BECAUSE I LOVE THEM FREELY: Devotion for Thursday December 10, 2015

BECAUSE I LOVE THEM FREELY      Thursday December 10, 2015

Text: Hosea 14:4 – 7                              Memory verse: v 4

Hosea calls on Israel to return to God by seeking His favour (14:1). As they seek God's face, they shall not seek it in vain because His anger is turned from them. Whom God loves, He loves freely; not because they deserve it, but of His own good pleasure. God’s grace is infinite, and He only waits for our return to Him through hearty repentance and confession, so He will have mercy upon us and save us from the ruin into which we have fallen by our iniquity. This is how much God loves us.

Beloved, do you know how gracious our Lord is? He is gracious because He loves us freely without conditions or sentiment. The assurance of God here is that His people will be well rooted and also blossom (14:5, 6). Most people doubt the love of God because they are not rooted in the Lord. How deep are you rooted in the Lord? The depth of your root will determine the understanding you will have of God’s love for you.

Food for Thought: Romans 8:32

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand how much you love me in Jesus name.

AFRAID OF TERROR? Devotion for Tuesday September 8, 2015

AFRAID OF TERROR?                      Tuesday September 8, 2015

Text: Psalm 91:1 – 6                        Memory verse 5

This psalm teaches us that God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. The Psalmist’s faith in Almighty God as protector would carry him through all the dangers and fears of life. This should be a picture of our trust; trading all our fears for faith in Him, no matter how intense our fears may be. To do this we must live and rest with Him (91:1). By entrusting ourselves to His protection and pledging our daily devotion to Him, we will be kept safe.

Beloved in Christ, are you afraid of terror? Are people threatening you? This psalm is a sure comfort for you. All you do is to believe in God and entrust your life into His hands. He knows what to do and at the right time (Jeremiah 29:11). Terror is one antics of the devil to intimidate us and shut us out of God’s grace. Do not yield to any form of terror.

Food for Thought: Psalm 112:6 – 8

Prayer: Lord, make my heart steadfast in you so I will not fear any terror.   

THE OIL CEASED

THE OIL CEASED              Wednesday July 1, 2015

Text: 2 Kings 4:1 – 7            Memory verse: v 6

In accordance with the words of Elisha, the woman and her sons collected jars from their neighbors, pouring olive oil into them from their one flask. The olive oil was used for cooking, for lamps, and for fuel. The oil stopped flowing only when they ran out of containers. The number of jars they gathered was an indication of their faith. God’s provision was as large as their faith and willingness to obey. Beware of limiting God’s blessings by lack of faith and obedience. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

While there was a vessel to fill, there was oil sufficient; and it only ceased to flow when there was no vessel to receive it. This is an emblem of God’s grace. If we find in any place or at any time that the oil ceases to flow, it is because there are no empty vessels there, no souls hungering and thirsting for righteousness. As you start this month, you should create a heart that longs after God’s righteousness and your oil will never cease. God is willing to pour on us His blessings as we empty ourselves of our sins, pride and self. Are you ready for that? We wish you a month of ever flowing blessings from God. 

Action: What can you do to sustain the inflow of God’s blessing into your life?

Prayer: Lord, help me to empty myself of every hindrance to your blessings.

GROW IN GRACE

GROW IN GRACE                   Tuesday April 28, 2015

Text: 2 Peter 3:14 – 18           Memory verse: v 18

Family Bible Notes sagely says that “The grand safeguard against the seductions of error, and the most powerful means of increase in holiness, is increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ; that experimental knowledge which is obtained under the teaching of the Holy Ghost by daily searching the Scriptures.” It is on this premise and understanding of this wise counsel that Peter gave the admonition in our text.

Here Peter advised us to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Religion in general is often represented as grace, since every part of it is the result of grace, or of unmerited favour; and to grow in grace is to increase in that which constitutes true religion. Christians grow in grace as they understand that they are living by God’s grace alone—so everything they do is a result of that grace. That is why Christian religion is all about grace.

They also grow in knowledge as they search and study the Scriptures, pray, listen to sound teachers, and apply that knowledge to their daily lives. Application of the words of God we hear or read is the key to Christian growth. If Christians do these things, they will not need to fear being influenced by false teachers.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 2:2

Prayer: God, grant me all I need to grow in grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.