Extraordinary Love: Devotion for Tuesday August 25, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday August 25, 2020

Topic: Extraordinary Love               

Text: Luke 15:11 – 32                    

The parable of the prodigal son shows what is expected of us in repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to Him. It fully sets forth the riches of gospel of grace – the extraordinary love of God.

This young man took a decision to go back to the father and acted on it. “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” – Luke 15:20b.

The father immediately restored this destitute and humbled young man as his son. “This represents the readiness with which God receives returning sinners. To be saved, men must not only resolve, but they must return to God; taking all the blame and shame of their departure to themselves, and ascribing righteousness to Him, they must surrender all their interests for time and eternity to his care, guidance, and disposal” as Family Bible Note opined. 

The sheep was lost because it may have foolishly wandered away (Luke 15:4); the coin was lost through no fault of its own (Luke 15:8); and the son left out of selfishness (Luke 15:12). God’s great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why or how they got lost.

Beloved, have you ever wondered why God has showed so much love to you despite your weaknesses? What steps do you take or should you take to reciprocate this extraordinary love of God for you? It will be great injustice if we neglect and fail to appreciate the love of God for us.

Food for Thought: Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4

Memory verse: Luke 15 v 24

Prayer: God, may I never fail to reciprocate your love for me. Help me to serve you out of love and gratitude for loving me despite my sins.  

Use Every Opportunity to Glorify God: Devotion for Sunday June 7, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 7, 2020

Topic: Use Every Opportunity to Glorify God               

Text: 2 Kings 5:2 – 3                                            

When Paul and Silas were jailed for preaching the gospel, they were not deterred. Right there inside the prison cell, they were singing to God, using the very opportunity they had to glorify God. The result was unprecedented as souls were won for Christ.

In our scriptural reading for today, we saw how this young girl; a captive from Israel, used the opportunity to tell her captors that there is a God in Israel who is Almighty, who can heal her master. She didn’t nurse grudges that she has been deprived of parental love and care by her captors. She was in a foreign land proclaiming God.

This little maid, though only a girl, could give an account of the famous prophet the Israelites had among them. Children should be taught at the early stage of their lives about the wondrous works of God, so that, wherever they go, they may talk of them. How much do you tell your children about God?

Every day, we have opportunity to serve God and humanity, and to preach the gospel of repentance, peace and love to people. There are pulpits everywhere; on the road, school, offices, business premises, etc., which we can use to teach the word of God. We should stop complaining that our Priest/Pastor has refused to give us pulpit in our churches. Daily we have opportunity to show kindness to people. How much do we utilise these opportunities in our schools, offices, business premises, as we commute, etc?

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God has sent you to that school, that office, that neighbourhood at a time like this for a purpose. God can use you to spread His word. Look for opportunities to tell others what God can do. There’s no telling who will hear your message and benefit! Do so because you will account for it someday.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you use the opportunity you have to show kindness, preach the word of God and encourage someone.    

Memory verse: 2 Kings 5:3                                                

Prayer: Lord, may I use every opportunity I have to do good to people I meet and preach your gospel in Jesus name.

Understanding the Basics of Our Faith: Devotion for Friday May 8, 2020

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Devotion for Friday May 8, 2020

Topic: Understanding the Basics of Our Faith                              

Text: 2 Peter 1:1 – 11

Winners in all sports never forget the basics in their sport and they build their game upon them like a house on a foundation. Here in our bible reading for the day, Peter as an elder in the Church, does not want Christians to forget the basics of their faith, so he reviews them here as a way or reminder.

Peter had concern about his readers’ faith surviving over the long run. Because he knew that his death is near, he reviewed the basics of the faith urging Christians to etch them into their memory (2 Peter 1:12 – 15). He wanted his readers to firmly grasp the gospel’s basic message, a goal that would take repetition to achieve.

Apostle Peter want them to hear it often and again that Jesus had come to die for their sins, had risen on the third day, had given them eternal life, and would one day return to judge the earth. Knowing and believing those simple basics would uphold their faith and keep them strong.

From time to time, it is good to review the basics of our faith in Christ. Doing this will refresh our memory, strengthen our faith, and dispel any spiritual falsehoods we may have begun to believe. Do you know the basics of our faith? Reviewing the Gospels and Epistles regularly will help us to stay spiritually focus and sharp.

Food for Thought: Constant review of our basics of faith keeps us focused on Christ and heaven.

Memory verse: 2 Peter 1:8

Prayer: Keep me focused on what constitutes my faith in you, O Lord.

Strive to be like Christ: Devotion for Tuesday January 21, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday January 21, 2020

Topic: Strive to be like Christ                             

Text: Philippians 1:27 – 30

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says, “Those who profess the gospel of Christ should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises.” The word translated conduct (New King James Version) or conversation (King James Version) denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. Our call as Christians places much demand on us. Paul charged the Philippians to ensure that their practices correspond with their profession. 

William Burkett asserts that “The gospel is a gospel of truth and faithfulness, of sincerity and plainness, so our conversation should be sincere and upright, without deceit or fraud; as the gospel is a gospel of peace, so a Christian conversation is a quiet, calm, and peaceable conversation.” Therefore, we should be men of peace, peace-makers, peace preservers, lovers of peace, and living for peace.

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As Christians, we should reflect humility, understanding, gentleness, patience, peacefulness, strength, endurance, and gratitude to God in every aspect of our lives on earth. This was what Christ exhibited and set them out for us as standard to follow. Early disciples followed and maintained that standard which gave them the name Christians (Acts 11:26). What can be said of your conduct? Are you Christ-like?

Food for Thought: The Scriptures give four names to Christians;-Saints, for their holiness; Believers, for their faith; Brethren, for their love; Disciples for their knowledge. - Andrew Fuller. Do you have these names?

Memory verse: Colossians 1:10

Prayer: God, as I study at your feet daily, make me Christ-like in Jesus name.

God’s demand From Gospel Preachers

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Friday January 11, 2019

Topic: God’s demand From Gospel Preachers

Text: Colossians 1: 24 – 29

Every Christian is a preacher of the gospel whether you have official license like Priest, Pastors, Lay Readers, Catechists, Evangelists, etc., or not. Our call is to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). The command to go and bear witness/preach is compulsory and should not be treated with levity.

Here in our bible reading for the day, Paul pointed out what should be the centre of our message as Christians – Jesus Christ. He said, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." This should be the message we should preach with one thing in mind while preaching – to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. According to Paul, this was the motivating factor behind all he was doing. To achieve the aim of his call, he had to labour through the grace God had given to him and self discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27).

Our preaching should not be based on self, money or church denomination; rather, it should be based on Christ Jesus. The aim of our labour in the vineyard of God should be to present our members perfect before Christ. As we labour with this in mind, all other things concerning us will be taken care of by God and at the appropriate time. May God be our helper in this regard in Jesus name!

Food for Thought: Acts 20:20, 27 and 31

Memory verse: Colossians 1:28

Prayer: God, I may my gospel message centre on Christ Jesus alone in Jesus name. Amen

Continue With The Lord

Devotion for Tuesday February 27, 2018

Topic: Continue With The Lord                         

Text: Acts 11:19 – 24

The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch were people dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church was made to work for its good. Initially, they concentrated their preaching on the Jews only (Acts 11:19) but some other preachers from Cyrene and Cyprus (in present day North Africa) came also and preached to Gentiles in Antioch. Divine power attended their preaching and many believed the gospel (Acts 11:21). 

The Church at Jerusalem heard that the gospel had reached Antioch and they sent Barnabas to them. He was a great link between the Jewish believers and Gentile believers. He was a wise choice to go to Antioch for a number of reasons. As he was from Cyprus, he would have had a natural connection with the evangelists who had started the movement in Antioch. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. His name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and he lived up to it as he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord and continue with Him. He came and confirmed what was earlier preached. He didn't try to show off as a ‘senior believer/evangelist.’ 

Christians should partner one another in the gospel because we all are meant to work for Christ who owns the Church. Barnabas urged them that they should be firm and resolute in their new found faith despite trials and temptation that may come their way. Are you source of encouragement to people around you as Barnabas was? 

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Food for Thought: Barnabas lived up to his name by being a source of encouragement. Are you living up to your name as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 11:23

Prayer: May I live up to my name as a Christian O Lord and a source of encouragement to people around me in Jesus name. Amen

A Warning To My Christian Sisters

A Warning To My Christian Sisters

The gospel of grace that we preach today is not an excuse for careless living and dressing. What is your gain when you wear a skirt that does not cover your knee and when you sit in the church, bible study or fellowship meetings, you use your handkerchief to cover your laps that have been exposed. Who are you deceiving?

Paul said "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Corinthians 6:20 - NKJV). For God's sake, there are clothes that befit Christians. Decency and moderation should be the basis for Christian dressing. Unfortunately our emphasis is quite different. When you expose the sensitive part of your body through indecent dressing and body hug dresses to show how big your buttocks are or your figure 8, who are you deceiving? Remember that the deceiver and the deceived will be cast into the lake of fire.

In such and many other dressings that expose sensitive parts and contours of your body, where is the glory of God? Where is the glory of God when you wear only one sleeve of cloth instead of normal two? Where is the glory of God when you dress without recourse to what could be termed moral standard? Remember that a day of reckoning is coming when we shall give account of what we have done without bodies.

Oh ye ladies, you are inexcusable if you belong to this group. This is a warning for all of you who think that it doesn’t matter. Devil had seen that the emphasis of some people is on skirt, gown, blouses and wrappers and decided to make the ones that will glorify him and not God. He raised tailors from the spirit world to deceive people with designs that are demonic. Unfortunately, most people don’t care. Check the designs of present day wedding gowns; go to fashion parades, go to boutique and see for yourself what people do and yet Christians patronize them because Miss A wore it yesterday. It has now become a standard. Why is it that there is no more shame in the eyes of our ladies? Where is pride of being a born again child of God?     

Parents should warn their children because if they keep quiet because they feel that such dressing is what is obtainable in the present age, they will be held responsible on the last day. Please shout at the roof top for the world and heaven to vindicate you on the last day.

Dearly beloved of God, let your dress be pleasing to God and not because it is what is in vogue. You shouldn’t join the multitude in doing evil. That everybody is doing it does not mean that you too should do it or that it has become a standard. Who invented it - God or Satan? When Adam and Eve, out of foolishness, made clothes for themselves from fig leaves, God saw that it was not good enough and made for them tunic from animal skin.  

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Enemies Of The Cross

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday July 15, 2017

Topic: Enemies Of The Cross

Text: Philippians 3:17 – 19

In our bible reading for the day, Paul speaks of nominal Christians who used their liberty as a clock for licentiousness. They are enemies of the Cross according to Paul. Their evil lives bring shame upon the religion of the Cross. Paul criticized self-indulgent Christians, people who claimed to be Christians but couldn’t live up to Christ’s model of servanthood and self-sacrifice.

These enemies were professed believers who were corrupting the gospel by their immoral lives and false teachings (Galatians 1:7, 6:12 and Philippians 1:15 – 16). They were not opened and avowed enemies of the Cross nor did they deny that Jesus Christ didn’t die on the Cross to make atonement for our sins rather; they were living in a manner inimical to pure gospel. An immoral life is an enemy of the Cross of Christ who died to make us holy.

Someone becomes an enemy of the Cross when there is no evidence that the heart is renewed. Similar people are found in the churches today. Some are even in the altars. How are you living your life as a Christian? Are you among those that commit all forms of sins because they are no longer under the law (Romans 6:14 and 15)? Are you in the church keeping malice, committing fornication, practicing masturbation, you are still involved in corrupt practices, etc? You are an enemy of the Cross Repent before it would be too late

Food for Thought: Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean freedom to be selfish but taking every opportunity to serve and to become the best person you can be.

Memory verse: Philippians 3 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, help me to avoid any sin that will make me an enemy of the Cross.

Share The Good News

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Devotion for Thursday June 1, 2017

Topic: Share The Good News

Text: 2 Kings 7:9

Christianity is all about compassion from God to Man and from Man to Man. Anything short of this is not the true Christianity. As a Christian, if you don’t have compassion on your fellow Christians or even your enemies, your Christianity is incomplete and you are not worthy to be called a Christian.

After these lepers have eaten and drunk, they realized that it would not be the right thing to enjoy the food and drinks alone (2 Kings 7:9). Do you eat and enjoy alone? Repent from it and learn how to share with others. The lepers went and told the gatekeepers of the city because they were not allowed into the city. The gatekeepers in turn told the King. The King doubted the fact that the Syrians had left. This is how we doubt when God is at work at times but my prayer is that God will surprise you this season. The lepers discovered the deserted camp and realized their lives had been spared. At first they kept the good news to themselves, forgetting their fellow citizens, who were starving in the city. They had a compassionate heart which made them to go back into the city with the good news.

The Good News about Jesus Christ must be shared, too, for no news is more important in this our present generation. We must not forget those who are dying without it. We must not become so preoccupied with our own faith that we neglect sharing it with those around us. We shouldn’t “wait until morning.” Today, determine to be compassionate and to show kindness to someone by sharing with him/her the gospel of Christ. Make it part of your life to share with others the gospel.

Action: Reach someone with the Gospel today. Don’t disappoint God.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 7 verse 9

Prayer: God, grant me a compassionate and charitable heart to share my blessings with others especially the Good news of the kingdom.

Are You Still Under Condemnation?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 6, 2017

Topic: Are You Still Under Condemnation?

Text: Romans 8: 1 – 9

Paul wrote to assure the Roman that we are no more under condemnation. It applies to us too. There is no condemnation does not mean that sin in believers is not to be condemned, rather the gospel does not pronounce condemnation like the law. The gospel of grace pronounces pardon. This is what Jesus did for us in taking our place to die for us. Have you received that pardon or are you still under condemnation? It is better you repent now before it will be too late. This act of Jesus Christ for us was aimed at making everyone understand the basic truth that by His death, the lost sinners and ruined men are set free from the most fearful and terrible condemnation meant for them.

Beloved, live your new life in Christ and don’t take to heart what people say about you. When God has not condemned you, who can condemn you? Do not live in fear and uncertainty because people have condemned you and have given you tag: never do well, a failure, no future ambition, etc. Every tag from Satan on you will be destroyed in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Evidence of a life without condemnation is walking in obedience and love for God, and Man.

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 1

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that I will always walk in obedience as a proof that I am no more under condemnation in Jesus name.

Consequences Of Rejecting The Gospel

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Devotion for Sunday April 30, 2017

Topic: Consequences Of Rejecting The Gospel

Text: Luke 10:12 – 16

Most times some of us Christians fret and become angry when people reject us and our gospel message. It supposed not to be so. Why will you fret and become angry? You were not the one they rejected but the person who sent you. God is the owner of the field where we went to harvest. If people are not willing to accept your message, leave it at that because God is the one that will judge them at last. Here, Jesus posited that there are consequences of rejecting the gospel. Outside being rejected by God at last, their condition will be worse than that of Sodom, the evil city that was destroyed because they were evil; practising sodomy (Genesis 19).

Today, we use the name of the city to symbolize wickedness and immorality. As those who rejected the gospel will suffer on Judgment Day, it will be worse for cities which saw the Messiah and rejected Him. Jesus pronounced woe on Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for rejecting him and the gospel. You should not develop a shamed face when people reject you and your gospel.

When you have the understanding that it is the Lord who gives increase to our labour, who causes repentance, you will not become angry. Your duty is to go and as you go, leave the issue of harvesting with god. He knows when and how to cause repentance. As you go out on evangelism, have in your mind to preach the gospel. Any other thing that follows should be inconsequential to you. Leave everything for God.     

Food for Thought: Every action or inaction has its consequences.

Memory verse: Luke 10 verse 16

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to preach the gospel and never to fret or get angry when people refuse to accept my gospel message.

The Gospel Mandate

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Devotion for Saturday April 29, 2017

Topic: The Gospel Mandate

Text: Luke 10:8 – 11

Evangelism has its mandate. Jesus who commissioned the Apostles, disciples and we the present day Christians gave us a mandate on what we should do. We are not just to go out for sake of going out. The first instruction was that we should value our welcome to any home by staying there and accepting whatever is offered to us. In the mandate Jesus stated that we should preach, healing the sick and telling them that the kingdom of God is at hand. We should shake off the dust on our feet against places where we are not welcomed.

The healing of the sick, casting out demons, etc are signs that the kingdom of God is near (see Luke 10:11; 21:31). This nearness of the kingdom has two interpretations; already here and soon to come. The kingdom Jesus established was not aimed at overthrowing any government. Rather, it was a kingdom that began in people’s hearts and was as near as people’s heart who are willing to make Jesus king over their lives.

In Matt. 24:14, Jesus asserted that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the world as a witness to nations before the end will come. How are you carrying out this mandate to preach the gospel? Are you among those who are calling on Jesus to come back for the saint militants when you are not willing to preach the gospel to souls dying without Christ? It is time to wake up to our call and mandate to preach the gospel because God will obviously demand their souls in our hands.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you exercise your mandate today.

Memory verse: Luke 10 verses 8 and 9

Prayer: Lord God, grant me utterance I go out to preach the gospel.

The Labourers Are Few

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Devotion for Thursday April 27, 2017

Topic: The Labourers Are Few

Text: Luke 10:2

Jesus compared the work of evangelism and winning souls for the kingdom of heaven to a harvest—the gathering of new believers into His kingdom (see Jn. 4:35). Before someone can think of harvesting, one must have worked on the field or the farm. Lord Jesus had done all the things necessary for the salvation of humanity. He paid the ultimate price by shedding His blood and dying on the Cross of Calvary. No other work or sacrifice is needed to save man. The only task before us is to share the gospel message. Unfortunately, there are so few workers willing to gather those who desire to hear the gospel in.

God has work enough for everyone but who is actually interested to do the works He has designated for us? We shouldn’t fold our hand and watch other Christians do the work of evangelism and other works in the vineyard of God especially in the areas we are gifted or talented because the harvest is great. Beloved, are you one of the labourers in the vineyard of God? The labourers are few.

I have personally observed that majority in the church who claim they are Christians are never interested in evangelism. The reasons are not far-fetched. They are in the church but have not experienced the touch of God. You can’t experience the touch of God and keep quiet. The case of woman of Samaria (Jn. chapter 4) is a clear example. Again, some who have experienced the touch has lost their first love for God. In simple terms they have backslidden. They are the set of people described in Rev. 2:4 and 3:1. Are you among these people? There are counsels for you in Rev. 2:5 and 3:3.

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 22: 30

Memory verse: Matthew 9:38

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my life to serve as one of the labourers in Jesus name.

Two By Two Evangelism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday April 25, 2017

Topic: Two By Two Evangelism

Text: Luke 10:1

As Jesus was concluding His earthly ministry, He had the burden to reach more places. As He couldn’t reach all the places He wanted to visit within the stipulated time, He opted to send some of His disciples on mission to places He intended to visit.  Perhaps that will help to get the gospel to so many places. Of all the synoptic gospels only Luke recorded the fact that Jesus sent seventy disciples on this mission in addition to the one he sent twelve apostles. Their mission was evidently temporary in nature, unlike that of the Twelve.

These disciples sent on this mission were not unique in their qualifications. They were not better educated; not more capable, or of higher status than other followers of Jesus. The only thing that qualified them for this mission was that they had been equipped with Jesus’ power and their vision to reach all the people. Having followed Jesus for over a year, there had been tremendous influence on their lives by the ministry of Jesus. Thus they were easily chosen.

Many of us have been with Jesus for over 3 years which was the lifespan of His earthly ministry. We have received calls so many times to go on evangelism. How many of us have yielded to those calls. Jesus had set an example for us. Churches should emulate two by two evangelism. Having been with Jesus for some time now, you should be winning souls by now.  It is important to dedicate our skills to God’s Kingdom, but we must also be equipped with His power and have a clear vision of what He wants us to do.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you share the gospel with someone.

Memory verse: Luke 10 verse 1

Prayer: God grant me the spirit to always evangelize

in Jesus name.

The Implications Of Our Baptism

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Devotion for Wednesday April 19, 2017

Topic: The Implications Of Our Baptism

Text: Romans 6:1 – 7

Misconception and misunderstanding of our basics of faith can affect our relationship with God badly and make the foundation of our faith shaky. Paul realized that his teaching in the previous chapter about God’s kindness to sinners could be interpreted to suggest that people ought to keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness. Hence the question Paul asked in Romans 6:1. He also answered by emphatically saying, “Certainly not!” Paul’s idea here is that the gospel of grace was not aimed at finding an excuse for sin, but to give freedom from sin. He clarified this with the following illustration that the believer has died to sin.

Using the burial of Christ as a reference point, Paul stated that our baptism implies we have died with Christ. Our baptism connotes death to sin and exchange of our sinful life for Christ’s resurrection life. Paul speaks of this death to sin as a fact and concludes, therefore, that believers cannot continue to live in it. This is what is expected of us in our baptism.

From this teaching of Paul, the usefulness of our baptism does not lie on the place or means by which we were baptised as some lay credence to immersion. What matters is the repentance from sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus. This was the point Peter raised in 1 Pet. 3:21. It is not just enough to be baptised, we should strive to live out the life required of us who have been baptised. It should be lives that are dead to sin and alive unto righteousness. Do you manifest a life that is dead to sin and alive unto righteousness?

Food for Thought: Are you living the life required of someone who has been baptised?

Memory verse: Colossians 2:12

Prayer: Lord God, cause me to die to sin and live unto righteousness as required of me in Jesus name. Amen.

Christ Is Our Message

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Devotion for Tuesday April 18, 2017

Topic: Christ Is Our Message

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12 – 20

In our bible for the day, Paul asserts that the resurrection of Christ is the centre of the gospel message we preach. In simple terms, Jesus died for our sins and resurrected that we may have life. To buttress his point, Paul noted that if Christ was not raised from the dead, then our preaching is vain. It would be vain and useless to preach. Without the solid fact of the resurrection, the whole gospel becomes empty and unreal. If Christ had remained dead, we would have no reason to be sure our sins have been forgiven, for it is the same power of God which raised Jesus Christ that forgives our sins. Our faith then would be empty and worthless. If that were not true, the whole system was false, and Christianity was an imposition.

The word vain here seems to include the idea of useless, idle, false. Whether there are people who still believe that Jesus Christ did not resurrect of not, we Christians believe He did. That is the sole reason why we still have the boldness to preach the gospel and that is all we preach. I don’t know what your message is but my message is that Christ died for my sins and for the sins of the whole world that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved.

Beloved, what is your message as a Christian? If it is not centred on death and resurrection of Christ, then your message is not true. You are only an impostor. What we believe is not in vain because they were written before now and they have manifested. We should not be deceived by what other believe and preach.

Food for Thought: Which group do you belong: those who believe that Jesus resurrected or those who believe that He is still in the tomb?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 14

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me utterance to preach Christ and His resurrection as the gospel message in Jesus name. 

Price of Godliness (Suffering)

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Devotion for Sunday April 2, 2017

Topic: Price of Godliness (Suffering)

Text: 1 Peter 2:18 – 25

As Christians, we may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is the direct result of our own sins; some happens because of our foolishness; and some are the result of living in a fallen world. Another reason for suffering may be as a result of our willingness to live godly lives. Peter wrote here about suffering that comes as a result of doing good.

Jesus Christ never sinned, and yet He suffered so that we could be set free. He suffered because He allowed the will of God to take precedence. Peter had learned about suffering from Jesus. He knew that Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan intended to save us (Matthew 16:21–23; Luke 24:25–27, 44–47). He also knew that all who follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer (Mark 8:34–35). He learnt these truths from Jesus and passed them on to us.

In 1992, Christian Education Movement organised a crusade in Issele Uku for towns Aniocha North. As we were going from the crusade ground inside a lorry, a teenager threw a big stone into the lorry. As the stone was coming to land on a 6 months old baby, a brother saw it, blocked it, and redirected it, and it landed on my face. I had a cut above my eye and on my nose. We went back to Ajulu Clinic where the cut was stitched. This is one way we suffer to preach the gospel.

Missionaries trekked long distances, suffered attacks and rejections before the gospel came to us. Following Christ’s example to live for others may lead to suffering. We shouldn’t avoid it rather we should with patience, calmness, and confidence pass through it knowing that God is in control of our future.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:14 – 16

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2 verse 19

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace to endure suffering as I live for you.

Don’t Be Intimidated

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday March 27, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be Intimidated

Text: Acts 4:23 – 31          

Sometimes we may exercise boldness and courage over issues but when we leave there, people may talk fear into us and discourage us. When Peter and John got back to the other disciples, they narrated what happened at the council. These disciples didn’t exercise any fear too. Rather they joined hands to pray for more utterance and boldness to preach the gospel. They never asked God to silence their enemies. They didn’t pray for their death neither did they ask God for protection against their threat and persecution. All they were after was how to preach the gospel. Is there any lesson for us in the reaction of the other Apostles and their prayers?

Their prayer was centred on the will of God to get the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth as their master charged them. The direction of their prayer and what they asked for are very important which we should take note of. Observe how they prayed. There was unity and they were of one mind (Acts 4:24). Nobody had ulterior motive. First, they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for His help. They did not ask God to remove the problem but to help them deal with it.

This is a model for us to follow when we pray. Those who query God about problems should understand that they can overcome problems and that will strengthen their faiths. God may choose to remove our problems, when we ask but we must recognize that often He will leave a problem but give us the strength and courage to deal with it.

Food for Thought: Psalm 2:1 – 4

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 24  

Prayer: Lord, grant that I will not be intimidated by threats of the enemies of the gospel in Jesus name. Amen

Outward Appearance Deceives

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 14, 2017       

Topic: Outward Appearance Deceives

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:7

Outward appearance can be deceptive. Most times it doesn’t show the real person inside. A pastor sent to a very big church disguised himself as homeless beggar on the first day he went there to be introduced to the congregation. He came very early and he was begging. Over 95% despised him. When he entered the church, he was driven from the front seats and kept at the main entrance to the church. When it was time to introduce him, the chief warden of the church called his name. All eyes were looking out to see their pastor, gorgeously dressed but it turned out to be the man they turned back and looked down on. He was the pastor they were waiting for. He took the microphone and rebuked their hypocrisy, calling them to repentance. O, how often we do this too!

Our perspective of others matters because outward appearance deceives. Based on this, Paul urged the Corinthians to adjust their perspective. They had been making their decisions on the basis of appearance. They were listening intently to the false teachers who were boasting of their own authority (2 Corinthians 10:12-13), their perfect Hebrew heritage (2 Corinthians 11:21-22), and their visionary experiences (2 Corinthians 12:11-12). All of their loud boasts and extravagant displays of power had dazzled the Corinthians so much that they had become blind to the simplicity of the gospel message that Paul had preached to them in the first place (1 Corinthians 2:1-3). We should be very careful not to be deceived by appearances, display of powers, confessions and testimonies. All may not be real. Ask God to grant you discerning spirit.

Food for Thought: “Do not judge from mere appearance; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy” – Chapin.  

Memory verse: John 7:24 - Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (ESV).

Prayer: Almighty God, help me never to judge people on their appearance only.

The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Inestimable

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 24, 2017

Topic: The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Inestimable

Text: Matthew 13:44 – 52            

Jesus teaches us in these four parables the inestimable value of the Kingdom of heaven and of being part of that Kingdom. He described it as a treasure found hidden in a field. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. Though treasures are hardly stumbled upon rather they are searched for but Jesus was showing the value of this treasure that is worth every sacrifice and commitment to obtain. Jesus Christ used stumbled upon and not searched for despite its value was to show us how easy one can get into the kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it.

The merchant was earnestly searching for the pearl of great value, and when he found it, he sold everything he had to purchase it. This is what Jesus used to illustrate how priceless the Kingdom of heaven is.

In the third parable, Jesus speaks about the far-reaching efficacy of the gospel. This gospel net gathers every kind of persons, meaning every variety of character. Have you found the Kingdom of heaven? What price tag have you placed on it – inestimable, priceless or unworthy to die for? The value you place on it determines the commitment you will put into it. The decision is yours today.

Food for Thought: What is your value for the Kingdom of heaven?

Memory verse: Matthew 13 verses 45 and 46 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (ESV).

Prayer: Grant me the understanding of the true worth of heaven so that it will help me to live for it here on earth in Jesus name. Amen.