Lay Your Trophies at His Feet: Devotion for Saturday September 19, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday September 19, 2020

Topic: Lay Your Trophies at His Feet    

Text: 1 Samuel 17:54                           

There are many reasons David won the heart of God. One of them is what he did in our text. He surrendered insignia of his exploit in that battle to God. A youth like that was so humble that he didn’t want a show off rather, he laid that “trophy” at God’s feet. Great exploits God uses us to perform or miracles God did for us can be a source of temptation to arrogate the glory to ourselves, making our heads swell.

If some of us were David, we would have erected a 20m by 15m sign post showing us and Goliath requesting that people should come and see the man who killed the giant. Our houses would have turn into tourist centres and we will request that people should pay money before they can see David and shake his hand. In this our clime, everything is now money.

However, it was not so with David. He took the sword to God’s house and went home. He did not allow that exploit to enter his head. He laid the trophy at God‘s feet. He dedicated the sword of Goliath as a votive offering to the Lord. 1 Samuel 21:9 confirms that David kept Goliath’s sword at the tent that houses the Ark of the Covenant. A lesson and challenge for us.

When God uses us to perform miracles or to do exploits, how do we react? Does it enter our heads as if there is none like us? In Acts 14:8ff, Paul healed a crippled man who hasn’t walked since birth in Lystra. They termed him Hermes and Barnabas was called Zeus. The priest in charge of that temple of Zeus in Lystra brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes (Acts 14:13). But Paul resisted them (Acts 14:14).

We shouldn’t take the glory that belongs to God. When we are used by God, we should appreciate Him in humility and return all the glory to Him.

Food for Thought: Humble disposition is the best way to honour God for what He has made us.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 54

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace never to take the glory that belongs to you.

God Honours Our Faith: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

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Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

Topic: God Honours Our Faith                      

Text: 1 Samuel 17:48 – 53                           

Who would have believed that David will kill Goliath the way he went into the encounter with him? He went against every military device and tactics. He didn’t go with sword, no spear, no shield, no gun though there was none then, etc. Rather he went with a catapult and five stones.

Going with mere catapult was a slight in the eyes of Goliath and he never bothered about David’s style. Unfortunately for him, he never knew that his coming was not just ordinary. See how frail and uncertain life is, even when a man thinks himself best fortified; how quickly, how easily, and by how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out, and death to enter! No wonder the assertion Paul gave in 2 Corinthians 10:4 – 6. David prevailed with a sling (catapult) and a stone. God honoured his faith. Of recent Archeologists found the skull of Goliath to confirm what this biblical story.

Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. God resists the proud, and pours contempt on those who defy him and his people. No one ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. The strongest as well as the weakest are dependent upon God, and that expectation which rests on creatures is liable at any time to be disappointed.

One lesson for us here is that when we rely on God in times of challenges, He will always glorify Himself but when we go on our own wisdom and strength, we will definitely fail. Therefore, beware when you think you stand because you will fall if care is not taken.

Food for Thought: No one defies God and goes scot free.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 50

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I not glory in my strength rather humble me to depend on you in anything I need strength to perform in Jesus name.

Faith: Key For Victory: Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday September 17, 2020

Topic: Faith: Key For Victory                         

Text: 1 Samuel 17:40 – 47                        

David approached the Goliath with faith in Jesus and not sword which signifies the five stones he took. JESUS and FAITH are five letters each.

When David appeared, Goliath looked at him with disdain and these were his word: "Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” Matthew Henry summed up our text thus: “The security and presumption of fools destroy them. Nothing can excel the humility, faith, and piety which appear in David's words. He expressed his assured expectation of success; he gloried in his mean appearance and arms, that the victory might be ascribed to the Lord alone.” How foolish Goliath acted because, he thought all his victories were of his gods but God brought him to Israel to humiliate him since he failed to acknowledge God as source of his victories.

The size and stature of Goliath could have deterred anyone but not David. He was optimistic that God will see him through even as God promised in Deuteronomy 20:1 – 4. His words were filled with humility, faith and confidence of success because he knows His God. “All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions” as Adam Clarke posited. This was true of David.

We also need faith to be strong as we face life’s challenges daily. Keep focused and trust Him to see you through your day’s appointments and schedules; trust Him to fight your battles and trust him to provide for your needs.

Food for Thought: “Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and rests on that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and says it shall be done” – Wesley

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 45

Prayer: Lord, as I meditate daily on your word, build my faith so that I will laugh at impossibilities, and say it shall be done in Jesus name.

Just Mere Intimidation: Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2020

Topic: Just Mere Intimidation      

Text: 1 Samuel 17:1 – 11                                

I once read a story of a young Christian in the United States of American army who was always preaching the word of God to fellow soldiers. He never hid his faith. This did not go down with his captain in the military who always challenge him that there is no God.

One day, this captain wanting to make mockery of this young Christian gave him key to a car without engine and asked him to go and start the car. Initially, he protested that he can’t drive. Unknown to the young man that there was no engine, he prayed fixed the key into the ignition and started the car. From that day, the Captain came to acknowledge that indeed there is God. If the young soldier had taken to heart the intimidation of his Captain.

Philistines used their giant Goliath to intimidate Israelites. Not only did he intimidate the people, he also defied the God of Israel. This was insult on the God we serve. Unfortunately, Saul and his soldiers did not see it as intimidation and defilement of their God. It took David a boy to see it so. Thank God for David who rebuked him and killed him in disgraceful way.

There are many ways the enemies intimidate us; by instilling fear in us, making mockery of our faith as the Captain we mentioned earlier, demanding that we do some things that are beyond reasoning, by proclaiming sanctions and fines against us, etc. We have a clear example in Daniel 3:8 – 12 and 6:4, 5. These young Jews held on to their faith and God honoured them.

Are you being intimidated in your school, office, neighbourhood, home, etc., because of your faith? Never mind their intimidation. Hold on to God. He will not disappoint you. He did not disappoint Daniel and his compatriots and He will not disappoint you. 

Food for Thought: Intimidation is devil’s weapon to weaken our faith.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 10

Prayer: My Father in heaven, make my faith stronger amidst all forms of intimidation of the enemies in Jesus name.

God Saves in Various Ways: Devotion for Thursday May 21, 2020

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Devotion for Friday May 22, 2020

Topic: God Saves In Various Ways

Text: 1 Samuel 19:11 – 17                         

There is no limit to what our God can do and who or what He can use to fulfill His will and purposes, and to save us from evil and danger. When Balaam didn’t hear His word, He used his donkey to speak to him (Numbers 22:27 – 34).

The story of David and Goliath is well known to us. God used a small stone to humiliate him for blasphemy and reproach on God of Israel. Since David killed Goliath, the Philistine giant and champion, Saul became his avowed enemy occasioned by envy and jealousy. He tried every opportunity that comes his way to kill David.

In our bible reading for the day is another design of mischief by Saul to kill David. When David had escaped the javelin (1 Samuel 19:10), Saul sent some of his guards after him to lay wait at the door of his house, and to assassinate him in the morning as soon as he stirred out (1 Samuel 19:11). What was his wrong? God anointed him King to replace Saul. David did not ask God to make him king. It was God’s decision which no man can overturn. Hence He is always out to save Him. Are there lessons for us here especially when we are persecuted as we live and work according to the will of God or to accomplish God’s assignment for us? 

“God moves in a mysterious in His ways, His wonders to perform” so says a songwriter, William Cowper. Instead of Jonathan and Michal taking side with their father Saul to attack David who was a clear favourite to succeed their father, they pitched their tent with David. This was an act of God. See Proverbs 16:7

Because David’s way pleased God, He turned the heart of Saul’s children to love him. It is my desire and prayer that God will use those who speak evil about you and those who hate you to save, help, deliver, promote and bless you in Jesus name. As God used Michal to save David, so He will use someone to help and save you today.

Food for Thought: “God moves in a mysterious in His ways, His wonders to perform” – William Cowper. Sing that hymn from Ancient and Modern 181.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 19:13

Prayer: Lord, as you used Michal to save David, so I pray that you will send someone to help me in my present need in Jesus name. 

My God Will Save Me: Devotion for Friday February 21, 2020

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Devotion for Friday February 21, 2020

Topic: My God Will Save Me                       

Text 1 Samuel 17:37

It is proper to recall what God did for us in the past so that we can build our faith on that to face future challenges. This is the imperative of testimonies in Christian gathering (see Revelation 12:11). The Philistines used their champion and giant Goliath to challenge Israel, requesting that they should present someone for a one on one contest with their giant (1 Samuel 17:23 – 24). He taunted Israel and defied the God of Israel.

Saul and all the Israeli army fled at that challenge. It was sin that brought fear into their lives (compare Proverbs 28:1). However, David, a young man of less than 18 years of age according to some commentators saw the challenge of Goliath as against God and not Israel. That propelled him to fight. He told Saul and later Goliath that His God will save him. He had that assurance and was fearless.

In our present world, we are faced with challenges from spiritual and physical Goliaths who want to consume us. They are in our families, offices, business arena, neighbourhood, market, schools, etc. When they come challenging and making mockery of your faith and your God, are you bold enough to stand against them or are you running like Saul and his men (1 Sam. 17:11)? If you are afraid, then search your life to know if you are standing in the Lord or not.

Just think about that great deliverance God gave you before. He can still do something greater for you. He is still alive (compare Hebrews 13:8). Trust Him to save you from those spiritual and physical Goliaths challenging you in that marriage, home, school, office, neighbourhood, etc. The Lord is with you.

Food for Thought: God is never tired of fighting our battles and delivering us from the plans of the enemies

Memory verse: Psalm 18:17

Prayer: Help me O Lord to trust in you when the enemies rise against me.

Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

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Devotion for Friday July 7, 2017

Topic: Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 54

Satan and his agents know how to harass the children of God. They intimidate Christians with laws against their faith as in the time of Daniel and his 3 Hebrews friends. Goliath’s harassing and intimidation of the Israelites for 40 days was embarrassing. Unfortunately, for the 40 days, no Israelite stood up to his challenge until a minor who had not even qualified and enlisted into the Israel’s army came into the scene and stopped the harassment from Goliath.

Goliath’s taunting revealed the level of faithlessness in the people of Israel. One man blocked the entire army of Almighty God, an army that had seen entire nation run before it in fear. The Israelites viewed the situation only in human terms, much like their forefathers had viewed with fear and faithlessness the giants in the land (Numbers 13:26 – 14:20).

Goliath was 9 feet, 9 inches tall and wore a coat of armour weighing 125 pounds; his bronze javelin weighed 17 pounds (1 Samuel 17:4 – 5). David’s confession in 1 Samuel 17:45 – 47 reveals a teen who knew God and what He can do. He knew that outward physical appearance were nothing when compared with the power of the unseen God. Thus he was determined to stop the harassment of the enemy. He stepped out and God honoured him.

This is how Satan and his agents harass us in our neighbourhood, offices, schools, etc., with laws against our faith. How do we treat such? Do we go into our shells or speak out for God? Or do we take a stand for God as the Hebrew boys did in the book of Daniel. Our God has ways of putting Satan and his agents to shame. Let’s not belittle Him when the enemies come, embarrassing us and defying His name

Food for Thought: Stopping the harassment of the enemies is best done in the spirit (2 Corinthians 10:14)

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 verse 12

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God never to close my eyes and mouth to the embarrassment of the enemies of the cross in Jesus name.

Price Of Godliness (Self Exile)

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Devotion for Monday April 3, 2017

Topic: Price Of Godliness (Self Exile)

Text: I Samuel 27:1 – 7

Some commentators interpret David’s action as lack of faith but I don’t belong to such group. Staying in Israel at that time with the level of threat from Saul would have amounted to tempting God or committing suicide. It was God’s leading because it wouldn’t have worked. Again, David went to the greatest enemies of Israel at that time and was welcomed. They would have killed David, a man that killed their champion Goliath but that was not to be as they befriended him and gave him a choice place to stay (see Prov. 16:7).

He fled from Israel to preserve his life. Saul as the king of Israel had authority over all the land and would have gotten David. The sin of David was his desire to live a godly life or else when he had the opportunity, he would have killed Saul and all his problems would have ended but he left everything in God’s hand. The choice of Ziklag by David was a smart one. Apparently he had won a large degree of trust from Achish one of the co-rulers of the five cities of Philistine. Being out of the king’s eye would free him from the risks of exposure as a double-dealer, or of jealousy on the part of Achish, or of becoming a burden on the king’s hospitality.

Jesus Christ told His disciples to flee from cities where they are not welcomed (Lk 10:10 – 12). What Jesus suggested here was right use of wisdom and discretion in time of crisis and uncertainties. We should be wise enough to understand when to stay and when to flee when our lives are being threatened by the enemies.

Food for Thought: If David had stayed put in the land of Israel, do you think he would have escaped from Saul’s desire to kill him?

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 27 verse 2

Prayer: When persecution arises due to godly living, grant me the grace O Lord to know when to flee and when to stay in Jesus name. Amen

Don’t Look Down On People

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Devotion for Saturday February 11, 2017           

Topic: Don’t Look Down On People 

Text: 1 Samuel 17:22 – 30

Naturally, people envy those who do better and are more honoured than them. Some people criticise others due to their prejudice, hatred and bitterness. Some do it because they feel they are better of the other person.

Eliab look down on David as too small to be enlisted in the Israel’s army how much more confronting a renowned champion, Goliath. Eliab charges him with cockiness (being arrogant). This elicited criticism from Eliab. Eliab was the most outspoken of all the people in the camp against David because he was the senior brother. Of a truth, David was a small boy of about 15 years. Unfortunately, criticism couldn’t stop David. This confirms what the bible says in Matthew 10:36 (see Gen. 37:4, 8, and 11). While the rest of the army stood around wasting their time, David knew the importance of taking action. With God to fight for him, David had no reason to wait.

People may try to discourage you with negative comments or mockery, accusing you of arrogance or pride. Never mind them and their discouragement. Just continue to do what you know is right. By doing what is right, you will be pleasing God, whose opinion matters most. At last the small boy, Eliab looked down on, became a hero who did what he and others in Israel’s army could not do.

Most times we look down on people because they are poor, uneducated, ugly, etc. Don’t forget that such person may later become great that you will need his or her help or service. Beloved, as people despise you, see it as a challenge and aim for greatness to shame them.   

Food for Thought: Who knows tomorrow?

Memory verse: Matthew 10:36

Prayer: May I not look down on people today, O Lord, my God, because I don’t know what tomorrow holds for them.

Lay Your Trophies At His Feet: Devotion for Wednesday August 17, 2016

Lay Your Trophies At His Feet: Devotion for Wednesday August 17, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 17:54                  Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:54

There are many reasons David won the heart of God. One of them is what he did in our text. Great exploits God uses us to perform or miracles God did for us can be a source of temptation to arrogate the glory to ourselves, making our heads swell. This is a warning for as many as would want to please and gain His favour and approval. We should not arrogate the glory of God to ourselves because He can share His glory with us and we can’t even achieve anything without Him.

If some of us were David, we would have erected a 20 meter  by 30 meter sign post or billboard showing us and Goliath requesting that people should come and see the man who killed the giant. Our houses would have turn into tourist centres. However, it was not so with David. He took the sword to God’s house and went home. He did not allow that exploit to enter his head. He laid the trophy at God‘s feet. He dedicated the sword of Goliath as a votive offering to the Lord. 1 Samuel 21:9 confirms that David kept Goliath’s sword at the tent that houses the Ark of the Covenant. A lesson and challenge for us never to take the glory of what God had done with and through us.

When God uses us to perform miracles or to do exploits, how do we react? Does it enter our heads as if there is none like us? Do we automatically begin to answer names like Demon Bulldozer, Apostle of Fire, By Fire by Force, etc? In Acts 14:8ff, Paul healed a crippled man who hasn’t walked since birth in Lystra. They termed him Hermes and Barnabas was called Zeus. The priest in charge of that temple of Zeus in Lystra brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice them to Paul and Barnabas with the multitudes (Acts 14:13). But Paul resisted them (Acts 14:14). We shouldn’t take the glory that belongs to God. When we are used by God, we should appreciate Him in humility and return all the glory to Him.

Food for Thought: Humble disposition is the best way to honour God for what He has made us.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace never to take the glory that belongs to you. 

       

GOD HONOURS OUR FAITH: Devotion for Tuesday August 16, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 17:48 – 53          Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:50

Who would have believed that David will kill Goliath the way he went into the encounter with him? He went against every military device and tactics. He didn’t go with sword, no spear, no shield, no gun though there was no gun then, etc. He went with a catapult and five stones. Going with mere catapult was a slight in the eyes of Goliath and he never bordered about David’s style. He never knew that his coming was not just ordinary. Goliath never knew that David came with the God of war, He whose words can destroy the strongest foundation as He did to the walls of Jericho. Goliath undermined God of Israel and he paid dearly for it.

This is how frail and uncertain life is. It is foolishness for us to think we can protect ourselves from the wrath and anger of God not even when we have defied Him as Goliath and most people did. Most times when we think that we are best fortified, we forget that death can quickly and easily come to us. No wonder the assertion Apostle Paul gave in 2 Cor. 10:4–6. David prevailed with a sling (catapult) and a stone. God honoured his faith. Of recent Archaeologists found the skull of Goliath with the mark of stone on it. God cannot be mocked! When you try it, you will have a bitter experience.

A strong man should not glory in his strength, neither the man fully armed with human armour in his armour. God resists the proud, and pours contempt on those who defy Him and His people. He is no respecter of anybody. If you honour Him, He will honour you but when you despise and defy Him, He will show that He is a consuming fire. No one ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. The strongest as well as the weakest are dependent upon God, and that expectation which rests on human or other creatures is liable at any time to be disappointed. One lesson for us here is that when we rely on God in times of challenges, He will always glorify Himself.

Food for Thought: No one defies God and goes scot free.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I not glory in my strength rather humble me to depend on you in anything I need strength to perform in Jesus name.  

FAITH: KEY FOR VICTORY: Devotion for Monday August 15, 2016

FAITH: KEY FOR VICTORY: Devotion for Monday August 15, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 17:40 – 47           Memory verse:  v 45

David approached the Goliath with faith in Jesus and not sword which signifies the five stones he took. JESUS and FAITH are five letters each. These are what we need in our Christian race and endeavour. They are the most priceless things that can grant us victory, breakthrough, open doors, protection, healing, etc, we need in life on this earth.

When David appeared, Goliath looked at him with disdain and these were his word: "Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” The security and presumption of fools destroy them because of their overconfidence in what they have or what they have achieved. They forget so easily that it is neither by power nor by might but the spirit of God.

David words to Goliath epitomize humility, faith, and goodness which should be seen in the words that come out of the mouth of a true Christian. His words expressed his assured hope of success which God gives to those who trust in Him. David did not glory in his small stature and no arms. The reason for this is that the victory he will get from the fight against Goliath might be ascribed to none other than the Lord God. How foolish Goliath acted because, he thought all his victories were of his gods but God brought him to Israel to humiliate him since he failed to acknowledge God as source of his victories.

The size and stature of Goliath could have deterred anyone but not David. He was optimistic that God will see him through even as God promised in Deuteronomy 20:1–4. His words were filled with humility, faith and confidence of success because he knows His God. The strength or power of man comes from his faith in things unseen. If you believe in the unseen power, you will be strong and excel but if you doubt the unseen, you are bound to be weak and fail. It often said that strong convictions precede great actions. This was true of David. He believed God and received strength with which he overcame Goliath. We also need faith to be strong as we face life’s challenges daily.

Food for Thought: “Faith, mighty faith the promise sees and rests on that alone; laughs at impossibilities, and says it shall be done” - Wesley

Prayer: Lord, as I meditate daily on your word, build my faith so that I will laugh at impossibilities, and say it shall be done in Jesus name.

MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES: Devotion for Saturday August 13, 2016

MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES: Devotion for Saturday August 13, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 17: 12 – 30           

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:26 – Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

We have opportunities that come our ways every day. When we maximize the opportunities they usually lead to more opportunities and blessings. Jesse had no other motive of sending David to his brothers in the Israeli army. Fortunately, David got to the Israeli camp at that critical juncture when Goliath was threatening the Israeli army. But God, who in His wisdom orders actions and affairs of men, was there to use David to serve a purpose. He made him and knew the qualities in him.

This instance wasn’t the first time David went to the Israeli camp to see his brothers. He visits them occasionally as we have in 1 Samuel 17:15. However, on this particular visit, David saw the Philistine champion, Goliath threatening the army of Israel and defying their God for 40 days. When David heard the words of Goliath and the promise made by Saul to whoever will kill Goliath, he opted to maximize the opportunity to glorify God. He saw Goliath as inferior in power compare to the fearful animals like bear and lion he had killed earlier while tending his father’s sheep.  

“In times of general formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal which implies readiness to go further, or to venture more in the cause of God than others, will be blamed as pride and ambition” so posited Matthew Henry. This was the case of David’s senior brother who picked offence against him for offering to fight Goliath. David saw that opportunity as appropriate and right to glorify God in the eyes of heathen nation and faithless Israel.

We do have such opportunities on daily basis to preach God’s word and to do good to others. How much do we utilise them? Do we consider what our relations will say and thus fail to speak out for God? Remember that if God can use donkey to speak, He can use any other thing to glorify His name. Will God use stones to glorify Himself when you are alive? Think about it.

Action: Use one opportunity you have this day to preach the gospel to someone.

Prayer: Help me to maximize every opportunity I have to glorify you, O Lord.

WAYS THE ENEMIES INTIMIDATE US: Devotion for Friday August 12, 2016

WAYS THE ENEMIES INTIMIDATE US: Devotion for Friday August 12, 2016

1 Samuel 17:1 – 11

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:10 - And the Philistine said, "I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

I once read a story of a young Christian in the United States of American army who was always preaching the word of God to fellow soldiers. He never hid his faith in Christ Jesus. This did not go down with his captain who always challenges him that there is no God. One day, this captain wanting to make mockery of this young Christian and his faith, gave him key to a car without engine and asked him to go and start the car to prove that there is God. Initially, he protested that he can’t drive. Unknown to the young man that there was no engine, he prayed fixed the key into the ignition and started the car. From that day, the captain came to acknowledge that indeed there is God.

The Philistines used their giant Goliath as a tool to intimidate the Israelis. Not only did he intimidate the people, he also defied the God of Israel. This was insult on the God we serve. Unfortunately, none of the Israeli soldiers dared to stand his challenge. But thank God for David, though not enlisted in the Israeli’s army because of his age, rebuked him and killed him in disgraceful way.

There are many ways the enemies intimidate us; by instilling fear into us, making mockery of us, demanding that we do some things that are beyond reasoning, by proclaiming sanctions and fines against us, etc. We have a clear example in Daniel 3:8–12 and 6:4, 5. These young Jews held on to their faith in God and He honoured them. He didn’t allow their faith to fail them. He acted promptly. If not their persistence and resilience, who would have known that a man would be thrown into the fire and they fire will not burn the person? Are you being intimidated in your school, office, neighbourhood, home, etc, because of your faith? Never mind their intimidation. Hold on to God and do not give up. He did not disappoint Daniel and his compatriots and He will not disappoint you. 

Food for Thought: Intimidation is devil’s weapon to weaken our faith but those that know their God are never move by these antics. 

Prayer: My Father in heaven, make my faith stronger amidst all forms of intimidations of the enemies in Jesus name.                         

GOD CANNOT BE MOCKED: Devotion for Wednesday October 21, 2015

GOD CANNOT BE MOCKED       Wednesday October 21, 2015

Text: Galatians 6:1 – 10                            Memory verse: v 7

In Luke 16:19 – 31, is the story of an unnamed rich man and Lazarus who had sores all over his body. Lazarus wanted only crumbs from the rich man’s table but the rich man mocked Lazarus as his dog also came and licked his sores till he died. Both received their rewards. The rich man by his action against Lazarus mocked God his creator (Proverbs 14:31; 17:5). Paul warns us in this epistle that we cannot mock God. Mock is to treat something or somebody with scorn or to mimic somebody. He compares charity and Christian bounty to seed sown, and assures us, that the crop we reap shall be answerable, both in quality and kind, and also in measure and degree, to the seed we sow.

We sow seeds through our words and deeds. In this seed-time, we should be mindful of where we sow our seeds. If you sow in the flesh – beauty, sexual satisfaction, worldly affairs, etc, which are ways of mocking God; we will reap same at the end (Galatians 6:8). Beloved, do not mock God by taking his words lightly. Many who tried it are regretting now. Remember Herod, Goliath, Belshazzar, etc. The worst undoing of your life would be to mock God by compromising his word. Beware

Food for Thought: Job 13:9.

Prayer: God, grant that I may sow in the spirit so I can reap eternal life.'

DEFILING GOD

Defiling God         Monday April 20, 2015

Text: Daniel 5:23a       Memory verse: v 23a

One way we attract God’s anger easily is by making mockery of Him. People who made mockery of God in the likes of Lot’s wife, Ananias and Sapphira, Herod, Nebuchadnezzar, Paul, Goliath, etc, were not left unpunished. Recently, a preacher inside a bus was beaten to coma by commuters when condom fell off from his bible while he was preaching inside the bus. You cannot cheat God. Whatever we sow, we shall also reap as we learnt yesterday.

This was the case of Belshazzar son of Nebuchadnezzar, who could not learn from the mistakes of his father. He was so full of himself that he thought it a wise thing to use the sacred vessels of the house of God to drink with his lords, wives and concubines. An ABOMINATION indeed! He has defiled the Lord of heaven by putting to a profane use the sacred vessels of His temple.

There are many ways we defile God. Some commit all manner of evil and come to church to officiate. Some steal from God’s temple; some tell lies in the name of God, some make false claims about supplies to church, etc, Can you mention some other ways people defile God? We should be mindful of what we do with God and His temple to avert His anger.  

Food for Thought: Making mockery of God is inviting His wrath.

Prayer: God, help me never to contend with you by making mockery of you for no one contends with his maker in Jesus name.