Love, The Greatest Gift

Devotion for Wednesday June 13, 2018

Sing SS&S 1155; Abu 279

Topic: Love, The Greatest Gift 

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – 13

Paul mentioned three virtues that distinguish us as true Christians. They are faith, hope and love but love is the greatest among them. He concludes his teaching that love is the greatest gift that distinguishes us a true Christians. Love is the greatest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. Seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have hold of those promises, to what purpose would we have faith and hope again when the end comes? That was the argument of Paul. Only a true Christian experiences these three things; for without Christ we would have only unbelief, despair, and hatred. Faith is directed toward God; hope is for our benefit; and love flows first to God and then to our neighbours. Love is the greatest of all these because it sums up or includes both faith and hope. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. Do you really love God and others? What are the evidences?

Food for Thought: Do you know what true love means?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10:13

Prayer: Help me to love as you love O Lord my God in Jesus name.

Recall God’s Love To Renews Your Hope

Devotion for Sunday March 4, 2018

Topic: Recall God’s Love To Renews Your Hope

Text: Lamentations 3:21 – 36            

Having stated his distress and temptations (3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify God in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:8). God's compassion do not fail; of this we have fresh instances every morning.

Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation. Affliction has made many humble and serious with God, and has weaned them from the world, which otherwise, would have been proud and unruly. There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. They are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray and favours from people.

It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Psalm 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11). You may be going through afflictions, troubles, trials or temptations now. Be of good cheer and put all your hope on him. The Lord is your strength and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name. Amen

Sing A&M 290; Abu 326

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24   

Memory verse: Lamentation 3:21

Prayer: Lord God, may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday May 22, 2017

Topic: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus                                         

Text: Hebrews 12:1 – 2

Apprentices or servants learn under their master or coach through observation. In such a way they will see how their master/coach does things and learn perfectly. This concept is what our text expresses. Jesus as the Leader and Instructor of our faith (Living Bible) is indispensible in our Christian lives and walk as Church militants. If we must succeed and live a meaningful life as Christians, we must as a matter of priority and not choice look up unto Him always for guidance and instruction. Living Bible translated Heb. 12:2 as “Keep your eyes on Jesus ...” This exhortation means two things for us here. 1. Looking unto Jesus means we (Christians) should place all our hope and confidence in Christ only, as the source of our help in our Christian race. 2. It implies that we (Christians) should consider Jesus as our leader and instructor, always following His example in all we do. In this heavenly race, keep your eyes on Jesus for He knows your tomorrow. When Jesus Christ called on Peter to walk up to him on top of water, all was well as long as he kept his eyes on Him. When he removed his eyes from Jesus Christ, he started seeing the waves which made him to start sinking (Matt 14:25–31). As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not see the enemies around us. We will not see the arrows of the wicked ones neither can we see all the things that will frighten us. It is my earnest prayer that you will not remove your eyes from Jesus Christ, the author of your faith.

Food for Thought: We can’t run our race perfectly when we are not focused on Jesus Christ who is the author and initiator of the race.

Memory verse: Hebrews 12 verse 2

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to focus on Jesus for strength and grace in this heavenly race. 

A Living Hope

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 22, 2017

Topic: A Living Hope 

Text: 1 Peter 1:3 – 5

The Christian's hope is a living principle, and sustains his spiritual life. Our hope is lived out. It is something that is live out for others to see. This hope gives life and looks for life as its object. We are now born again for a wonderful expectation of life to come but not of this world because we are pilgrims and foreigners here. This expectation we have is based on the assurance that God will keep His promise to raise us because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Christ has made necessary power available for our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). His resurrection makes us certain that we too will be raised from the dead.

This assurance is what makes our hope lively. It keeps us going, striving against all odds so as to gain that which God has promised us. What the resurrection of Christ has done for us is that it has inspired hope and grace in us. It has brought the conviction that we are going to be resurrected. The onus on us now is to live our lives with that inspired hope from the resurrection of Christ. It should make us to be heavenly conscious as we read yesterday. It should inspire a more strong faith in us that God is ever faithful to His promises. Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die.

We may be experiencing some negative things that are currently challenging our faiths. That notwithstanding, if we know our God, our hope will be renewed every day. We can achieve this by daily searching out God’s promises and laying hold of them as we pray. Don’t allow uncertainties of life deem your hope rather rekindle it daily basis. 

Food for Thought: Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die. Rekindle it on daily basis as we await the return of our Saviour.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 1 verse 3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to keep the hope of eternal life lively in me in Jesus name.

Christ Died For Our Sins

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday April 17, 2017

Topic: Christ Died For Our Sins

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 11

Our bible reading today can be likened to our statement of faith (The creed) because it contains the summary of what Jesus did to save humanity. Apostle Paul had to write this to allay the fears and doubts in the mind of some Corinthians because some people were teaching that Jesus didn’t rise from the dead. He stated that many people saw Jesus after His resurrection at different occasions. He listed some of them to include Peter; the 12 disciples; over 500 disciples (some who were still alive at the time he wrote this epistle); James (the half-brother of Jesus) and finally Paul himself.

The centre of Paul’s message here is that Jesus died for our sins. This should be a source of joy for us above every other thing we can think of in this life. If we understand the consequences of sin and its burden, we will appreciate that ultimate sacrifice of Jesus every day of our lives. That Jesus resurrected is a historical fact.

We should not be discouraged when people doubt or deny Christ’s resurrection. Rather we should be filled with hope because a day will come when all of us shall see the proof on His return. However, on the interim, we should always be grateful to God for sending Jesus Christ to die for us. Have you accepted that ultimate sacrifice by making Him your Lord and Saviour? A time will come it will be too late. Come to the Saviour today and make no delay.

Food for Thought: As Christ died for our sins, how best can we appreciate this kind gesture of God towards us?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 3

Prayer: Lord God, help me to appreciate your love for me in dying for my sins.

NO MORE DISASTER

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016

Topic: NO MORE DISASTER                         

Text: Zephaniah 3:14 – 20               

Zephaniah was prophesying here about the future of Jerusalem and the day of hope in Zephaniah 3:8–end. Any true prophet as God’s oracle is bound to speak the truth and give the message as God gave it without sentiment, bias or prejudice. Unfortunately, such preaching is lacking in so many pulpits today. The reasons may not be far from these. (1) Some preach to save their job (2) Some preach so as not to offend their members who are wealthy (3) Some preach to please their boss and many more.

In the case of Zephaniah, it was different. He presented the message from God as he received it. He did as God commanded him; thundering certain judgments and horrible punishment for all who would defy the Lord (Zephaniah 1:1ff). However, in our text is a message of hope when God will take away punishment and turn back enemies so there will be no more harm on His people. This message was a relief to the Israelites. After God had done these, He will dwell with them. The prophet called on the Israelites to sing in Zephaniah 3 verse 14 for some reasons. You can find the reasons in Zephaniah 3:8–end.

After the promises of taking away sin, follow promises of taking away trouble. It teaches us that when the cause is removed, the effect will cease. Most times, disaster comes upon us when we follow our own will or do things without first seeking the face of God. However, God is promising here that those things we did in ignorance, He will overlook and take away our disaster. Are you suffering because of sin or not taking time to seek the face of God? God says He will take away that punishment and turn back your enemies. He will rescue and be with you as He has promised, so you will not see any disaster again.   

Food for Thought: Isaiah 10:27

Memory verse: Zephaniah 3 verse 15

Prayer: Take away, O Lord, the causes and effect of sin in my life and family in Jesus name.

WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST

Devotion for Friday December 23, 2016

Topic: WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST           

Text: Jonah 2:1 – 10                    

We know Jonah as one who ran away from his call but here is an important lesson Jonah learnt which he shared with us. The lesson is what we should do when we seem to have lost all hope. He tells us that when we are in despair and hopeless situations, there is a place to anchor our hope, trust and confidence. That place is in Christ Jesus (Hebrew 6:17–20). See Psalm 18:6, 118:5; 120:1 and 2 Samuel 22:7. Can you notice the similarities in all? They all cried and God heard them. Note that Jonah prayed when all hope was lost and God heard him.

Are you in distress and hopeless situation? Have all people you hoped on, disappointed you? Are you contemplating of quitting or committing suicide because you have not achieved what you thought you could achieve this year? My dear, you can still anchor your hope on Him that cannot fail; Christ who died that we might have life. The courage of Horatio G. Spafford, the writer of the hymn “It is well with my soul”, who lost his four daughters in a single day, with the wife escaping death by whiskers, should encourage you when you come to hopeless situation. Sing that Hymn “It is well with my soul” before prayer.

Food for Thought: Church Hymnal 363 – It is well with my soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul! (Source - Wikepedia)

Memory verse: Jonah 2 verse 7

Prayer: Lord God, as I meet with hopeless situations in life, may I lift up my voice to you because you are the only hope I have.

WHEN THEY REMEMBERED GOD: Devotion for Monday June 6, 2016

WHEN THEY REMEMBERED GOD: Devotion for Monday June 6, 2016

Text: Judges 6:7 – 10                    Memory verse: v 7

The best thing to do in time of distress or when we are suffering due to our sins is to remember that God is ever willing to welcome us back to Himself and to forgive us like the Prodigal Son. They remembered God, cried to Him for a deliverer, and He sent them a prophet to teach them. This shows the importance of the word of God in our salvation, deliverance and healing. When God furnishes a land with faithful ministers, it is a token that He has mercy in store for it. He charges them with rebellion against the Lord; he intends to bring them to repentance. Repentance is real when we lament our disobedience and sin. The only hope of deliverance from sin and its consequences is in the Lord; and when people have this understanding, and cry unto Him, He sends help for Christ's sake.

Beloved, are you suffering at this moment? Are you sick, in prison, indebted, etc? Whether it is as a result of your sin or not, the best option you have now is to remember God and go to Him. You can’t heal yourself or deliver yourself from bondage. God is the only one that can help us. Some people query God for abandoning them at the mercies of the devil but are they sure they were not the ones that abandoned God? We should know that God is ever willing to help us but most times it is our sins that forms barrier against God whose righteousness forbids sin (Isa. 59:1 – 2).

Food for Thought: Psalm 60:1 – 3 (The Living Bible)

Prayer: Cause me never to forget you, O Lord, so I will not suffer the consequences of forsaking you in Jesus name.

The Greatest Gift: Devotion for Wednesday February 17, 2016

THE GREATEST GIFT     Wednesday February 17, 2016      

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – 13     Memory verse: v 13

Paul mentioned three virtues that distinguish us as true Christians. They are faith, hope and love but love is the greatest among them. Here He concludes his teaching that love is the greatest gift that distinguishes us a true Christians. Love is the greatest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. Seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have hold of those promises, to what purpose would we have faith and hope again? That was the argument of Paul.

Only a Christian experiences these three things; for without Christ we would have only unbelief, despair, and hatred. Faith is directed toward God; hope is for our benefit; and love flows first to God and then to our neighbors. Love is the greatest of these because it sums up or includes both faith and hope. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God Himself (1 Jn. 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others which shows that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. Do you really love God and others?

Food for Thought: Most people don’t know what love really means. Do you know?

Prayer: Help me to love as you love, O Lord, my God in Jesus name.

IT RENEWS OUR HOPE: Devotion for Wednesday January 27, 2016

IT RENEWS OUR HOPE            Wednesday January 27, 2016

Text: Lamentation 3:21 – 36             Memory verse: v 21

Having stated his distress and temptations (3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm as we have in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify to God in all situations (1 Thess. 5:18) God's compassion doesn’t fail; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation because the portion is forever. Affliction has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world. If not, they would have been proud and unruly.

There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. They are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray, etc. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Ps 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11). You may be going through afflictions, troubles, temptations or trials now. Be of good cheer and put all your hope on Him. The Lord is your strengthen and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name.

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24

Prayer: Lord, may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING: Devotion for Monday November 23, 2015

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING   Monday November 23, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:4 – 10       Memory verse: v 4

The most despicable living man's state is preferable to that of the most noble who have died without repenting. This is true because such still have opportunity to repent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confide in God, whatever maybe their condition in life. He conceded that the living have an advantage over the dead (9:4), for the dead have no further opportunities to secure reward for their life’s labours (9:4 – 6).

Presently, we may be facing some challenges and we are asking, “When will all these troubles of life end?” No matter what you may be passing through now, there is hope for you as long as you are alive. Therefore, don’t give up your faith. Are you suffering the consequences of sin? You can still repent, make restitution and have peace. To you that is expecting, don’t loose heart for your time is coming as long as you are alive.

Food for Thought: Being alive means that we still have better opportunities

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for there is still hope for me. 

REMEMBER YOUR WORD: Devotion for Sunday September 13, 2015

REMEMBER YOUR WORD       Sunday September 13, 2015

Text: Psalm 119:49               Memory verse: v 49

In 2 Chronicles 6:20, Solomon reminds God about His promise concerning the temple that will be built in His name. Reminding God about His word is very important because he ordered it. The Psalmist didn’t ask for a new promise, but to have the old word fulfilled. He was grateful that he has received good word from God; he embraced it with all his heart, and entreated the Lord to deal with him according to it. He does not say, “Remember my service to you," but "your word to me." He used the promise as a plea.

The argument is that God, having given grace to hope in the promise, would surely never disappoint that hope. He cannot have caused us to hope without cause. If we hope upon His word we have a sure basis that our Lord would never mock us by exciting false hopes. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)),” hence the petition for immediate remembrance of the cheering word. Has God made any promise to you? Remind Him not because He has forgotten but because He ordered us to do so.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 10:23

Prayer: Lord, remember your promises to me as I hope on you.