WHAT IS YOUR SERVANT? Devotion for Monday January 25, 2016

WHAT IS YOUR SERVANT?      Monday January 25, 2016

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

Yesterday, we read how David sought for Mephibosheth and brought him to dine at his table just for the sake of Jonathan’s love for him. Family Bible Notes posited that “A conviction of unworthiness, and true gratitude for favours, tend greatly to increase the liberality and usefulness of the giver, and also the happiness and benefit of the receiver.” This statement was true in the case of Mephibosheth. The way David treated him surprised him which led to the topic of the day. His treatment of Mephibosheth shows David’s integrity as a leader who accepted his obligation to show love and mercy. His generous provision for Jonathan’s son goes beyond any political benefit he might have received. This benevolence from David humbled Mephibosheth.

It is good to have a humble heart under the undeserved providences. This also applies to our salvation. We deserved death by virtue of our sins but God in His love and mercies came and died for us. This should make us humble in whatever position we find ourselves. This led to the statements Paul made in 1 Corinthians 15:9 and Ephesians 3:8. Mephibosheth used the phrase, ‘a servant’ and ‘dead dog’ not because he was crippled but because he saw himself as a despised person; not worthy of such honour. Do you have a humbled heart? How do you feel about the gifts God has bestowed on you? A thankful heart is the greatest virtue. 

Food for Thought: The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.

Prayer: Lord God, grant me a thankful heart to always appreciate my salvation and works of mercies you do in my life.

WEARYING GOD WITH SIN: Devotion for Tuesday January 19, 2016

WEARYING GOD WITH SIN           Tuesday January 19, 2016

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28                  Memory verse: v 24

A sacrifice required both giving up a valuable animal and pleading with God for forgiveness. But the people presented God with sins instead of sacrifices (43:24). This ironic picture shows the depths to which Israel had sunk that they commit their sin in the presence of God. What do you present to God; your sins or a plea for His forgiveness? Despite all these atrocities, God assures His people of forgiveness. For God, when He forgives our sins, He totally forgets them (43:25). We never have to fear that He will remind us of them later. Because God forgives our sins, we need to forgive others. Can anyone justify himself before God? Yet, out of mercy He calls on us to dialogue with Him so we may be acquitted if found not guilty (43:26 compare 1:18). 

How do we weary God with sin? When we come before Him often and refuse to repent of our sins or when we know we are living in sin and instead of repenting, we glory in them. These are some of the ways we weary God with our sins. Can you mention some other ways we weary God with our sins? Wearying God with our sins will definitely attract some unbearable consequences (43:28 compare Rom. 6:23). God exposed them to contempt and destruction and ours won’t be an exemption except we repent. Do you weary God with your sins?

Food for Thought: Malachi 2:17

Prayer: God, grant me a broken and contrite heart for my sins so I will repent of them and not to weary you with them any longer in Jesus name.

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS: Devotion for Sunday January 3, 2016

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS        Sunday January 3, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 7                          Memory verse: v 7

Leadership demands courage because leaders are faced with numerous responsibilities. These responsibilities need wisdom and not knowledge alone. That is why you see a degree holder failing in leadership while a graduate of Secondary school performs better. It depends on the level of wisdom which comes from God (Prov. 2:6). Knowledge is only an added advantage in leadership and not the basic necessity.

Joshua had assumed the leadership of Israel and now has the mandate to lead them into the Promised Land (1:1, 2). God gave him all the assurances he needed and some strategies to lead well and prosper. Here are some of them. He said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God’s law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law – The Bible. If we intend to be successful in our endeavours this year, we should follow God’s strategies given to Joshua. You should be strong in faith and be courageous in following God. You may not succeed by the world’s standards, but you will be a success in God’s eyes and His opinion lasts forever. Follow God courageously and He will take you to your Promised Land in this 2016.

Food for Thought: The highest and noblest courage is shown by the most faithful discharge of duty.  

Prayer: Lord God, make me strong and grant me the courage to faithfully follow your strategies for success this year in Jesus name.

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday December 29, 2015

A PATRIOT INDEED      Tuesday December 29, 2015

Text: Esther 10:1 – 6         Memory verse: v 3

Mordecai was truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth, but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good. Mordecai was indeed a patriot who sought for the welfare of his people at all times and as he had the opportunity.

We are not required to do what is not in our power because God doesn’t require us to do so but there are those we should emulate as recorded in the Bible. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says “If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be active according to the ability and opportunities He gives us, in promoting His glory and the best interests of men. If our faith be genuine, it will work by love.” How much do you seek for the welfare of fellow Christian and your pastors? Mordecai has proved himself. What about you? You have opportunity to do something today.

Food for Thought: Any challenge for you in the life of Mordecai

Prayer: Lord, give us men and women like Mordecai in our political offices.

I DO NOT CHANGE: Devotion for Friday December 18, 2015

I DO NOT CHANGE         Friday December 18, 2015

Text: Malachi 3:1 – 6     Memory verse: v 6

Here is a prophecy about the coming of Christ and His forbearer John the Baptist who shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The Messiah had been long called, ‘He that should come,’ and now shortly He will come. God was tired of the way the people had cynically twisted His truths and He resolved to punish those who insisted that because God was silent, He approved of their actions or at least would never punish them. He would also punish those who professed a counterfeit faith while acting sinfully (see 3:5). God affirmed that what He has resolved to do will happen because He is the God that cannot change (3:1).

Our God does not change. Whatever He utters happens as He said it. Do you take God’s word for granted or you twist His truth or think that Jesus is not coming back again? Know that God doesn’t change. Again, has God made any promise to you and it you feel time is running out on you? He doesn’t change and those promises will happen at His own time. Keep believing.

Food for Thought: God’s word is God and doesn’t change

Prayer: God let all you have said about me happen as you have said them.

Renew Your Spirit in Me: Devotion for Wednesday December 16, 2015

RENEW YOUR SPIRIT IN ME   Wednesday December 16, 2015

Text: Psalm 51:7 – 13      Memory verse: v 10

The content of David’s pray here is worthy of note. He prayed that God would cleanse him from his sins and its defilement (51:7). He also prayed that, as his sins are being pardoned, he might have the comfort of that pardon. He asks not to be comforted till first he is cleansed and that he will receive complete and effectual pardon (51:9). He asked for sanctifying grace, for continuance of God's good-will towards him and the progress of His good work in him, restoring divine comforts and the perpetual communications of divine grace towards him.

The two words used in 51:10 make a complete prayer. David asked
God to CREATE what is not there at all and to RENEW that which was there, but in a sadly feeble state. The spirit of God was in him but He was grieved (Ephesians 4:30). This is consequences of sin. Sin demoralizes. It renders us powerless and makes the joy of salvation to depart from us. Are you still under the burden of sin? This prayer of David can help to ease the burden if you can pray it with all your heart. Do it now and don’t procrastinate about it. I wish you a great day.

Food for Thought: God honours humility.

Prayer: Use the memory verse for prayers.

RISE AND PRAY: Devotion for Saturday December 12, 2015

RISE AND PRAY        Saturday December 12, 2015

Text: Luke 22:39 – 46    Memory verse: v 46

Jesus needed privacy where He entered into His mission on earth which was making of His soul an offering for sin, and thus, He went to Mount Olive.  There He afflicted His own soul with grief for the sin of mankind to satisfy the requirements of God. He exhorted His disciples to pray that, though the approaching trial could not be avoided, yet they might not in it enter into temptation to sin. He withdrew from them, and prayed himself. When He rose from prayer, He found them sleeping. Very unfortunate! They couldn’t even tarry with their Master.

They slept off because their flesh was weak. There are many times God urges us to pray but we usually ‘sleep off’ by going to our own businesses; by sleeping instead of praying, by not watching, by procrastinating and being nonchalant about the urge to pray. Jesus told His disciples to pray so they will not enter into temptation and not because He wants their prayer to save Him. Prayers are for our own good. We should always rise to pray whether we are in the home, work place, office, school, etc, so we won’t enter into temptation.

Food for Thought: Prayer is for your good. How often do you pray?

Prayer: God, may I always pray at your prompting in Jesus.

THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN: Devotion for Wednesday November 25, 2015

THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN      Wednesday November 25, 2015

Text: 1 John 2:1 – 4           Memory verse: v 1

In chapter one, John gave the steps for living in the light (1:5, 7) as confession of sin (1:9). The second step is to forsake all sin (2:1). This was his reason for writing. Sin is what separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1, 2). John emphasized human sinfulness in chapter 1 in order to make his readers despise their sin and try to stay free from it. So that you will not sin means that we should try to stay free from sin by avoiding it, refusing it, but then also confessing it when it does happen. Christians will sin because they have not yet been made perfect. John fully understood this. He did not want his readers to take the inability to avoid sinning as an excuse to sin.

Beloved, these words are written to caution and guide us against sinning. When we read, meditate and hide the word of God in our hearts, it will help to control us within the laws of God (Psalm 119:11). We must as well hate sin and every appearances of sin. This will help us to live righteously.

Food for Thought: Psalm 119:11

Prayer: God let your word richly dwell in me as I meditate on it in Jesus name.

LOVED MUCH BY GOD: Devotion for Tuesday November 24, 2015

LOVED MUCH BY GOD        Tuesday November 24, 2015

Text: Daniel 10:10 – 15       Memory verse: v 11

Daniel was in a state of shock and dismay as a result of events mentioned in 10:1 – 9 when a hand touched him. Then the comforting words of 10:11 – 15 followed. The angel told him about God’s love for him and how he has been sent to help him out of the troubles of Prince of Persia who stood against his prayers. The words of 10:12 is worthy of note. Daniel set his heart to seek God and to understand the time but Satan and his agents stood against him. Is there any lesson for us here?

Daniel was loved much by God because he set his heart to worship God even in exile where he was privileged to serve in the palace. That would have been a enough reason to back out from worshipping God but not Daniel. He gave everything about his life to God. This pleased God. From here, it is worthy to state that when we set our hearts to please God, He will love us and grant our request no matter the ways the enemies are trying to hinder us.

Beloved in Christ, cheer up. God still hears and answers our prayers. As you apply your heart to seek Him, He will remove every obstacle to your salvation, prayers and blessings in Jesus name. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: What can you do to attract God’s love?

Prayer: Father, help me do the things that will attract your love for me

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING: Devotion for Monday November 23, 2015

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING   Monday November 23, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:4 – 10       Memory verse: v 4

The most despicable living man's state is preferable to that of the most noble who have died without repenting. This is true because such still have opportunity to repent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confide in God, whatever maybe their condition in life. He conceded that the living have an advantage over the dead (9:4), for the dead have no further opportunities to secure reward for their life’s labours (9:4 – 6).

Presently, we may be facing some challenges and we are asking, “When will all these troubles of life end?” No matter what you may be passing through now, there is hope for you as long as you are alive. Therefore, don’t give up your faith. Are you suffering the consequences of sin? You can still repent, make restitution and have peace. To you that is expecting, don’t loose heart for your time is coming as long as you are alive.

Food for Thought: Being alive means that we still have better opportunities

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for there is still hope for me. 

TO DO THEM GOOD: Devotion for Friday November 20, 2015

TO DO THEM GOOD         Friday November 20, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 32:40 – 44      Memory verse: v 41

Like the covenant with man after the flood (Genesis 9:16) and with David concerning his dynasty (2 Samuel 23:5) where this expression, everlasting covenant is used, this one is enduring in nature, and probably is related to the New Covenant. The provision of God in this covenant is to do good to us. He is always pleased when we come to Him to receive what He has packaged for us. God takes no pleasure in punishing even the most wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 32), rather He enjoys doing them good (Deuteronomy 30:9; Isaiah 62:5; 65:19; Zephaniah 3:17).

Have you benefited from the goodness of God? David said something about goodness of God in Psalm 23:6. Are goodness and mercies of God your rear guard? If you are not benefiting, then go to God in prayer for His desire is to do good to you and all yours.

Food for Thought: Are you part of God’s everlasting covenant?

Prayer: God, position me to benefit from all goodness you have for us.

HE GRANTED MY PETITION: Devotion for Wednesday November 18, 2015

HE GRANTED MY PETITION      Wednesday November 18, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 1:24 – 28                   Memory verse: v 27

Hannah promised (1:11) that her son would be dedicated to lifelong Levitical service (Numbers 4:3; 8:24-26) and would be a lifelong Nazirite (Numbers 6:2-6). God granted her petition and she honoured her vow to God. To do what she promised (1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most, her son and presented him to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord. Because Samuel’s life was from God, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to God, who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kinds of gifts we should give to God. Do your gifts cost you anything?

God granted the petitions of Hannah and she acknowledged it. Do you acknowledge the mercies of God upon your life and that of your family? That God grants our petition is obvious but our response matters so much. When God visits us with His mercies and providence, we should respond with hearts of gratitude for that glorifies Him.

Food for Thought: Blessings that are dear and of greatest comfort are always from the Lord

Prayer: God, grant me a heart of gratitude for your mercies upon my life.   

A LIGHT IN THE DARK: Devotion for Monday November 9, 2015

A LIGHT IN THE DARK        Monday November 9, 2015

Text: Philippians 2:14 – 16       Memory verse: v 15

Here we have some dangers in complaining and argument. Why is complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about us is that we constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they will get a false impression of Christ and the gospel. Our belief in Christ should unite us who trust Him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ.

We should stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ. The reason for this is because we are called as light (Matthew 5:14 – 16) to shine in the dark. Is your light still shining or has it gone off? Our light should shine through our words and deeds. Be mindful of how you live in your neighbourhood.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: God, trim my lamp and make me shine for you in this dark world.

THE WILLINGNESS OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday November 7, 2015

THE WILLINGNESS OF GOD    Saturday November 7, 2015

Text: Mark 1:40 – 45     Memory verse: v 41

Today’s bible reading teaches that we should always apply to our Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to His will, by saying, "Lord, if you will," without doubting His readiness to help us. Again whatever we expect from Christ; will be according to our faith. The poor leper said, “If you will.” Christ readily wills favours to those who refer themselves to His will. The touch of Jesus, therefore, gave the leper a new conception of divine compassion.

This divine compassion is still at our disposal if only we can appeal to the will of God which is our well-being (3 John 1:3). Are you troubled, sick, worried, facing challenges of life, etc? You should appeal to the will of Jesus just as this leper did and He will readily attend to you because He is ever willing to help us.

Food for Thought: Whatever we believe of the power of Christ we should apply to our peculiar cases.

Prayer: God, help me to submit myself always to your will in Jesus name.

BELIEVE, SO YOU CAN SEE: Devotion for Thursday November 5, 2015

BELIEVE, SO YOU CAN SEE                   Thursday November 5, 2015

Text: John 4:46 – 54               Memory verse: v 48

The nobleman believed in Jesus’ word alone, without proof (4:49-50). When the hour of healing was discovered, the man again believed, having seen the proof of Jesus’ word (4:53). The movement was from believing the words of Jesus to seeing and believing the deeds of Jesus. The man first believed in Jesus’ word. Then he believed in the deed and character of Jesus. This event showed that Jesus’ signs were not presented simply for evangelism but also for those who had already believed in a deeper and sincere level.

This man believed, went home and saw. This should be the life of true Christians. We should believe the word of God as we read it or hear it preached. We should not be carried away by desire for miracle as against the word itself for the word brings miracle. Remember the words of Jesus to Thomas in John 20:29. See also 2 Corinthians 5:7 and 1 Peter 1:8.

Food for Thought: John 20:29

Prayer: God, grant me the faith to believe so I can see your miracles.

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF: Devotion for Monday November 2. 2015

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF                 Monday November 2. 2015

Text: Philippians 2:5 – 8                Memory verse: v 8

Some characters of Jesus are mentioned in our text. 1) Christ has always existed with God; (2) Christ is equal to God because He is God (John 1:1ff; Colossians 1:15 – 19); (3) though Christ is God, He became a man in order to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for all people; (4) Christ actually became human to identify with our sins; (5) Christ voluntarily laid aside His divine rights and privileges out of love for His Father; (6) Christ died on the cross for our sins so we wouldn’t have to face eternal death; (7) God glorified Christ because of His obedience; (8) God raised Christ to His original position at the Father’s right hand, where He will reign forever as our Lord and Judge.

How can we do anything less than praise Christ as our Lord and dedicate ourselves to his service! We should also imbibe His humility. We should humble ourselves so that He will exalt us at the end. Let heed the advice of James and Peter (James 4:6, 10, 1 Peter 5:5, 6).

Food for Thought: Hebrews 12:2

Prayer: Lord God, teach me humility and remove pride in me in Jesus name.  

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU Sunday November 1, 2015

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU   Sunday November 1, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 6      Memory verse: v 2

In this chapter the blessings and curses are enumerated at length, and in various small details, so that on the first entrance of the Israelites into the land of promise, their whole destiny was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary. The blessings are here put before the curses because God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy. It is His delight to bless. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. They are required to keep up religion, the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and then the providence of God would prosper all their outward concerns.

Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after you, and shall be thrown into your lap by special kindness. These promises still stand for us today. Unfortunately, most people run after miracles and blessings because they have refused to obey the voice of God. It is through obedience that God’s blessings will come upon us and overtake us this month and in the days ahead. Have a lovely month of November.

Food for Thought: For these blessings to overtake you, what are the things you should do?

Prayer: May I play my part O Lord, so that your blessings will overtake me.   

WAIT ON GOD: Devotion for Friday October 30, 2015

WAIT ON GOD        Friday October 30, 2015

Text: Psalm 27:7 – 14                    Memory verse: v 14

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience (Galatians 5:22). It takes patience to wait on the Lord because there is nothing like haste with God. He is time conscious yet not in a hurry to do things. There are many things waiting on God can do for us. When we wait on the Lord, He inclines His ear to us and answers our prayers (Psalm 40:1). Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel and he got it (Luke 2:25). Waiting on God grants us discretion on complicated issues. It is an appointed means of grace. As we wait on God, He strengthens our hearts. Waiting does a lot of good for us. It makes us more sensitive, sober and watchful. See Psalm 31:24.

Beloved, are you in need of deliverance, healing, favour, freedom, fruit of the womb, vindication, etc, just wait on the Lord. He will never disappoint you rather you will be strengthened. We should draw up courage from the stories of men and women who waited and were blessed. Be expectant; for He that has promised is faithful. Wait actively; be not idle but use the means of grace; read, hear, pray, believe, work. As you wait on Him, He will not disappoint. 

Food for Thought: “Wait in prayer. Call on God and spread the case before him.  Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord” C. Spurgeon

Prayer: God, grant me the grace and patience to wait on you always.

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSING: Devotion for Thursday October 29, 2015

BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE MATTERS IN YOUR BLESSINGS

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 – 7                     Memory verse: v 3

God gave a command to Elijah to turn eastward and hide in Brook Cherith because He has given a command that his immediate needs be met there (17:4). Elijah went as God instructed (17:5). He didn’t bring human wisdom into it. He didn’t ask God why must it be Brook Cherith or why not that rich man/woman’s house. He obeyed and word of God was fulfilled. It was necessary, after such a declaration to this wicked and idolatrous king, that he should immediately hide himself; as, Ahab would undoubtedly seek his life. Thus God rescues him from the fury of Ahab and Jezebel, who, he knew, would seek to destroy him.

Many a time, we cry of lack of providence; fasting, praying and binding all demons that we can mention, when our needs would have been met by simple obedience to God’s instruction. For your miracle to manifest for you, you must be at the place God wants you to be. Jesus told Peter to go and catch first fish in the river from where he could get money to pay tax (Matthew 17:27). What is money doing in the mouth of fish? However, that is God for us. He is sovereign and can use anything to bless us. Being where God wants you to be matters in accessing and receiving your miracles.

Food for Thought: “Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes” – Dietrich Bonheoffer.

Prayer: Lord God, make me faithful and obedient to your command so I will not miss out in the blessings you have purposed for me.

BE STEADFAST: Devotion for Wednesday October 28, 2015

BE STEADFAST      Wednesday October 28, 2015        

Text: 1 Peter 5:9        Memory verse: v 9

Yesterday we read Peter’s caution on being sober and vigilant. Being steadfast in faith means that we should be encouraged to endure our trials because our fellow Christians suffer the same things. We should not desire and reasonably expect a better condition in the world, with respect to freedom from sufferings. Jesus our Lord suffered and said that a servant is not greater than his master (John 13:16). What all other Bible characters suffered is well known to us. We too have our own share of suffering without which, we cannot share His glory with Him (Romans 8:17).

We can get consolations about suffering for the sake of the gospel in the following ways (1) when we see suffering only as the common lot of Christians and there was no evidence that God abandon them during suffering. (2) The fact that others were enabled to bear their trials should be a proof to us that we would also be able to bear sufferings too. If others were sustained, and were brought off triumphantly, it will be an assurance for us. (3) The assurance of Jesus being with us (Matthew 28:20) is enough confidence that we are not alone in suffering (see also Daniel 3:24, 25). The grace is there to support us. Remember Isaiah 59:1, 2. However, we should not invent suffering.

Food for Thought: James 4:7.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always resist the devil.