A New Thing For You

Devotion for Wednesday January 2

Topic: A New Thing For You

Text: Isaiah 43:16 – 21

The Lord has promised to do a new thing for you because it is His desire to do new things for us. The new thing will not be delayed because it shall ‘spring forth now.’ 2 Peter 3:9 say that the “Lord is not slack concerning His promises” and Isaiah 40:8 confirms 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.

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 in this New Year in

Jesus name.

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 attached to it. The one who is making this promise to you and I 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? Do you actually want to experience a new thing in this New Year? Then you have to prepare yourself and rededicate your life again to Him. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, do something now so you could enjoy the new thing packaged for you this season and beyond.

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 Reward For Our Love For God

Devotion for Monday July 23, 2018

Sing A&M 235 (Abu 183)

Topic: A Reward For Our Love For God

Text: James 1:12

It is disheartening to see brethren turn away from faith as a result of troubles of life they had gone through or they are going through. Christianity is a call to persevere and the very moment one resolves to follow the way of Christ, the devil marks him for trouble. We’ve seen a non-Christian do so many treacherous things yet life seems to smile at him and the man who resolves to do things the right ways goes home heartbroken.

There are temptations all around a believer; the actual inducements to sin which surround us and lie in wait for us, and fall upon us to hurt us in the course of our lives. There may be enticements to that which is sinful, as, for instance, when we are tempted in business to be dishonest, or when in association with others, we are tempted to lie, to hold malice, and engage in unrighteous conduct of any kind.

On the other hand, the temptations may arise from what is in itself innocent, but which becomes sinful from an improper use of it. Just as the worth of a sailor is tested by the length and the roughness of the voyage, so is every one of us put to the test by the ordinary circumstances of life according to the stuff that we show ourselves to be made of and that determines our worth and reward.

Trial and temptations show whether or not we love God and can be true to our call. If we conquer them, they become instruments for bracing us up and making us stronger than before. At the end we will have the privilege to be with our God in heaven where we will be rewarded with crown of life. We will be blessed if we can prayerfully persevere and overcome this world and become gloriously ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Food for Thought: Rewards are given to the winners and they are those who endured in a challenge and end so well; chose to end well today.

Memory Verse: James 1:12

Prayer: Oh Lord, give me the grace to joyfully follow you to the end.

You Alone Are God

Devotion for Saturday June 23, 2018

Sing Ancient & Modern (Revised) 372; Abu 8

Topic: You Alone Are God

Text: 2 Kings 19:14 – 19

There is no controversy as to who the God we serve is. No matter the idea people may express of what they feel or think about God of Israel, He remains the only God who should be worshipped and feared. Despite all conspiracies against the present day Israel, there is no nation that can be compared with Israel in terms of excellence, fruitfulness, breakthrough in science and agriculture. For this reason, no nation on earth has won Noble Price on Science more than Israel. The total Nobel Peace Prize won by Israel as at 2010 was 129. Amazing you will say!

Our God is God of war and He is able to do anything He purposes. Hezekiah knew this too well and in this prayer, he acknowledged that He alone is God who protects His name and His people. He noted that the nations Assyrians destroyed do not have Him that was why they succeeded. He called on God to arise and save Israel so the world will know that He alone is God. Proper understanding of our God can help us to appropriate to ourselves the benefits in the New Covenant we have with Him. Even in the Old Covenant days, Hezekiah knew what God of Israel can do hence he didn’t hesitate in going to Him. Beloved, we should know the God we serve. He is not a man. He is Omnipotent. He has full control over the whole earth and can turn situations into our favour.

What are the challenges of life you are going through this moment? God alone has control over those challenges and He will bring you out of them as you call on Him today.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 44:6

Memory verse: 2 Kings 19:15

Prayer: Grant me the understanding, O God, that you alone are God beside you there is no other god.

Why Do We Suffer If God Is With Us?

Devotion for Thursday May 17, 2018

Topic: Why Do We Suffer If God Is With Us?

Text: Judges 6:11 – 18

Most Christians believe that they can’t suffer if God is with them. But this is not the true case. God was with Joseph even in the prison (Genesis 39:23). He was there in the prison with Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25ff). The presence of these men in prison turned out to glorify God and grant them favour as in the case of Joseph. This is what we should understand that suffering, sickness, temptation and trials are never signs that God has forgotten us or is no more with us. When we have this understanding, it will help us to go through all storms of life in faith and optimism that our God will bring us out of them at last. Gideon queried the angel of the Lord when the angel greeted him saying, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour!” (Judges 6:12b). The reaction of Gideon to this greeting did not come from distrust, but from weakness of faith. This is how we falter most times: yet the children of God have a true and not perfect faith, by which they are justified. Some of us react the same way too when we hear some preaching about God’s faithfulness while we are suffering from lack, sickness, bondage of Satan, etc. We easily rebuff the message that God cannot be with us and the devil will be dealing with us mercilessly. But we should always remember that God is not unmindful of what we suffer (compare Psalm 111:5). Charlotte Elliott who became invalid at about 30 years old wrote A&M 357, Abu 193 on a wheel chair. Let’s sing to get her message for us in that hymn.

Food for Thought: Do not make your life miserable by complaining because God promise us life free from suffering.

Memory verse: Judges 6:13

Prayer: Lord, grant me proper understanding of your will for me so that I will not complain over things I pass through in life.

God Chose You For A Purpose

Devotion for Saturday March 24, 2018

Topic: God Chose You For A Purpose

Text: Ephesians 1: 3 – 6 

When we have spiritual and heavenly blessings, we cannot be miserable, and when we don’t have them, we will be so miserable. Paul told the Ephesians that the consequence of their election in Christ is that they should be made holy by separating from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, which is the reason God chose us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world.

He used the phrase “God chose us” to emphasize that salvation depends totally on God. We are not saved because we deserve it but because God is gracious and He freely gives salvation to as many as come to Him in true repentance. We did not influence God’s decision to save us; He saved us according to His plan. Thus, there is no way to take credit for our salvation or to allow room for pride. God chose us, and when we belong to Him through Jesus Christ, God looks at us as if we had never sinned. All we can do about our salvation is to express our thanks for His wonderful love for us.

Have you ever wondered why God chose you as Christian despite your past and family background? Have you ever wondered why you are in that position where you are today? It is not just your hard work but by His love and grace for you. Therefore, you have to be grateful that God chose you and favoured you just because He loves you. We should reciprocate His love for us by loving, worshipping and serving Him and humanity in thankfulness for such a privileged status.

Sing A&M 193; SS&S 227; Abu 182  

Food for Thought: Are you living out the reason God choose you?

Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Prayer: God, as you have chosen me, may I live a life of gratitude in love and holiness in Jesus name.

Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Devotion for Friday March 23, 2018

Topic: Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14                

Moses took only 14 verses in this chapter to explain obedience which is a secret to abundance (blessings) life and used the remaining 54 verses of this chapter to speak about disobedience and its consequences (curses). Why did he spend so much time talking about disobedience? He did that because human nature is always inclined to sin and disobedience. 

Moses was emphatic that obedience is the very key (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2) to assessing the numerous blessing mentioned in Deuteronomy 28: 3 – 14. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. God requires them live righteously in their families and nation at large, and then by God’s providence all their outward concerns would prosper. This is God’s assurance of His blessing upon His people. Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after them, and shall be thrown into their laps by God’s special kindness because they are His people who obey His voice. 

Naturally, there is the tendency to bless those who obey us and this is same with God. How obedient are you to God’s commandments? Do you make light of them? Remember that just as the whole destiny of Israelites was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary, so it has been laid out for us. Make the right choice now. 

Sing SS&S 493; Abu 175

Food for Thought: Only he who believes is obedient and only he, who is obedient, believes.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 28:2

Prayer: God, I need the grace to obey your commandments which is a prerequisite for abundant blessing in Jesus name.

Arise, O Lord!

Devotion for Wednesday March 21, 2018

Topic: Arise, O Lord!

Text: Psalm 10:12 – 18

God is perfectly knows the words and works of both the righteous and the wicked, and in due time will appear and render to all according to their words and works. Here the Psalmist speaks with astonishment, at the wickedness of the wicked, and at the patience and forbearance of God. “Arise, O Lord, O God, lift up your hand” is a call for vindication and deliverance. 

The Psalmist might have suffered so much wickedness from people and it seems his prayers/appeal for help didn’t come. The poor, afflicted, persecuted, or tempted believer should understand that Satan is the prince of this world, and that he is the father of all the ungodly. The children of God cannot expect kindness, truth, or justice from a person. The Psalmist prayed that God should punish the wicked for their wickedness (v15) and then expressed his confidence in the abilities of God to hear the prayers of the humble and to do justice for the oppressed so that the oppressors will no longer oppress (v16 – 18). 

Are you currently under oppression of the wicked? Call on God to arise so that your enemies and His enemies will scatter. He may seem to be delaying but surely His hands will be lifted against them for His namesake and for your faith and confidence in Him. Trust Him to lift up those hands soon and very soon even as you go out today in your favour. 

Sing: Arise O Lord, let your enemies be scattered (3x) 

O Lord, my God, Arise

Food for Thought: Micah 5:9                     

Memory verse: Psalm 10 v 12

Prayer: Lord, lift your hands up against my enemies and turn their hearts to know and fear you in Jesus name.

Trust In Him Always

Devotion for Monday March 19, 2018

Topic: Trust In Him Always

Text: Psalm 62:8 – 12 

There are times we falter in faith despite the level of our knowledge of God and spirituality. It happened to Abraham when he harkened to the voice of his wife by going into her maid. It also happened to John the Baptist while he was in prison. He sent message to confirm from Jesus Christ if He was the Messiah or not (Matthew 11:2 – 6) despite revealing to his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:29 – 36). This has happened to some other men and women of God as we have then all over the scriptures. 

Life usually presents its curves, bumps and pot holes on our life’s journeys. It doesn’t spare anyone though the spate and degree varies. All these are aimed at slowing us down or divert our faith and at times we begin to doubt God and His faithfulness. In our bible reading of the day, the Psalmist who had experienced God’s faithfulness urges us to trust God for some reasons. He is our refuge (v8, see Psalm 18:2), all power belongs to Him (v11, see Revelation 19:1) and He is merciful (v12, see Psalm 103:8). Thus we should trust Him to guide us when we are in doubt, to protect us when we are in danger, to supply all we need when in want and to strengthen us for every good word, and work. We should trust when we can see, as well as when we are utterly in the dark. 

As you go out today, trust God to meet that pressing need of yours. Trust him to bring more customers to your business and to grant you favour as you go for that contract and business opportunities. Also trust Him to grant you peaceful working environment with that your froward boss. The Lord, be with you!

Sing SS&S 804; Abu 238

Food for thought: Proverbs 3:5, 6          

Memory verse: Psalm 62:8

Prayer: Lord, grant me stronger faith to trust you always as I go through curves of life in Jesus name.

Understand When God Is Luring You

Devotion for Wednesday March 14, 2018

Topic: Understand When God Is Luring You

Text: Exodus 3:1 – 6    

That God speaks to us is not in doubt. He loves us and will want to speak to us always but many of us do not take note when He is luring us to a place He can speak with us. Lovers don’t talk in the public. They go to secluded place to talk. That is how God wants to relate with us. Unfortunately, we are always too busy to listen or understand when He is inviting us.

Often times He speaks in a low small voice. If He has a special message for us and He feels we are not showing any interest, He will come in a way that we can’t resist Him just as we have in our text today. God loves to see us employed and doing something. Far above that, He loves to come to us when we are in a lonely place outside the bustles and hustles of life. It was in such serene atmosphere that God appear to Moses in a burning bush to speak with him. Moses opted to turn aside to see such amazing sight (Exodus 3:4). His decision to turn aside made God to call him.

Today, we live in a world of uncertainties and perplexity. We are confronted on daily basis with so many issues begging for an answer. We often shout out, God why, where are you? In our world of today, people no longer make time for God to speak to them. Thus we have confusion upon confusion. Again there are things God wants us to do for Him especially in preaching and healing of the sick. He can only send us when we turn aside to hear from Him. You can turn aside in your personal devotion, retreat, fasting and prayer. How devoted are you to these acts? Always make time to hear from God.

Sing A&M 533; Abu 196

Food for Thought: God speaks to us in lonely places and not in hustles and bustles of life. 

Memory verse: Exodus 3:3

Prayer: My father in heaven, help me to understand when you want to speak to me so that I will not miss my fellowship with you.

God Hates Wickedness

Devotion for Friday March 2, 2018

Topic: God Hates Wickedness

Text: Psalm 45:6 – 9                      

God hates wickedness and He punishes anyone who practices it. The bible has the stories of how God vexed His anger on people who perpetuated wickedness. The Psalmist didn’t restrain his adoration of Almighty God, expressing what His Kingdom and throne are made of. Scepter means royal authority or staff used as royal emblem. The emblem of our God is justice and righteousness. This is because it is His nature as He is just and righteous. For this reason, He hates wickedness (See Psalm 5:5; 33:5). There are some people who desire to practice wickedness. They love it so much that if they have not made trouble with people, they will not be happy. Wickedness comes in form of oppression, abuse of all kinds, willfully committing sin, luring people into evil, telling lies, betrayal and many others. Christians should not practice or tolerate wickedness. Psalm 97:10 admonishes us to hate wickedness as our God does. People who have no love find it easier to practice wickedness (See 1 John 2:11; 3:15). Are you nursing any form of hatred for someone? Better repent of it now before devil will lead you into wicked act. Learn to love people unconditionally because that is the best way to overcome wickedness.

Sing SS&S 587; Abu 205

Food for Thought: When you love people unconditionally, it will be easier to overlook their faults and shortcomings.

Memory verse: Psalm 45:7  

Prayer:  God, make me a lover of righteousness and a hater of wickedness as you do in Jesus name. Amen.

The Lord God Is My Portion

Devotion for Friday February 2, 2018

Topic: The Lord God Is My Portion

Text: Psalm 119:57

Any true believer (Christian) takes the Lord for the portion of his/her inheritance and nothing less will satisfy him or her. In our text, we can see the true character of a godly man. 1. He makes the favour of God his happiness. Thus the Psalmist here was happy to assert that God is his portion and nothing else matters to him. Some people place their happiness and pleasure in the wealth and honours of this world. Their portion is in this life; they look no further; they desire nothing more; these are their good things (Luke 16:25). However, a godly man takes the Lord for the portion of his inheritance and his cup, and nothing less will satisfy him. Another character of a godly man here is that he makes the word of God his guiding principle. He had declared his choice: he preferred the word of God to the wealth of the world. It was his firm resolve to keep, that is, treasure up and observe the words of his God (compare John 14:15) because he loves God. Here he confesses his binding obligation of his vow to God.  Beloved, what is your portion and what is it that gives you joy and makes you happy. Is it God and His word or the wealth of this world?

Sing SS&S 811; Abu 227

Food for Thought: Psalm 16:5         

Memory verse: Lamentation 3:24

Prayer: Lord God, you are my portion. Make me to be contented with what you have offered me and will offer me in future in Jesus name. Amen

The Example From Matthew

Devotion for Wednesday January 31, 2018

Topic: The Example From Matthew

Text: Matthew 9:9 – 13

Yesterday, we read about the terms and conditions Jesus Christ gave to those who would be His disciples. Today, we have an example from Matthew who became one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Matthew was in a tax office when Jesus met him. He requested that Matthew should follow Him and immediately he left everything and followed Jesus. He didn’t wait to write a resignation letter. He didn’t wait to hand over, he left everything immediately as Peter and his fishermen colleagues did and followed Jesus. 

In the previous chapter of this gospel, Matthew 8:18 - 22, we have the story of a man desiring to follow Jesus. When Jesus mentioned the terms and conditions, he withdrew. Jesus told the second one to follow him and he gave excuses of going to bury his father. The two men were opposite of what we saw in Matthew. His action shows his love for God is far greater than his love for his job, family or any other worldly possessions. This is what God expects from us. Our love for Him must be greater that our love for our jobs, families or any other worldly possessions. 

Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ the way Peter, Matthew and other Apostles followed Him? What are the things hindering your commitments to God? The example Matthew gave to us is a challenging one. Take up that challenge and prove your love for God. Sing A&M 331; Abu 109

Food for Thought: Have you left all to follow Jesus?

Memory verse: Matthew 9:9

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord my God, to follow the example of Matthew in forsaking all to follow you in Jesus name. Amen. 

Sow What You Wish To Reap

Devotion for Saturday January 6, 2018

Topic: Sow What You Wish To Reap

2 Corinthians 9:6 – 7

An aphorism of Anioma people says that “he who plants unworthy yam in his farm is only deceiving himself.” The secret of reaping abundantly is to sow seeds that are worthy. No wonder Paul wrote: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” Galatians 6:7 and 8. In our text, Paul teaches that alms must be given neither grudgingly, nor with an unwilling mind, or sparingly but cheerfully. Thus he compares generous alms to sowing a seed in the farm which has a plentiful harvest of abundant blessing following it. We should have this in mind as we start our year and as we make plans of how to succeed in life. Our commitment, efforts, investment and input into our career, business and every other thing we lay our hands to do will determine the output we will receive. Don’t think you will have a bountiful harvest this year when you are not willing to sow good seed? Paul says, “Don’t be deceived.” Beloved, what have you planned to sow as seed this year? Where have you planned to sow your seeds? What quality of seed do you want to sow? Do your seeds correspond with what you desire to get as result? Think about these as you begin your year. Sing A&M 335; Abu 200

Food for Thought: He who plants unworthy yam in his farm is only deceiving himself

Memory verse: Galatians 6:7

Prayer: Lord God, may I sow seeds that will bring desired blessings to me this year and beyond 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.

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.

Do As It Pleases You But ...

Devotion for Monday November 20, 2017

Topic: Do As It Pleases You But …

Text: Ecclesiastics 11:7 – 10

Youths are usually vigorous, energetic, lively, enthusiastic and adventurous. These make them restive because they love to pursue their heart desires. They do not accept a ‘no’ for anything they have made up their minds on. When they desire something, they are purposeful about it and they will vigorously pursue it till they acquire or attain that height.

It is on this premise that Solomon admonished youths to use their youthful exuberance with the mind that a day of reckoning will come. This should make them have a deep sense of God’s presence, reverencing His authority as that will be a great security against pursuit of sinful desires. Because God will bring youthful activities into judgement, they should let their pursuit of happiness and all their youthful enjoyments be in the fear of God.

This warning is not for the youths only. It is a warning for whosoever will not be found wanting on the day of Judgement. Those who fear God, and make Him their portion, will enjoy all that this world is capable of giving, and be prepared for the higher enjoyments of eternity because they will always apply discretion and fear of God in pursuit of enjoyment and happiness. This should be our guide in our walk with God.

Food for Thought: Aspiration after God is the only aspiration with the assurance that it will never meet with disappointment.

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 11:9

Prayer: God, grant that I will always be mindful of what I do with the mind that there is Judgement waiting for me. 

Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Devotion for Thursday October 26, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Text: Romans 8:26 – 28

Holy Spirit is indispensable in the Christian life we live. A Christian life demand living in Spirit and it is obvious that man in the flesh cannot live well and please God if the spirit does not take over such life. Here in our text, Apostle Paul explains some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us in bearing our weaknesses.

1) By giving us strength to bear them

2) By exciting us to make efforts to overcome them

3) By ministering to us consolations, and truths, and views out our Christian privileges that enable us to endure our trials.

The reasons we do not know what to pray for may be for the following reasons:

1) That we do know what would really be the best for us.

2) We do not know want God will grant to us according to His will

3) We are, to a great extent ignorant of the character of God, the reason of His dealings with us and our real wants.

4) We are often in real, deep perplexity. We are encompassed with trials, exposed to temptations, feeble to diseases, and subject to calamities. These, put us in despair and changes our focus.

Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life? When we allow Holy Spirit to have full control over our lives, then we can pray well and get what we need. Allow Him into your life so He can reorder your priorities and needs.

Food for Thought: James 4:3

Memory verse: Romans 8:26

Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can do the impossible in my life and reorder my request always so I can gain your approval in Jesus name.

God Fights For His People

Devotion for Friday September 29, 2017

Topic: God Fights For His People

Text: Exodus 14:22 – 29

When God’s acts are made manifest, it will easily be noticed that

He did it. It will not leave any trace of doubt. Pharaoh and all the Egyptians knew that God was backing the Israelites. They knew that God wants to take them out of their land but selfishness and greed blinded their eyes that they still hardened their hearts and went after the Israelites even after they had suffered the ten plagues. They drove furiously as they were pursuing the Israelites to a point that they started sinking and driving heavily. With that, they found themselves embarrassed at every step, the way grew deep, their hearts grew sad, their wheels dropped off and the axle tree failed. They had been flying upon the back of the Israelites ass the hawk upon the dove; but now they cried “Let us flee the face of the Israelites because the Lord God fights for them.”

Every child of God is special to Him. He guards them jealously and would never allow any evil to come upon them. He fights for them. This is what most people don’t know as they fight Christians. This act of God here should be an eye opener to the enemies of the gospel and Christianity. Beloved, don’t mind all the threats against you. God will fight for you as you keep your peace. He will so do it that your enemies will confess that indeed God is fighting for you.

Food For Thought: Exodus 14:14

Memory verse: Exodus 14:25

Prayer: God, I look up to you to fight my battles and redeem your name in my life in Jesus name, Amen.

Always Do It As God Commanded

Devotion for Saturday September 23, 2017

Topic: Always Do It As God Commanded

Text: Numbers 20: 7 – 13

God’s instructions are meant to be carried out to the letters. Anything short from that instruction amounts to disobedience and there is nothing like partial obedience where God is. Saul disobeyed God by not destroying Amalek who were under curse (Exodus 17:8), and that led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:13 – 24).

God instructed Moses to 1) Take the rod, 2) Gather the whole Assembly to be witnesses of what was to be done, that by their own eyes, they might be convinced and made ashamed of their unbelief and 3) Speak to the rock which will do as it was bidden, to shame the people who had been so often spoken to, and would not hear or obey. God promised him that water will come out of the rock. Moses did numbers one and two but failed in number three. God was not happy with Moses but that act of disobedience denied him entry into the Promised Land.

Do you obey the word of God as instructed? God does not compromise His standard. You must do things as He commanded. We know that the best of men are defective, even in those virtues for which they are most distinguished just like Abraham, Moses, Job and others but that should not be a guarantee for us to willfully do things as they please us. We must be very careful never to miss the mark.

Food for Thought: Partial obedience equals absolute disobedience.

Memory verse: Numbers 20:11

Prayer: Lord God, make me wholly obedient to your word in Jesus name.

They Grew Despite Affliction

Devotion for Friday September 20, 2017

Topic: They Grew Despite Affliction

Text: Exodus 1:8 – 12

Afflicting someone out of sheer jealousy and envy will only amount to blessing on the person being afflicted. We know the case of Joseph, Mordecai and many others in the scriptures. Times of affliction have often been the time the church grew as Christianity spread most when it was persecuted.

The King that does not know Joseph arose to become jealous of God’s blessings upon Israel and decided to punish them (Exodus 1:8 – 11). Unfortunately, the more he does that, the more God bless them and they grew in population. Do you afflict or punish a child of God because you are jealous of what God is doing in his or her life or what God has given to him/her? Repent today before God’s anger will descend on you. Despite the affliction and torture, the Israelites multiplied and grew because of God’s blessings (Exodus 1:12).

How can your enemies and those who afflict you become afraid of you? This can only become possible when you are in the will of God. Psalm 1:1 – 3 speak a blessed man. A blessed man has the favour, protection and backing of God. He prospers despite oppositions or afflictions. The level of your commitment to reading, meditation and application of God’s word to your life, will help you live the life that people will dread of just like the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites. The choice to do or not to do is all yours.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:10 – 12

Memory verse: Exodus 1:12

Prayer: Grant that my life will please you, O Lord, so that you will bless me to the extent  that my enemies will begin to dread me in Jesus name.