Those Who Belong to Christ: Devotion for Wednesday June 24, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday June 24, 2020

Topic: Those Who Belong To Christ                      

Text: Galatians 5:24 – 26                          

There are things that exemplify a Christian and make such fellow peculiar or distinct. They are the fruit of the Holy Spirit we read about yesterday. Any professing Christian who doesn’t possess these virtues is mere compromising and should not be taken seriously.

How can a Christian lack love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? If any of these is lacking in your life, then you have either backslidden or you have been compromising. Those who have these are those who actually and really belong to Christ according to Paul in Galatians 5:24.

Those who are Christ’s have crucified their flesh when they became Christians (Romans 6:3, 4), and it is done continuously (Romans 6:6) so that the Holy Spirit will be able to produce in them the fruits just listed (Galatians 5:22, 23). It is by faith in Christ that a man becomes dead to a sinful life and rises to a new life of fellowship with Christ (Colossians 3:3).

Brethren, if our inner life be in the Spirit; that is, received from the Spirit, sustained by him, and conformed to him in character then we should also walk in that Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Our outward life also should be in the Spirit; in other words, let it be conformed to Christ in character, so that our inward principles and outward conduct shall be in harmony with each other. This, in Paul’s opinion is what it means to belong to Christ. Is your inward and outward life in harmony with that of Christ? Think about it.

Food for Thought: Do you truly belong to Christ in your character?                                             

Memory verse: Galatians 5:24                                                                             

Prayer: Lord, help me to conform to the image of Christ in my inward and outward character in Jesus name.  

For The Benefit Of Others: Devotion for Tuesday May 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 5, 2020

Topic: For The Benefit Of Others

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11                       

On Saturday, we learnt that all we have are gifts from God and 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 here. Paul states that the Spirit manifesting in us diverse gifts is 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? A young priest told me how a lady came to their church for prayers. He called on one of the senior priests to join him in praying for the young lady. The senior priest asked if the lady is a member of the Church which he answered on the negative. The senior priest said he will not join because the lady is a prayer collector and not a member of their church.

The young priest prayed for her and she left. She is presently a member of that church. If the young priest had told the lady what transpired, will that lady ever want to hear the senior priest or receive his prayers in that church?

We should not discriminate with our spiritual gifts. Freely we received; freely we should give in whatever we have be it spiritual or physical.

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.

He Gives Power to Our Dying Body: Devotion for Wednesday April 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday April 15, 2020

Topic: He Gives Power to Our Dying Body            

Text: Romans 8:10 – 17

When the Holy Spirit is in us, Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart by faith. Christ’s Spirit lives within our human spirits. The presence of Christ in us will automatically make our bodies to resist and reject sin (Romans 8:10). Any Christian who receives the grace and Spirit of Christ, and continues to live under its influence, a life of obedience to the Divine will, shall have a resurrection to eternal life (Romans 8:11).

The point Paul made here was that we are promised the physical resurrection of our bodies into eternal life. The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to us. So there is wonderful hope even for our prone-to-decay bodies which will eventually be transformed into immortality.

In another dimension, the presence of Holy Spirit resuscitates our physical bodies too. When the Spirit of God dwells in you, Satan and sickness will not have upper hand in your body except God permits it as in case of Job.

Are you sick in the body and desire healing from God? Then you need to invite the Spirit of God into your life. You can start with praises for God dwells in the praises of His people. His presence will bring life to that withered hand and crippled legs in Jesus name. You, who is sick, and reading this devotion, God is saying to you, give me chance to come in now and you will see the difference the presence of God will bring into your life. Will you do that?

Food for Thought: Life comes from the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 37:10)

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 6:14

Prayer: Release upon me O Lord, your Spirit to my dying body to revive it again in Jesus name.

He Revitalizes Our Mortal Body

Devotion for Wednesday April 4, 2018

Topic: He Revitalizes Our Mortal Body

Text: Romans 8:10 – 17

If the Holy Spirit be in us, invariably Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart of believers by faith. Christ’s Spirit lives within our human spirits. The presence of Christ in us will automatically make our bodies to resist and reject sin (Romans 8:10). Any Christian who receives the grace and Spirit of Christ, and continues to live under its influence a life of obedience to the Divine will, shall have a resurrection to eternal life (Romans 8:11).

The point Paul made here is that we are promised the physical resurrection of our bodies into eternal life. The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to us. So there is wonderful hope even for our prone-to-decay bodies. In another dimension, the presence of Holy Spirit resuscitates our physical bodies too and makes it alive. When the Spirit of God dwells in you, Satan and sickness will not have upper hand in your body.

Are you sick in the body and desire healing from God? Then you need to invite the Spirit of God into your life. You can start with praises for God dwells in the praises of His people. His presence will bring life to that withered hand and crippled legs in Jesus name.

Though you may be sick but as you are reading this devotion, God is saying to you, give me chance to come in now and you will see the difference. Give Him the opportunity to come into your life and revitalize everything that is dead.

Sing SS&S 89; Abu 253

Food for Thought: Life comes from the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 37:10)

Memory verse: Romans 8:11

Prayer: Release upon me O Lord, your Spirit to revive my dying body again in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Devotion for Thursday October 26, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Text: Romans 8:26 – 28

Holy Spirit is indispensable in the Christian life we live. A Christian life demand living in Spirit and it is obvious that man in the flesh cannot live well and please God if the spirit does not take over such life. Here in our text, Apostle Paul explains some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us in bearing our weaknesses.

1) By giving us strength to bear them

2) By exciting us to make efforts to overcome them

3) By ministering to us consolations, and truths, and views out our Christian privileges that enable us to endure our trials.

The reasons we do not know what to pray for may be for the following reasons:

1) That we do know what would really be the best for us.

2) We do not know want God will grant to us according to His will

3) We are, to a great extent ignorant of the character of God, the reason of His dealings with us and our real wants.

4) We are often in real, deep perplexity. We are encompassed with trials, exposed to temptations, feeble to diseases, and subject to calamities. These, put us in despair and changes our focus.

Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life? When we allow Holy Spirit to have full control over our lives, then we can pray well and get what we need. Allow Him into your life so He can reorder your priorities and needs.

Food for Thought: James 4:3

Memory verse: Romans 8:26

Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can do the impossible in my life and reorder my request always so I can gain your approval in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday May 11, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor

Text: Romans 8:26

Paul admonishes the Roman Christians on the imperative of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God; our desires are weak and our prayers are weak. This is absolute truth about our relationship with God. Though our weaknesses are many, yet the Holy Spirit helps us in so many ways. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary states that “The Spirit, as an enlightening Spirit, teaches us what to pray for; as a sanctifying Spirit, works and stirs up praying graces; as a comforting Spirit, silences our fears, and helps us over all discouragements. The Holy Spirit is the spring of all desires toward God, which are often more than words can utter.”

Do you have this Holy Spirit in you? If not, ask God for this special and wonderful gift today and sure, He will gladly give you (Lk. 11:13). Are you discouraged with your level of prayer? Are you short of words to address your needs before God? Know that the Holy Spirit is your Helper. He intercedes for you. Just rely on Him. When you are weak, come into His presence with praise and allow the Holy Spirit to say the rest.

Food for Thought: Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue.

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 26

Prayer: God, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can use my tongue whenever I pray in Jesus name.

Obey God Rather Than Men

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 25, 2017

Topic: Obey God Rather Than Men

Text: Acts 4:19 – 22     

One of the commands the disciples received from Christ at His ascension was to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The death and resurrection of Christ convinced them about the truth of the gospel which they should testify to people. As the council demanded that they should stop preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and John did not waste time in rejecting any such ban on speaking in the name of Jesus, saying it is better to obey God rather than men.

What the response of the apostles means is that the members of the council are at odd with the will of God which is to obey Him rather than men. Thus they asked the council members to judge whether they should obey the council’s orders or God’s. Being with Jesus had actually transformed their lives because they lived with Him; witnessed His resurrection and experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. These had tremendous effect on them so they asserted that they cannot stop speaking about the things they have seen and heard. The response from the disciple was act of courage which can only come from someone filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are times we face such challenges. We may be tempted to yield to such challenge but here is an example for us to follow. Do not give in to such challenges because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. We should choose to obey God no matter what the threat will be. God was with the Apostles and He will be with you if you stand for Him. Obeying Him will bring blessings and peace rather than obeying men.

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey and please God in all things rather than men.

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 19

Prayer: Lord God, help me to obey and please you instead of men in Jesus name. Amen.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

Text: John 14:25 – 27      Memory verse: John 14:26

Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. According to Nicene Creed, He proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:26; John 15:26). Holy Spirit is a person and not a dove or olive oil. Some ministers even use ‘it’ for Holy Spirit when they are ministering. You will hear them say, “Receive it”. He is a person and He is equal with the Father and the Son. In Baptism, we use the three equally (Matthew 28:19) when we say “I baptize you in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. When we say the Apostolic benediction (the grace), we use the three also. He has the attributes of God the Father (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Therefore, He should be worshipped the way we worship God the Father or God the Son.

Our text shows us one of the works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer in John 14:26. The works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer include;

1) He teaches us – John 14:26

2) He empowers us – Acts 1:18

3) He counsels, comforts and guides us – John 16:7

4) He guarantees our salvation – Ephesians 1:14     

5) He helps us to bear good fruits – Galatians 5: 22 & 23.

We should understand that as believers, the power of God comes into us immediately we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (John 1:12). It is from that moment that the Holy Spirit will begin to influence our lives until we allow Him full control of our lives. Speaking in tongues is not the only sign to know if the Holy Spirit is in us. It is the fruit we bear (Galatians 522 & 23). Is the Holy Spirit in control of your life or you are still living in the flesh?

Food for Thought: As a Christian, is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Take control of my life, Holy Spirit, as I surrender to you this day in Jesus name.

THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST: Devotion for Tuesday June 14, 2016

     

Text: Galatians 5:24 – 26             Memory verse: v 24

The fruit of the Holy Spirit exemplifies us as Christians. Any professing Christian who doesn’t possess these virtues is mere compromiser and should not be taken seriously. How can a Christian lack love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? If any of these is lacking in your life, then you have either backslidden or you have been compromising. Those who have these are those who actually and really belong to Christ (5:24). Those who are Christ’s have crucified their flesh when they became Christians (Rom 6:3, 4), and it is done continuously (Rom 6:6) so that the Holy Spirit will be able to produce in them the fruits just listed (5:22, 23). It is by faith in Christ that a man becomes dead to a sinful life and rises to a new life of fellowship with Christ (Col. 3:3).

Brethren, if our inner life be in the Spirit; that is, received from the Spirit, sustained by Him, and conformed to Him in character then we should also walk in that Spirit (5:25). Our outward life also should be in the Spirit; in other words, let it be conformed to Christ in character, so that our inward principles and outward conduct shall be in harmony with each other. This, in Paul’s opinion is what it means to belong to Christ. Is your inward and outward life in harmony with that of Christ? Think about it.

Food for Thought: Do you truly belong to Christ in your character?

Prayer: Lord, help me to conform to the image of Christ in my inward and outward character in Jesus name.

THE WORD GIVES LIFE: Devotion for Wednesday May 11, 2016

THE WORD GIVES LIFE: Devotion for  Wednesday May 11, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 37:1 – 14     Memory verse: v 7

Many lessons are in this biblical passage especially when we feel discouraged in life. It shows us the power of God over hopeless situations. It also reveals the power in God’s word and inabilities in man. God alone is the one whose word stands. The bible says in Lam 3:37, “Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it?” God used this revelation to illustrate how He will restore Israel from their hopeless situation in captivity to glory in their land (37:12–14). God likened the spiritual dead situation of Israel at that time to dry bones.

Your church may seem like a heap of dry bones to you, spiritually dead with no hope of vitality. But just as God promised to restore His nation, He can restore any church, no matter how dry or dead it may be. Rather than give up, pray for renewal, for God can restore it to life. The hope and prayer of every church should be that God will put His Spirit into it (37:14). In fact, God is at work calling His people back to Himself, bringing new life into dead churches. On the other hand, your spiritual life, your business, your marriage, etc, may be as dry as bones and there seem to be no more lives in them. Never mind, God is able to turn it around. Go to Him in prayer today.

Food for Thought: God has answers to dryness in our physical and spiritual lives.

Prayer: Lord God, cause life into any dryness in my physical and spiritual life.         

2. God revive everything in your church especially where I worship.       

POWER TO YOUR DYING BODY: Devotion for Wednesday March 30, 2016

POWER TO YOUR DYING BODY: Devotion for Wednesday March 30, 2016

Text: Romans 8:10 – 17                Memory verse: v 11

If the Holy Spirit be in us, Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart by faith. Christ’s Spirit lives within our human spirits. The presence of Christ in us will automatically make our bodies to resist and reject sin (8:10). Any Christian who receives the grace and Spirit of Christ, and continues to live under its influence, a life of obedience to the Divine will, shall have a resurrection to eternal life; and the resurrection of Christ shall be the pattern after which they shall be raised (8:11). The point Paul made here is that we are promised the physical resurrection of our bodies into eternal life. The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to us. So there is wonderful hope even for our prone-to-decay bodies.

In another dimension, the presence of Holy Spirit resuscitates our physical bodies too. When the Spirit of God dwells in you, Satan and sickness will not have upper hand in your body. Are you sick in the body and desire healing from God? Then you need to invite the Spirit of God into your life. You can start with praises for God dwells in the praises of His people. His presence will bring life to that withered hand and crippled legs in Jesus name. You, who is sick, and reading this devotion, God is saying to you, give me chance to come in now and you will see the difference. Will you do that?

Food for Thought: Life comes from the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 37:10)

Prayer: Release upon me O Lord, your Spirit to my dying body to revive it again in Jesus name.   

IF ANY IS THIRSTY: Devotion for Wednesday December 30, 2015

IF ANY IS THIRSTY    Wednesday December 30, 2015                   

Text: John 7:37 – 44       Memory verse: v 37

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews drew water from Pool of Siloam and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and forever happy, let him allow Christ to rule over him. Thirst here means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. Many believed Him to be Messiah due to His teaching while some others didn’t believe. This is usual even till date when the gospel is preached.

The Spirit dwelling and working in believers is like a fountain of living, running water, out of which plenty streams flow, cooling and cleansing as water. All of us may not have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit but for His more common and more valuable influences we can ask and God will gladly grant to us. Are you willing to ask God today?

Food for Thought: How thirsty are you for spiritual blessing?

Prayer: Lord, make me thirsty for spiritual blessings in Jesus name.

DO IT WELL: Devotion for Monday December 28, 2015

DO IT WELL     Monday December 28, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:10     Memory verse: v 10

Because the feelings of intensity will be stilled at death, do whatever is done with all the zeal and gusto you can muster. This is the advice of Solomon. Whatever you have the opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. Adam Clarke Commentary states what is necessary to be done in this life, in reference to one another “1. Turn from sin 2. Repent. 3. Frequent the ordinances of God, and associate with the upright. 4. Read the Scriptures. 5. Pray for pardon. 6. Believe on the Lord Jesus that you may obtain it. 7. Look for the gift of the Holy Spirit. 8. Bring forth in their seasons the fruits of it-(a) Repentance, (b) Faith; and (c) The Holy Spirit. 9. Live to get good. 10. And to do good. 11. And refer every purpose and act to the eternal world.”

How well are you doing these things? We should understand that the responsibility on us is to use every opportunity to do good, preach the word of God and affect others for good. As you go out today, ensure you do good to someone either by preaching or charity.

Food for Thought: How can you show love and concern for people?

Prayer: Help me O Lord to have genuine concern for your church and Christians at large in Jesus name.

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT: Devotion for Saturday December 26, 2015

GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT     Saturday December 26, 2015

Text: Ephesians 4:29 – 32     Memory verse: v 30

Christians must be careful about what they say (Ephesians 4:29). As part of Christ’s body, filled with His righteousness and holiness, Christians must not use foul or abusive language. Such speech is worthless, spreads worthlessness, and leads hearers to think about worthless matters. Again, we should not grieve the Holy Spirit; by refusing or neglecting to follow His directions because we are marked as His property, and distinguished as the children of God, by the effects which the Holy Spirit produces in you.

That the Spirit can be caused sorrow points to the personality of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person who can be saddened by the way we live. The Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians gives us privilege and responsibility. The responsibility is not to disappoint Him by the way we live, and the privilege is our promised future, for through the presence of the Spirit, we have been given a guarantee that we will be saved on the day of redemption. How are you keeping to that responsibility or you are after the privilege alone?

Food for Thought: What are ways you can grieve the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: May, I not grieve the Holy Spirit all the days of my life. 

THE SIGN OF NEW BIRTH: Devotion for Thursday September 24, 2015

THE SIGN OF NEW BIRTH         Thursday September 24, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 1:22 - 23              Memory verse: v 22

P

eter expects that Christian growth in purity and holiness would result in deeper love among Christians—not merely outward appearance or profession, but sincere love for Christian brothers and sisters. Despite our differences and disagreements, we can have sincere love for one another, and as we grow in holiness, we can learn to love each other intensely because of the Holy Spirit within us (John 13:34-35).

Peter gave another reason to love others: Believers have a common ground in Christ. We have all been born again; we are sinners saved by grace. Our new life did not come from our earthly parents; that life will one day end in death. Our new life will last forever because it was given to us by the eternal, living word of God. God’s word lives and endures forever, because God who gave it lives and endures from eternity past to eternity future. How much do you love others? That is evidence that you are truly born again.

Food for Thought: Do you have evidence to prove that you are born again?

Prayer: God, help me to love others as you loved me in Jesus name.  

LOVE WITHIN THE HOME

   

LOVE WITHIN THE HOME     Monday July 20, 2015

Text: Ephesians 5:21 – 29        Memory verse: 21

Paul speaks about the expected relationship within the home. He urged couple to submit to one another in the fear of God. He noted that the duty of wives is submission to their husbands, which includes honouring and obeying them, from a principle of love for them. Husbands are to love their wives using the love of Christ for the church as an example, which is sincere, pure, and constant, notwithstanding her (church) failures. Our duties in marriage are included in unity and love. We (spouses) should learn our duties to each other so as to prevent evil and also avoid many painful effects.

Submitting one to another is clear evidence that we have Spirit-controlled relationships, and it requires the Holy Spirit’s guidance and restraint (4:2, 3). Also in the church, the Christians should be willing to learn from, serve, give to, or be corrected by others in the fellowship. Such submission can allow growth both individually and corporately as we seek to follow Christ.

Action: Write down the ways you can create a peaceful and lovely home.   

Prayer: God grant us a Christian home where bible is loved and taught

PUT UP WITH ME

PUT UP WITH ME                                          Wednesday July 8, 2015

Text: John 15:1 – 8                                            Memory verse: v 4

Abide in me means stay with or put up with me. Here, Jesus tells us that He is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with Christ produce much fruit. But those who become unproductive; those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment, will be separated from the vine. Unproductive followers are as good as dead and will be cut off and tossed aside.

The union between Christians and Christ is mutual. They abide in Him by faith, love, and obedience. He abides in them through the Holy Spirit, as the source of their spiritual life, light, and strength (compare Philippians 2:12, 13). When we put up with Him, we gain spiritual strength and He putting with us will enable productivity is evangelism, visitation and charity. Always make your heart conducive for Him to stay. 

Action: What are the ways you can put up with God?

Prayer: Help me O God to make my life conducive for you to stay  

JESUS’ EFFECT

JESUS’ EFFECT              Thursday June 4, 2015

Text: Acts 4:5 – 14    Memory verse: v 13

           

Spirit of God does many things in our lives. He grants us boldness. In Matthew 26:69 – 75, we have the story of how Peter out of fear, denied Jesus Christ, three times. However, when the Holy Spirit came upon him and the other disciples, his story changed. May the Holy Spirit, come upon you to change your story in Jesus name.

He that could not stand a maid was bold to rebuke members of the Sanhedrin. The boldness with which he spoke made the hearers to conclude that he had been with Jesus. There was the effect of being with Jesus on him and other disciples. Instead of answering evasively and timidly, as was expected of men in their social position, when arraigned in such a presence, they were bold to answer them, looking at their faces.

What effect has your years of being a Christian on you? Does your Christianity reflect in the way you talk and do you have that boldness to stand for Christ? It is expected that Christianity should model you into someone with good morals; someone who has courage and boldness to rebuke evil, someone who is courageously witnessing for Christ.

If your Christianity has no effect on you, then it is mere hypocrisy. Living out our professed faith is the best way to show others what we actually believe. Let the effect of Jesus be seen in you.

Food for Thought: If the life and effect of Jesus is not seen in you, then your Christianity is a doubt.

Prayer: Lord God, grant that the effect of my Christianity will positively manifest in my words and action in Jesus name.

IT SHOULDN’T DOMINATE YOU

IT SHOULDN’T DOMINATE YOU      Sunday May 24, 2015

Text: Romans 6:12 – 18                            Memory verse: v 14

Paul’s position here is that sin cannot and will not ever again be our master because we are no longer subject to the law. What does it mean that we are not under the law?

1. We are not under the law’s demands, as were the people of the Old Testament.

2. We are not under curse implied by the impossible standard of the law (see Galatians 3:10 – 14).

3. We are not under its system of requirements, the ceremonial laws that had to be meticulously kept.

4. We are not under the fear of failing the just standard of the law.

A life that is no longer under the dominion of sin is known by the fruit of Holy Spirit it manifests. It requires the strictest conformity to the will of God. Such person relies on the grace of God and his faith and confidence are based on the work Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. On the contrary, a life under the law deliberately commits sin. Beloved, where do you belong? Does sin still control you or the Holy Spirit? Those who have accepted the death of Jesus do not allow sin to dominate them rather their lives are dominated by the Holy Spirit.

Food for Thought: But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law Galatians 5:18.

Prayer: Grant that sin will no longer have dominion over me, O Lord.     

HE GRANTED THEM UNDERSTANDING

HE GRANTED THEM UNDERSTANDING          Thursday May 21, 2014

Text: Luke 24:44 – 49                      Memory verse: v 45

Knowledge and understanding come from God (Daniel 1:17). Again, from Daniel 1:5ff, we can say that there are foods that can hinder understanding and knowledge. Understanding comes through meditation on God’s law (Psalm 119:104). Jesus met these two disciples on their way to Emmaus. He took time to talk to them on the way till they invited Him to spend the night with them. When Jesus perceived they did not understand, he opened their understanding. He enabled them fully to comprehend the meaning of the prophecies which foretold His death and resurrection. Their prejudices were removed and they no longer doubted that He was the Messiah.

From the above, we can learn that (1) Facts, or the farther disclosure of truth, removes the mysteries that we now see in religion. (2) Our prejudices and our preconceived opinions are one cause of our seeing so many mysteries in the Bible. It is only when we take the plain declarations of the Bible; we will be less perplexed with mysteries. (3) Only God can open the mind to fully comprehend the Scriptures. He only can overcome our prejudices, open our hearts, and dispose us to receive the engrafted word with meekness, and with the simplicity of a child. Has God opened your understanding? Holy Spirit will do it for us (John 14:17, 25; 16:13). Ask for that gift today.  

Food for Thought: John 14:26

Prayer: God the Holy Spirit, open my understanding so that your will for me will not be a mystery I can’t understand in Jesus name.