Marks Of Childhood, Emblem Of True Christianity

Devotion for Sunday (Children’s Day) May 27, 2018

Topic: Marks Of Childhood, Emblem Of True Christianity               

Text: Matthew 18:1 – 6

We rejoice with our children on this their special day. We thank God for their lives and pray that they will grow in the fear and knowledge of God. They will not become thorns on our fleshes in Jesus name. Greatness in the view of men differs much from greatness in the sight of God. That is the reason God’s dictionary is different from Man’s dictionary. When the argument started among the disciples on who is the greatest, Jesus set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom. Children, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. These are some great qualities in children that are suitable for God’s Kingdom. These are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to daily renew our minds that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. How humble and teachable are you? Do you desire to be in authority and for what purpose – the glory of it or for service of humanity? Let us learn from children’s character; humble, docile, submissive and obedient. We should daily study this subject of humility, and examine our own spirits so that we can properly conform to the standard required of the Kingdom of God.

SS&S 1155; Abu 279

Food for Thought: Marks of childhood are sources of wisdom.

Memory Verse: Matthew 18:3

Prayer: Grant unto me, O Lord my God, a humble, submissive and obedient spirit worthy of your Kingdom in Jesus name.

THE PRICE TAG OF SALVATION: Devotion for Tuesday July 26, 2016

THE PRICE TAG OF SALVATION: Devotion for Tuesday July 26, 2016

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10                        

Memory verse: Luke 15:4 -What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

The two parables were given by Jesus to answer the question posted by the Pharisees and Scribes in 15:2. The tag of salvation is likened to the sacrifice of the shepherd dutifully and diligently looking for his lost sheep and the woman looking for the lost coin. The lost sheep represents the sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to Him, yet not desirous to return. Jesus Christ is earnest in bringing sinners home. In the parable of the lost piece of silver, that which is lost is one piece, of small value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods God makes use of, to bring lost souls home and His joy on their return to Him. How careful then should we be that we do not take our repentance for granted! Unfortunately, most of us are yet to understand that it cost God so much to save which should elicit more commitment from us to His service.

God’s love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is found. Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost sheep; people considered beyond hope to the God’s Kingdom. Just as the shepherd took the initiative to go out and find the sheep, so Jesus actively seeks lost souls. These tax collectors and sinners (15:1) with whom Jesus was associating were like sheep that had strayed away from God and needed to be returned. More than that, they needed the salvation that Jesus offered. We that are saved should also endeavour to bring others to know God too.

Action: As you go into the world today, endeavour to share the gospel with anyone that needs salvation and don’t stay this day without sharing your faith with someone.

Prayer: God, you paid the price to save me. Help me to live my life according to your will so that the sacrifice of saving me will not be in vain and grant me the grace to share the good news of salvation with people always in Jesus name.

LOVE NEVER FAILS: Devotion for Tuesday February 16, 2016

LOVE NEVER FAILS   Tuesday February 16, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8 – 10     Memory verse: v 10

Paul expresses the value of love which he said can never be obsolete; it will always have its place. All the spiritual gifts will eventually disappear, but love will last forever. On this earth, everything is imperfect. No matter how much people may know, they know only a little. No matter how much prophecy is given; it still reveals little. Everything will be made perfect and complete at the arrival of God’s Kingdom (the end). 

At that time, all the special gifts of the Spirit will disappear. Because gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ, they will no longer be needed. Then the body will be complete. Yet love will continue (1 Corinthians 13:8), because love is the very essence of God Himself. “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). God’s love caused Him to reach out to undeserving humanity and send a Saviour. His love saved people and will bring them into his Kingdom to be with Him forever.

On the other hand, works of love never die too. They outlive us. Love is the gift and virtue that can accompany us to heaven because that is the essence of life of Christianity. The first fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in Galatians 5:22 is love. It shows how important love is in our lives as Christians. Do you actually love God and man? Note that without genuine love for God and man, you are deficient in your character as a Christian.

Action: As you go out today, use every opportunity you have to show love to someone.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to love you and my neighbours as I ought to in Jesus name.

TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD: Devotion for Saturday February 13, 2016

TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD   Saturday February 13, 2016 

Text: Matthew 4:17       Memory verse: v 17

Living Bible translates this verse thus: “From then Jesus began to preach, ‘Turn from sin, and turn to God, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.’” Turn from sin and turn to God is simple explanation of the word repent. Repentance is very necessary if we hope to make the kingdom of God because another word for it is born again. This was the beginning of public ministry of Jesus. He started His ministry by first presenting the word of God, calling on people to turn away from their sins and turn back to God who made them in His image. Here is a model for us preachers of the gospel. The message of Jesus was same with that of John the Baptist (Matt 3:2).

Becoming a follower of Christ begins with repentance, turning away from our self-centeredness and self-control lives. The next step is to turn the right way, to Christ. Turning to Christ is one basic sign that we have repented and become His real followers. In this message of Christ, we can see that being part of God’s kingdom begins with repentance for past sins. Again, Jesus posited here that the reign of grace was at hand; and that nothing but an obstinate perseverance in sin and impenitence can keep any soul out of it; and that now is the accepted time to enter in. Have you turned from sin and to God? Note that without true repentance, you can’t enter into God’s kingdom. Now is the reign of grace. Don’t abuse it.

Food for Thought: Have you really turned from your sins to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, I repent of my sins. Keep me safe for your kingdom.

IN TIMES LIKE THIS, HAVE FAITH IN GOD

IN TIMES LIKE THIS HAVE FAITH IN GOD   Sunday July 5, 2015

Text: Mark 11:20 – 26           Memory verse: v 22

The prayer that moves mountains is the one aimed at fruitfulness of God’s Kingdom. It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that illustration to show that God can do the impossible. God will answer your prayers but not as a result of your positive mental attitude. Other conditions must be met: (1) You must be a believer with absolute faith in God; (2) you must not hold a grudge against another person; (3) you must not pray with selfish motives; (4) your request must be for the good of God’s Kingdom. To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. If you focus only on your request, your request could be refused.

Jesus also taught His disciples about prayer. The kind of prayer He meant was not the arbitrary wish; instead, He was referring to prayers they would pray as they faced mountains of opposition to their gospel message. Their prayers for the advancement of God’s Kingdom would always be answered positively—in God’s timing. Do you have faith in God? He is the one you are serving. You should have faith in Him because He is able to keep you against all oppositions. As you go into the world today, have your faith on Him alone.

Food for Thought: Is your faith in God or what the eye sees?

Prayer: Keep my faith in you O God despite all the oppositions of life.