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.  

Have You Tasted His Grace? Devotion for Sunday August 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday August 16, 2020

Topic: Have You Tasted His Grace?                     

Text: 1 Peter 2:1 – 3                                           

The worst thing a man can do to himself is to taste the grace, mercies and goodness of God, and still go back into sin or keep on living a compromising life. This is the basis of Peter’s admonition in our bible reading for the day. He urges us to lay aside (put away, get rid) of any attitude or hindrance that could threaten our love for one another in Christ. He listed several types of sin to be removed from our lives. The sins Peter listed here fight against love and cause dissension among believers.

1. Malicious behaviour means doing evil despite the good that has been received; the desire to harm other people. We should note that malice may be hidden behind good actions.

2. Deceit means deliberately tricking or misleading by lying (1 Peter 3:10).

3. Hypocrisy means that people say one thing but do another; playacting; presenting good motives that mask selfish desire.

4. Jealousy means desiring something possessed by someone else especially in spiritual gifts. This causes discontent and resentment as believers make unhealthy comparisons to one another. It also makes them unable to be thankful for the good that comes to others.

5. Backstabbing means destroying another’s good reputation by lies, gossip, rumor-spreading, etc. Malice often manifests itself through back- stabbing (slander).

These should not be part of our Christian lives. Get rid of them if indeed you are a Christian who is Heavenly conscious.

Food for Thought: Are you still living a compromising Christian life?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2 v 3

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to get rid of any attitude or hindrance that could threaten my love for fellow Christians and non-Christians.  

Grow in Grace: Devotion for Monday February 17, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 17, 2020

Topic: Grow in Grace                                     

Text: 1 Peter 3:14 – 18

In our scriptural reading for the day, Apostle Peter counsels us as an elder and someone who had a very close intimacy with Christ. In verse 14, he urged us to look forward to the things mentioned in verse 13. What are those things mentioned? Read verse 13. He charged us to do it diligently.

“The new heaven and the new earth promised by God is a state of perfect holiness and bliss into which after judgement God will receive His people; and for which the highest holiness and bliss on earth are but a preparation and a foretaste” according to Family Bible Notes . How are you preparing for this new heaven and new earth?

To grow in grace (1 Peter 3:18) means that we should increase in knowledge of Christ and in His likeness. Safeguard against seductions of error and the way to increase in holiness is increasing in knowledge of Jesus Christ through the study of the word of God. Grace is obtained through studying the word of God in Bible Studies, Fellowship and prayers meetings, and more other ways were we can read and study the bible. This will help us to strive daily to be like Him. Remember that we are called to conform to His image. Grow in grace and strive to be like Jesus Christ.    

Action: Write down in your Bible Study Notebook what you can do to grow in grace.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:2

Prayer: God, may I grow in your grace and likeness from this day onward till eternity in Jesus name.

Walk in the Spirit: Devotion for Friday January 31, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday January 31, 2020

Topic: Walk in the Spirit                       

Text: Galatians 5:16 – 18

Paul acknowledged the great weakness of the godly, because they are partly regenerated and exhorts them to remember that they are endued with the Spirit of God. He also exhorts them to walk in that Spirit they have been endued with so as not to give room for the flesh.

The more we obey the new nature, and follow the leading of the Spirit of grace, the more the power of indwelling sin and inbred corruption in us will be mortified and kept under check. Obedience to the Spirit enables us to walk in the Spirit because old nature and new nature cannot dwell together. They “are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” – Galatians 5:7b

Walking in the Spirit is one of the best ways we can live the life that is pleasing to God. By pleasing God, we attract His blessings upon our lives. In this case it is best for us to walk in the Spirit. We can do this well by knowing what God wants us to do through the study of His words.

When the word of God is rooted in us, we will no longer be ignorant about what God expects from us.

Are you walking in the flesh or in the Spirit?

Food for Thought: Walking in the Spirit makes us more like Christ

Memory verse: Romans 8:6

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to walk in the Spirit so as to mortify the indwelling sin and corruption of the flesh in Jesus name.

God Released Her by Grace: Devotion for Thursday January 2, 2020

Devotion for Thursday January 2, 2020 

                    

Topic: God Released Her by Grace               

Text: John 8:1 – 11

When Jesus invited someone without sin to throw the first stone on this woman, the leaders slipped away one by one, from oldest to youngest. “Evidently the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness. 

We all have a sinful nature and are desperately in need of forgiveness and transformation” so says Life Application Commentary. None of us would have been able to throw the first stone because we cannot claim that we have no sin. We would have also walked away. 

Actually no one could claim he or she is sinless so as to stone this woman. Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy and embarrassed them. 

They went back in shame to think of some other ways to trap Jesus. No one had accused the woman and Jesus kindly said to He would not condemn her either. 

Thus she was released from death by grace. She was not simply free to go her way. Jesus didn’t free her from the Pharisees, He want to free her from her sin, so he added, “Go and sin no more.” 

Jesus didn’t condemn her, but neither did he ignore or condone her behavior. Jesus told the woman to leave her life of sin. 

As we have been graciously brought into this New Year, we should not abuse the grace of God. He brought us into the New Year because He expects a change in us. Don’t think you deserve to be alive; it is by God’s grace. 

Live in gratitude like this woman having received God’s grace to enter into this year.

Food for Thought: How grateful are you to God for the grace to see this year?

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8

Prayer: Lord I am alive by your grace. Help me to live my life in gratitude for this singular honour.

It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Devotion for Tuesday July 31, 2018

Sing A&M 300 – Be Thou, My Guardian And My Guide

Topic: It Is A Gift, Use It Well

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. If really we understand that we are what we are just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, there is no reason to boast. Paul made it clear that the difference between Christians in terms talents and gifts we have received from God depends on the way we use them. In our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. Beloved, no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received, all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything. The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God. Whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think that you deserved or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and we should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to us.

Food for Thought: John 3:27              

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:27

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name.

Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Devotion for Thursday April 5, 2018

Topic: Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith as a result of not willing to open up for change. Their zeal was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Romans 10:2). Today, we have some people with great zeal in religion, and yet are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal is always found in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character and kind in spirit. The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. It was based on this reason; Paul tried to point out that confession is necessary in salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (Romans 10:4ff). His position is “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9. He further expressed this truth in Romans 10:10. Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of Him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptized into the body of Christ. Some people often ask, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give us the answer: Salvation is as close as our lips and heart. People think that it is a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.

Sing the hymn: SS&S 493; Abu 175.

Food for Thought: The basic proof of our Christian faith is to believe in Christ (inward faith) and our confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my 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.

Why Are You Far From Me, O Lord?

Devotion for Tuesday March 20, 2018

Topic: Why Are You Far From Me, O Lord?

Text: Psalm 10:1 – 11; Sing A&M 352

When God withdraws His grace from us, especially in times when we are in trouble, it is usually very severe. Most times, we stand very far from God by our unbelief, fear and other ways and then complain that God is far from us. The picture represented in our text shows God as standing at some distance, seeing the oppression of His people, and yet apparently unconcerned about it. The Psalmist went further to complain about wicked people (Psalm 10:2 – 11). The sinner proudly glories in his power and success. They do not call upon God nor seek His guidance (Psalm 10:4).

Our perception about God is that as soon as we enter into affliction, we expect Him to help us, but that is not always His due time. Sometimes when He has not acted, we like the Psalmist here will start querying God for being far from us and inconsiderate. We begin to give reasons why God should act. It is not always so. God has His timing for everything. He does not respond to our call because our tears are much or severity of our problem. Isaiah 59:1, 2 give us insight into why sometimes it will look as if God is standing far from us. However, God’s concern for us far outweighs all our worries and cares.

We should not just assume that He is far from us. We should go to Him and ask and He will certainly answer us. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles and not complaining or querying God.

Food for Thought: Beloved, is it not you that is far from God with your unbelief?

Memory verse: Psalm 10:1

Prayer: God draw me closer to yourself so that I will not have reason to accuse you of being far from me.

He Will Comfort You

Devotion for Thursday March 1, 2018

Topic: He Will Comfort You

Text: Isaiah 51:1 – 3                              

It is good for those privileged to be born again, to consider that they were shaped in sin. This should cause us to have low thoughts of ourselves, and high thoughts of divine grace we have received by virtue of our new birth. In our text, we are called to a steadfast faith in the Lord. If we consider our present state, we will be discouraged. For this reason, God speaking through the prophet Isaiah called on us to consider where and how we started. He also challenged us to look at the life of Abraham our father of faith and his wife Sarah how He increased them. Thus, He assured His people of His comfort in their troubled state with promise of restoration (Isaiah 51:3). 

Beloved, God is a covenant keeping God. He that called us is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9; Nehemiah 9:32). He called us for a purpose which amongst them is to increase and comfort us. In this world, we are faced with so many challenges of life like sickness (some protracted), sever wants, spiritual battles and many more. All these are what we face because we are still in the world. However, there is a place God has prepared for us that is void of all this challenges. In the interim however, He has assures us of His comfort (Psalm 102:13; Isaiah 40:1; 51:12; 52:9 – 10). 

What do you lacking now that everything seem to be like desert to you? He will make all to flourish again like the Garden of Eden be it your health, finances, marriage, studies, etc. In this new month, hold on to Him.

Sing SS&S 530

Food for Thought: When God says something, He performs it. Keep believing for He will never fail 

Memory verse: Isaiah 51:3

Prayer: Lord, send your comfort to me in my troubled situations.

For The Benefit Of Others

Devotion for Wednesday January 24, 2018

Topic: For The Benefit Of Others

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11

Every one of us created by God is endowed with gifts which should be used for the benefit of others and to the glory of God. We shouldn’t pride ourselves on what was given to us. Among those gifts are spiritual talents (1 Corinthians 12:1) as Paul mentioned in our text. He stated that the Spirit manifesting in us diverse gifts are meant to benefit all (1 Corinthians 12:7). All Christian gifts and graces come from the Holy Spirit. He bestows different measures of grace and means of influence upon different individuals, but always for the wisest reasons. Wisest reason here is for God to be glorified at the manifestation of the gifts. Paul admonished us to use them well (Romans 12:6 – 8). Anything that is short of this is not of God. 

What are the spiritual and physical gifts God has bestowed on you? How do you use them? We should not discriminate with our spiritual gifts; when to use it or not. Freely we received; freely we should give in whatever we have be it spiritual or physical. We should also understand that we will give account of how we used our gifts here on earth. Therefore, use them for the benefit of others whether they are your family members, relations, fellow Christians or unbelievers. The way we use our gifts will tell the world about our faith. Sing A&M 304; Abu 233

Food for Thought: How many people are benefiting from the gifts of God upon you?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Prayer: May I use my gifts, O Lord, for the benefit of all without discrimination in Jesus name.

Extravagant Grace

Devotion for Wednesday January 17, 2018

Topic: Extravagant Grace                             

Text: John 8:1 – 11                                             

When Jesus called on someone without sin to throw the first stone on this woman caught in the very act, the leaders slipped away one by one, from oldest to youngest. As Life Application Commentary noted, “Evidently the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness.”

Every human being has a sinful nature and is desperately in need of forgiveness and transformation. If we are invited today to throw a stone on that woman, I know we wouldn’t have thrown the first stone because we cannot claim that we have not sinned. We would have also walked away.

Actually no one could claim he or she is sinless so as to throw a stone this woman. Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy and embarrassed them. They went back in shame to think of some other ways to trap Jesus. No one had accused the woman, and Jesus kindly said that He would not condemn her either. Thus she was released through extravagant grace God shows sinners.

Jesus secured her freedom from the Pharisees and to free her from her sins said, “Go and sin no more.” Jesus didn’t condemn her, but neither did he ignore or condone her behaviour. Jesus told the woman to leave her life of sin.

As we have been graciously brought to this new day, we should not abuse the grace of God. He expects to see righteousness in us. Don’t think you deserve to be alive; it is by God’s grace. Live in gratitude like this woman having received God’s grace. Sing A&M 352; SS&S 581; Abu 195

Food for Thought: How grateful are you to God for the grace He showers on you?

Memory verse: John 8:11

Prayer: Lord, I am alive by your grace. Help me to live my life in gratitude for this singular honour in Jesus name. Amen.

Where Am I Wrong?

Devotion for Saturday November 11, 2017

Topic: Where Am I Wrong?

Text: Jeremiah 2:5

God lamented His efforts to make Israel good and productive (Isaiah 5:1 – 7) which never materialized. Rather He got the opposite which brought His anger on them. He laments again in our text about unfaithfulness of the Israelites. He had called Abram out of Chaldea or a purpose (Genesis 12:1 – 3) as He wanted to make a nation of people who will faithfully and obediently walk with Him. He chased out the people of Canaan from their land because of their idolatry life and gave the land to the Israelites. He had bestowed upon them abundant labour and grace, and had expected from them an abundant harvest of righteousness. Thus He asked to know if they have ever discovered anything cruelty, unjust, oppressiveness, unkind laws or tyrannical in His government. Why then have they become idolaters?

In the same manner, God has bestowed so much grace on us and has done all that is needed for our salvation. We can’t charge God of neglecting us as the reason for our barrenness or sinning. He has done so much for us.

How do you reciprocate God’s love and grace upon you? Do not make God to regret the grace and mercies He shows you on daily basis. When we backslide, it dishonours God as it is a virtual declaration before the world that we have tried His service and found it unreasonable or hard. Are you in this group? God can only endure your faltering between two opinions for now (1 Kings 18:21) for His anger awaits sinner later.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 5:4

Memory verse: Jeremiah 2:5

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace never to make you regret the grace and mercies you have shown 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.  

Where is the wisdom of today's Christian men and women?

For the boys, I am coming.

Rejoice With Me

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 31, 2017

Topic: Rejoice With Me

Text: Psalm 118:1 – 24

There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. On such days our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. On such day, we will wish death to come and take us but not so on a day like this for me and my family.

This psalm is the last of ‘Hallel’ or Praise psalms (Ps 113 – 118). It is caption Praise for Deliverance. There are things God does for us that we cannot keep quiet about. Here, the Psalmist called on us to give thanks to God (118:1) for his mercies (118:1 – 4). He recounted how he called on the Lord and He answered (118:5). This boosted his confidence in God to assert that he will not fear man. This made him to call on us to put our confidence in God and not man. For what God did for him, he called on those who love God, to rejoice with him.

In the same way, I am calling on those who love God to rejoice with me because of what God had done in my life. Today, I am celebrating my 50th Birthday. I never knew I would be alive due to the waters, rivers and fires of life I had passed through. Nobody who saw me in the year 2003 would believe that I would be alive to see this day but my prayer then had been Ps 118:17.

Today, I have every reason to rejoice and I say to God, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. I will praise you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Join me on Saturday 3rd June, 2017 in a Birthday Thanksgiving Service at Cathedral Church of St. Peter Asaba by 10:00am. God bless you.

Food for Thought: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Memory verse: Psalm 118 verse 24

Prayer: Join me to thank God for my life and pray for more mercies and grace upon my life and family on this my birthday.

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.

The Implications Of Our Baptism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

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.

Trust Him At All Times

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday March 2, 2017  

Topic: Trust Him At All Times

Text: Psalm 62:8 – 12

When we have enjoyed the grace of God, we will find it easy to invite others to enjoy same with us. If you have not known and enjoy fellowshipping with God, it will be extremely hard for you to tell others about such fellowship. This was the case of the Psalmist here. He had tested the goodness and faithfulness of God which gave him the impulsion to give the counsel in Psalm 62:8. The counsel is that we should trust God wholeheartedly. 

What the Psalmist meant here is that we must trust God at all times, not to trust ourselves at sometimes or in any creature but in Him only. We should trust in Him to guide us when in doubt, to protect us when in danger, to supply for us when in want, and to strengthen us for every good word and work.

This counsel is the best we can get from anywhere. The reason is simple. God is Almighty; He owns everything and can do all things we desire. Then, if He can do all we want and can provide for us, why can’t we trust in Him as we do in small things as well as in big things? Why is it that we are easily despaired? We need to understand God we serve so well so as to begin to trust Him. If we don’t know Him enough just as the Psalmist did, we will continue to doubt Him as John the Baptist did when he was in prison. When we know God so well, we can trust Him. You can only trust what you know. Therefore, know him well by studying His words always.

Food for Thought: Psalm 18:2

Memory verse: Psalm 62 verse 8 - Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Prayer: Strengthen my faith, O Lord, my God, so I can trust you in all times no matter the situation or circumstance in Jesus name. Amen.

Strength Perfected In Weakness

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 27, 2017          

Topic: Strength Perfected In Weakness                

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1 – 10

This bible passage shows that God can use us not minding our weaknesses. I have read of so many servants of God that died of one ailment or another. One of such men greatly used by God died few days ago, prompting me to wonder about the ways of God which is very much different from our ways. Some of the servants of God healed so many people with similar ailment that took their lives but they were never healed.

With all the exploits of Paul in the missionary works, who would have believed he did them with a burden of illness. When he even sought for healing, God told him that His grace is sufficient for him. Using weaknesses or ailment as an excuse in not serving God is not acceptable to Him. The grace was to enable Paul to bear the infirmities with patience. Christ’s gracious favour is what empowered Paul’s ministry, despite his own inadequacies and failures.

Although His request was not granted, Jesus assured him that he would continue to work through him in his weakness. Paul accepted that Jesus, in His divine wisdom, knew what was best for him. Paul would not boast in being healed, but he would boast about his weaknesses, for it was through his weaknesses that Christ could powerfully work through him.

One great lesson here for us is that God is the one who decides what we become in life and the best way to use us. Brethren, we should not be moved by our weaknesses, our not having job, infirmities, no child, no spouse, etc, as excuses because God can still use us even when we have our problems. He asked Abraham to pray for Abimelech to have a child when he had not gotten a child of his own. He did as God commanded him and God answered that prayer (Genesis 20:14–18). His grace is sufficient for us; let us keep trusting Him to use us as He wishes.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 11:30

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9b - Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Prayer: Lord God, grant that my boosting will only be on my infirmities for by your grace I am what I am today in Jesus name. Amen

It Has Been God’s Grace

My Daily Covenant (2017 Edition) Devotion for Tuesday January 3, 2017                     

Topic: It Has Been God’s Grace

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 11   

The doctrine of Christ's death and resurrection is the foundation of Christianity. If you remove it, all our hopes for eternity will sink at once. That is the basis of our preaching the gospel message and gathering to worship God. It is only by holding this truth about Christ’s death and resurrection firm that we can stand in the day of trial, and are kept faithful to God.

Paul had been an enemy of the Christians because he captured and persecuted them - (Acts 9:1-3). Thus, he felt unworthy to be called an apostle of Christ. Undoubtedly, he was the most influential of the apostles, yet very deeply humble because God bestowed a honour which he felt he never deserved such. He knew that he had worked hard and accomplished much but only because God had poured His kindness and grace upon him.

True humility is not convincing yourself that you are worthless but recognizing God’s work in you. It is having God’s perspective on who you are and acknowledging His grace in developing your abilities. Paul knew that it was not by his own merit to have been called Apostle and the privilege to have seen Jesus, but it was God's grace which enabled him to do a more abundant work than any other apostle. How much do you acknowledge God’s grace working out its purpose in your life, ministry, career, etc?  

It is that grace of God that has sustained us into the New Year and all we have achieved in life. Therefore, we should be grateful to God for this and certainly show our appreciation through our service to Him and humanity. This is what we owe God in this New Year and certainly, that is what He expects from us.

Action: Think and write down in your devotion note the things you can do to appreciate the grace of God you have received and begin to do them.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Prayer: Humble me, O God by granting me the understanding of your grace upon my life in Jesus name Amen.