CORRECTING AN ERRING BROTHER

DEVOTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 24, 2016

Topic: CORRECTING AN ERRING BROTHER        

Text: Matthew 18:15 – 20               

Jesus taught how to correct an earring brother in our text. He then gave authority to the church, that if the church suspends anyone, heaven would approve it. Today, we have seen so many people change places of worship, because they don’t want to submit to the authority of the church when she tries to discipline them. If you have been suspended by your church and you leave there to another without the church lifting the suspension, you are still under a curse. It will be better if you repent now and go back to your former church for prayers before you going to another church. What the church has decreed has the backing of God (16:18; 18:18; Jn. 20:23). Do not think that the pronouncement made is not binding on you. It is still there.

If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his misconduct. When someone wrongs us, we often do the opposite of what Jesus recommends. We turn away in hatred or resentment, seek revenge, or engage in gossip. By contrast, we should go to that person first, as difficult as that may be. Then we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it (18:21-22).

Food for Thought: Forgiveness creates a much better chance of restoring relationship and creating peaceful coexistence.

Memory verse: Matthew 18 verse 15

Prayer: My Lord and my God, grant me the grace to apply these principles Jesus taught us when people offend me.

WHEN GOD SEEMS INCONSIDERATE: Devotion for Sunday April 10, 2016

WHEN GOD SEEMS INCONSIDERATE: Devotion for Sunday April 10, 2016         

Text: Isaiah 59:1 – 8    Memory verse: v 2

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary states that, “If our prayers are not answered, and the salvation we wait for is not wrought for us, it is not because God is weary of hearing prayer, but because we are weary of praying.” This is one reason why we can say that God seem to be inconsiderate to us and our needs. Another thing is sin. Here the prophet highlighted it consequences especially in our relationship with God. It separates us from God and makes His ears to be heavy towards our prayers. Its consequences are exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and all good God has in plan for us. The prophet went further to enumerate the consequences of sin in 59:9ff.

Many a time, we accuse God of being inconsiderate to our needs and prayers even when we are living in sin. God cannot change His standard because of you. He hates sins and it can turn His ears away from our prayers. How can God answer you when you are living in bitterness? How can He answer when you are hoarding anger and grudges? It cannot work. It is not only when we have killed or committed adultery/fornication that we have sinned. Little foxes like bitterness, anger, hatred, malice, lies will ever continue to make God inconsiderate to our needs until we repent of them. Kill the little foxes now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: God is never inconsiderate to us. We are the ones who sent Him away by accommodating sins in our lives.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace not to accommodate sins in my life that will make your ears heavy towards my prayers.                

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 14:1 – 11         Memory verse: v 3  

God knows the intents of our hearts in whatever we do, which most of us are unaware of or undermine. That is why most things we think that matter are not so with God and vice versa. These elderly people who came to Ezekiel have not actually repented of their sins before coming to God. With one hand they held on to sin and were using the other hand to inquire of God. God cannot be mocked. Their offence is that they have made idols in their hearts which can never take the place of God. God says He is a jealous God. He doesn’t want to share our hearts with idols. Thus He instructed them to repent (14:6) so as to avoid the consequences that might follow (14:8–11).

Idols in the heart according to our bible reading are things that made them to stumble and fall into sin. Beloved, what are the idols that can occupy our hearts and make us stumble? Can you mention five of those idols in hearts of people? Admittedly, most Christians have set up idols of money/wealth, hatred, anger, pride, lust, etc, which easily lead them into sin. God doesn’t take pleasure in the outward form of worship when it is connected with a wicked heart and life. He cannot be deceived by those who come to inquire of Him, and He will not allow Himself to be mocked by people who claim to be serving God and idols at the same time. If they love iniquity and secretly practise it, He will answer them in wrath, and not in mercy. Therefore be warned and don’t be a victim.

Action: Write down things that can become idols in your heart.

Prayer: Deliver me, O Lord, my God, from every idol in my heart so that my worship will be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

          

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU: Devotion for Tuesday December 15, 2015

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU   Tuesday December 15, 2015

Text: John 15:18 – 25     Memory verse: v 19

When we, Christians are hated by the world as our Master was, it should not cause us to fear, and rather it should strengthen and encourage us. Here Christ spoke concerning hatred, which is the character of the devil's kingdom, as love is of the kingdom of Christ. The world will hate us because we are not of the world (15:19) and our words, tempers, actions, are quite opposite to theirs. There is no resemblance. The world will love their own and hate what does not belong to them.

Does it baffle you when you see the world turning against you? It shouldn’t baffle you because you are light and they represent darkness that hates light. They hate Christians because their presence reproves their deeds. Do you weep over neglect and abuse you suffer in your neighbourhood, school, office, market, etc? Cheer up! They did it to Jesus; ours will not be an exception. However, know that God will always fight for His own people.

Food for Thought: Knowledge of our status as foreigners here on earth helps us to live well among those who hate us in this world  

Prayer: God, let not the hatred of the world against me weaken my spirit.