Are You Known For Integrity? Devotion for Sunday May 17, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday May 17, 2020

Topic: Are You Known For Integrity?          

Text: Matthew 7: 15 – 20                           

One thing that prevents men from choosing the strait and narrow way that leads to heaven is false doctrine that guarantees them freedom to do whatever they like and to live the carnal life. We have so many of them today who believe that the teachings of Paul, Peter, John, etc, against homosexuals were wrong. Some of these false prophets brought the gay movement into the Church of God and even teach that masturbation, sex toy and pre-marital sex is not a sin.

This false teaching is the reason behind the warning Jesus gave in Matthew 7:15. You will know these false teachers by the way they drift from one position to another on doctrinal issues and the effects of their doctrines on growth in morality.

We cannot know the nature of a man, but his fruits (his deeds) will express and expose that nature quite clearly for us to understand. Therefore, the way to detect false prophets is by their deeds. The person’s speech will not always correspond to his true nature, as it is implied in Matthew 7:21.

Good teachers consistently exhibit good behaviour, integrity and high moral character as they attempt to live out the truths of Scripture. Every one of us is subject to sin, and we must show the same mercy to others that we need for ourselves.

When Jesus spoke about bad trees, he meant teachers who deliberately teach false doctrine. We must examine the teachers’ motives, the direction they are taking, and the results they are seeking. Those who should not be teaching will be recognizable by their fruit.

As Christians, we are teachers of the Bible by our words and action. Do we show integrity in all we do? That will give credence to our confession of faith. Let us be known for integrity and not falsehood and deceits.

Food for Thought: Matthew 3:10

Memory verse: Matthew 7:20

Prayer: My God and my Father, help me to develop virtue of integrity in my words and action before you and men in Jesus name.

Best Ways To Bear Worthy Fruits

Devotion for Wednesday January 3, 2018

Topic: Best Ways To Bear Worthy Fruits

Text: Luke 3:10 – 14

The question the people of Jerusalem, all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan asked John is what all meaningful Christians should ask God at the beginning of the year like this which is "what shall we do then?" The question they asked John is similar to what we have in Acts 2:37. John had to enumerate some of the areas people of diverse professions commit sin against God and humanity. He mentioned acts of charity (Kindness to the needy), honesty and sincerity among tax collectors in collecting taxes. He also charged soldiers to stop intimidating people or accusing them falsely, and to be contented with their wages. A closer look at John’s answers in Luke 3:11 – 14 gives a clear picture of our present day society. Can you do a comparison with your society? Some people have decided to be doing these and many other crimes despite the word of God they preach and hear. Their reasons are that a labourer deserves his wages and their salaries have not been paid. Beloved, you have no excuse to extort money from people or falsify scales to make gains. These are attributes of unbelievers. It should not be seen or heard among believers. If you had been in it, repent today. God expects us to bear good fruits for Him. We can only do it through righteousness and not through deceit if we hope to benefit from His blessings for us. Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Food for Thought: One of the first demands of religion is to be good and it is the best way to show that our repentance is not feigned.

Memory verse: 1 John 3:17

Prayer: Lord God, grant that I will bear fruits worthy of my repentance in Jesus name. Amen

Bear Worthy Fruits

Devotion for Tuesday January 2, 2018

Topic: Bear worthy fruits

Text: Luke 3:7 – 9

John the Baptist in his preaching called the people to repentance and also admonished them to bear fruit worthy of repentance. John stated that the time has come when Abraham's seed shall no longer be reckoned by outward descent, but by character. Therefore, they should change their character and ways of living to conform to what they profess that implies having the character and doing the works of Abraham. What John the Baptist meant is that there should be a change of character that should led to a change of situation. Many people have kept doing same thing over and again expecting different results that can never be. You cannot hold on to one methodology of doing something and expect to get good results. 

What are the ways you have been serving God, doing your business or relating with people that has not yielded the desired fruit? You need to change your method. On the other hand, we should show the reality of our repentance by forsaking our sins and obeying the commands of God. In order that repentance may be shown to be sincere, it must produce good works. This is one way we can get God’s approval and blessings. Don’t hope to get God’s approval when you are still living in sin. Sing A&M 325

Food for Thought: The change of life is the proof of the change of heart.

Memory verse: Matthew 3:8  

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me a change of heart and life that will reflect the confession I make as a Christian in Jesus name. Amen.

Deception Can Kill

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday (Holy Week) April 10, 2017

Topic: Deception Can Kill 

Text: Mark 11:12 – 14              

Some of the gospels recorded that Jesus drove away merchants from the temple on His arrival during triumphal entry into Jerusalem but Mark recorded it as an event that took place a day after the triumphal entry. The temple which ought to be a place of prayer had been turn into a place of merchandise thus deceiving people who sees it from outside.

Our bible passage for today is a related incident to the clearing of the Temple. Jesus had to curse the fig tree because of its deceptive posture. The Temple was supposed to be a place of worship, but true worship had disappeared. The fig tree showed promise of fruit, but it produced none.

In these two acts of cursing the fig tree and clearing of the temple, Jesus was showing His anger at religious life without substance. He denounced a confession that does not correspond with profession. God expects us to live out what we confess. If you claim to have faith without putting it to work in your life, you are like the barren fig tree.

The deceptive posture of the fig tree led to the curse. This shows that when we have a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:16), we are invariably procuring God’s anger upon ourselves. Do you have a deceptive look where people see you as a Christian but inwardly you are not? God hates deception. Repent of your deception and hypocrisy now before your sins will find you out.

Food for Thought: Do you have a deceptive look which doesn’t correspond with what you are inside? Beware because deception kills.

Memory verse: Mark 11 verse 14

Prayer: Lord God, remove any form of deception me and help me to live the life expected of me as a Christian. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

Text: John 14:25 – 27      Memory verse: John 14:26

Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. According to Nicene Creed, He proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:26; John 15:26). Holy Spirit is a person and not a dove or olive oil. Some ministers even use ‘it’ for Holy Spirit when they are ministering. You will hear them say, “Receive it”. He is a person and He is equal with the Father and the Son. In Baptism, we use the three equally (Matthew 28:19) when we say “I baptize you in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. When we say the Apostolic benediction (the grace), we use the three also. He has the attributes of God the Father (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Therefore, He should be worshipped the way we worship God the Father or God the Son.

Our text shows us one of the works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer in John 14:26. The works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer include;

1) He teaches us – John 14:26

2) He empowers us – Acts 1:18

3) He counsels, comforts and guides us – John 16:7

4) He guarantees our salvation – Ephesians 1:14     

5) He helps us to bear good fruits – Galatians 5: 22 & 23.

We should understand that as believers, the power of God comes into us immediately we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (John 1:12). It is from that moment that the Holy Spirit will begin to influence our lives until we allow Him full control of our lives. Speaking in tongues is not the only sign to know if the Holy Spirit is in us. It is the fruit we bear (Galatians 522 & 23). Is the Holy Spirit in control of your life or you are still living in the flesh?

Food for Thought: As a Christian, is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Take control of my life, Holy Spirit, as I surrender to you this day in Jesus name.

ABSOLUTE COMPLIANCE OR NOTHING: Devotion for Tuesday August 9, 2016

ABSOLUTE COMPLIANCE OR NOTHING: Devotion for Tuesday August 9, 2016

Text: Leviticus 27:26 – 34                

Memory verse: Leviticus 27:30 – And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.

For the past five days, we have been reading about reasons why we should pay our tithes. We saw five reasons why we should pay tithe. As a reminder, the five reasons are: A means of providing for the church, providing for the less privileged in the society, a means of insurance and assurance, covenant to receive more and a test of our obedience.

Tithing is an obligation on us Christians. It is not negotiable or optional just as we have in our memory verse for the day. In our text we have things that are God’s which cannot be redeemed. However, 27:31 says, “If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it.” Things or persons devoted are distinguished from things or persons that were only sanctified.

Devoted things were most holy to the Lord, and could neither be taken back nor applied to other purposes. Many of us no longer remember that we have fruit of the trees and the seed of the land belongs to the Lord. Presently, our emphasis is on money alone. For those who owe fruit bearing trees, you shouldn’t forget this instruction here. The essence of these laws is to help us acknowledge God as the owner of our land, the giver of its fruits, and ourselves as His tenants, and dependants upon Him.    

Many of the principles regarding sacrifices and tithes were intended to encourage inward attitudes as well as outward actions. The inward attitude include obedience, faith, dependence on God, etc while the outward action includes honour for God, dedication, commitment, etc. This teaches us to honour the Lord with our substance (Proverbs 3:9). If a person gives grudgingly, it shows that he has a stingy heart. God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Cor. 9:7), who give with gratitude to Him. Remember, what God requires from us in tithes and offerings are obedience, gratitude and honour for Him. He doesn’t even eat or use them. They are reserved for His services.    

Food for Thought: Do you give grudgingly or cheerfully?

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to acknowledge and appreciate you as the source of all that I have and all that I am 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.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: Devotion for Monday June 13, 2016

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: Devotion for Monday June 13, 2016     

Text: Galatians 5:22 – 23      Memory verse: v 22, 23 

The fruit of the Spirit is that which He produces in those who follow His guidance. It is the natural growth and result of the Spirit working in a Christian’s life. The Spirit produces these virtues or character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s controlled life; we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. 

Here, Paul spoke of the works of the flesh as many; but the fruit of the Spirit (9 of them) is spoken of as one, many works, but one fruit. There is such a connection and link of graces, “That although they are distinct in their natures, yet are they inseparable in their subject, pull one link of a chain, and you pull all; so he that has any one spiritual grace in reality, or at least in eminence, cannot be utterly destitute of any other; for where the Holy Spirit is, there cannot be a total defect of any holy grace” so says William Burkett. Is this so in your life as a Christian?

If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow and be seen in us, we must join our lives to His (John 15:4-5). We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law, to love God and our neighbours. Do you have these virtues and qualities in you? If your fruit is seen in some as against some, then there is a problem in your spiritual life. Ask God to help you to bear the fruit of Holy Spirit as expected.

Food for Thought: A society where all people act out these 9 virtues would not need any law again.

Prayer: Lord, help me to bear these fruit of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

BE THE JUDGE: Devotion for Thursday May 12, 2016

BE THE JUDGE: Devotion for Thursday May 12, 2016

Text: Isaiah 5: 1 – 7      Memory verse: v 3

Our bible passage for today is an imagery used by God to teach the nation of Israel and by extension we the present readers about our unfaithfulness despite the enormous grace and mercies we have received from Him. God used the imagery of a vineyard at a very good place, fertile enough to produce good fruits (5:1, 2). All that was needed to make the vineyard productive were provided (5:2). Unfortunately and regrettably too, the vineyard produce the opposite of what God expected. Instead of good grapes, it produced wild grapes that are not useful.   

The lesson of the song of the vineyard shows that God’s chosen nation was to bear fruit—to carry out His work, to uphold justice. It did bear fruit, but the fruit was bad. This passage uses plays on words: the Hebrew words for justice and bloodshed sound very much alike, as do those for righteousness and oppression. The hurt friend (God) now directs rhetorical questions to the people of Judah, asking them to judge whether He is guilty of neglecting them. God often condemns sinners “out of their own mouth” (Deut 32:6; 2 Sam. 12:1-6; Job 15:6; Lk. 19:22; Rom. 3:4). Jesus gave us insight on how to identify someone by his or her fruit in Matt 7:20. Have you examined your own ‘fruit’ lately? Is it good or bad, useful or wild?

Food for Thought: Are the fruits mentioned in Galatians 5:22 and 23 the kind you bear as a Christian?

Prayer: Almighty God, as you have invested so much on me, help me to make returns equal to what you have invested in me in Jesus name.

PEACEABLE FRUITS: Devotion for Wednesday January 13, 2016

PEACEABLE FRUITS       Wednesday January 13, 2016

Text: Hebrew 12:4 – 11        Memory verse: v 11

It is Robin Sharma’s opinion that, “All great work requires daily practice and endless patience.” Daily practices with patience are the things that can bring out the best in great men of exploits. The writer of this epistle exhorts us on the need for training and discipline in the life of Christians which will definitely lead to peaceable fruits of righteousness. The writer noted that from the gentle and moderate degree, and measure of their sufferings: they have not yet resisted unto shedding of blood in striving against sin (12:4). They were reminded that they have not suffered as much as some have suffered, noting that the essence of all these is to pass through the chastising of the Lord (12:5) which comes out of His (God’s) love for us (Hebrews 12:5–11).

Beloved, the chastisement of God yields, like a good tree, the good fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22, 23). It brings out the best in us just as passing of gold in fire makes it shine better. It’s never pleasant to be corrected and disciplined by God, but His discipline is a sign of His deep love for us. When God corrects us, see it as proof of His love, and ask Him what He is trying to teach you. What discipline are you going through at this moment? Therein are lessons that will lead you to righteousness. Do not resist it.

Food for Thought: Hebrew 12:6

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to yield to your chastisement for my own good

HOW TO GLORIFY GOD: Devotion for Tuesday December 22, 2015

HOW TO GLORIFY GOD      Tuesday December 22, 2015

Text: John 15:1 – 8       Memory verse: v 8

The grapevine is a prolific plant; it spreads and a single vine bears many grapes. In the Old Testament, grapes symbolized Israel’s fruitfulness in doing God’s work on earth (Isaiah 5:1 – 7). The prophets had written of Israel as God’s vine, carefully planted and cared for. The new Israel of God (Christians) originates from Christ and is united to Him as branches to a vine. God is the gardener, the cultivator of the vine and the branches. Believers, both sincere and false, are pictured here as the branches.

The fruitful branches are true believers who, by their living union with Christ, produce much fruit. This is what glorifies God (15:8) and that is how we can glorify God. However, this union can be broken. The Father cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit. A vine that produces much fruit glorifies God, for daily He sends sunshine and rain to make the crops grow, and He constantly nurtures each plant and prepares it to blossom. This farming analogy shows how God is glorified when we come into a right relationship with Him and begin to “bear much fruit” in our lives. Do you glorify God by bearing fruit for His kingdom?

Food for Thought: Are you a fruitful or unfruitful branch?

Prayer: Lord, make me a fruitful branch that will glorify you in Jesus name..