A New Thing: Devotion for Tuesday August 1, 2019

Devotion for Tuesday August 1, 2019

Topic: A New Thing

Text: Isaiah 43:16 – 21

The Lord has promised to do a new thing for you in this new month. The new thing will not be delayed because it shall ‘spring forth now.’ My confidence about it hinges on 2 Peter 3:9 which says that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises and Isaiah 40:8 confirm that God’s word will stand forever.

A new thing from God goes with a new song; new title, new office, new privileges, new blessings, new joy, new victory and many more. When you are promoted, your level changes. However, a new thing from God can be positive or negative depending on which divide you belong. Our God will surprise us with new things this month in Jesus name.

In Exodus 14:21 – 28, when God parted the Red Sea, it was a new thing. The Israelites experienced this as a way of freedom. But to Pharaoh and his men, it was a way of total destruction.

When God says to His children that He will do a new thing, it means that He will move them to a level of freedom they have never known before.

It also means that God is about to surprise their enemies beyond recovery. Get ready; it is your season for a new thing that will lead to a new song (Psalm 40:3) in your life, family, business and ministry.

Beloved in Christ, before you hold on to a promise, you should first get to know who made the promise with the terms and conditions.

The one who is making this promise to His own is the one called Jehovah El-Shaddai – the God that is more than enough, the Almighty (Genesis 17:1).

Have you known and accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour? If not, do something now so you could enjoy the new thing packaged for you this season and beyond. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:19

Prayer: Lord God, do a new thing in my life that will lead to a new song this month and always in Jesus name. Amen.

A MANIFESTO NIGHT: Devotion for Wednesday September 7, 2016

A MANIFESTO NIGHT: Devotion for Wednesday September 7, 2016

Text: Luke 4:18 and 19       Memory verse: Luke 4:18

In the higher institutions, there is a night called Manifesto Night. It is the night when candidates intending to contest election into Student Union Government offices present their manifesto to fellow students. I can still remember how I did it when I was in ordination training. My speech was borrowed by my successor because of the content. It was indeed thrilling. Many students look forward to such nights and it affords them the opportunity to make public speeches and presentations. It is usually a learning ground for those who aspire to hold public offices in future.

Our text is termed Jesus’ public presentation of His manifesto. A comprehensive look at the text, will make us to appreciate the magnitude of God’s love for us (Ephesians 3:17–19). Everything in this manifesto as presented by Jesus Christ had the interest of man at the centre. He did not come to be crowned a king. Even when people wanted to do it by force, He withdrew.  His agenda was not to acquire empire, wealth or material things of this world. Rather His manifesto was based on liberation and freedom of man.

During campaigns into some offices like spiritual, traditional or political, people make so many promises. The present manifestoes that can move people easily to accept them. On the other hand, many aspire for positions just for selfish reasons. It is pertinent to ask this question to those aspiring to be in different office. What is your agenda/manifesto for contesting to be a bishop, a Local Government Chairman, Governor, President or whatever position you are aspiring for? Are you aspiring for the good of the people or for selfish interest?  

Jesus quoted this text from Isaiah 61:1 & 2a. Have you ever imagined why Jesus stopped at Isaiah 61:2a? His first coming wasn’t for vengeance but for redemption. Vengeance will be later. This is the era of God’s favour; the era of grace, mercies and call to repentance. Jesus came to give us the Good News that our sins have been forgiven, to heal us, deliver us from oppressions, etc. Have you benefited of these? If not repent now because the day of vengeance is coming (Isaiah 61:2b).

Food for Thought: Are you a beneficiary of what Jesus has offered mankind?   

Prayer: Grant me the heart to appreciate your love, O Lord so that I will benefit from all that you have offered mankind.

GO FORWARD: Devotion for Saturday August 20, 2016

GO FORWARD: Devotion for Saturday August 20, 2016

Text: Exodus 14:15 – 20       Memory verse: Exodus 14:15

When we are desperate, in need or fearful, God is always waiting for us to ask for a solution from Him. He is ever ready to hear us speak to Him. One thing we must know about God is that He doesn’t force His will on us. He allows us to demonstrate our faith. At creation, He gave us freedom to make choices and do whatever pleases us but are bound to give account for all our words and actions on the last day which should conform with His will. If they didn’t conform to His will, then we will be people most miserable because His wrath will be revealed against all ungodliness.

In our scriptural reading for the day, Moses' silent prayers of faith prevailed more with God than Israelis’ loud outcries of fear. The pillar of cloud and fire came behind them, where they needed a guard, and it was a wall between them and their enemies. We should understand that it is our duty not just to pray, but to act; and unless we go forward in our duties, call and walk with God; our prayers will not be answered. God helps those who do what He requires to help them and that which God requires to help is our faith.  Yesterday, we read how Moses told them to stand still and expect orders from God: and now orders are given – Go Forward.

This order is from God to us today. Many of us are stagnant in our spiritual lives, refusing to make progress. Many are not willing to improve on their relationship with God but He is saying, go forward. Some people are not even ready to improve on their personal life and relationship with others. Are you afraid to undertake that meaningful project, God is saying go forward. That interview you are skeptical about should not intimidate you. Go forward because it is only in going forward, you can make progress. The Israelis moved forward and doors and gates were opened to them in a place it was never possible. Doors and gates will open to you in places that seem impossible today in Jesus name. Just go forward.

Food for Thought: The way to success, freedom and progress is to keep going forward and not backward or sideways which are distractions.

Prayer: God, strengthen my faith to go forward for there is my miracle.

Stand In Your Liberty: Devotion for Tuesday November 17, 2015

STAND IN YOUR LIBERTY     Tuesday November 17, 2015

Text: Galatians 5:1 – 12         Memory verse: v 1

Apostle Paul teaches here that Christians should be firm, steadfast, and persevering and no more entangled with the yoke of bondage which is the Jewish ceremonies of dos and don’ts. Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free, not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desire. Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before, to live unselfishly.

It is wrong to put a burden of keeping the law on Christians as some of the Jews wanted them to be circumcised before they could be seen as Christians. We must stand against those who would enslave us with rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved or growing in Christ. The freedom Christ has granted us should be used in context of His will for us – to live in the fear of God and to His glory.

Food for Thought: John 8:32

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding of what your freedom for us, means.