Jairus Came To Jesus: Devotion for Saturday August 24, 2019

Devotion for Saturday August 24, 2019

Topic: Jairus Came To Jesus 

Text: Luke 8:40 – 42

Kings and Rulers hardly make out time to serve God. The most some of them can do is to send messenger to the Prophet or Servant of God. Maybe the case of his only daughter made Jairus to come to Jesus. If not that his daughter was dying, would Jairus have come to Jesus? Think about that? Some people are so self-centered that they only do good when it affects them.

When Jairus came to Jesus, he fell down at His feet. It may be an evidence of his faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ or maybe he believed Him to be God or hero worshipping because he wanted something from Him; the healing of his daughter. Whatever may be his reason, Jesus demonstrated His love and passion to save souls by going immediately with him. When he came to Jesus, He (Jesus) did not reject him or deny his request. Jesus exhibited great humility, suffering Himself to be thronged with much people who followed Him.

Why are you following Jesus? Why have you come to Jesus by becoming a Christian and being in the Church? Is it because you need healing, protection, a good spouse, deliverance, salvation, where to ease off tension after the weeks work, etc?

God knows our hearts; those who are sincere in coming to Him and those who are not. We should love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:9). Again, we should be ready to go to Christ when we are in distress because He is so ready hear and help us, if we seek Him in sincerity, though our faith maybe weak and feeble. Ask Him today and He will answer you.

Food for Thought: What motivates you to go to Christ? Is it because you love Christ?

Memory verse: Luke 8:41

Prayer: Lord, may I always come to you with sincere heart.

Jairus Came To Jesus

Devotion for Friday August 18, 2017

Topic: Jairus Came To Jesus 

Text: Luke 8:40 – 42

Kings and Rulers hardly make out time to serve God. The most some of them can do is to send messenger to the Prophet or Servant of God. Maybe the case of his only daughter made Jairus to come to Jesus. If not that his daughter was dying, would Jairus have come to Jesus? Think about that? Some people are so self-centered that they only do good when it affects them.

When Jairus came to Jesus, he fell down at His feet. It may be an evidence of his faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ or maybe he believed Him to be God or hero worshipping because he wanted something from Him; the healing of his daughter. Whatever may be his reason, Jesus demonstrated His love and passion to save souls by going immediately with him. When he came to Jesus, He (Jesus) did not reject him or deny his request. Jesus exhibited great humility, suffering Himself to be thronged with much people who followed Him.

Why are you following Jesus? Why have you come to Jesus by becoming a Christian and being in the Church? Is it because you need healing, protection, a good spouse, deliverance, salvation, where to ease off tension after the weeks work, etc? God knows our hearts; those who are sincere in coming to Him and those who are not. We should love God because He first loved us (1John 4:9). Again, we should be ready to go to Christ when we are in distress because He is so ready hear and help us, if we seek Him in sincerity, though our faith maybe weak and feeble. Ask Him today and He will answer you.

Food for Thought: What motivates you to go to Christ? Is it because you love Christ?

Memory verse: Luke 8:41

Prayer: Lord, may I always come to you with sincere heart

When Human Help is not Necessary

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 4, 2017

Topic: When Human Help is not Necessary

This man’s sickness had become his way of life because it has lasted for 38 years. No one had ever helped him. He had no hope of ever being healed and no way to help himself. The man’s situation was hopeless. He was trapped there at the side of the Pool. There was no hope of healing in his home if he goes back and even at the pool; there was no help until He who is greater than all human help combined came into the scene. This man didn’t invite Jesus. Heaven smiled at him when Jesus came his way. We should understand that Jesus came to him because He had seen the desires of his heart. He had heard his cry for help and was moved with compassion. He came to him to prove to us that when He comes into any problem whether protracted or not, human help we had hoped on will no longer be necessary.

Beloved, you may have been trapped in that infirmity, debt, prison sentence, protracted sickness, unemployed in the labour market, etc., and you feel that here is no one to help. God can minister to your deepest needs in that situation. Don’t let that problem or hardship cause you to lose hope. God may have special work He is preparing you to do in spite of your condition, or even because of it. People have ministered effectively to hurting people because they triumphed over their own hurt. Again, why not invite Jesus into that hopeless situation you are trapped in? When He comes into that troubled situation you are into, your cry of no one to help will end as it ended for this man. Call on Him today and certainly He will answer you.

Food for Thought: Jesus’ question shows us that He will not force himself upon anyone. He seeks permission before intervening in that person’s life except on special cases.

Memory verse: John 5 verse 6 – “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"

Prayer: Almighty God, I invite you into my life to solve all physical and spiritual problems where I have been trapped in without help in Jesus name. 

They Cannot Deny It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 24, 2017

Topic: They Cannot Deny It

Text: Acts 4:15 – 18

The Council was in a dilemma on what to do with the Apostles as they had performed an undeniable and widely publicized miraculous healing of the man born lame. This miracle and others done by the Apostles made the masses to gravitate toward Christianity abandoning the Jewish religion. Their problem now was how they could save their faces (in light of the obviously healed man), discourage further teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and preserve the status quo.

Their solution to the above concerns was to order them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again. Unfortunately, their power and position could not convince them to be silent. When God’s will is unfolding, no one can stop it (Acts 5:34 – 39). Again, His works do not leave traces of doubt behind. The healing of this man was so obvious that the Council couldn’t deny it. They attested to it.

Most unbelievers question our salvation too when they discover that our lives do not reflect the confession we make. We give unbelievers room to doubt our faith when we compromise and live carelessly. Can people in your office, school, neighbourhood, and other places where you may be found say that your salvation and faith are undeniable? Can people actually vouch that you are a true Christian? Ponder on these questions and where there is need; amend your ways now by repenting of your sins before it will be too late.          

Food for Thought: Can people question your credibility as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 16b

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to live well so that people can’t deny or question whether I am a Christian indeed.

The Uniqueness Of Jesus

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 22, 2017

Topic: The Uniqueness Of Jesus

Text: Acts 4:5 – 12  

Sometimes, do you wonder why the Pharisees and Sadducees were always picking at Jesus and His disciples even when there are no obvious reasons for such? How can they quarrel with the disciples over the healing of a man born lame instead of being happy and returning the glory to God? The reason for this kind of behaviour is nothing but selfishness and envy or else what would have instigated such action? However, thanks to God for the boldness and authority of the disciples.

Peter used that opportunity to rebuke their hypocrisy, hatred and wickedness against Jesus Christ. He listed what made Jesus unique. Christ was the rejected stone which turned out to be the cornerstone. Peter asserted that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. All these things mention in Acts 4:10 – 12 by Peter made Christ unique.

There are two kinds of courage: reckless courage, knowing the danger, faces it without knowing the consequences and the fearless courage that knows the peril and yet is undaunted. Peter’s boldness is of the latter as he was bold to challenge these men. We should be bold to speak out for Jesus Christ not minding the consequences because of His uniqueness. He even charged us to risk our lives for Him (Matthew 10:39; 16:25). If Jesus Christ in His uniqueness died for us, what will be too much to offer Him? We should show the world the uniqueness of Jesus Christ by living His life. This will make the world to appreciate that He is unique indeed.

Food for Thought: 2 Timothy 2:5 – 6

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 12 - And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Prayer: Lord God, let the words of my mouth and the life I live show the world the uniqueness of Christ.

Maximize Every Opportunity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 28, 2017

Topic: Maximize Every Opportunity

Text: Matthew 14:34 – 36            

In the previous chapter of Matthew (Matthew chapter 13), we read how the people of Jesus hometown despised Him and He didn’t do much miracles because of their unbelief (Devotion for Wednesday January 25th) but it was not so in the Land of Gennesaret. They were able to recognise Him and received him to their land.

In Luke chapter 5, Jesus used that Lake to preach and it was there He gave Peter and his colleagues a great catch of fish which they abandoned and followed. All those teachings and miracles were still fresh in their memory that they easily recognised Him. Thus they decided to maximize the opportunity to the fullest by bringing all manner of people with sicknesses and ailments, and they were all healed.

There are some lessons for us in our text for the day.

1) They recognised Jesus and welcomed Him. Can you recognise Jesus when you see Him or His work when you see it? Such recognition is very import to our blessings.

2) They maximized the opportunity to benefit from His presence. Most times programmes are organised and people hardly attend. They make light of the preacher and the programme. You can’t receive miracle with such mindset. You need a mindset of faith to receive.

3) They demonstrated a kind of faith that Jesus can’t deny them. They requested to touch the hem of His garment. This was similar to what the woman with the issue of blood did. If we will receive anything from God, we should approach Him with faith (Hebrews 11:6).

Often we miss so many opportunities to receive from God because we are unable to recognize when God is at work for us. We should understand that God is willing to heal, bless, save, deliver and provide, etc, for us at any moment. Don’t think that He is programmed to do some things at a particular place. As you go out today, open yourself to God and certainly, you will see Him manifesting for your good.           

Food for Thought: Recognition of the person of Jesus leads to receiving of what He has to offers.

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 35 - And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased.

Prayer: Help me to maximize every opportunity to benefit from your presence.

The Faith That Yields Miracles

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Wednesday January 11, 2017

Topic: The Faith That Yields Miracles

Text: Matthew 8:5 – 13    

There are some kinds of faith that God cannot resist. When God commanded Abraham to take his only son Isaac, who came at a very old age to sacrifice him, he obeyed God. He didn’t start to argue with Him. God saw that kind of faith that Abraham was very determined and had to stop him as he raised the knife to slaughter Isaac.

Another case was that of the centurion which we have in our text for the day. We can term him a heathen. He was a Roman soldier yet he was a godly man. That he was a soldier didn’t make him to undermine God hence the bible recorded that he was a godly man. We should understand that our call shouldn’t be an excuse for unbelief and sin.

This Centurion had concern for his servant and came to Jesus. We should have such concern for our children and wards especially in leading them to know and serve God. His response after Jesus had agreed to go with him is a proof that he has the fear of God. He didn’t allow obstacles to come in-between him and Jesus. He would have thought that Jesus will reject him because he was a Roman but that was not to be. He took a step and God honoured him. His faith even surpassed the faith of some children of Abraham in the assessment of Jesus.

This Roman officer could have let many obstacles stand between him and Jesus—pride, doubt, money, language, distance, time, self-sufficiency, power, race. But he didn’t. He demonstrated a faith that Jesus couldn’t refuse him. If he did not let these barriers block his approach to Jesus, we don’t need to let these barriers block us either.

What keeps you from Christ? Is it sin, wealth, you past, etc? Jesus is willing to meet our needs even as we read yesterday but do we believe in Him? Do we believe that His words alone can save and heal us? We have a lot to learn from this centurion. Faith in God’s word yields miracles.   

Food for Thought: What keeps you away from Christ?

Memory verse: Matthew 8 verse 13 – And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Prayer: Make my faith stronger, O Lord, my God that I will believe your words and not doubt them in Jesus name. Amen.

Jesus Is Ever Willing To Heal Us

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Tuesday January 10, 2017             

Topic: Jesus Is Ever Willing To Heal Us

Text: Matthew 8:1 – 4              

Those to whom Christ has made Himself known, will always desire to know Him more. This was the case in Matthew 8:1. The multitude having been impressed with the teachings of Jesus Christ as we have in the previous chapter, followed Him. This is usually the effect of truth when we come to appreciate it, no wonder the bible says that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free (See John 8:32). Do you desire to know God the more? Please maximize every opportunity offered in your church to know God and know Him well.

In the multitude following and pressing on Jesus was a leper who appealed to Jesus for healing. What prompted this leper to make such request bearing in mind that they were usually isolated? How come he was in the crowd? Could it be that he has heard about Jesus and decided to go against all odds and protocols to get His attention? Is there any lesson for us in terms of persistence? As Christians, we should persist in what we are asking from God and certainly, He will hear and answer us.

This leper knew the potentials of healing in Jesus. That knowledge led to his statement in Matthew 8:2 and Jesus proved to him that He is more than willing to heal him by touching him which is against the Law of Moses.

Beloved, Jesus is more than willing to heal, deliver, protect, guard, guide and save us. He is ready to come into our lives and dwell there. No wonder His words in Revelation 2:20. Are you ready to yield yourself to Him? Are you ready to accept Him today into your life? Remember that He knows our problems and burdens. He is ever willing to help us out. Go to Him today for those things you desire to get from Him. Don’t be deterred or mind what people may say; be persistent, resist oppositions and go to Jesus. They may call you names for following Jesus; for being born again, etc. Let the promise of eternal life keep you following. He will touch you at the point of your needs.

Food for Thought: At the touch of Jesus all impurity flees.

Memory verse: Matthew 8 verse 3

Prayer: Touch me, my Lord and my God that all impurity in my life will be cleansed in Jesus name. Amen.

DIVINE COMPASSION: Devotion for Monday July 25, 2016

DIVINE COMPASSION: Devotion for Monday July 25, 2016

Text: Mark 1:40 – 45                    

Memory verse: Mark 1:41 - Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

The real value of a person is inside, not outside. Although a person’s body may be diseased or deformed but the real person inside is valuable to God. No person is too disgusting for God’s touch. This was the reason Jesus despised the law to give this leper a divine touch. In keeping with the law in Lev. 13 and 14, it is the Jewish leaders that declare people with leprosy unclean. This meant that lepers were unfit to participate in any religious or social activity. According to laws about leprosy in Lev. 13 and 14, when a leper was cured, he or she had to go to a priest to be examined. Then the leper will give a thanks offering at the Temple. Jesus adhered to these laws by sending the man to the priest, demonstrating Jesus’ complete regard for God’s law.

In a sense, we are all people with leprosy because we have all been deformed by the ugliness of sin. By sending His Son, Jesus, God has touched us, giving us the opportunity to be healed. Have you received that Divine touch? Divine touch is not only for healing of leprosy. It brings salvation, peace, breakthrough, favour, promotion, business opportunities, etc. All that is expected of you is to apply to the Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to His will. I assure you that He will stretch out His hands upon you now for the Divine touch you need for a turn around.

Food for Thought: Jesus’ compassion undermines protocols. 

Prayer: Lord God, break every protocol and law to touch me at the point of my need in Jesus name.

I HAVE NO MAN: Devotion for Monday September 28, 2015

I HAVE NO MAN     Monday September 28, 2015

Text: John 5:1 – 9     Memory verse: v 7

This feast (5:1) was not specified. The pool of Bethesda (5:2) was located just north of the temple area near the Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:32) and may have been used for washing sheep before Passover sacrifices. John 5:4 clarifies why there were so many ill people gathered around the pool and the reason behind the sick man’s words in 5:7. The question in 5:6 was geared to encourage an expression of the man’s desire, not his faith because Jesus wanted to provide a highly visible sign on the Sabbath (5:9). He also wanted to provoke the dialogue with the Jewish leaders concerning what should be allowed on the Sabbath day (5:10 – 47).

When this sick man said “I have no man,” he was thinking of the means of healing in that lake but Jesus knew what to do. Many a time, we preempt God’s way of healing. Some of us by our actions and words say “We have no help.” God is our helper. We should look up to Him for whatever we need, be it job, fruit of the womb, a life partner, etc. A Christian saying I have no man belittles God. One with God is said to be majority. With God you will get that desired job, car, house, child etc, in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: God is the helper of the helpless.

Prayer: God, help me out of my needs for you are the helper I have.

JESUS HEALED THEM: Devotion for Sunday September 27, 2015

JESUS HEALED THEM              Sunday September 27, 2015

Text: Matthew 12:14 – 21     Memory verse: v 15

The Pharisees agreed to find some accusation against Jesus that He might be condemned to death. Aware of their plans, as His time was not come, He retired from that place. Despite His withdrawal, many people still followed Him and He healed them. He didn’t cast away people following due to the plans of the Pharisees. He still went ahead to do the work for which He came into this world. Jesus also warned them not to say who He was. Jesus did not want people coming to Him for the wrong reasons.

We shouldn’t be deterred by oppositions in doing what will benefit humanity and glorify God. Of a truth, we will have opposition in the world but that should not be enough reason to stay the work of God. Are you sick, believe God for a miracle. He will also heal you as you go to Him by faith.

Food for Thought: Mark 1:41

Prayer: Lord, heal me of every physical and spiritual problem in Jesus name.

FOR HIS GLORY

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD                             Monday April 6, 2015

Text: John 11:1 – 4                                             Memory verse: v 4   

God is always with us on our ways to manifest His glory upon our lives. His promise of His presence is an eternal present tense – “I am with you” even in sickness unto death. Are you sick? God, Jehovah Rapha your healer gives you a most cheering and inspiring assurance in v 4. We are never out of God’s sight for a moment. His eyes watch over us continually. He comes instantly to our help and deliverance when we are in any need or danger. Our health and whole life are His concern to manifest for the glory of God.

Your case may not be sickness but not making any meaningful progress in your endeavours. God will use every hindrance and opposition in your life to glorify himself. Don’t give up because your time is near. That problem will surely lead to God’s name being glorified. All you can do is to keep on believing in him who called you and have promised.

Food for Thought: Providence and the instructions of the Bible are designed to glorify Jesus, by leading men to honor Him as truly divine.

Prayer: Lord, glorify yourself in my life by your miracles of healing, deliverance and breakthrough in Jesus name.

THEY CROWDED HIM

THEY CROWDED HIM                                    Monday March 30, 2015

Text:  Luke 8:42                                                  Memory verse: v 42      

Out of compassion, Jesus went with Jairus to heal the daughter. On their way, people crowded Jesus which led to the miracle of healing the woman with the flow of blood (Luke 8:43). When Christ was going, the people thronged him, some out of curiosity to see him, others out of affection for Him. The crowd pressed together on Him; some to know Him, some to see what He will do, some to see if He can actually raise Jairus daughter. These were some of the reasons they crowded him. Those who came with faith were blessed.

Today, many people are crowding churches; some to see the Pastor, some because they were born into the church, some to see miracles and some because they want to hear God’s word and worship Him. Thronging churches because you need miracles is a wrong step towards knowing God. It is the word of God that brings miracle (Psalm 107:20). Beloved, what is your reason for attending that church programme? Is it because the Pastor performs miracle or you want to know God the more?

Food for thought: Do you come to Jesus out of curiosity or affection?

Prayer: God, grant that miracle will not be the reason that will make me run from church to church rather make my faith stronger in Jesus name.