Believe To See: Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2020

Topic: Believe To See                                          

Text: Exodus 14:10 – 14                             

In John 20:29, Jesus said, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Thomas wanted to see the wound inflicted on Jesus before he could believe that Jesus had risen. But Jesus told him to believe before seeing for their lies the blessings of God.

When Israel came to Pi Hahiroth as God directed them in Exodus 14:2, they camped there and Pharaoh with his men came pursing. There was no way open to Israel but upward, and thence their deliverance came. In their front was the Red Sea; behind them were Pharaoh and his men while their sides are hills. Thus it was hard for them to escape. The fearful cried out to Moses out of fear while the faithful looked through the only way opened to them which is heaven.

They quarrel with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt; and were also angry with God for the greatest kindness ever done them; thus gross are the absurdities of unbelief. Our fears should quicken our prayers and endeavours, but not silence our faith and hope. So Moses told them to be still, to believe and see what God will do for them (Exodus 14:13 and 14). What these two verses imply is that it is only when they believe that they will see miracles and if they don’t, the problem will consume them.

Beloved, are you afraid because the enemies have surrounded you and you don’t have the way of escape? Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Just believe God miraculous intervention because you will no longer see those enemies again. Be still! The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.     

Food for Thought: A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 13

Prayer: Give me the heart to believe your words, O Lord, that I might see your miracles and blessings upon my life in Jesus name.

The Faithful Stewards: Devotion for Friday May 1, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 1, 2020

Topic: The Faithful Stewards                                  

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 6                         

Our bible reading for the day was the response to the evaluation of humans by the Corinthians. Although the term ‘servants’ (1 Corinthians 4:1) denotes subordination, “stewards” (1 Corinthians 4:2) emphasizes privilege and responsibility. The call to leadership is a call to a pure and trustworthy character (1 Corinthians 4:2). The Corinthians acted as if they were the judges at the last day, but they had judged much too early (1 Corinthians 4:5, “before the Lord returns”).

Their judgments of Christians were not for edification, but to put a final tag of good or bad, in or out, on the ones they judged. It was a non-ministry judgment that had its source in pride. This is very common even among us Christians of today. According to Family Bible Notes, “Fidelity to God and to the souls of men, in rightly dispensing the truths of the gospel, and in enforcing them by a uniformly holy and consistent example, is required of all ministers of Christ.” This is the emphasis of Paul in verse 1 Corinthians 4:2.

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare, poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well” so says Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.

As we celebrate Workers’ Day, it is appropriate to evaluate our calls as servants of whatever category we may be. How faithful are you in your job? Do you do it so well as Martin Luther Jnr. suggested? We should remember that our call is to be faithful first to God and then to our employer. May God, grant us that grace in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: The supreme quality required in a steward is fidelity to his trust.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2

Prayer: Lord God, help me never to betray the trust you have reposed on me. 

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

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

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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Marriage Is Honourable: Devotion for Saturday March 7, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 7, 2020

Topic: Marriage Is Honourable                                

Text: Hebrew 13:1 - 4

In verses 1 – 3 of this chapter, the author gave commands for the social life and responsibilities of Christians. It went further to give command on private lives too (v4). Couples that are believers have a responsibility to give honour to their marriage, and remain faithful to each other no matter the circumstances that may follow after they have been joined. This would include promises to continually love each other mutually, to remain faithful in thought, attitude, and action, and to support and provide for each other. This book shows how best to do this – we should stay away from immoral behaviour and adultery which splits marriages.

God’s commands against immorality (given for people’s own good) have been in place for a very long time now (see Ex. 20:14, 17; Job 24:15-24; Prov. 5:15-23). Christians are to maintain high standards (Matthew 5:27-28). Marriage being honourable means being right, proper, and for ministers of the gospel as well as others.

As marriage is God's institution for the happiness of man and the prevention of fornication and other abominable vices, he who forbids or discourages it increases the temptations to fornication, and exposes himself to the just indignation of God. The writer of Hebrews makes the point that even if no consequences are seen right away, promiscuous people will incur God’s wrath and He will surely judge them.

Food for Thought: How honourable is your marriage (For those married)?

Memory verse: Colossians 3:5

Prayer: Ask God to help you remain faithful in your marriage. Pray also for those whose marriages are having problems.

Our God Keeps To His Words: Devotion for Monday August 12, 2019

Devotion for Monday August 12, 2019

Topic: Our God Keeps To His Words

Text: Joshua 21:45

The words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:56 confirm our topic for the today. God has never spoken and failed to do what He said. Joshua subscribed to the fact that all God said concerning possessing the Promised Land by Israel came to pass.

The inviolable truth of God’s promise and its fulfillment is what Christians should look up to even when it delays in coming to pass. If in anything, it has seemed to come short, we should be ready to take all the blame to ourselves. God does not speak always but when He utters a word, He abides by it.

What are His promises you have laid hold on, prayed about them and they have not come to pass? What are you currently passing through that has almost consumed you and you have started to doubt the promises of God and their fulfillment in your life?

Joshua testified that all God promised him and Israel came to pass. Solomon did same. All the promises He made to Paul also came to pass. I am assuring you, the user of this devotional today that God’s promises about your life and future will be fulfilled.

Congratulations in advance!

All will come to pass in your life in Jesus name. Just keep trusting and waiting for at the right time, it will be fulfilled.        

Food for Thought: “He who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in the performance of it” – Jean Jacques Rousseau

Memory verse: Joshua 21:45

Prayer: God, bring all your promises for me and my family to fulfillment in Jesus name. Amen.

There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Devotion for Friday June 15, 2018

Sing SS&S 601

Topic: There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Text: Luke 18:28 – 30                        

Most times, people assume that those who surrender their lives to Christ are at a loss because they will no longer “enjoy” the things of the world. This is a wrong notion. There is no loss in salvation or following Jesus. It was this notion that led Peter to ask Jesus what becomes their fate as His followers (Luke 18:28). The response of Jesus is in Luke 18:29 – 30. Jesus noted that those who had left all and followed Him are no losers; that is, in this world they shall receive manifold blessings in hundred-fold (Mark 10:30). Job lost all in order to prove to Satan about his faithfulness in serving God and at the end, God restored all he lost while he was still alive (Job 42:10) and I know that his faith will certainly take him to heaven. Is there any lesson for us here in this story of Job? Beloved, our God is faithful. 1Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” For this reason, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). People may have been taunting you concerning your faith in Christ Jesus and calling you names. Don’t mind them! There is a reward for you. The greatest reward we look forward to is the eternal life in the bliss of heaven. Are you looking forward to that city? Don’t allow the distractions of the world to keep you out of it.

Food for Thought: There is no loss for the sake of the gospel that is greater than the love God has for us.

Memory verse: Luke 18:30

Prayer: Lord God, as I have left all to follow you, may I not lose my reward in Jesus name.

No Excuse II

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Monday March 13, 2017

Topic: No Excuse II

Text: Revelation 2:8 – 11

Pain is part of life, be you a Christian or unbeliever. It is never easy to suffer, no matter the cause. Persecution is of Satan, not of God. He causes believers to be denied of their rights, thrown out of their homes, offices, and schools, thrown into prison and even are killed. Believers under persecution need not fear death, because they will be rewarded with the crown of life. Again, Satan may terminate our earthly lives, but not our spiritual lives.

In our scriptural reading for the day, God commended the church at Smyrna for the tribulation they endured, the poverty they have suffered and the blasphemy from some of the Jews there. God called them “Synagogue of Satan” because they were serving Satan’s purposes, not God’s, when they gathered to worship. He concluded by charging them not to fear what they will suffer even unto death but they should remain faithful to the end in order to be rewarded with crown of life. This is the only church out of the seven that was not rebuked by God. What they suffered during the writing of this letter and thereafter were enough for them to have given up their faith. They had enough reasons to do so but they didn’t do that. They were steadfast.

What is your reason to compromise and backslide from faith? If it is persecution, can you compare it with what the members of the church in Smyrna suffered? If you have been blasphemed, what of these people in Smyrna? Beware because you do not have any excuse (Romans 2:1) for compromising your faith.

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:9

Memory verse: Revelation 2 verse 9 - I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Prayer: God, as I come across blasphemers and persecutors grant me the grace never to compromise my faith in Jesus name.

Reasons Behind Trials

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 29, 2017

Topic: Reasons Behind Trials

Text: Deuteronomy 8:1 – 3  

There are reasons God allows us to pass through tests and trials. We don’t go through them without a purpose. In the book of Job, we saw that all the problems, losses and sickness that came upon Job were to test his fidelity unto God because He had boasted to Satan that Job was ever faithful to Him. When Job was going through them, he never knew that what came upon him were tests. He endured them to the shame of Satan, thereby proving God faithful. Thereafter, God restored all that he lost.

The trial of Job is an eye opener for us never to become unfaithful to God when we are in problem. We should remain focused because God may have allowed that problem; death of a benefactor, sickness, gang up against you in the office, etc, as a way of trying our faith.

In our text, Moses told the Israelites that they should remain faithful and obedient to God because when He took them through the wilderness, it was aimed at humbling them so as to know what was in their hearts, whether they would keep His commandments or not. In the process of humbling them, He allowed them to go hungry, and fed them with manna which they didn’t know nor did their fathers know. This issue of manna was to make them know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Remember the case of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 9. That problem made Paul not to exalt himself above measure. All we pass through in life are for lessons and experiences; go through them faithful and God will certainly reward you at the end.

Food for Thought: God permits tribulations to come upon us which He turns to our advantage and to the glory of His name.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 8 verse 3 - And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Prayer: God, turn tribulations I am facing to my advantage and to your praise, and glory in Jesus name. Amen.

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED: Devotion for Friday September 30, 2016

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED: Devotion for Friday September 30, 2016

Text: Psalm 121:1 – 8          Memory verse: Psalm 121 verse 5

In the new covenant, there are so many provisions for us in the area of providence, protection, guidance, favour, grace, etc. Some of the provisions in the new covenant which all sincere Christians carry about as tag include a decree ‘Out of Bound’, ‘Touch not my Anointed’ and ‘Do my prophet no harm’. This is one of the good aspects carried over from the old covenant. God who made this statement is ever faithful and can do whatsoever He says. As God is faithful to His word, it holds therefore that the best thing we can do for ourselves is to key into the conditions of this promise.

This Psalm says God is All-powerful (Psalm 121:7a) and watches over us (Psalm 121:7a, 8 - compare Matthew 19:26 & Psalm 41:2). The true and sincere Christians have the Almighty God as their friend and keeper. Not only is He their friend and keeper, He is ever present to help them in trouble, support them in temptation, guide them through perplexity, and defend them from all attacks of the enemies. Why should you be afraid, O child of God? If you have the knowledge that God is your friend and keeper, you should always be fearless and bold because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

Brethren, it is the will of God to protect us and keep us for His glory and eternity. For this reason, He announced His redemption plan for humanity immediately after the fall of man. If He was not willing to protect us, He would have left us at the mercy of the devil. The story of the Israelis from Abraham till they settled in the Promised Land should encourage us

When God grants us His protection, we are safe in the midst of the greatest dangers. This special protection is not same as the general protection He gives all people. This is a covenanted protection. Have you entered into the new covenant? If not, do so now. See Mk 16:17, 18 & Psalm 34:15. Our God does not fail.

Food for Thought: Are you under God’s decree – Touch not my anointed?

Prayer: Lord, may I remain under your cover and protection in Jesus name. 

BELIEVE TO SEE: Devotion for Friday August 19, 2016

BELIEVE TO SEE: Devotion for Friday August 19, 2016

Text: Exodus 14:10 – 14     Memory verse: Exodus 14:13

In John chapter 20 verse 29, Jesus Christ said, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Thomas wanted to see the wound inflicted on Jesus before he could believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. To him, the wound would show that it was Jesus Christ indeed (This act of Thomas is similar to the belief of Igbo in Nigeria which says, it is only when you have seen, that you can believe). But Jesus Christ told him to believe before seeing because believing without seeing brings more blessings of God.

When the Israelis came to Pi Hahiroth as God directed them in Exodus 14:2, they camped there and Pharaoh with his men came pursing after them. There was no way open to the Israelis but upward which can only be possible if they have wings but it was that same upward that their deliverance came. In their front was the Red Sea; behind them were Pharaoh and his men while their sides were hills. Thus it was hard for them to escape. The fearful cried out to Moses out of fear while the faithful looked through the only way opened to them which is heaven; praying to God for intervention and deliverance.

The fearful amongst the Israelis quarreled with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt; and were also angry with God for the greatest unkindness ever done them. That gross misconduct showed the absurdities of unbelief. When challenges and problems confront us and we become afraid, our fears should quicken us into prayers and actions, but not silence our faith and hope. So Moses told them to be still, to believe and see what God will do for them (Exodus 14:13, 14). What these two verses imply is that it is only when they believe that they will see miracles and if they don’t, the problem will consume them.

Beloved, are you afraid because the enemies have surrounded you and you don’t have the way of escape? Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Just believe that God will miraculous intervene because you will no longer see those enemies again. Be still! The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.     

Food for Thought: A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.

Prayer: Give me the heart to believe your words, O Lord my God, that I might see your miracles and blessings upon my life in Jesus name. Amen.

TITHING (THE COVENANT TO RECEIVE MORE): Devotion for Sunday August 7, 2016

TITHING (THE COVENANT TO RECEIVE MORE): Devotion for Sunday August 7, 2016

Text: Malachi 3:10b – And try me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.                    

Memory verse: v 10b

Outside provision of food for the house of God (the storehouse as we read on Thursday), provision of food/assistance for the less privileged (as we read on Friday) and insurance (as we read on Saturday), another reason why we have to pay tithe is because it is a covenant to receive more from God. He specifically challenged us to try Him about tithe payment. What this implies is that God assures us that He cannot lie (Titus 1:2) nor fail to fulfill what He has said. This is a challenge for us to try God and see if He can fail.

A story was shared by a Pastor of how a man started business with N100, 000:00 (One hundred thousand naira only) and in five years, the business grew to N1trn (One trillion naira). When he was asked about the secret of his sudden transformation and large business empire, he said that since he stated the business, he has been paying 90% gain as his tithe instead of 10% requested by God. And for this, God enlarged his coast and his business became an empire.

The above story confirms our bible reading for today. The above story is not a fable or fiction. God is God of multiplication. He assured us of plenty and increase when we pay our tithe (Prov. 3:10). Family Bible Note opined that “The reason why they (God’s people) so often walk mournfully before Him for a long time and receive no answer, is, that they have, like Ananias and Sapphira, kept back part of the price.” When we meet God with our tithes, He meets us with blessings by giving us more. When we are faithful in doing so, God will be faithful in performing all that He has promised us. My beloved in Christ, please give this a consideration if you have not been doing it and see if God can lie.

Food for Thought: Are you willing to try God by being faithful in your tithe?

Prayer Point: Teach me, O God, to know that all I have are gifts from you and inspire me to use them rightly in Jesus name.

THE CHOSEN OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday July 16, 2016

THE CHOSEN OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday July 16, 2016

Text: Isaiah 49:7 – 12          

Memory verse: Isaiah 49:7 - Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel; and He has chosen you."

Have you ever asked yourself, why am I a Christian? Is it because I was born into the church? Is it because God chose me to be a Christian? Being a Christian is not because we are good enough to be, but because God chose us out of His love and grace. Again, have you ever asked why God is so interested in Israel despite their stiff-neck disposition? The reason for the choice of Israel is to become an instrument through which the world will come to know God (49:8, 9). That is also why you are a Christian. The catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:480 has it that “God required the chosen people (Israel) to be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Our text speaks of what Christ will do for us and what we should do in appreciation of God’s faithfulness.

Beloved, God chose you as a Christian for some purposes. He chose you to become salt (Matt 5:13), to become light (Matt 5:14) and to show forth His praise and glory. From the words of Book of Common Prayer, we are expected to “Be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Have you been doing these? How faithful are you? In John 15:16, Jesus stated why He chose and appointed us as Christians. It is just simple; we “Should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you” Jn. 15:16b. How are you doing these?

Action: As you go out today, do the work that will bear fruit for God either through preaching, charity or showing mercy on people you meet.

Prayer: My God and my Father in heaven, help me to live up to the reason for your call upon my life. Grant that I will not disappoint the confidence you have reposed on me as Christian in Jesus name.

FAITHFUL STEWARDS: Devotion for Sunday May 1, 2016

FAITHFUL STEWARDS: Devotion for Sunday May 1, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 6    Memory verse: v 2

Happy workers day to all workers of different categories! Our text came as a response to the revaluation of humans by the Corinthians. Although the term ‘servants’ (4:1) denotes subordination, “stewards” (4:2) emphasizes privilege and responsibility. Leadership is a call to a pure and trustworthy character (4:2). The Corinthians acted as if they were the judges at the last day, but that was too early (4:5, “before the Lord returns”). Their judgments of Christians were not for edification, but to put a final tag of good or bad, in or out, on the ones they judged. It was a non-ministry judgment that had its source in pride. This is very common even among us Christians of today. According to Family Bible Notes, “Fidelity to God and to the souls of men, in rightly dispensing the truths of the gospel, and in enforcing them by a uniformly holy and consistent example, is required of all ministers of Christ.” This is the emphasis of Paul in 4:2.

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare, poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well” so says Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. As we celebrate workers day today, it is appropriate to evaluate our calls as servants of whatever category we may be. How faithful are you in your job? Do you do it so well, as Martin Luther King Jnr. suggested? We should remember that our call is to be faithful first to God and then to our employer. May God, grant us that grace in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: The supreme quality required in a steward is fidelity to his trust.

Prayer: Lord God, help me never to betray the trust you have reposed on me.  

EVER FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD: Devotion for Saturday April 16, 2016

EVER FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD: Devotion for Saturday April 16, 2016

Text: Luke 2:25 – 35    Memory verse: v 29, 30  

Any prayer we make according to the will of God especially those that will bring glory to His name receives answers from Him. This man Simeon was “Just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (2:25). Holy Spirit had 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 this 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 (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? Let the life of Simeon challenge you. 2) Another lesson is that 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) Thirdly, 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.

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

   

NO LOSS IN REPENTANCE: Devotion for Sunday February 21, 2016

NO LOSS IN REPENTANCE            Sunday February 21, 2016

Text: Luke 18:28 – 30                     Memory verse: v 30

Most times, people assume that those who surrender their lives to Christ are at a loss because they will no longer ‘enjoin’ the things of the world. This is a wrong notion. There is no loss in repentance. It was this notion that led Peter to ask Jesus what becomes their fate as His followers (18:28). The response of Jesus is in 18:29 and 30. Jesus noted that those who had left all and followed Him, should be no losers; that is, in this world they shall receive manifold blessings;  says  an hundred-fold (Mk 10:30). Job lost all in order to prove his faithfulness in serving God unto Satan and at the end, God restored all he lost while he was still alive (Job 42:10) and I know that his faith will certainly take him to heaven. Is there any lesson for us here in this story of Job?

Beloved, our God is faithful. 1Thess. 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” For this reason, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). People may have been taunting you concerning your faith in Christ Jesus and calling you names. Don’t mind them. There is a reward for you. The greatest reward we look forward to is the eternal life in heavenly bliss. Are you looking forward to that city? Don’t allow the distractions of the world to keep you out of it.

Food for Thought: There is no loss for the sake of the gospel that is greater than the love God has for us.

Prayer: Lord God, as I have left all to follow you, may I not lose my reward in Jesus name.             

 

GOOD DEED AND RECOMPENSE Friday February 19, 2016

GOOD DEED AND RECOMPENSE    Friday February 19, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 8                 Memory verse: v 1

Most times, we forget the gratitude we owe people due to some engagements. At times it is not because we don’t want to or it was oversight or we don’t have the means to do it but we are choked by some other things that we easily forget the good people do for us. True Christians will not have peace of mind until they return kindness that they received from others. My father bought exercise books for someone when he was a teacher. After over 50 years, the man came, renovated part of his house and installed a cable Television for him. Indeed, good deeds will never die. They will always receive recompense.

Here, David remembered the good things he received from Jonathan the son of Saul. This was a man who ought to become king after his father, Saul. When he knew that God’s hand was upon David, instead of joining the father to fight him, supported him to ascend the throne of Israel (1 Sam 18:3 and 20:14–17, 42. compare Prov. 27:10). This passage enjoins us not to forsake friends. Most people easily forsake friends when they ascend higher position like election into a political office, appointments, etc. This is not what a Christian should do. We owe our friends and their family members a great debt of love and kindness. We should not turn our backs on them especially when we have at one time or another received kindness from them too. Matthew Henry sums up our text by saying that “If Providence has raised us and our friends and their families are brought low, we must look upon that as giving us the fairer opportunity of being kind to them.” This should challenge us to act.

Food for Thought: God is faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another.

Prayer: May I never be ungrateful O Lord, for the good deeds I have received from you and people in Jesus name.

A TRUE SERVANT: Devotion for Thursday February 4, 2016

A TRUE SERVANT     Thursday February 4, 2016

Text: 1 Peter 2:18 – 25     Memory verse: v 18

Servants in those days generally were slaves, and had heathen masters, who often used them cruelly; yet Apostle Peter directs them to be subject to the masters placed over them by Providence, with a fear not to dishonour or offend God. And not only to those pleased with reasonable service, but to the severe, and those angry without cause. This may seem a hard teaching but that is what God requires of us. It is said that two wrongs cannot make a right. The sinful misconduct of one relation, does not justify sinful behaviour in the other. For this reason, a servant is bound to his duty, though the master may be sinfully froward and perverse.

Virtually all of us Christians are servants to God and in some other places, servants to men. We owe it a duty to serve God diligently whether it is convenient for us or not. Again, we have masters where we work for or under. They may be froward – difficult to deal with and at times make life miserable for us. However, no matter how difficult they may be to us we owe it a duty to serve well because our service is not only to our earthly masters but to our God in heaven. Paul also gave similar advice in Eph 6:5; Col 3:22; 1 Tim 6:1 and Tit 2:9. How effectively are you serving as a civil servant, public servants, apprentice, shop keeper, etc? How faithful are you in that house as a maid, nanny or house help? God demands absolute obedience and nothing less.

Food for Thought: Loyalty and perseverance even in the face of unjust treatment singles us out as true Christians.

Prayer: Lord God, make me a faithful and obedient servant in the place I work in Jesus name.