End of Favour Seekers: Devotion for Wednesday July 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 15, 2020

Topic: End of Favour Seekers     

Text: 2 Samuel 1:11 – 16           

The story of this young Amalekite and David has some lessons for us. He had come to give David the message about the death of Saul, with the mind of getting a reward or a pat at the back. Unfortunately for him, David was not a man tolerates such acts of favour seeking and sycophancy. He used the words of his mouth to judge him. David had to put to death, the man who brought the tidings because he confessed that he murdered the king.

In ordering the execution of the Amalekite, David did not do unjustly; the Amalekite confessed to the crime. If he did as he said, he deserved to die for treason; and if he was lying to David, if indeed it were a lie, he proved that he is not reliable and should face the consequences of telling lies. Thus, David showed himself zealous for public justice, without regard to his own private interest.

Beloved, there are dangers in telling lies or running down others in a bid to gain favour. We have just seen how this young Amalekite ended. Are you a favour seeker in your office, telling stories and lies against other members of your office simply because you want to be in good books of your boss? Repent of it. There are consequences of such act. If actually you need favour from your boss, why not do it without telling lies against people. Remember, we shall be judged for every idle word that comes out of our mouth.

Food for Thought: Matthew 12:36 - But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment.

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 1:16

Prayer: God, make me to be conscious of the consequences of favour seeking so I will always distance myself from it in Jesus name. 

Favour Seekers: Devotion for Tuesday July 14, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 14, 2020

Topic: Favour Seekers             

Text: 2 Samuel 1:1 – 10                       

The true account of Saul’s death is in 1 Samuel 31:3 and 4. The young man from Amalek was evidently lying. Probably he had come upon Saul dead and thought David would reward the person who had killed his rival. This was enough evidence to show that he was a favour seeker. The man pretended to be the one who had killed Saul and he brought along Saul’s insignia of royalty for proof.

This messenger presents himself to David in the posture of a mourner for the deceased King and a subject to the succeeding one. He came with his clothes rent, and made obeisance to David, pleasing himself with the fancy that he had the honour to be the first that did him homage as his sovereign. Unfortunately, David judged him from the words of his mouth and sentenced him to death (1 Samuel 1:13 – 15). 

The courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin. This is how most people run down colleagues in offices, neighbourhood, etc., because they want favour from their boss or someone in leadership position. Have you experience the act of these favour seekers once?

What shall it profit you when you betray people in a bid to gaining the goods of this world or a position in office? Why tell lies because you want to gain the praise of the people or your boss? Christians should speak the truth always and not to tell lies against people in a bid to secure a position or gain favour.

Food for Thought: The courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin.

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 1:10

Prayer: Help me O Lord, never to betray others because I am seeking for favour.

They Found Favour with All Men: Devotion for Friday August 2, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 2, 2019

Topic: They Found Favour with All Men

Text: Acts 2:42 – 47

Being in favour with all men is only possible when you are at peace and favour with God. This is so because men are hard to please. It is when you do the things that are pleasing to God that He will begin to make men to like you and extend favour to you.

From Acts 2:42 – 47, we have reasons why the early church had favour with all men. Use the reasons and compare them with your local church to see if there are differences. The early church did what was pleasing to God in everything. They started by being submissive to the instructions of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:4 – 5). They obeyed and the result was the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:1ff). Again, they had things in common, were studying, breaking bread and praying together. All these granted them favour before God and with all the people. This resulted in what we have in Acts 2:47b.

When Christians manifest sincerity and show commitment to the things of God by being united in affection and efforts, the result will be prosperity of the church as people that repent will join the church. The church should be joyful in the Lord and striving always to do good as they have the opportunity to do so to all men. Are you at favour with people in your neighbourhood and can they follow you to your church because of your character? Remember that religion without character ends in hell fire. Therefore, be the light God called you to be (Matthew 5:14 – 16).

Food for Thought: “Unless there are people who are responding to the love of God as revealed in Christ and so are worshipping Him, the Church is not very important.” – Blake

Memory verse: Act 2:47

Prayer: Help me my Lord and my God, to live well and be at peace with all people within my neighbourhood and others I meet on daily basis in Jesus name. Amen.     

No Special Favour with God: Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

Topic: No Special Favour with God

Text: Romans 11:16 – 21

God is no respecter of man. You may be His favourite today but if tomorrow you sin, He punishes you without looking at your face or blinking an eye. David’s case with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah was a clear demonstration that God punishes even His favourite.

Paul tells us that the reason why the Jews were broken off (Romans 11:20) was their unbelief. Again the only reason we (the Gentile) are still in place is because of our trust in God of the Jews.

He thus warns us not to go the ways of the Jews God rejected or else He will not spare us. If God did not refrain from rejecting the Jews who became unbelievers assuredly He will not refrain from rejecting us in the same circumstance.

Therefore, Paul advises us not to take God’s goodness and severity for granted (Romans 11:22 compare John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2 and Hebrews 3:6, 14).

Beloved, with God there is no favouritism. God’s standard is the same whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, male or female, of black race or white, etc.

As children of God, we should not be partial too. As Personnel Manager in your office, do you consider tribe, religion or relationship in offering employment to people?

In the church, do you give your people certain position because they are your people? If we are called children of God, we must behave like God in all ramifications.

God looks at the heart, no wonder He chose David instead of Eliab.

Lastly, we should not think that as Christians today, we have made it to heaven. We should be mindful of what we do because any little slip or compromise can cost us our salvation. We must continue to take heed lest we fall off.

Almighty God, please help us to remain steadfast in Jesus name. Amen

Food for Thought: It was possible that God could break off the Jews on the account of their unbelief. Certainly, He will not spare us if we follow suit.

Memory verse: Romans 11: 21

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith and not to be partial in my dealing with people.

God Chose You For A Purpose

Devotion for Saturday March 24, 2018

Topic: God Chose You For A Purpose

Text: Ephesians 1: 3 – 6 

When we have spiritual and heavenly blessings, we cannot be miserable, and when we don’t have them, we will be so miserable. Paul told the Ephesians that the consequence of their election in Christ is that they should be made holy by separating from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, which is the reason God chose us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world.

He used the phrase “God chose us” to emphasize that salvation depends totally on God. We are not saved because we deserve it but because God is gracious and He freely gives salvation to as many as come to Him in true repentance. We did not influence God’s decision to save us; He saved us according to His plan. Thus, there is no way to take credit for our salvation or to allow room for pride. God chose us, and when we belong to Him through Jesus Christ, God looks at us as if we had never sinned. All we can do about our salvation is to express our thanks for His wonderful love for us.

Have you ever wondered why God chose you as Christian despite your past and family background? Have you ever wondered why you are in that position where you are today? It is not just your hard work but by His love and grace for you. Therefore, you have to be grateful that God chose you and favoured you just because He loves you. We should reciprocate His love for us by loving, worshipping and serving Him and humanity in thankfulness for such a privileged status.

Sing A&M 193; SS&S 227; Abu 182  

Food for Thought: Are you living out the reason God choose you?

Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Prayer: God, as you have chosen me, may I live a life of gratitude in love and holiness in Jesus name.

They Found Favour With All Men

Devotion for Wednesday August 2, 2017

Topic: They Found Favour With All Men

Text: Acts 2:42 – 47

Being in favour with all men is only possible when you are at peace and favour with God. It is when you do the things that are pleasing to God that He will begin to make men to like you and extend favour to you. From Acts 2:42 – 47, we have reasons why the early church had favour with all men. Use the reasons and compare them with your local church to see if there are differences. The early church did what was pleasing to God in everything. They started by being submissive to the instructions of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:4 – 5). They obeyed and the result was the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:1ff). Again, they had things in common, were studying, breaking bread and praying together. All these granted them favour before God and with all the people. This resulted in what we have in Acts 2:47b.

When Christians manifest sincerity and show commitment to the things of God by being united in affection and efforts, the result will be prosperity of the church as people that repent will join the church. The church should be joyful in the Lord and striving always to do good as they have the opportunity to do so to all men. Are you at favour with people in your neighbourhood and can they follow you to your church because of your character? Remember that religion without character ends in hell fire. Therefore, be the light God called you to be (Matthew 5:14 – 16).

Food for Thought: “Unless there are people who are responding to the love of God as revealed in Christ and so are worshiping Him, the Church is not very important.” – Blake

Memory verse: Act 2:47

Prayer: Help me my Lord and my God, to live well and be at peace with all people within my neighbourhood and others I meet on daily basis in Jesus name. Amen. 

Do You Desire Favour?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday June 12, 2017

Topic: Do You Desire Favour?

Text: Proverbs 11:27

Many people don’t know how to court God’s favour. Living Bible translated this verse thus: “If you search for good you find God’s favour; if you search for evil, you find His curse.” Searching for good is one of the ways to court God’s favour. Doing good to people especially the down trodden and less privileged ones are ways to procure God’s favour. Matthew Henry Commentary puts it thus: “Those that are industrious to do good in the world get themselves beloved both with God and man: He that rises early to that which is good, that seeks opportunities of serving his friends and relieving the poor, and lays out himself therein, procures favour.”

This is challenging for us in this era of greed and selfishness; where people are so concerned about self than for anything else. People who do good to others always have God's loving kindness surrounding them. The opposite of these is for men that seek evil. They are preparing ruin for themselves, who specialize in doing evil. It shall come upon them; when they will be paid in their own coin (see Esther 7:9 and 10).

Do you earnestly seek to do evil or good? They are many who do evil indirectly like Balak who called Balaam to assist him. Cain did his own openly by killing Abel and judgment came upon him. Evil hunts even after many years (Gen. 50:15). It pays to be kind and to be good to others.

Food for Thought: Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, help to make earth happy like the heaven above – Carney

Memory verse: Psalm 7:16

Prayer: God, remove evil from my heart and life. Grant me the spirit of kindness and grace to be kind to people in Jesus name, Amen.

God’s Mercy Is Indispensable

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday April 7, 2017

Topic: God’s Mercy Is Indispensable  

Text: Psalm 6:1 – 2

When Moses demanded for God’s glory, He responded with the words in Exodus 33:19 which Paul quoted in Romans 9:15. Mercy in this context is compassion, kindness or forgiveness shown someone you have power over. It doesn’t come out of our strength or goodness rather it is a free gift that comes from God.

If there is anything we need as Christians, it is goodness and mercies of God. Those who know its importance say it as prayers every day. Mercy blots away our sins, protects, provides, guides and guards us. It is important we learn how to ask for God’s mercy any time we come into His presence. It is the best way to approach God. Think of it, when we are in transit, in prison, in exams, in office, at home, in hopeless situations, in need, in plenty, even in the church, etc, we need mercies of God.

If we hope to succeed we should understand the place of mercies of God in our lives. As a student, civil/public servant, business man/woman, military or Para-military personnel, husband, wife or whatever we do, do you plead for God’s mercy. All of us need it. Therefore we should retire ourselves to God because all things come from Him. Always cry to Him for mercy and out of His fountain of all good things He will spring it out for you.

Food for Thought: God’s mercy breaks every barrier and grants favours that we need.

Memory verse: Psalm 6 verse 2

Prayer: Grant, O Lord that your mercies will not depart from me and my family in Jesus name. 

Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 17, 2017

Topic: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of God

Text: Genesis 6:6 – 9

In Noah’s time, the earth was filled with violence and corruption just as it is now in our days. Hardly will a day pass we don’t hear or read about violence especially in my country, Nigeria. These include kidnapping, communal clashes, herdsmen attack on farmers and their farms, assassination, insurgency, militancy, etc.

Then in the days of Noah, people blatantly manifested sin in two primary ways: sexual lust (Genesis 6:2) and violence (Genesis 6:11). It was so rampant that God decided to destroy the world, yet Noah did not allow these evils to rob him of his fellowship with God. He stood out as the only one who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9), as was true of his great – grandfather Enoch (Genesis 5:22).

Noah was a just or righteous man (Genesis 6:9). For this reason, God singled him out among all his contemporaries and chose him to accomplish a great work of salvation of humanity and other creatures. He found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he followed the footsteps of his grandfather in obeying and fearing God.

Today, sexual sins of all kinds and violence are prevalent in the society. We need the grace of God more than ever because human depravity has not changed; it is still through lust and violence that evil finds unrestrained expression in the society. If you set your face against popular public opinion and conduct, you will find grace like Noah did. Amidst the widespread wickedness, compromise and evil of today, are still in communion with God? Noah got the revelation of impeding deluge as a result of grace. When grace is at work in your life, you are sure of safety from evil and danger. The grace of God is always free and undeserved; it must not be taken for granted. Grace is humbly sought through the prayer of faith (Malachi 1:9) and knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:2). Seek for it always in obedience and humility.

Food for Thought: God accepts us on the ground of Christ's righteousness and not our own works. That is grace we need in a time like this.

Memory verse: Genesis 6 verse 8 - But Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord.

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father, may I find grace in your eyes and be distinct in this generation. Amen.

Unprecedented Favour

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 22, 2017

Topic: Unprecedented Favour

Text: Ruth 2:14 – 17           

The favour Boaz showed Ruth continued at mealtime when he invited her to eat with the reapers. She ate and also kept for Naomi. Some would have eaten everything after all she is at home doing nothing but not Ruth. It was as if Boaz was uncomfortable that he has not done enough for Ruth, (just like King Ahasuerus on the night he remembered Mordecai) that he gave approval for Ruth to glean. 

In his words, he commanded his reapers saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her." This act of Boaz is unprecedented because he just met Ruth, a foreigner for the first time. This shows that when our ways are pleasing to God, He can do anything for us. 

On the day I wrote this devotion, a man walked into my house and after exchanging pleasantries, brought out an envelope, counted N25,000:00 and gave to my family. I looked at the man, he wasn’t indebted to me. He just woke up, walked to my house and gave my family N25,000:00. I concluded that it was God working in my favour. God will work for you this day in Jesus name. 

Ruth obeyed the leading of God and “Line started falling for her in pleasant places.” Are you ready to allow God work for you or you want to help yourself? Some ladies would have started flirting about but not Ruth. Humility, industry, obedience, etc., pays.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 11:25

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 16

Prayer: Lord God, show me favour as I go out this day that in all I will do, I will be favour abundantly in Jesus name. Amen.

Why Take Note Of Me?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday January 20, 2017

Topic: Why Take Note Of Me?

Text: Ruth 2:10           

Ruth clearly overwhelmed by the gesture of kindness she had received from Boaz who do not know her before now, prostrated before Boaz and asks why he is being so kind to her, a foreigner (Ruth2:10). In the real sense, Ruth never expected such kindness, not too early because that was their first meeting and again she is a foreigner who ordinarily could have been rebuffed but it was not so.

Falling on her face was expression of reverence and gratitude common in Israel. Ruth’s life exhibited admirable qualities: She was hardworking, loving, kind, faithful, and brave. These qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch over you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in, no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in.

Again, we should not give bad impression to visitors we meet because we don’t know what the future holds. If Boaz and Ruth didn’t treat themselves well, the events that unfolded wouldn’t have gone smoothly. Come to think of it, if Ruth had proved stubborn or Boaz maltreated her, what would have happened when Naomi suggested to Ruth what to do to gain inheritance in Israel? Treat everyone you meet well because you don’t know what tomorrow holds for you.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 3:3, 4

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 10

Prayer: Heavenly Father; may your favour and that of men follow me wherever I go in Jesus name.

FATAL END OF FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for July 3, 2016

FATAL END OF FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Sunday July 3, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 1:13 – 16               

Memory verse: v 16 - So David said to him, "Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the Lord’s anointed.'”

The story of this Amalek and David has some lessons for us. This Amalek had come to give David the message with the mind of getting a reward or a pat at the back for coming to David with the insignia of Saul whom he perceived as the enemy of David. Unfortunately for him, David was not a man who tolerates such act of favour seeking. Despite the fact that Saul was the reason david was in exile then, He didn’t capitalize on that to rejoice over the death of God’s anointed king. He used the words of his mouth to judge him.

David had to put to death, the man who brought the tidings because he confessed that he murdered the king. In ordering the execution of the Amalek, David did not do unjustly; the Amalek confessed to the crime. If he did as he said, he deserved to die for treason; and his lying to David, if indeed it were a lie, proved, as sooner or later that sin will definitely be punished. Hereby David showed himself zealous for public justice, without regard to his own private interest. This is a lesson for us, who tell lies to cheat, seek favour, run colleagues down, etc.

Beloved, there are dangers in telling lies or running down others in a bid to gain favour. Are you a favour seeker in your office, telling unfathomable stories and lies against other staff simply because you want to be in good books of your boss? That is being callous and wicked. Repent of it because there are consequences. There are consequences of such act. If actually you need favour from your boss, why not do it without telling lies against people. Remember, we shall be judged for every idle word that comes out of our mouth.

Food for Thought: Favour seeking will always end in regret. It pays to allow God to grant us the favour we need at the right time

Prayer: Lord, may I not be part of favour seeking through running down of others in Jesus name. 

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 1:1 – 10      

Memory verse: v 10 - So I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.

The true account of Saul’s death is in 1 Sam. 31:3, 4. The young man from Amalek was evidently lying. Probably he had come upon Saul’s dead body and thought David would reward the person who had killed his rival. This was enough evidence to show that he was a favour seeker. The man pretended to be the one who had killed Saul and he brought along Saul’s insignia of royalty for proof. This messenger presents himself to David in the posture of a mourner for the deceased prince and a subject to the succeeding one. He came with his clothes rent, and made obeisance to David, pleasing himself with the fancy that he had the honour to be the first that did him homage as his sovereign. Unfortunately, David immediately judged him from the words of his mouth and sentenced him to death (1 Sam. 1:13–15). This is an eye opener for those who take delight to run others down as they seek favour of their superior.

Most times, the courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin (remember the story of Haman how he tried to kill all the Jews just because of Mordecai). This is how most people run down colleagues in offices, neighbourhood, etc, because they want favour from their boss or someone in leadership position. Have you experience the act of these favour seekers? Share your experience. What shall it profit you when you betray people in a bid to secure the goods of this world or a position in office? Why tell lies because you want to gain the praise of the people or your boss? Christians should speak the truth always and not to tell lies against people in a bid to secure a position or gain favour. It boomerangs!

Food for Thought: The courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin.

Prayer:  Help me, O Lord, never to betray others because I am seeking for favour. 

FAVOUR BRINGS INSTANT PROMOTION

FAVOUR BRINGS INSTANT PROMOTION    Thursday October 22, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 16:10 – 13                            Memory verse: v 12

God doesn’t favour our children according to our fond partiality, but often he honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. This was true of David. Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint a King to replace Saul. All the sons of Jesse were at home except David who was in the field with his father’s flock. He was nothing in the family. However, God who sees the heart knows that he is an instrument he will use. He saw his love for him despite his status as the last born and being young. Josephus says he was about 10 years then while some commentators say 15 years. Thus he was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. A herd’s boy turned out automatically to be a King. The favour of God gave him instant promotion. May the favour of God locate and promote you.

Are you being despising and ignored in your family, office, church, etc because they feel you are nobody, no certificate, etc. God has not given up on you. Samuel didn’t object the meanness of David’s education, his youth, or the little respect he had in his own family, but, in obedience to the divine command, took his horn of oil and anointed him. That God will surprise your critics and enemies with your sudden rise to greatness in Jesus name.   

Food for Thought: Genesis 41:41 – 43

Prayer: Father, may your favour upon my life steer up my promotion instantly.