Thought: Constant review of our basics of faith keeps us focused on Christ and heaven.

Memory verse: 2 Peter 1:8

Prayer: Keep me focused on what constitutes my faith in you, O Lord.

Right Approach To Problems: Devotion for Tuesday April 28, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday April 28, 2020

Topic: Right Approach To Problems        

Text: 2 Kings 19:1 – 7                              

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 uncivilised manner of dealing with unbelief and blasphemy of the enemies of the gospel.

God is our unfailing resource in all situations. In times of trouble just as it is now, 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 we 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. That is the best approach to troubles of life. Let the example of Jesus be our guide in handling similar case (see 1 Peter 2:21 – 23).

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

Memory verse: 2 Kings 19:1

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

God Is Ever Faithful To His Word: Devotion for Monday April 20, 2020

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Devotion for Monday April 20, 2020

Topic: God Is Ever Faithful To His Word                          

Text: Luke 2:25 – 35  

Any prayer we make according to the will of God especially those that will bring glory to His name we receive answers from Him. The man Simeon was “Just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he will see the salvation of Israel before death. What a privilege! By the leading of the Spirit, he came into the temple at the dedication of the child, Jesus.

Here is the confession of Simeon’s faith, that the child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself; the salvation God has appointed for the world. God was faithful in keeping him to see that salvation promised (Luke 2:29ff).          

There are some lessons for us in this story.

1) Simeon had a good standing with God; a just and devout man, which made God to reveal mysteries to him. What is your standing with God? What testimony can people share about you? The life of Simeon should be a challenge to you.

2) God is faithful to His word. He spoke to Simeon about seeing the Salvation and Consolation of Israel. He kept His word and Simeon saw the Consolation of Israel. This shows that God cannot deny us and His word. Whatever He has said about you, He will perform.

3) When we wait patiently on God, He will answer us. Simeon waited for Consolation of Israel and he got it. Are you waiting on God for something, be sure that you will not be disappointed.

Food for Thought: God fulfills all His word; keeps all his promises, and never disappoints those who trust in him.

Memory verse: Luke 2:30

Prayer: As I keep on trusting your word, O Lord, may you fulfill them in Jesus name.


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Job Did Not Disappoint God: Devotion for Tuesday, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday March 24, 2020

Topic: Job Did Not Disappoint God         

Text: Job 1:20 – 22    

Most times, we are fond of asking God why He allowed problems and troubles of life to come our way just like we have COVID-19 now. Many of us believe that no evil, sickness or problems of life should come our way. We all know that Christ’s suffering was His path to glory and severally in the scriptures, He intimated us that if He suffered, we shouldn’t expect anything less.

In our text, Job did not hide his overwhelming grief but he didn’t lose his faith in God; instead, his emotions showed that he was human and that he loved his family. Upon all these calamities, He did not charge God with acting unkindly towards him by asking God, Why me? Rather, he accepted all with faith. If Job had used hasty words against God (see Proverbs 8:36), he would have sinned and incurred the wrath of God and Satan would have seen reason to say that he was right. 

God created our emotions, and it is not sinful or inappropriate to express them as Job did. If you have experienced a deep loss, a disappointment, or heartbreak, admit your feelings to yourself and others, and grieve. Thereafter, pick yourself up and begin life again. God boasted about Job and despite the quick succession of calamities that came his way, he did not disappoint God.

Beloved, how do you handle the problems of life that confronts you? Do you accept everything because you wanted solution to your problem? Do you lose your faith simply because you are in another environment? Do you speak harshly and thereafter, you begin to regret? We should show maturity of faith when passing through trials of life. That is evidence of true Christianity.  

Food for Thought: We know true Christians during trials and temptation.

Memory verse: Job 1:22 

Prayer: Help me never to disappoint you O Lord when I am faced with temptation.

The Fearless Triumphs: Devotion for Tuesday February 24, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday February 24, 2020

Topic: The Fearless Triumphs                       

Text: Psalm 112:8

Someone said that fear is the devil’s strongest weapon of war. The moment devil succeeds in making us fearful, all other thing like doubt, intimidation, anxiety, worries, despair and many others will follow.

Who are those the scriptures describe as fearless in Psalm 112:1? What are they known for as we have in verse 1b? When we fear God and obey His will, we cannot fear any man rather we will respect them, just as one “Keke” rider wrote on his “Keke;” “Fear God, Respect Army.” 

Sin brings fear into man but not so with the righteous. The kind of love the righteous has for God makes his heart to be established. His love for God is deep and true; his confidence in God is firm and unmoved; his courage has a firm foundation and is supported by Omnipotence. He is not a rolling stone but a pillar in the house of God. This is how the righteous is known. A man of faith who loves God is fearless, and he overcomes (1 John 5:4, 5). If you are afraid, you cannot triumph.

Do you want to win that battle against the enemy? If you want to be a victor and triumph, then fear God and don’t be afraid of the devil and his agents. Sacred Songs and Solos (SS&S) 561 is a great source of insight on how you can be courageous and fearless in your Christian race.

Food for Thought: Whom do you fear; God, Man or devil?

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:33                                            

Prayer: Pray and ask God to grant you more confidence in Him and grant you victory over your enemies. 

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

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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.    

   

Faith and Justification: Devotion for Thursday, January 9, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday January 9 2020

Topic: Faith and Justification

Text: Acts 13:38 – 41

Anyone who repents from his/her sins always has the concern of justification hence the need to learn assurance of salvation. Here, Paul assures his listeners that it is only through Jesus Christ we can obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for our sin.

There are two things we have to note in our text.

1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto them the forgiveness of sins.

2. It is only through Christ that those who believe in Him are justified from all things; from all the guilt and stain of sin, from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

Presently, many still see justification as through our personal efforts. It is not so! If we believe in Jesus as the Messiah, accept Him and His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary by faith, He did for us what the law could never do; justify us before God. The law could not bring peace. It is by Jesus Christ we obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. Paul ended with a warning (Acts 13:40, 41).

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We should take this warning to heart because though they were meant to come upon impenitent sinners, they are designed to awaken us to beware lest it come upon us. Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?

Food for Thought: Our justification is based on the work of Christ at the Cross of Calvary. How much do you appreciate this?

Memory verse: Romans 3:28

Prayer: Lord, as you have justified me, help me to remain same in Jesus name. 

Jairus Came To Jesus: Devotion for Saturday August 24, 2019

Devotion for Saturday August 24, 2019

Topic: Jairus Came To Jesus 

Text: Luke 8:40 – 42

Kings and Rulers hardly make out time to serve God. The most some of them can do is to send messenger to the Prophet or Servant of God. Maybe the case of his only daughter made Jairus to come to Jesus. If not that his daughter was dying, would Jairus have come to Jesus? Think about that? Some people are so self-centered that they only do good when it affects them.

When Jairus came to Jesus, he fell down at His feet. It may be an evidence of his faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ or maybe he believed Him to be God or hero worshipping because he wanted something from Him; the healing of his daughter. Whatever may be his reason, Jesus demonstrated His love and passion to save souls by going immediately with him. When he came to Jesus, He (Jesus) did not reject him or deny his request. Jesus exhibited great humility, suffering Himself to be thronged with much people who followed Him.

Why are you following Jesus? Why have you come to Jesus by becoming a Christian and being in the Church? Is it because you need healing, protection, a good spouse, deliverance, salvation, where to ease off tension after the weeks work, etc?

God knows our hearts; those who are sincere in coming to Him and those who are not. We should love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:9). Again, we should be ready to go to Christ when we are in distress because He is so ready hear and help us, if we seek Him in sincerity, though our faith maybe weak and feeble. Ask Him today and He will answer you.

Food for Thought: What motivates you to go to Christ? Is it because you love Christ?

Memory verse: Luke 8:41

Prayer: Lord, may I always come to you with sincere heart.

Is Your Faith Known To People?

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Wednesday January 9, 2019

Topic: Is Your Faith Known To People?

Text: Colossians 1:1 – 8

The action of Paul in our text is a challenge for present day Christians. In this letter he told the Church at Colossae that he has heard about their faith through Epaphras and that he has intensified his prayer for them. He did not doubt their Christianity as some of us would have done. He believed that they were still in faith. We must learn how to uphold people in faith by praying for them not questioning their faith.

From Paul’s statement in our text, the faith of the Church at Colossae was known to people. It was not hidden. They were not compromising and that is what is expected of us. We should let the world know about our faith. Wherever we go; wherever we find ourselves, we should let people know what we believe in. Anything short of this equals denying Jesus Christ.  Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” – Matthew 5:14, 15. We shouldn’t hide our ideal identity as Christian. When we hide what we are and what we believe in, then it means that we have some “skeleton in our cupboard.”

We should make our faith known in our offices, schools, neighbourhood, business centres, market, inside the bus and other places we find ourselves daily. Hiding our identity means denying Jesus which has consequences (See Matthew 10:33).

Food for Thought: What is your testimony about your faith among your colleagues and in your neighbourhood? 

Memory verse: Ephesians 1:15

Prayer: God, help me to make my faith known to people wherever I may find myself in Jesus name.

Is Your Faith Known To People?

Devotion for Friday August 10, 2018

Topic: Is Your Faith Known To People?

Text: Colossians 1:1 – 8

The action of Paul in our text is a challenge for present day Christians. In this letter he told the Church at Colossae that he has heard about their faith through Epaphras and that he has intensified his prayer for them. He did not doubt their Christianity as some of us would have done. He believed that they were still in faith. We must learn how to uphold people in faith by praying for them not questioning their faith. From Paul’s statement in our text, the faith of the Church at Colossae was known to people. It was not hidden. They were not compromising and that is what is expected of us. We should let the world know about our faith. Wherever we go; wherever we find ourselves, we should let people know what we believe in. Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” – Matthew 5:14, 15. We should make our faith known in our offices, schools, neighbourhood, business centres, market, inside the bus and other places we find ourselves daily. Hiding our identity means denying Jesus which has consequences (See Matthew 10:33).

Food for Thought: What is your testimony about your faith among your colleagues and in your neighbourhood? 

Memory verse: Ephesians 1:15

Prayer: God, help me to make my faith known to people wherever I may find myself in Jesus name.

This Is My Beloved Son

Devotion for Wednesday August 1, 2018

Sing Hymn SS&S (Sankey) No 642 – When we walk with the Lord

Topic: This Is My Beloved Son

Text: Matthew 17:1 – 8

Parents delight in their children especially when they are following their will and instructions for a better future. This is how God the Father has infinite delight in His Son which He expressed in our text and also Matthew 3:17. Such delight has been extended to us too because of our faith in the work Jesus Christ on Calvary.

One of the reasons God the Father chose to make such pronouncement is because He wants His Son to be recognized, obeyed and honoured (John 5:23). This instruction to listen; to obey, to hearken, etc. is designed to help us actualize God’s will for us in this heavenly race.

It is important to obey Jesus for so many reasons.

1) He is the author of our life and faith

2) He knows our yesterday, today and tomorrow

3) He has the key to eternal life which is our main priority as Christian.

4) His counsel is meant for our good and wellbeing. How important is hearing God’s word to you? You cannot claim to have a relationship with God without absolute obedience and compliance to His word.

As we begin this month and in this first devotion for this edition, I sincerely charge you to live more righteously, pleasing God in all things and at the right time, He will certainly declare that you are a beloved son/daughter too. May your life begin to please God and bring joy to heaven in Jesus name! Happy new month!

Food for Thought:

Memory verse: Matthew 3:17

Prayer: O Lord, help me to live the life that will please you so that you will announce me to the world in Jesus name.

A Reward For Our Love For God

Devotion for Monday July 23, 2018

Sing A&M 235 (Abu 183)

Topic: A Reward For Our Love For God

Text: James 1:12

It is disheartening to see brethren turn away from faith as a result of troubles of life they had gone through or they are going through. Christianity is a call to persevere and the very moment one resolves to follow the way of Christ, the devil marks him for trouble. We’ve seen a non-Christian do so many treacherous things yet life seems to smile at him and the man who resolves to do things the right ways goes home heartbroken.

There are temptations all around a believer; the actual inducements to sin which surround us and lie in wait for us, and fall upon us to hurt us in the course of our lives. There may be enticements to that which is sinful, as, for instance, when we are tempted in business to be dishonest, or when in association with others, we are tempted to lie, to hold malice, and engage in unrighteous conduct of any kind.

On the other hand, the temptations may arise from what is in itself innocent, but which becomes sinful from an improper use of it. Just as the worth of a sailor is tested by the length and the roughness of the voyage, so is every one of us put to the test by the ordinary circumstances of life according to the stuff that we show ourselves to be made of and that determines our worth and reward.

Trial and temptations show whether or not we love God and can be true to our call. If we conquer them, they become instruments for bracing us up and making us stronger than before. At the end we will have the privilege to be with our God in heaven where we will be rewarded with crown of life. We will be blessed if we can prayerfully persevere and overcome this world and become gloriously ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Food for Thought: Rewards are given to the winners and they are those who endured in a challenge and end so well; chose to end well today.

Memory Verse: James 1:12

Prayer: Oh Lord, give me the grace to joyfully follow you to the end.

Love, The Greatest Gift

Devotion for Wednesday June 13, 2018

Sing SS&S 1155; Abu 279

Topic: Love, The Greatest Gift 

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – 13

Paul mentioned three virtues that distinguish us as true Christians. They are faith, hope and love but love is the greatest among them. He concludes his teaching that love is the greatest gift that distinguishes us a true Christians. Love is the greatest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. Seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have hold of those promises, to what purpose would we have faith and hope again when the end comes? That was the argument of Paul. Only a true Christian experiences these three things; for without Christ we would have only unbelief, despair, and hatred. Faith is directed toward God; hope is for our benefit; and love flows first to God and then to our neighbours. Love is the greatest of all these because it sums up or includes both faith and hope. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. Do you really love God and others? What are the evidences?

Food for Thought: Do you know what true love means?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10:13

Prayer: Help me to love as you love O Lord my God in Jesus name.

Our Works Perfect Our Faith

Devotion for Monday May 28, 2018

Topic: Our Works Perfect Our Faith

Text: James 2:19 – 24

Here in our scriptural reading for the day, James presents a proof that faith cannot exist without being active in works of righteousness. He argued that Abraham’s faith in God would have been of no avail to him, had it not been manifested by his works. It was by his works; his obedience to the commands of God that his faith was made perfect and shown to be complete because it produced its appropriate fruit. The idea of James here is that our work is a way of justifying our faith and righteousness. From James position, we can allude that our work of righteousness speaks more of our faith than our profession. There we have a binding obligation to work out our faith so that people will know us more about our faith from our works and not from our confession. This is a challenge for us in this present generation where sin and all manner of evil have become the order of the day. It is only when we establish our righteousness through godly living that we can influence our generation for good. The bible says, “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” – Romans 8:19. We must reveal ourselves to the world through the works (actions and words) we do. The works Abraham did by offering his only begotten son made perfect his faith. Likewise will your works make perfect your faith and it all starts from absolute obedience.

Sing A&M 225; Abu 81

Food for Thought: Allow people to know your faith through your works of charity and your obedience to God and not just your confession.

Memory verse: James 2:22

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, my God, that I will justify my faith through the way I live and my obedience to your commandments in Jesus name.

Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Devotion for Thursday April 5, 2018

Topic: Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith as a result of not willing to open up for change. Their zeal was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Romans 10:2). Today, we have some people with great zeal in religion, and yet are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal is always found in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character and kind in spirit. The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. It was based on this reason; Paul tried to point out that confession is necessary in salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (Romans 10:4ff). His position is “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9. He further expressed this truth in Romans 10:10. Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of Him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptized into the body of Christ. Some people often ask, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give us the answer: Salvation is as close as our lips and heart. People think that it is a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.

Sing the hymn: SS&S 493; Abu 175.

Food for Thought: The basic proof of our Christian faith is to believe in Christ (inward faith) and our confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

Look Ahead And Be Optimistic

Devotion for Friday December 1, 2017

Topic: Look Ahead And Be Optimistic 

Text: Hebrew 6:11 – 15

People who lived godly lives faced temptations, persecutions and trials of different types and degrees. From Noah to the Apostles and disciples, all had terrible experiences. This is the reason for the exhortation in Hebrews 10:36. When we begin to consider the trials and temptations of this life, we cannot make progress in our endeavours. This led the author of Hebrews to challenge us in Hebrews 6:12. He cautioned us not to be sluggish or faint-hearted or timid or negligent. Rather, he advised that we should strongly and constantly imitate them in their manner of life; their faith and patience. The challenges for us in our text are;

1) Heaven is not ours by purchase but by promise

2) Heaven is a promised inheritance which saints by faith and patience, have possessed and will possess.

3) Being followers of imitators of their faith and patience, we may also joint them to inherit the promises.

Heaven is what lies ahead of us as Christians. Whatever we do here on earth is transitory. A day will come when we shall leave everything here on earth and go to either heaven as true Christians or hell as deceivers. Where you will go is determined here on earth. People have endured all manner of trials, confrontations and temptations for the sake of heaven. You can still endure and overcome (Philippians 4:13). Cheer up my beloved in Christ because better days and better things await us in heaven. That want, need, sickness, temptation, trial and persecution are temporal. You will leave them here on earth. Therefore do not let it determine your final destination after live on earth. Look ahead and be optimistic even as we enter into the new month.

Remember that he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13). With this in mind, I welcome you to the last month of the year 2018. Have a glorious month of December 2018.

Food for Thought: What lies ahead matters most more than the ones we have left behind us.

Memory Verse: Hebrew 6:12 – “That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Prayer: God, rekindle your spirit in me and remove any spirit of sluggishness or faint-heart from me as I live for you in Jesus name.