Great Qualities in Children: Devotion for Children’s Day Wednesday May 27, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Children’s Day Wednesday May 27, 2020

Topic: Great Qualities in Children       

Text: Matthew 18:1 – 6                       

We rejoice with our children on this day though it will not hold with the usual funfair due to Covid-19 pandemic but at least for being alive there is every reason to thank God. We thank God for their lives and pray that they will grow in the fear and knowledge of God. They will not become thorns on our fleshes in Jesus name.

Greatness in the view of men differs much from greatness in the sight of God. Jesus set a little child before His disciples, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom.

Children do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. These are some great qualities in children that are suitable for God’s Kingdom. “It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians” according to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary.

(How to grow a second income)

Surely we need to daily renew our minds that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. How humble and teachable are you? Do you desire to be in authority and for what purpose – the glory of it or for service of humanity?

Let us learn from children’s character the virtue of humility, being docile, submissive and obedient. We should daily study this subject of humility, and examine our own spirits.

Food for Thought: Many characteristics of little children are sources of instruction to mankind.

Memory Verse: Matthew 18:3

Prayer: Grant unto me a humble, submissive and obedient spirit worthy of your Kingdom O Lord my God in Jesus name.

Signs Of True Christianity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 23, 2017

Topic: Signs Of True Christianity                                   

Text: Colossians 3:12 – 17                                                                             

When the early followers of Christ exhibited some characters in Antioch, they were easily called Christians – Christ-like (Acts 11:26). Christian should be known by their character. No wonder Jesus challenged us to shine as light and live as salt (Matt. 5:13 – 16). He also urged us to love one another (Jn. 14:34 & 35).

Here, Paul urged us to put on virtues that will single us out as God’s elect; virtues that speak for us as true believers. How many virtues did he mention in this text? God’s elect here means chosen, set apart, sanctified or consecrated. Christians are requested to put on these virtues; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, etc, as the regalia with which we should be known. As God’s elect we should manifest spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love towards Christians and non-Christians.

Sadly, this is not so among us. We love only those we know; contrary to what the Bible says. What do you exhibit as mark of your Christianity? Do you show tender mercies as a Christian? Are you kind, humble, meek, showing longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you? Are you among the people who wear long garment, carry the biggest bible or attend all church programmes to be noticed when you are a wolf in your neighbourhood? How do you treat people when they offend you? Do you show longsuffering when offended? Search yourself and repent before it will be late. Show your Christianity by exhibiting true virtues everywhere you go.

Food for Thought: Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal or eloquence.

Memory verse: Colossians 3 verse 12

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to develop true character of a Christian.

THE POOR IN SPIRIT

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2016

Topic: THE POOR IN SPIRIT                      

Text: Matthew 5 verse 3                    

Each of the beatitude tells us how God blesses us. Christians should spend time to study the beatitude because some of us have been following the wrong path and when they come to the crossroad (when the blessings they had hoped for didn’t come), they will begin to see the promises of God as not true and subsequently fall out of the faith.

Blessed, means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate and enviable state of believers. It is more of inward and not outward. We shall look at the beatitude for the next 10 days. The poor as used here means the humble, who depend on God in all things, temporal and spiritual, and look to Him for the supply of every want; more especially those who feel their need, as sinners, of spiritual blessings, and look to Jesus Christ to grant them (Isaiah 66:2).

It is proper to understand that being poor as Jesus Christ used it is not those that are poor in estate, or those whom the world has made poor in possession, but those whom the gospel has made poor in spirit, that is, the truly humble and lowly spirits. They have a right and title to the kingdom of heaven. Beloved, what is the effect of the gospel in your life? The gospel should make us do the accepted things in the likeness of Christ. Christ was not keen on material things while on earth but whenever the need arises there is always a provision for that. Though, a King, He live a life of poor spirit. We should emulate Him.      

Food for Thought: True happiness does not consist in external condition, but in the state of the mind.

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 3

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding of what being poor in spirit means so I will live to receive the blessings therein in Jesus name.      

Lay Your Trophies At His Feet: Devotion for Wednesday August 17, 2016

Lay Your Trophies At His Feet: Devotion for Wednesday August 17, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 17:54                  Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:54

There are many reasons David won the heart of God. One of them is what he did in our text. Great exploits God uses us to perform or miracles God did for us can be a source of temptation to arrogate the glory to ourselves, making our heads swell. This is a warning for as many as would want to please and gain His favour and approval. We should not arrogate the glory of God to ourselves because He can share His glory with us and we can’t even achieve anything without Him.

If some of us were David, we would have erected a 20 meter  by 30 meter sign post or billboard showing us and Goliath requesting that people should come and see the man who killed the giant. Our houses would have turn into tourist centres. However, it was not so with David. He took the sword to God’s house and went home. He did not allow that exploit to enter his head. He laid the trophy at God‘s feet. He dedicated the sword of Goliath as a votive offering to the Lord. 1 Samuel 21:9 confirms that David kept Goliath’s sword at the tent that houses the Ark of the Covenant. A lesson and challenge for us never to take the glory of what God had done with and through us.

When God uses us to perform miracles or to do exploits, how do we react? Does it enter our heads as if there is none like us? Do we automatically begin to answer names like Demon Bulldozer, Apostle of Fire, By Fire by Force, etc? In Acts 14:8ff, Paul healed a crippled man who hasn’t walked since birth in Lystra. They termed him Hermes and Barnabas was called Zeus. The priest in charge of that temple of Zeus in Lystra brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice them to Paul and Barnabas with the multitudes (Acts 14:13). But Paul resisted them (Acts 14:14). We shouldn’t take the glory that belongs to God. When we are used by God, we should appreciate Him in humility and return all the glory to Him.

Food for Thought: Humble disposition is the best way to honour God for what He has made us.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace never to take the glory that belongs to you. 

       

NOT THE SPECIAL TYPE: Devotion for Thursday July 28, 2016

NOT THE SPECIAL TYPE: Devotion for Thursday July 28, 2016

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:25 – 31       

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 1:26 – For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

Our text is one of the passages in the bible that clearly show us that God is not respecter of human reason. What we value here on earth doesn’t even concern Him. It is for this reason the bible says that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thought (Isaiah 55:8 & 9). Who would have believed that Jesus Christ would bypass all the intellectual Pharisees, Scribes and Lawyers of His days to pick mere fishermen as disciples? This is why Paul writes that God doesn’t prefer the special type as Living Bible puts it in 1 Corinthians 1:26.

Paul tells the Corinthians that they should note that the general character and condition of those who are Christians among them have not been generally taken from the wise, the rich, and the learned, but from those of humble life. The design of the Apostle here is to show that the gospel did not depend for its success, on human wisdom. Rather, God prefers to use people who will humble themselves, obey and walk with Him.

Beloved, if being a Christian is based on social status, will you have been considered by God to be a Christian how much more being a preacher of the gospel? I know that many Christians wouldn’t have been considered good enough to be Christians. People like me won’t have become priest because I don’t have human qualification for that. But God doesn’t apply human rule. What this implies is that we who are privileged to be called should serve God in humility and appreciation. When you are tempted to pride on what God is using you to do, always remember that God called you not according to human standards, not because you were wise, powerful, or noble (well-born) but just by His grace. Therefore, live a life of gratitude to God for such a rare privilege.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 2:8 & 9

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for picking me out of the miry clay and made me what I am today. Keep me faithful till the end. Help me to live and serve you in gratitude for such privilege you have given me in Jesus name.

SUFFICIENT GRACE: Devotion for Saturday December 19, 2015

SUFFICIENT GRACE     Saturday December 19, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:6 – 10     Memory verse: v 9

The apostle, Paul, gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. 

God often brings this good out of evil that the reproaches of our enemies might help to hide pride in us. If God loves us, He will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This is true of great men of God. They usually have one thorn or the other on them in order to humble them. Most of us who have these thorns on our flesh think that God was undoing us but it is a way to helping us to live well and within the ambit of His grace. Have you been complaining about that thorn on your flesh? Know that it will not stop God from using you. The grace of God is still there for you. Live your life, for God is not angry that there is thorn on your flesh.

Food for Thought: God appoints our weaknesses to humble us.

Prayer: God grant me the grace that is sufficient for my weaknesses.

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF: Devotion for Monday November 2. 2015

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF                 Monday November 2. 2015

Text: Philippians 2:5 – 8                Memory verse: v 8

Some characters of Jesus are mentioned in our text. 1) Christ has always existed with God; (2) Christ is equal to God because He is God (John 1:1ff; Colossians 1:15 – 19); (3) though Christ is God, He became a man in order to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for all people; (4) Christ actually became human to identify with our sins; (5) Christ voluntarily laid aside His divine rights and privileges out of love for His Father; (6) Christ died on the cross for our sins so we wouldn’t have to face eternal death; (7) God glorified Christ because of His obedience; (8) God raised Christ to His original position at the Father’s right hand, where He will reign forever as our Lord and Judge.

How can we do anything less than praise Christ as our Lord and dedicate ourselves to his service! We should also imbibe His humility. We should humble ourselves so that He will exalt us at the end. Let heed the advice of James and Peter (James 4:6, 10, 1 Peter 5:5, 6).

Food for Thought: Hebrews 12:2

Prayer: Lord God, teach me humility and remove pride in me in Jesus name.