A Day of Reckoning: Devotion for Thursday September 3, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday September 3, 2020

Topic: A Day of Reckoning                    

Text: Malachi 3: 13 – 18                          

Few days before I wrote this devotion, I read a story of a transgender who said that God is daft and senseless. My comment was that she/he was digging her grave. If in this present age of knowledge, she doesn’t know that there is a day of reckoning then she is a serious mistake to the society. The act of this transgender turned lady now is similar to what we have in Malachi 3:13 and 14.

In 2014, there was a couple that publicly burnt their Bible in Bonsac area of Asaba because God didn’t give them a child. Their action was reciting the words in Malachi 3:14 that it is useless to serve God. There is a challenge for us in Malachi 3:16 about encouraging one another especially in a society as bad as ours today. Family Bible Notes puts it thus: “When infidelity and wickedness most abound in the community, then is the time for those who fear God to be most diligent in speaking often one to another, and encouraging each other in his service.”  

These people saw no need of serving God because He does not notice and reward their empty and heartless forms of religion. God cannot be mocked. You can only reap what you sow as seed. For now, it may seem as if God put no difference between the righteous and the wicked. However, He will one day make an everlasting separation between them, such as all beings in heaven and hell shall well understand. This is the day of reckoning. Where do you think you belong in this two – hell or heaven?

Food for Thought: How prepared are you towards the day of reckoning?

Memory verse: Malachi 3 v 18

Prayer: Make me your jewel O Lord, as I prepare for the day of reckoning so that my name will be in the book of remembrance in Jesus name.

Redirect Your Focus: Devotion for Thursday August 27, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday August 27, 2020

Topic: Redirect Your Focus                 

Text: Colossians 3:1 – 4                  

The essence of going to learn in a school is for us to improve and to make us have better understanding of ourselves and our society. If after you have studied in the school and there is no improvement in your understanding, it means your efforts in school were wasted. Likewise, when someone repents and accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, it is expected that such should have a better understanding of how best to serve God.

It is on this premise that Paul started this chapter by saying, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your eyes on the realities of heaven …” (New Living Translation). This means that before their repentance, their focus were on worldly things. Now it shouldn’t be so.

Because they had been raised, they had a clear responsibility to Christ, who had raised them. They must set their sights on the realities of heaven. The Greek word for “set” means to seek something out with a desire to possess it. The believers must take their focus off the world and turn it to Christ, who sits at God’s right hand in the place of honour and power. They should concentrate on the eternal rather than the temporal, letting their thoughts dwell in the realm of Christ. They were to focus on the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

Thoughts can influence actions, so if the believers would place their thoughts above and not only here on earth, their actions would please God. Are your thoughts focused on Christ now as a Christian or you are still concerned about worldly affairs?

Food for Thought: Philippians 4:8

Memory verse: Colossians 3 v 2             

Prayer: Lord God, redirect my focus from the things worldly to the things eternal in Jesus name.

Christians’ Uttermost Task: Devotion for Saturday, April 18, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday, April 18, 2020

Topic: Christians’ Uttermost Task                                         

Text: Act 1:6 – 11

One of the basic teachings Jesus gave His disciples was on the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of heaven as some gospels presents it. When Jesus was crucified, their hope of ruling with Him as He promised seemed to be dashed. However, when He resurrected, that hope came alive. On the day of His ascension, they came up with the question as we have in Acts 1:6. The disciples, like every other Jew, expected the Messiah's kingdom to be at least in part, secular. This had been their understanding.

However, in answering their question in verse 6 Jesus redirected their minds to what would be their uttermost task as disciples. Jesus turned away their thoughts from their worldly inquiries to the spiritual office and work they will soon be equipped with Holy Spirit to perform. Have you seen the reason God has not poured His spirit on you despite your desire and prayers? You must understand the essence of the Holy Spirit coming upon you.

As present day disciples, we have this task also. The heart of God is soul winning and anyone who has that passion will always receive His backing. Most times we lose this vision and begin to seek and crave for earthly things as the disciples had wanted. This made Peter to remind us in 1 Peter 2:9 and 10 of what we are on this earth. Desire for earthly possessions led the disciples into making the enquiry.

Today many of us are so consumed by our quest for worldly possessions like cars, food, job, money, etc., that we have lost focus of why we are Christians. Are you fulfilling your task as a Christian? Start acting today.

Action: Make sure you preach to someone you will meet today.

Memory verse: Acts 1:8

Prayer: God, redirect my mind into what you have called me to do for you as a Christian in Jesus name.

You Must Make a Choice: Devotion for Thursday March 5, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday March 5, 2020

Topic: You Must Make a Choice                 

Text: Jeremiah 21:8 – 14   

According to Catechism in the Book of Common Prayers, being created in the image of God means freedom to make choices, etc. Every day, we are faced with options which necessitates making of choices. This is inevitable in our worship of God, relationship with others, food we eat, where to go and many other areas of our daily lives and living.

However, if the choice we make turns against the will of God, we will be accountable for it if not in immediate terms, then later. Joshua gave the people of Israel the option of choosing whom to serve (Joshua 24:15 – 24).

In our text, God told Israel to either choose the way of life or the way of death (Jeremiah 21v8). The reason for this option is in Jeremiah 21:9 & 10. This counsel from Jeremiah was very displeasing to those who were flattered by their false prophets into a desperate resolution to hold out to their ways. Unfortunately it didn’t work.

Most times, we make wrong choices because we are often led by the flesh and again God’s ways most times seem foolish in our eyes. Just like our memory verse, we have a choice to make now – heaven or hell. To choose heaven, you must repent of your sins and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Choosing hell simply means refusal to repent. Have you made your choice?

Food for Thought: True religion is a matter of choice with all who heartily embrace it, and no man ever does or can serve God, in spirit and in truth, without choosing to do so

Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 30:15

Prayer: I choose life this day O Lord and may I not disappoint you at the end in Jesus name.

Pursue Peace with all Men: Devotion for Tuesday January 14 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday January 14 2020

Topic: Pursue Peace with all Men                                           

Text: Hebrews 12:12 – 17

There are many things God expects from us as Christian. These expectations are His standard and should be strictly adhered to. Anything short of that expectation will definitely become a hindrance to our qualification for heaven not minding the level we professed Christianity. Two of the expectations; pursuing peace and holiness are in our bible reading for today. 

We are exhorted to strengthen one another because burden of affliction is apt to make the Christian's hands hang down, and his knees grow feeble, to dispirit him and discourage him. It is our duty to help fellow Christians when they are weak.

Again, we must try to live in peace with everyone. We should have peaceful relations as possible with our unbelieving neighbours and associates, as well as harmonious relationships within the church. In addition to seeking peace, Christians must also seek to live a holy life. 
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Holiness means devoted or consecrated to God’s service. In a practical way, our holiness means honouring God in how we treat others; friends, neighbours, spouse, children, even enemies and in how we run our businesses, finances, etc. Holiness causes the behaviour, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians to be different from unbelievers. 

Our holiness, provided for us by the death and resurrection of Christ, will allow us to see the Lord as He really is, when we go to be with Him forever. Do you desire to see God? Then you pursue peace and holiness.

Action: If there is anyone who has offended you or you have offended, go and make peace with the person today.

Memory verse: Romans 12:18

Prayer: Lord God, help me to live in peace and holiness in Jesus name.

The Danger In Doubting God's Word

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Devotion for Sunday May 28, 2017

Topic: The Danger In Doubting God’s Word

Text: 2 Kings 7:1 – 2

When Angel Gabriel gave God’s message to Zachariah that his wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son they will call John, he doubted the message because he and his wife were aged, and he was punished. God did not spare him because he was a priest. He became dumb till God fulfilled what he doubted (Luke 1:18–20; 1:62–64). Doubt and faithlessness has consequences on our lives as they deny us most of the good things that should have come our way.

The statement of the officer in our text was an expression of unbelief, for which Elisha immediately announced that he should be excluded from a share in the coming plenty. It is unlikely that this prediction will be fulfilled, that the officer thought God must pour out wheat and barley from heaven before it could have a literal accomplishment. The way this man was cut off from this blessing is the most unfortunate thing that can happen to any man. He saw but didn’t partake of it.

Do you doubt God’s promises about getting married, getting a good job, admission, children, etc? Repent today before God will punish you for doubting. Rom. 4:17–22 is clear evidence that Abraham did not waver in faith. Trust God as Abraham did. There are many requests we make and fail to receive the answer not because God is not willing to answer us but because of our doubt and unbelief. No wonder the opinion of James in James 1:6. Doubt can bring fear and make us undermine the potentials in us. Again, we should be mindful of saying negative things about ourselves and others as words are living being.

Food for Thought: Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we might win by fearing to attempt – William Shakespeare.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 7 verse 2b

Prayer: God, remove fear and doubt in me, and strengthen my faith in Jesus name.

The Rich Man And Lazarus

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Devotion for Wednesday May 24, 2017

Topic: The Rich Man And Lazarus

Text: Luke 16:19 – 31

There are so many inspiring lessons for us in this story. One mistake people make in life is to think that money is everything. It is not so. Again, wealth is not a perimeter to judge God’s blessings and favour. The Pharisees considered wealth to be a proof of a person’s righteousness but Jesus shocked them with this story in which a diseased beggar was rewarded and a rich man was punished. The rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth but because he was selfish, refusing to feed Lazarus, take him in, or care for him. The rich man was hard-hearted in spite of his great blessings.

The amount of money we have is not as important as the way we use it. What is your attitude toward your money and possessions? Do you hoard them selfishly, or do you use them to help others? There is something worth noting in Luke 16:22. Lazarus died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom while the rich man was buried. This shows that no amount of burial changes the final destination of man.

What determines our final destination is the way we live when we are alive. Therefore beware of the way you live and use your wealth. The rich man thought that his five brothers would surely believe a messenger who had been raised from the dead. But Abraham asserted that if they did not believe Moses and the prophets, who spoke constantly of caring for the poor, not even a resurrection would convince them. Are you like this rich man? Don’t wait for the messenger from the dead. Repent now and accept Jesus as your Saviour. 

Food for Thought: What is your attitude towards your money and possessions?

Memory verse: Luke 16 verse 22

Prayer: Lord God, help me to accept your message of salvation now and not to wait for a message or messenger from the dead in Jesus name.

Be An Observable Model (In Prayers)

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Devotion for Sunday February 5, 2017

Topic: Be An Observable Model (In Prayers)

Text: Colossians 4:2

To those who know the power of God, prayer is indispensable. Prayer is a key; not just ordinary key but master key that can open all doors and anything locked. Prayer is a password you need to access heaven and all the blessings therein. We saw what prayer did in the life of Hannah and many others in the bible.

Where we have just read (Colossians 4:2), Paul admonishes us to devote ourselves to (persist in) prayer and be alert as we pray. Our persistence is an expression of our faith that God answers our prayers. Faith shouldn’t die if the answers come slowly, for the delay may be God’s way of working His will in our lives. This is what God expects from us and such persistence will strengthen and encourage others too, in their prayer life.

Today, many people are tired of praying, while some are too lazy to pray. That is not what God expects from us even as He taught us in Luke 18:1. When you feel tired of praying, know that God is ever present, always listening, always answering—maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways that He knows are best. When you are known as a man/woman/boy/girl of prayer and you always persist in it, it will be a source of courage to people around you and you will become a model for others who are weak in prayer.  

Are you sick, pray? Prayer will solve that marriage problem, secure you a job, release you from prison, grants you success, makes your children submissive, guides you, protects you, etc. Will you maximize this opportunity?

Action: Make out time to pray about that problem confronting you today.

Memory verse: Luke 18:1 - And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Prayer: God, teach me to prayer without ceasing and to persist in it in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Inestimable

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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.

A BLESSING OR CURSE FOR YOU?

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2016

Topic: A BLESSING OR CURSE FOR YOU?            

Text: Proverbs 3:31 – 35                   

The terms and conditions of our covenant with God were well spelt out even before we of the present day generation were born. For everything we do with people or organizations, there are terms and conditions attached to them. For example, the GSM network providers will always warn that terms and conditions will apply when they make promos. In the same way, God has terms and conditions for our relationship with Him. There are things He expects us to do and things we shouldn’t do.    

God’s intention is never to curse any man. These blessings and curses were laid out before our birth. He has placed before us blessings and curses to choose from (Deuteronomy 11:26) in a bid to instill fear (Exodus 20:20) in us and make us obey His words. However, many have chosen curse instead of blessings with the way they live their lives. This they do by disobeying God’s instructions and commandments. When we deliberately disobey God, we have indirectly place ourselves under the curse of disobeying Him.

Likewise, we have a choice to make on the issue of heaven and hell. If by tomorrow, you find yourself in hell, it is not God that sent you there; you sent yourself. The wicked by his acts calls for a curse upon himself (Zechariah 5:3, 4). Anyone who behaves wickedly is deliberately inviting a curse. The question we should ponder on is what leads people into wickedness? List some of them so that you can avoid them.

How you want your house to be is a matter of your choice. When you engage in wickedness, do you think of what will befall your posterity? You may have been doing it at will and going scot-free but note that a day of reckoning is coming when God will reward every deed. Remember, whatsoever you sow, you shall reap (Galatians 6:7 compare Romans 2:6, Psalm 62:12 and Proverbs 24:12). As Joshua asked the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, so I am asking you today, to choose what your house will be: A CURSE OR A BLESSING.

Food for Thought: Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.

Memory verse: Proverbs 3 verse 33

Prayer: Help me to live righteously, O Lord, so that you will bless my home.

DON’T BE DECEIVED: Devotion for Wednesday October 19, 2016

DON’T BE DECEIVED: Devotion for Wednesday October 19, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11    Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 6 verse 9

The Christian life starts when we realise that we have been living in sin and decides to change. The person accepts the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on then Cross of Calvary making Him Lord and Saviour. Such experience is being born again. Such person is expected to severe his or her life from sin. The desire and appetite to sin should die in that person. Such deviation from sin distinguishes such as a Christian. If such person continues to romance sin, his or salvation becomes doubtful and if it continues, it becomes certain that such person is not a true believer.

Here in our scriptural reading, Paul describes the characteristics of unbelievers and asserts that people still living in sin cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Christians came out of all kinds of different backgrounds, including those mentioned in Ephesians 6:9 and 10. They may still struggle with evil desires, but they should not continue in these practices doing it willfully. Any Christian who says he is a follower of Jesus Christ but allows every kind of evil to permeate his lives is not a worthy Christian. People in that category will not share in the Kingdom because they persisted in their evil practices with no sign of remorse. Such people, if they think they are believers, need to reevaluate their lives to see if they truly believe in Christ. They shouldn’t be deceived by thinking that they will be saved because they attend church services, programmes and activities.

Our society today is a permissive type where some Pastors and Christians overlook or tolerate some immoral behaviour (greed, drunkenness, etc.) while remaining outraged at others (homosexuality, thievery, etc.). Christians must not participate in sin or condone it in any way; we cannot be selective about the sin we condemn or excuse. God expects His followers in any age to have high moral standards. What is your moral standard? We shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that any unrighteous man shall inherit the Kingdom of God. Don’t flatter yourself by thinking God will compromise His standard. He is a just God.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 5:3–5

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to steer clear of all unrighteousness so I will be an inheritor of your kingdom in Jesus name. 

PATROLLING THE EARTH: Devotion for Wednesday September 14, 2016

PATROLLING THE EARTH: Devotion for Wednesday September 14, 2016

Text: Job 1:6 – 7               Memory verse: Job 1: 7

Originally, Satan was an angel of God who became corrupt through his own greed and pride. He wanted the position of his creator and that prompted him to rebel against God. Unfortunately for him and his supporters, they were defeated and chased out of heaven. He was casted out of heaven into the earth and bible says that the heavens should rejoice while woe is for the inhabitants of the earth because Satan has been cast down into the earth (Rev. 12:12).

One would wonder why such thing should be said. But the fact is that Satan is accuser and tormenter of those who obey and worship God. He moves about, roaring like a lion, looking for whom to devour. He wants to gain more followers. He has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3:8). Satan considers God as his enemy and tries to hinder God’s work in people, but he is limited by God’s power, and can only do what he is permitted (Lk. 22:31, 32; 1 Tim 1:19, 20; 2 Tim. 2:23–26).

Satan is called the enemy because he actively and constantly looks for people to attack through temptation (1 Pet. 5:8, 9). Again, because he had lost out in heaven, he wants to make people hate God by discrediting Him. He does this through lies and deception (Gen. 3:1-6). It is for this reason; he patrols the earth looking for people who are vulnerable. Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan. Thus God questioned Satan about Job and of course he had an answer.

There were other heavenly councils held outside this one mentioned in the book of Job. In such council, God and the angels plan their activities on earth and some times, the angels were required to give account of themselves (1 Kings 22:19-23). God as the Creator of all angels, both of those who serve Him and of those who rebelled, has complete power and authority over them. He can overrule their actions. Any person who is committed to God should expect Satan’s attacks. If he can rebel against God and tempt Him, who are we that He cannot attack? He hates God and also hates Christians. Job 1:7 describes the nature of Satan, which is always seeking his prey. Therefore we should apply the wisdom Peter shared with us in 1 Peter 5:8.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 5:8

Prayer: Lord, make me sober and vigilant because my adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking those to devour me.   

THE DAY OF RECKONING: Devotion for Wednesday August 10, 2016

THE DAY OF RECKONING: Devotion for Wednesday August 10, 2016

Text: Malachi 3: 13 – 18              

Memory verse: Malachi 3:18 – Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him

Few days before I wrote this devotion, I read a story of a transgender who said that God is daft and senseless. My comment was that she/he was digging her grave. If in this present age of knowledge, she doesn’t know that there is a day of reckoning then she is a serious mistake to the society. The act of this transgender turned lady now is similar to what we have in Malachi 3:13, 14. How can a creature call the Creator senseless and daft? This shows how depraved some people are in our present day society.

In 2014, there was a couple who publicly burnt their Bible in Bonsac area of Asaba, Nigeria in protest against God for not giving them a child after they had gone to many prayer houses, held weeks of fasting and did many other things to gain God’s favour. Their action was reciting the words in Malachi 3:14 that it is useless to serve God. There is a challenge for us in Malachi 3:16 about encouraging one another especially in a society as bad as ours today where economic stress, unemployment, kidnapping, etc are confronting us daily. Family Bible Notes puts it thus: “When infidelity and wickedness most abound in the community, then is the time for those who fear God to be most diligent in speaking often one to another, and encouraging each other in His service.” How often do we do this?   

These people saw no need of serving God because He does not notice and reward their empty and heartless forms of religion. God cannot be mocked. You can only reap what you sow as seed. For now, it may seem as if God put no difference between the righteous and the wicked. However, He will one day make an everlasting separation between them, such as all beings in heaven and hell shall well understand. This is the day of reckoning. Where do you think you belong in this two – hell or heaven?

Food for Thought: How prepared are you towards the day of reckoning?

Prayer: Make me your jewel, O Lord, as I prepare for the day of reckoning so that my name will be in the book of remembrance in Jesus name.

TITHING (THE COVENANT TO RECEIVE MORE): Devotion for Sunday August 7, 2016

TITHING (THE COVENANT TO RECEIVE MORE): Devotion for Sunday August 7, 2016

Text: Malachi 3:10b – And try me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.                    

Memory verse: v 10b

Outside provision of food for the house of God (the storehouse as we read on Thursday), provision of food/assistance for the less privileged (as we read on Friday) and insurance (as we read on Saturday), another reason why we have to pay tithe is because it is a covenant to receive more from God. He specifically challenged us to try Him about tithe payment. What this implies is that God assures us that He cannot lie (Titus 1:2) nor fail to fulfill what He has said. This is a challenge for us to try God and see if He can fail.

A story was shared by a Pastor of how a man started business with N100, 000:00 (One hundred thousand naira only) and in five years, the business grew to N1trn (One trillion naira). When he was asked about the secret of his sudden transformation and large business empire, he said that since he stated the business, he has been paying 90% gain as his tithe instead of 10% requested by God. And for this, God enlarged his coast and his business became an empire.

The above story confirms our bible reading for today. The above story is not a fable or fiction. God is God of multiplication. He assured us of plenty and increase when we pay our tithe (Prov. 3:10). Family Bible Note opined that “The reason why they (God’s people) so often walk mournfully before Him for a long time and receive no answer, is, that they have, like Ananias and Sapphira, kept back part of the price.” When we meet God with our tithes, He meets us with blessings by giving us more. When we are faithful in doing so, God will be faithful in performing all that He has promised us. My beloved in Christ, please give this a consideration if you have not been doing it and see if God can lie.

Food for Thought: Are you willing to try God by being faithful in your tithe?

Prayer Point: Teach me, O God, to know that all I have are gifts from you and inspire me to use them rightly in Jesus name.

THE JOINT HEIRS: Devotion for Friday January 8, 2016

THE JOINT HEIRS            Friday January 8, 2016

Text: Romans 8:17 – 25        Memory verse: v 17

Our God breaks protocols and can change the course of nature to ensure He blesses someone or fulfills His will for us. When He wanted to come into the world, He chose a virgin, which by nature is not possible. When Balaam couldn’t see reasons with Him, He used his donkey to speak to him (Numbers 22:22–28). This is what makes God the Almighty.   

Here, Paul says that Christians are all first born and heirs. Naturally first born are heirs others in the family are never seen as heirs. In earthly inheritance this rule does not hold, only the first-born are heirs; but the church is a church of first-born, for they are all heirs. Heaven is an inheritance that all the saints are heirs to. They do not come to it as purchasers by any merit or procurement of their own; but as heirs, purely by the act of God; for God makes heirs. The saints are heirs though in this world they are under age heirs (Gal. 4:1–2). Our qualification to inherit what God has for us is on the condition that we suffer with Him (8:17). He further stated that what God has in stock for us should make us to be expectant of the time we will be glorified (8:18–25). Are you working towards it? Make it a priority this year.

Food for Thought: Galatians 4:7 - Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Prayer: God, as you have made me heir, don’t allow me to abuse this honour on me in Jesus name.

LIVE FOR HEAVEN: Devotion for Friday October 2, 2015

LIVE FOR HEAVEN                Friday October 2, 2015

Text: Colossians 3:1 – 4         Memory verse: v 1

In chapter 2, Paul showed what a true Christian shouldn’t follow after (Colossians 2:16ff). Having warned the Colossians against the dangers of false philosophy, and the doctrines of wrong teachers, here, he teaches them what they ought to pursue and to seek. He therefore enjoins various duties in the different relations of life, which they ought to perform in such a way as to show that true religion had a controlling influence over their hearts.

If we must succeed in all our endeavours, we must understand that we cannot do anything meaningful on our own. The wisdom, strength, courage, ability, grace, etc, that we need to achieve our lives’ dream lie with God who is in heaven. This informs the advice on our text. We should focus on Jesus Christ who is our life, our help, our strength, our anchor and source of everything good. Through Him we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). Set your affection on Christ, looking unto Him (Hebrews 12:2) and He will see you through. 

Food for Thought: Proverbs 3:5, 6.

Prayer: Lord, grant that I will live for you in all I do in Jesus name.