There Is A Price For God’s Gifts And Integrity: Devotion for Friday May 29, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 29, 2020

Topic: There Is A Price For God’s Gifts And Integrity   

Text: Genesis 39:7 – 19                                 

It is never a mistake that God made some people beautiful or handsome. However, the way some people abuse these blessings and gifts, gives me cause for concern. God has never made mistake in blessing us. If we abuse our gifts, we will pay dearly for it. Our beauty, blessings and gifts may become a snare to us because some will abuse them and it will no longer make them but mar them.

The gifts and graces of God upon our lives forbid pride in it, and require constant watchfulness against the temptation that attends it. On the other hand, we should have full control over our eyes, lest they infect our hearts. That was the problem with Portiphar’s wife

She couldn’t set off her eyes from Joseph in her husband’s house, lusting after Joseph (Genesis 39:7). She became a snare for Joseph because he was handsome and a young man of honesty and integrity. The result of Joseph’s refusal to consent to her request led to frame up against him and subsequent imprisonment.

The frame up and imprisonment was the price Joseph paid for the gift of God in him. Many people have paid similar prices. Some fell into the hands of the devil and his agents. Some after the fall could not even summon courage to rise again. There is nobody gifted by God in terms of beauty, being handsome, intelligent, talented, etc that hasn’t been tempted or will not be tempted. What matters is what should be your stand when tempted. Will you yield to their temptation because you want to avoid going to prison, being punished, etc?

There is somebody reading this devotion, who out of fear of being punished, refused to speak the truth as Potiphar’s wife did and somebody is suffering today because of your silence and betrayal. God requires you to go and make necessary restitutions. Despite the price Joseph paid, God was with him and he was loved and privileged above all other prisoners as we shall see tomorrow.

Food for Thought: Every gift and blessings from has a price tag.

Memory verse: Genesis 39:19

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need O God, never to abuse your gift upon my life or a stumbling block to other people because of their gifts.

It Is A Gift: Devotion for Saturday May 2, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 2, 2020

Topic: It Is A Gift                                                      

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13                     

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, are the result of the free and rich grace of God bestowed on us. If really we understand that we are what we are today just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, we shouldn’t have any reason to be proud or brag about our achievements.

Paul made it clear that the difference between us Christians in terms talents, etc. depends on the gift we have received from God. Here in our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they (the Corinthians) could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. We should understand that no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received—all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything.

The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God.

Beloved, whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think you are deserve or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and you should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to you. 

Food for Thought: John 3:27

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:7

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name. 

NB:
I have added this message from my Youtube channel. The topic is Uselessness to Usefulness. Watch it and leave your comment. Just click on this topic Uselessness To Usefulness

A Just Reward For Sin: Devotion for Tuesday April 14, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday April 14, 2020

Topic: A Just Reward For Sin                                        

Text: Romans 6:12 – 23

After the admonition to walk in newness of life by Paul as we read yesterday, he went further to speak about the just reward for sin. He started by saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (6:12). That was a conclusion of his exhortation in Romans 6:1 – 11. He gave this charge because of the consequences and reward for sin.

Most people play with sin as if it has no consequence. If we are dead to sin, how can sin still control us? True Christians have died to sin, but as long as they live in their mortal bodies, they will have the compulsion to sin. But only because they have died to sin that they will have the power to hinder it from controlling them. It is worthy to note the question in Romans 6:15.

This result of sin is not just physical death; everyone dies physically, believers and nonbelievers alike. This death refers to eternal separation from God. This is the wage that a person receives for his or her rebellion against God. But instead of wages, those who believe receive a free gift from God, eternal life. Which reward are you expecting to receive?

Just as the labourer is worthy of his hire and feels it to be his due, so death is the due for sin, the wages the sinner has formed for himself. The good news is that God has offered us eternal life as a gift. Have you received yours?

Food for Thought: Are you working for wage or gift?

Memory verse: Romans 6:23

Prayer: God your gift for me is eternal life. Grant that I will not miss out in Jesus name.

What is Ecommergy? Find the answer as you click on this.

Daily Insight - Use Your Talent And Don't Despise It

Daily Insight - Use Your Talent And Don't Despise It
I am happy welcoming you to the last week of this month. I saw these pictures online which have gone viral because as at the time I share them over 2 thousand persons have already shared the post. People love to associate with hard work, diligence and use of talent. They love creativity and commitment no matter the sex. People shared this picture because they love the courage of this young lady who despise shame and what people might say to make a name for herself. I know that this post will fetch her more job.
Beloved, the greatest undoing to your generation and yourself is to hoard or despise it. If this young lady had despised her talent as a painter, who would have heard her name? To be honest to yourself and your generation, you must discern and find out your talent and make good use of it. Some of the friends of this young lady would have taunted her on her love for painting but she ignored that because all of us can't be doctors, lawyers, Engineers at the same time. I know she has become a sought after with this post.
Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements. Remember that you can't build a reputation on what you intend to do but on what you have done.
After reading my daily insight on Stop Your Emotional Suffering, someone wrote to me saying "More grace to you my brother. I so much like your post online now and I like it so much. Please sir, can you forward same to my WhatsApp? I need it for daily reflections and I owe it to you. God bless you in life, family and ministry in Jesus Christ name."
My talent is to write - books, devotions, insights, food for thoughts and on certificates and gifts items outside my calling as a priest. I thank God that I have discovered them and have been using them to edify souls and people that read most of my post can attest to it. If I hoard it, God and my generation will not be happy with me. Presently, I write the certificate of two schools in Asaba and for my Diocese,
So it is in your case. Use your gifts and talents no matter how negligible it may seem to men. God who gave it to you want your generation to benefit from it. People are waiting to hear your name as a painter, engineer, Carpenter, Electrician, an author, doctor, nurse, etc. Your generation is waiting to hear your name. Don't keep them waiting, do something today. Have a fruitful week.
Tabugbo @Asaba

It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Devotion for Tuesday July 31, 2018

Sing A&M 300 – Be Thou, My Guardian And My Guide

Topic: It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. If really we understand that we are what we are just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, there is no reason to boast. Paul made it clear that the difference between Christians in terms talents and gifts we have received from God depends on the way we use them. In our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. Beloved, no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received, all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything. The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God. Whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think that you deserved or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and we should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to us.

Food for Thought: John 3:27              

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:27

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name.

For The Benefit Of Others

Devotion for Wednesday January 24, 2018

Topic: For The Benefit Of Others

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11

Every one of us created by God is endowed with gifts which should be used for the benefit of others and to the glory of God. We shouldn’t pride ourselves on what was given to us. Among those gifts are spiritual talents (1 Corinthians 12:1) as Paul mentioned in our text. He stated that the Spirit manifesting in us diverse gifts are meant to benefit all (1 Corinthians 12:7). All Christian gifts and graces come from the Holy Spirit. He bestows different measures of grace and means of influence upon different individuals, but always for the wisest reasons. Wisest reason here is for God to be glorified at the manifestation of the gifts. Paul admonished us to use them well (Romans 12:6 – 8). Anything that is short of this is not of God. 

What are the spiritual and physical gifts God has bestowed on you? How do you use them? We should not discriminate with our spiritual gifts; when to use it or not. Freely we received; freely we should give in whatever we have be it spiritual or physical. We should also understand that we will give account of how we used our gifts here on earth. Therefore, use them for the benefit of others whether they are your family members, relations, fellow Christians or unbelievers. The way we use our gifts will tell the world about our faith. Sing A&M 304; Abu 233

Food for Thought: How many people are benefiting from the gifts of God upon you?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Prayer: May I use my gifts, O Lord, for the benefit of all without discrimination in Jesus name.

Every Gift And Blessing From God Has A Price Tag

Devotion for Tuesday January 23, 2018

Topic: Every Gift And Blessing From God Has A Price Tag

Text: Genesis 39:7 – 19

It is never a mistake that God made some people beautiful or handsome. The way some people abuse these blessings and gifts, gives me cause for concern. God has never made mistake in blessing us. If we abuse our gifts, we will pay dearly for it. Our beauty, blessings and gifts are snare to us because they will either make or mar us. It forbids pride in it, and requires constant watchfulness against the temptation that attends it. 

On the other hand, we should have full control over our eyes, lest they infect our hearts. Potiphar’s wife couldn’t set off her eyes from Joseph in her husband’s house, lusting after him (Genesis 39:7). She became a snare for Joseph because he was handsome and a young man of honesty and integrity. When Joseph refused to consent to her request, she framed-up Joseph and he was subsequently imprisoned. The frame up and imprisonment was the price Joseph paid for the gift God gave to him. 

Many people have paid similar prices. Some fell into the hands of the devil and his agents. Some after the fall could not even summon courage to rise again. There is nobody gifted by God in terms of beauty, handsomeness, intelligence or talent that hasn’t been tempted or that will not be tempted. What matters is your reaction when temptations come. Will you yield to their temptation because you want to avoid going to prison or being punished? If you have framed up or betrayed someone, God requires you to go and make necessary restitution. Despite the price Joseph paid, God was with him and he was loved and privileged above all others in the prison. Sing SS&S 235; Abu 183

Food for Thought: Every gift and blessings from God has a price tag.

Memory verse: Genesis 39:19

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need O God, never to abuse your gift upon my life or a stumbling block to other people because of their gifts.

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Mary

Devotion for Saturday January 13, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Mary

Text: Matthew 26:6 – 13

Matthew and Mark didn’t mention the name of this woman that anointed Jesus. It was John that mentioned her name as Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:1 – 2). She had a precious oil of great value at home and decided to anoint Jesus with it before His crucifixion and death. Many people who witnessed it including his disciples were indignant about it. They queried the rationale behind such a ‘waste.’ Even if the oil was sold and money given to the poor, what would have the buyer used the oil for? However, Jesus Christ was quick to rebuke them saying that what Mary did was good for the reasons he advanced in Matthew 26:10 – 12. He also quickly added that Mary’s act will become a memorial of her and her name will be mentioned wherever the gospel would be preached. 

Beloved in Christ, what would have made Mary to become a household name if not for utilizing her gift to serve God? Your story and destiny can still change if you can use what you have to serve God this year. Yours may be your time, strength/power, money, wealth or any other thing with which God has blessed you. As you use any of your gifts or talents in the service of God and humanity, you will certainly be making a memorial for yourself. It will change your destiny and bring you before men. Sing A&M 357; Abu 193

Food for Thought: Using our gifts/talents for the service of God and humanity is the best way to appreciate the giver of the gifts/talents.

Memory verse: Matthew 26:7

Prayer: Lord God, help me to appreciate you, the source of my gifts through serving you and humanity in Jesus name. Amen.

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Peter

Devotion for Friday January 12, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Peter

Text: Luke 5:1 – 11

Peter and his colleagues had toiled all night without anything to show for their efforts. Apparently, they were set to go home and rest because they were already washing their nets when Jesus appeared and requested to use their boat. Some people would have seen the request as adding to their frustration because it means they would stay longer. But Peter gave out his boat. He didn’t take time to consider the request. He acted promptly. 

Beloved, God is requesting to use that your property for the sake of the gospel. Will you oblige him? After using Peter’s boat, Jesus commanded them to go for a catch. Though Peter, as a professional fisherman tried to bring reason into the command, acted as commanded. The result was amazing and outstanding. It contradicted the laws and principles of fishing. For allowing Jesus use what he has, brought Peter into one on one with Jesus Christ the Saviour of mankind. That turned the story of Peter. 

Dear child of God, do you know that making what you have available for the Master’s use can change your life and destiny? Had Peter and his colleagues gone ahead to sell the fish, they would have made fortune out of the catch but they saw a far greater blessing in following Jesus Christ and thus they abandoned all and followed Him. That singular act and decision of Peter changed his life, story and also immortalized his name. Yours can be so if you will give your talent/gift for the Master’s use. Sing SS&S 798; Abu 239

Food for Thought: All we can hold in our cold dead hands is what we have given away. -Sanskrit Proverb

Memory verse: Luke 5:3

Prayer: Lord, as I give in charity and for the gospel what you have used in blessing me, may your blessings come upon me the more in Jesus name. Amen.

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of David

Devotion for Thursday January 11, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of David

Text: 1 Samuel 16:14 – 23

In our clime, a musician was seen as never do well until recently. Most musicians of 1980s back ended up poorly. Then, nobody wants his child to be a musician but it was music that distinguished David and brought him to limelight in Bible days. No talent from God is too small or unworthy to be despised. I once read about a Yoruba woman without a degree that lectures in Harvard on fine art. The gift of that woman made way for her. This was the case of David to as we have in our bible reading for the day. He was skilled in playing musical instrument and when the spirit of God departed from Saul, one of his aides suggested David as one who was skilled in playing music that can calm his melancholy. It was in that service, he rose to prominence in the land of Israel that Saul became envy of him and sought for ways to kill him. The story of David and Saul teaches us that no amount of envy against you and your talent/gifts can stop what God has ordained to be in your life. Are you talented and people are against you in your office, neighbourhood, and school or church that people are now plotting your downfall or how to eliminate you? Their plan cannot work. If Saul didn’t succeed in killing David, they will not succeed in your case. Keep using your gifts and touching lives. God will perfect his words in your life.  Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Food for Thought: No talent/gift is inconsequential. Therefore use your talent to make name for yourself.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 16:18

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not undermine the gift in me.

Utilize Your Talent/Gifts – The Example of Joseph

Devotion for Wednesday January 10, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talent/Gifts – The Example of Joseph

Text: Genesis 40:5 – 23

Joseph’s gift/talent was to dream and interpret the dreams. He was not stingy with that gift. He dreamt about his brothers bowing to him as a king and another time his parents bowing to him. His dreams elicited hatred from his brothers who sold him into slavery. But being a slave didn’t stop him from using his talents even while in prison, he interpreted the dream of Pharaoh’s servant. Some people would have ignored those servants but not Joseph. He showed concern towards their sadness and inability to understand their dreams. When they told him about their dreams, he gave the right interpretation. His appeal that chief butler should remember him was ignored but he continued his life until another opportunity came when Pharaoh dreamt and there was no interpreter. Then he was remembered. His gift sorted him out and he came out from prison to become a Prime Minister in a foreign land. The way you use your gift matters to God and humanity. God who gave you that gift expects you to use it to serve Him and humanity, and until you begin to use them it cannot manifest the more and bring you before men. If Joseph had shown indifference to the fellow prisoners, when the need arose for an interpreter, he wouldn’t have been remembered. Therefore put your gift into use and it will sort you out. Sing SS&S 1138, Abu 240

Food for Thought: Talent without tact is only half talent – Horace Greeley.

Memory verse: Genesis 41:13

Prayer: God, help me to utilize the gift you gave me just as Joseph did and let it bring me before great men in Jesus name. Amen.

Utilize Your Gifts

Devotion for Tuesday January 9, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Gifts

Text: Proverbs 18:16

Gifts are something bestowed on us. If we can afford such thing, we can’t call it a gift. The author of Proverbs says the gift of a man and not the wealth. This gift can be talent, wisdom, knowledge, craft, art, etc. The gift makes way for the owner and brings him or her before great men. From this verse of the scripture, there are three things we should note of. 1) Every man has a gift. This truth is illustrated in the parable Jesus gave about talents in Matthew 25:14 – 30. There was no servant without a talent. Though some of the servants had more talents than other servants, none was left without one. 2) Talents are meant to be utilized. In that same parable, the king condemned the servant that didn’t utilize the talent he received. For every talent God has given to us, we must utilize them or else on the day of reckoning, we will be condemned for not using them. 3) When we use them, it brings us before kings. A look at that parable in Matthew 25:14 – 30 shows us the reward of using our talents. Those that used theirs were brought before the king for commendation and reward while the man that hid his talent was condemned and cast out into a place of regret.  In the days ahead, we will look at some examples of those that used their talents and how it brought them before kings. What are your gifts/talents? How are you utilizing them? Sing A&M 331, Abu 109

Food for Thought: “Concealed talent brings no reputation” – Erasmus.

Memory verse: Matthew 25:20

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to utilize my gifts and may they bring me before great men in Jesus name. Amen\

CONSEQUENCES OF GREED: Devotion for Friday June 3, 2016

CONSEQUENCES OF GREED: Devotion for Friday June 3, 2016

Text: 2 Kings 5:20 – 27                  Memory verse: v 27

Naaman didn’t make the mistake of going back to Syria after his miraculous healing. He went back to Elisha as a mark of gratitude for what God of Israel had done for him. He came to offer Elisha his gifts instead of offering them to God. Elisha refused because it will amount to taking the glory of God. Most pastors would gladly hijack such offers and corner them for their personal use. They will easily quote 1 Tim 5:18. While Elisha was rejecting those offers from Naaman, Gehazi, his servant, out of greed, was lusting after those gifts. Thus he went after Naaman to ask for some of those gifts his master rejected. He even went ahead to tell lies in the name of his master. This made it double offence (5:22). Naaman gave him more than he requested for (5:23).

Gehazi never knew that his sins will find him out. Most times when we commit sin and tell lies about them, we easily forget that the Holy Spirit is here with us and can reveal anything we do because He sees us and all we do. Elisha opened his mouth; spoke the word of God and Gehazi became leprous as was Naaman. Compare this to Acts 5:1–5. Greed has grievous consequences. This story is a warning for those who are greedy, priests and their servants. Don’t have an eye on what God has rejected. Be contented with what God has given to you to avoid had I known at the end. What do you think would have been the reaction of Naaman if he hears this story? Your guess is as good as mine. Have a great day.             

Food for Thought: Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction” – Erich Fromm. 

Prayer: God, deliver me from any form of greed in my life in Jesus name. 

IT IS A GIFT: Devotion for Monday May 2, 2016

IT IS A GIFT: Devotion for Monday May 2, 2016         

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13     Memory verse: v 7

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is the result of the free and rich grace of God. We shouldn’t be proud, if really we’ve understood that we are what we are just because of the grace God has bestowed on us. Paul made it clear that the difference between us Christians in terms of talents, etc depends on the gift we have received from God. Here, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. We should understand that no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received—all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything.

The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God. Beloved, whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think you deserve or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Eph. 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and you should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to you.  

Food for Thought: John 3:27

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have, are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name.  

UNLOCK YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE: Devotion for Friday March 4, 2016

UNLOCK YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE: Devotion for Friday March 4, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        Memory verse: v 8

To every human being, there are deposits of treasures/gifts, which are waiting to be unlocked. These treasures or gifts can only become real and ours when we take some actions. There are many ways to unlock our hidden treasures. Majority of the ways are through revelation, challenges of life, reading of books, practices, etc. I became an author through the revelation I received from reading of books by my mentor, Robin Sharma. Some of his books opened my eyes to the enormous gifts in me and I realised that I can do something. Beloved, there are gifts/treasures and talents in you that are yet to manifest because you are not aware of them. I pray that God will reveal them to you. You will not die without realising that you have those gifts without using them for your generation in Jesus name.

Joshua had a task of leading the people into the Promised Land. He saw the kind of obstinate and rebellious heart they displayed under Moses. However, despite all these, God told him that he will succeed in leading them into the Promised Land on the condition that he incessantly meditates on the word of God. Josh 1:8b says, “For then ... (NKJV).” It means that “The grand means of inspiring and increasing true courage, is daily attention to the principles and precepts of the Bible, for the purpose of understanding and obeying them” as Family Bible Notes posited. For Joshua to discover his ability in leadership, he must as a matter of priority, read and meditate on the word of God to unlock that treasure in him. Some of us have the talent of becoming inventors, great athletes, great evangelists, pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc, but fear have hindered us from attaining such greatness. God has an assurance for you in 1:9.

Food for Thought: Fear is the greatest obstacle to attaining our greatness in life.  

Prayer: Lord God, remove every fear in me that is an obstacle to the manifestation of the treasures hidden in me in Jesus name.

YOUR SALVATION IS POSSIBLE: Devotion for Saturday February 20, 2016

YOUR SALVATION IS POSSIBLE        Saturday February 20, 2016

Text: Luke 18:18 – 27      Memory verse: v 27

This rich young man mentioned in our bible reading came to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus pointed out the significance of his use of the word “good” (18:19). He sought for reassurance from Jesus, a way to ascertain that he had eternal life. He wanted Jesus to measure and grade his qualifications, or to give him some task he could do to assure his own immortality. So Jesus gave him a task, the one thing the rich man knew he could not do. The rich man’s problem was that he would not obey Jesus’ final command (18:22). His riches were only the surface problem; the real problem lay in the love he had for his wealth. This shows that riches are not bad but love for it instead of God, the giver.

A bystander asked, “Then who in the world can be saved?” No one can be saved, by his or her own achievements, was Jesus’ answer. “What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God.” Salvation cannot be earned; it is God’s gift (Eph 2:8-10). Have you doubted your salvation? Are you deep into sin and now you think your salvation is no more possible? God who offers us salvation is ever ready to save you. All you need do is to pertinently come to Him and He will forgive you. Are you ready to do that today?

Food for Thought: Salvation cannot be earned; it is God’s gift.

Prayer: Father, help me to sustain my salvation and not to lose it at last in Jesus name.

LOVE IS THE ULTIMATE: Devotion for Sunday February 14, 2016

LOVE IS THE ULTIMATE                Sunday February 14, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3              Memory verse: v 2

Today is St. Valentine’s Day; a day popularly known as lover’s day. According to Wikipedia, there are 2 known prominent St. Valentine – Valentine of Rome and of Terni whose feasts were on February 14. However, at the revision of Roman Catholic Calendar of saints, St. Valentine was removed under Pope Paul VI and then there was no association of these saints to romantic love. But “Appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail and later executed” so says Wikipedia. If this lore is real, then Valentine used his gift in excellent way in helping people achieve their life’s dream.

The excellent way Paul referred to in the close of the former chapter, is not just what is meant by charity (almsgiving), but love in its fullest meaning; real, true and sincere love for God and man. Love in this aspect is not romantic love as people practice today. It involves commitment, dedication, trustworthiness, obedience, etc. As love to God and to men is the best gift which God bestows, all should most earnestly desire and cherish it in their lives and in others. Do you have that gift of love in you? How much do you love your neighbours? How do you use your gift of beauty, knowledge, money, strength, etc? See these passages; Lk. 10:30–37 and 1 Jn. 4:20

Food for Thought: Are you using your gifts in an excellent way?

Prayer: Lord, let love be the guiding principle of all my words and deeds.