The Key to Brotherly Relationship: Devotion for Saturday June 27, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday June 27, 2020

Topic: The Key to Brotherly Relationship    

Text: Luke 17:1 – 3                                             

Here in our Bible text for the day, Jesus teaches us that giving of offences is a great sin which we should avoid and carefully watch against. The expression “offences” is a translation of a Greek term which means “stumbling blocks.” The term originally referred to the trigger that springs a trap; then the word came to refer to anything that causes one to sin.

Jesus emphatically warns that these stumbling blocks are sure to occur. Nonetheless, He pronounced a woe upon those that place these offences which cause people to sin. He suggests that death by drowning would be preferable rather than to offend one of these little ones.

Do you place offences (stumbling blocks) on people’s way by the words of your mouth; by your dressing and appearance, by your reactions, by your quest for wealth, by your pride and arrogance, and by your immoral life? Repent today before God’s anger will visit you.

Nevertheless, God expects us to forgive one another for us to maintain and sustain brotherly love among us. Why did Jesus say so? Because we can be tempted to revenge against people who puts stumbling blocks on our ways. We should understand that vengeance is of the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30).

 Jesus stresses forgiveness which precedes rebuke and repentance. You shouldn’t expect people to forgive you when you are not willing to repent. We should note that to fall often into the same offence against our brother is a great aggravation of our offences. Therefore, beware because when it is repeated, it means it is deliberate.

Food for Thought: Forgiving multiplication of offences is demonstration of God’s like temper in us.

Memory verse: Luke 17:3

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend me no matter the number of times they do it in Jesus name.

Pray also for me as I celebrate 21 years of my ordination into the Holy Order today.

Signs Of True Christianity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 23, 2017

Topic: Signs Of True Christianity                                   

Text: Colossians 3:12 – 17                                                                             

When the early followers of Christ exhibited some characters in Antioch, they were easily called Christians – Christ-like (Acts 11:26). Christian should be known by their character. No wonder Jesus challenged us to shine as light and live as salt (Matt. 5:13 – 16). He also urged us to love one another (Jn. 14:34 & 35).

Here, Paul urged us to put on virtues that will single us out as God’s elect; virtues that speak for us as true believers. How many virtues did he mention in this text? God’s elect here means chosen, set apart, sanctified or consecrated. Christians are requested to put on these virtues; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, etc, as the regalia with which we should be known. As God’s elect we should manifest spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love towards Christians and non-Christians.

Sadly, this is not so among us. We love only those we know; contrary to what the Bible says. What do you exhibit as mark of your Christianity? Do you show tender mercies as a Christian? Are you kind, humble, meek, showing longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you? Are you among the people who wear long garment, carry the biggest bible or attend all church programmes to be noticed when you are a wolf in your neighbourhood? How do you treat people when they offend you? Do you show longsuffering when offended? Search yourself and repent before it will be late. Show your Christianity by exhibiting true virtues everywhere you go.

Food for Thought: Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal or eloquence.

Memory verse: Colossians 3 verse 12

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to develop true character of a Christian.

It Is Not Optional

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 25, 2017

Topic: It Is Not Optional 

Text: Romans 12:20 – 21

Four days before I wrote this, we discussed a similar passage (Luke 6:27 – 28) in Men’s Fellowship of our church. Some said it is not possible while others believe it is a difficult and hard task for us. When I rose up to contribute to the discussion, I told them that though it is a difficult and hard teaching, its compliance is not negotiable.

By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing his misdeeds or not condemning the action. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins, just as Christ did for us. The implication of Romans 12:20 is that we should treat those who offend us kindly, well, and when they are in need, we should supply their wants.

This instruction seems very impossible thing to do because of our human nature but we should understand that if we can’t subject our human nature to obey us, then we are not worthy to be called Christians. Until we grow to the level of forgiving our ‘enemies’ we cannot claim that we are truly worthy to be called Christians (see Matthew 5:43 – 48). Matthew 5:44, 45 say, "But I say to you, love your enemies ... that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ...” From these two verses, it is obvious that if we can’t forgive our enemies, we shouldn’t lay claims to the fact that we are children of God. This is very important teaching we should take to heart in a time like this when the teaching in vogue is let my enemies fall and die. We should learn to live like our Father in heaven who forgives us freely.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:43 – 48

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 20 – “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head” (NKJV).

Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to forgive and love my enemies in Jesus name.

Don’t Be The Avenger

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 24, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be The Avenger

Text: Romans 12:14 – 19

Apostle Paul summarizes the heart of Christian living in our scriptural reading for the day. If we love people the way Christ loves us, we will be keen to forgive. Those who have experienced God’s grace should be ready and willing to pass it on to others. This is the simple requirement of the gospel we preach. Grace is undeserved favour and because we freely received, we should freely give.

Apostle Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:35 to remind us that though we may want to avenge ourselves, but it is better we leave revenge to God because we are bound to overdo and run into the hands of the law. Refusing to take revenge avoids grudges and feuds. God will ensure that His just vengeance will be given at the appropriate time. He gave the charge in Romans 12:17 and emphasized it in Romans 12:19. The emphasis is for a purpose so we can moderate our actions and learn to live peaceably with others.

We should note that Jesus had set an example for us to follow. When He was reviled, He didn’t reviled back but left everything in the hands of God. Why will ours be different if we profess that we are His followers? We should not take revenge upon those who injure us, but exercise a forgiving spirit towards them. God expects us to leave vengeance to Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 32:35

Memory verse: Hebrew 10:30 – For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people” – (NKJV)  

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the spirit of patience, self-control and love so as to avoid revenge in a quest for vindication. Amen.

CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD

DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, 2016

Topic: CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD     

Text: Romans 12:19 – 21                     

Rom. 12:6–21 states how we can live well as Christians. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of retaliating, Paul says you should befriend him. Reasons why we should forgive someone who hurts us are (1) forgiveness can break a cycle of reprisal and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It can make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways. (3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. You should understand that even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness. Family Bible Notes says, “Kindness towards enemies is a most likely means of making them friends; and if it does not have this effect, but they continue obstinately and wickedly to be enemies to their benefactors, they will ripen for aggravated ruin.”

We shouldn’t allow evil to rule over us (Gen. 4:6). According to Life Application Notes, “Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to feel forgiving toward someone who has hurt you, try responding with kind actions. If appropriate, tell this person that you would like to heal your relationship. Lend a helping hand. Send him or her, a gift. Smile at him or her. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings.” These words are hard to perform for an enemy but that is what will mark you out as a Christian. Anything short puts question mark on your Christianity.

Action: Write down five ways you can conquer evil

Memory verse: Romans 12 verse 21

Prayer: God, I need the grace to develop self-control and conquer evil with good.

CORRECTING AN ERRING BROTHER

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 24, 2016

Topic: CORRECTING AN ERRING BROTHER        

Text: Matthew 18:15 – 20               

Jesus taught how to correct an earring brother in our text. He then gave authority to the church, that if the church suspends anyone, heaven would approve it. Today, we have seen so many people change places of worship, because they don’t want to submit to the authority of the church when she tries to discipline them. If you have been suspended by your church and you leave there to another without the church lifting the suspension, you are still under a curse. It will be better if you repent now and go back to your former church for prayers before you going to another church. What the church has decreed has the backing of God (16:18; 18:18; Jn. 20:23). Do not think that the pronouncement made is not binding on you. It is still there.

If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his misconduct. When someone wrongs us, we often do the opposite of what Jesus recommends. We turn away in hatred or resentment, seek revenge, or engage in gossip. By contrast, we should go to that person first, as difficult as that may be. Then we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it (18:21-22).

Food for Thought: Forgiveness creates a much better chance of restoring relationship and creating peaceful coexistence.

Memory verse: Matthew 18 verse 15

Prayer: My Lord and my God, grant me the grace to apply these principles Jesus taught us when people offend me.

BE MERCIFUL

DEVOTION FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 19, 2016

Topic: BE MERCIFUL              

Text: Matthew 5:7         

The blessed state for the merciful as Jesus used it here, does not promise outright laughter, pleasure or earthly prosperity rather the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. Romans 9:15 tells us that God shows mercy. Mercy means capacity for holding oneself back from punishing or causing suffering to someone whom one has the right to punish. Just like Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13); forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, so we should be merciful in others so as to obtain mercy. Do you show mercy to people who have truly offended you, that you may also obtain mercy? Are you of the group that believes in an eye for an eye (Exodus 21:24)? God expects us to be merciful, because He is merciful to us (Exodus 34:6 & 7). If God counts all our shortcomings, who will stand before Him?

If you desire the blessedness of God in this life, joy; the deepest form of happiness and peace of God which passes all understanding, then you must be ready to show mercy to people you meet on regular basis.  You must follow the example of Jesus to the woman caught in the very act (John 8:1–11). Always show mercy and you will also receive it.

Food for Thought: Mercy imitates God, and disappoints Satan - St Chrysostom.

Memory verse: Matthew 5:7

Prayer: God, sow in me the spirit of mercy and grant me the grace not to retaliate when people offend or hurt me.

HE’LL RESTORE YOUR LOST FORTUNE

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016

Topic: HE’LL RESTORE YOUR LOST FORTUNE

Text: Deuteronomy 30:1 – 10

God’s love and mercies are unbelievable and far beyond our understanding. If not so, some of us wouldn’t have been Christians much more being a priest in His service. This love God has for sinners made Paul to assert that he was not worthy to be an Apostle if not for the grace God he received.

In our bible reading for the day, Moses told the Israelites that if they go astray, realizes their wrong and are willing to go back to the Lord, He would welcome them back. Even when they walk out on God deliberately, He will still take them back. God’s kind of mercy is what Jesus proved through the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–24). He deliberately walked out on the Father like the lost sheep. Moses told them about God’s love and mercies for them.  

There are lessons for us to learn from this statement of Moses.

a) God is love and merciful (Exodus 34:6 &7)

b) God is always ready to forgive us (Jeremiah 31:34)

c) He will gather us as His people (Jeremiah 32:37; Ezekiel 34:13)

d) He restores our fortunes (Luke 15:22–24; Jeremiah 29:14)

Have you deliberately walked out on God? Is it that you walked out on God as a result of ignorance and now you are finding it difficult to forgive yourself and come back to Him? Why will you continue to carry about your burden of sins when God is ever willing and ready to forgive you when you come back to Him? The place you are now may be the result of the acts of your own mistake just like the Prodigal Son and you have lost so many things. Turn back to God and He will freely welcome you unconditionally (Luke 15:17 & 18). Arise, He is waiting for you to restore unto you all those years you have lost (Joel 2:25) in ignorance and sin because of His love for you. Don’t hesitate or procrastinate.

Food for Thought: All the promises of God in Christ Jesus are Yes and Amen!

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 30 verse 3

Prayer: God, I repent of all sins I have committed. Please restore my lost fortunes in Jesus name. Amen.

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

Text: Luke 17:1 – 3      Memory verse: v 3

Here Jesus teaches us that giving of offences is a great sin which we should avoid and carefully watch against. The expression ‘offences’ is a translation of a Greek term which means ‘stumbling blocks.’ The term originally referred to the trigger that springs a trap; then the word came to refer to anything that causes one to sin. Jesus emphatically warns that these stumbling blocks are sure to occur. Nonetheless, He pronounced a woe upon those that place these offences which cause people to sin. He suggests that death by drowning would be preferable rather than to offend one of these little ones. Do you place offences on people’s way by the words of your mouth; by your dressing and appearance, by your reactions, by your quest for wealth, by your pride and arrogance, and by your immoral life? Repent today before God’s anger will visit you.

Nevertheless, God expects us to forgive one another for us to maintain and sustain brotherly love among us. Why did Jesus say so? Because we can be tempted to revenge against people who puts stumbling blocks on our ways. We should understand that vengeance is of the Lord (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). Jesus stresses forgiveness which precedes rebuke and repentance. You shouldn’t expect people to forgive you when you are not willing to repent. We should note that to fall often into the same offence against our brother is a great aggravation of our offences. Therefore, beware because when it is repeated, it means it is deliberate.

Food for Thought: Forgiving multiplication of offences is demonstration of God’s like temper in us.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend me no matter the number of times they do it in Jesus name.