Was It A Mistake? Devotion for Tuesday June 7, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday June 7, 2020

Topic: Was It A Mistake?                                                   

Text: 2 Kings 5:4 – 6                                  

Naaman set out for Samaria, carrying with him some luxurious gifts; ten changes of raiment, splendid robes and outer garments for special days and occasions, “festal” gowns (RSV, JB). To this day, Damascus is known for its beautiful brocade cloth. To own a garment made of such material would indeed have been a status symbol, and highly valued.

A talent of silver contained three thousand shekels. A shekel of silver has been estimated at from fifty to sixty cents. The total worth of silver Naaman took was about US$18,000:00 (N3.96m – Three million, Nine Hundred and Sixty thousand naira).

A shekel of gold was many times greater. This calculation gives us a clear view of the kind of luxury gifts Naaman took to Israel. Unfortunately, all those gifts and the letter to King of Israel were mistakes on the part of Naaman because you don’t buy the blessings of God with money. Those gifts were not a guarantee that he will be welcomed and favoured.    

This is how some of us make grievous mistakes in worshipping God with our wealth and talent. Our gifts are not bribe to God. Salvation and blessings of God are gifts. Some sow seed with the mind of reaping more. It doesn’t work like that because you can’t bribe God with your money; your tithe or your talent. You should give out of love for God.

Naaman and his master wrote to the King of Israel as if the girl told them of a king who heals. Their action and letter show their arrogance. Instead of appealing to the king to urge the prophet in his domain to help, they were compelling the king to heal. Such action should not been seen among believers.   

Food for Thought: Our gifts and sacrifices are not bribe to win God’s favour and blessings. 

Memory verse: 2 Kings 5:6                   

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand the best way to approach you and use my gifts in worshipping you. 

For The Benefit Of Others: Devotion for Tuesday May 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 5, 2020

Topic: For The Benefit Of Others

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11                       

On Saturday, we learnt that all we have are gifts from God and 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 here. Paul states that the Spirit manifesting in us diverse gifts is 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? A young priest told me how a lady came to their church for prayers. He called on one of the senior priests to join him in praying for the young lady. The senior priest asked if the lady is a member of the Church which he answered on the negative. The senior priest said he will not join because the lady is a prayer collector and not a member of their church.

The young priest prayed for her and she left. She is presently a member of that church. If the young priest had told the lady what transpired, will that lady ever want to hear the senior priest or receive his prayers in that church?

We should not discriminate with our spiritual gifts. Freely we received; freely we should give in whatever we have be it spiritual or physical.

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.

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.

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\

They Are Gifts From God

Devotion for Tuesday November 21, 2017

Topic: They Are Gifts From God

Text: John 3:26 – 33

There is nothing we have that is not from God. He is the one that appoints our work and gives us all that we have. Some Jews steered up envy in the mind of the disciples of John the Baptist by telling them that Jesus was baptizing. They came to John, who was wise enough to correct this erroneous perception that no other person can baptize except him and also the envy and jealousy of his disciples. John the Baptist made effort to root out all prejudice against Christ out of their minds, which made him to show them a five-fold difference between Christ and himself (John 3:29 – 33).

There is no ministry we have today that God has not entrusted to us. He gives to all, their places and work as He sees best for us. John cautioned them not to be dissatisfied that a greater than himself has come, for this is what he foretold.

From the above, we should note that it is important every gospel minister should endeavour to magnify Jesus Christ; to display His Glorious Excellency and perfections before the people and not themselves. They should also revere His person, respect His authority and laws. This is the duty we owe God as Christians. That we are being used today doesn’t mean we are to arrogate the praise to ourselves and we start answering big names like Demon Bulldozer, Apostle of Fire, Miracle Worker, etc. We should be humble in whatever way God uses us and never to be envious of the way He uses others too.

Food for Thought: Envy and prejudice kill our gifts and make us unproductive.

Memory verse: James 1:17

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the understanding that you appoint our work for us and help me not to envy another person or arrogate praise to myself for what you are using me to do in Jesus name.

Use Your Gifts Efficiently

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 10, 2017

Topic: Use Your Gifts Efficiently

Text: Romans 12: 6 – 8         

God’s gifts differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to His wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith. He gives spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility. God graciously bestows upon members of the church different talents and gifts, and we are to use them according to His will. It was never designed that all Christians should be equal as per talent. God designed that men should have different endowments. Everything is according to grace (favour) from God (2 Cor. 6:1) which should not be treated with disdain. Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us.

What are your gifts or talents? Here we have prophets, servers, teachers, encouragers, givers, leaders. It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. Have you discovered them? How effectively are you using them to glorify God and serve humanity or are you hiding your talent? As Pastor, Teacher, Banker, Fashion Designer, Hair Dresser, Bible Study Teacher, Civil or Public Servant, etc, we all should use our gifts effectively and efficiently. Remember we will all give account of our stewardship here on earth no matter where you serve (Rom. 14:12).

Food for Thought: How effectively are you using what God gave you?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer: God, help me to understand what my gifts are and enable me to use them efficiently and effectively 

Anointed For Excellence

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 23, 2017           

Topic: Anointed For Excellence

Text: Romans 12:6 – 13            

Paul listed in Romans 12: 6 – 8, some gifts and how best to use them. How many did he mention there? When you look at the list, is it possible for only one person to possess all these gifts? No! A prophet is often bold and articulate while servers (those in ministry) are faithful and loyal.

A teacher is a clear thinker and encouragers know how to motivate others to do well in their chosen career and in the worship of God. Those who are known givers are generous and trusting. Leaders are good organizers and managers of people and their talents. People with kind heart are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. Now you see that it is not possible for one to have all these gifts.

What matters most is the ability to identify your own gifts and ask how you can use them to build up God’s family. Note that this list is incomplete. No matter your gift, you cannot do the work of the church alone. However, you should understand that God who gave you just one or more of these gifts have anointed you to excel therein.

We should try as much as possible to be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. God requires us to build the His church together.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:10 – 11

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer: God, help me to use my gifts well to excel and glorify you. Grant that I will be thankful for other people’s gifts and to complement them. Amen.

BE FERVENT IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS: Devotion for Friday October 7, 2016

BE FERVENT IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS: Devotion for Friday October 7, 2016        

Text: Romans 12:9 – 13         Memory verse: Romans 12 v 11

Fervent means showing passionate enthusiasm or glowingly hot. In the context of our text, it is being passionately enthusiastic in spiritual matters. To be enthusiastic is to show excited interest. What Paul meant here is that Roman Christians should be excited about spiritual things more than any other thing else. He advised that the professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Again, they must detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful; being zealous, enthusiastic, and not indifferent. We should be ready to entertain travellers and strangers, especially such as are labouring or suffering for Christ as there is occasion and we must welcome strangers.

Those that rejoice in hope are likely to be patient in tribulation. This informs Paul’s advice because our hope as Christian is in heaven, where Christ is. We should not be cold or weary in the duty of prayer. These admonitions will help to improve our commitment to God and our relationship with one another. Christians, who serve the Lord enthusiastically, would never want to be lazy. Paul is not advocating activity for activity’s sake. Rather, we should consistently use our spiritual gifts to serve the body. We have been called (1:6–7), challenged (12:1–2), and equipped (12:4–6) for serving the Lord. We must fight against discouragement, depression, and being negative; we must do our best to keep our spiritual temperature high.

Food for Thought: Christians, who serve the Lord enthusiastically, would never want to be lazy.

Prayer: Lord, rekindle my enthusiasm for your service in Jesus name.

A MISTAKE: Devotion for Monday May 30, 2016

A MISTAKE: Devotion for Monday May 30, 2016

Text: 2 Kings 5:4 – 6 Memory verse: v 6

Naaman set out for Samaria, carrying with him some luxurious gifts; ten changes of raiment, splendid robes and outer garments for special days and occasions, “festal” gowns (RSV, JB). To this day Damascus is known for its beautiful brocade cloth. To own a garment made of such material would indeed have been a status symbol, and highly valued. A talent of silver contained three thousand shekels. According to Living bible translation, “Naaman started our taking gifts of US$20,000 worth of silver and US$60,000 worth of gold,” (5:5). This calculation gives us a clear view of the kind of luxury gifts Naaman took to Israel. Unfortunately, all those gifts and the letter to King of Israel were mistakes on the part of Naaman because he can’t buy the blessings of God with money.

This is how some of us make grievous mistakes in worshipping God with our wealth and talent. Our gifts are not bribe to God. Salvation and blessings of God are gifts. Some sow seed with the mind of reaping more. It doesn’t work like that because you can’t bribe God with your money, your tithe or your talent. You should give, out of love for God. Naaman and his master wrote to the King of Israel as if the girl told them of a king who heals. Their action and letter show their arrogance. Instead of appealing to the king to urge the prophet in his domain to help, they were compelling the king.

Food for Thought: Our gifts and sacrifices are not bribe to win God’s favour and blessings.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand the best way to approach you and to use my gifts in worshipping you.

PRICE OF GOD’S GIFTS AND INTEGRITY: Devotion for Thursday May 19, 2016

PRICE FOR GOD’S GIFTS AND INTEGRITY: Devotion for Thursday May 19, 2016

Text: Genesis 39:7 – 19    Memory verse: v 19

God has never made mistake in blessing us. The way some people abuse these blessings and gifts, gives me cause for concern. 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 us 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 Joseph (39:7). Because Joseph a handsome young man of honesty and integrity, he became a snare to Potiphar’s wife but he refused to consent to her request, frame up against him. He was subsequently imprisoned.

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 using this devotion, who out of fear of being punished, refused to speak the truth as Potiphar’s wife did and somebody is suffering today. 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.

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

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

FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS: Devotion for Thursday May 5, 2016

FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS: Devotion for Thursday May 5, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11     Memory verse: v 7  

On Monday, we learnt that all we have are gifts from God and 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 (12:1) as Paul mentioned here. Paul states that the Spirit manifesting in us diverse gifts is meant to benefit all (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: for God to be glorified at the manifestation of the gifts. Paul admonished us to use them well (Rom. 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? A young priest told me how a lady came to their church for prayers. He called on one of the senior priests to join him in praying for the young lady. The senior priest asked if the lady is a member of the Church which he answered on the negative but wishes to start attending their church. The senior priest said he will not join because the lady is a prayer collector and not a member of their church. The young priest prayed for her and she left. She is presently a member of that church. If the young priest had told the lady what transpired, will that lady ever want to hear the priest or receive his prayers in that church? We should not discriminate with our spiritual gifts. Freely we received; freely we should give in whatever we have, be it spiritual or physical.

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

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

FOR OUR ENJOYMENT: Devotion for Sunday January 10, 2016

FOR OUR ENJOYMENT                        Sunday January 10, 2016

Text: 1 Timothy 6:17 – 21                  Memory verse: v 17

There are differences between being financially rich and being rich towards God. Wealth is very uncertain (Prov.23:5). Those who are rich should understand that their riches came from God. He alone grants the grace to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly and not having a heart to use them rightly (6:17). Riches are meant to be used for doing good deeds to people (6:18). Those who are rich must be generous and must not be arrogant just because they have a lot to give. They must be careful not to put their hope in money, instead they should hope in the living God for their security. This is the reason for the words of Christ in Mk. 10:24.

We can be rich in good deeds even if we don’t have material wealth. No matter how poor we are, we have something to share with someone. These things we have in us are for the enjoyment of ourselves and those we meet or those who come to us on daily basis. There is the admonition to guard what has been entrusted to Timothy. These things are of two dimensions; his congregation and his talents/gifts. The reason for this is because of false teachers who brought wrong doctrines into the church. We still have many of them now. Beware, so that you will not be deceived.

Food for Thought: How best can you use your wealth for the service of God and humanity?

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to use my wealth to serve you and humanity.

USE YOUR GIFTS WELL: Devotion for Sunday October 11, 2015

USE THEM WELL        Sunday October 11, 2015

Text: Romans 12:6 – 8     Memory verse: v 6

Every Christian has one gift with which he/she can live well and make impact on the society (Matthew 25: 14, 15). It baffled me that some people seem not to know what they can do with their lives. Paul sees all the endowments on Christians as gifts. They come from God and when we understand this, it will prevent us from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Albert Barnes sagely said that “True honour consists not in splendid endowments, or great wealth and office. It consists in rightly discharging the duties which God requires of us in our appropriate sphere. If all men held their talents as the gift of God; if all would find and occupy in society the place for which God designed them, it would prevent no small part of the uneasiness, the restlessness, the ambition, and misery of the world.” This is a message for our generation.

As God has given us diverse gifts, and appointed us into one office or another, we should faithfully use them and keep within the limits of our calling so that we do not neglect our duties or invade into that of others.

Food for Thought: How are you discharging your duties as a Christian?

Prayer: Lord God, help me to faithfully use your gifts in me to honour you and fulfill your purposes for my life in Jesus name. Amen.

TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME

TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME    Wednesday June 17, 2015

Text: Mark 10:17 – 23                   Memory verse: v 21  

Proper understanding of God blessings upon our lives matters so much in the way we use them. What does your money, wealth, talent, gift, etc, mean to you? Here is an example of how Jesus Christ tried to redirect the orientation and understanding of this young rich man concerning his wealth. Jesus told this man to sell everything and give his money to the poor but this doesn’t mean that we should as well sell all our possessions. Most of His followers did not sell everything, although they used their possessions to serve others. The essence of Jesus saying this is to make us understand that we must not let our possessions or money keeps us from following Him. We must remove all barriers to serving Him fully.

Jesus lovingly broke through the young man’s pride with a challenge that answered the question of what the man lacked and exposed the barrier that could keep this young man out of the Kingdom of God: his love of money. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). See also Matthew 22:36-40). The young man did not love God with his whole heart as he had presumed. In reality, the man’s wealth was his god, his idol. If he could not give it up, he would be violating the first commandment. 

Friend, what about you? Have you given up all that can hinder you from serving God?

Food for Thought: What barriers are keeping you from serving God?  

Prayer: God, expose any barrier that is keeping me from taking up my cross to serve you faithfully in Jesus name.