Lay Your Trophies at His Feet: Devotion for Saturday September 19, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday September 19, 2020

Topic: Lay Your Trophies at His Feet    

Text: 1 Samuel 17:54                           

There are many reasons David won the heart of God. One of them is what he did in our text. He surrendered insignia of his exploit in that battle to God. A youth like that was so humble that he didn’t want a show off rather, he laid that “trophy” at God’s feet. 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.

If some of us were David, we would have erected a 20m by 15m sign post 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 and we will request that people should pay money before they can see David and shake his hand. In this our clime, everything is now money.

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.

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? 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 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.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 54

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

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.

Have The Mindset of Christ

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 18, 2017

Topic: Have The Mindset of Christ

Text: Philippians 3:15 – 16

The word mature as used in our text was translated perfect in King James Version. It implies full grown, as opposed to babes or children. Full grown here is used for me and women who are grounded in the word of God (1 Corinthians 14:20 compare Hebrews 5:12 - 14).

The mature in this context means striving for perfection and not perfection. Our mindset determines our perspective of issues, the way we react and respond to issues. The mind factor here had to do with maturity; showing perfect love and manifesting itself in perfect humility through Christ.

Paul exhorts the full grown Christians to imitate His perseverance, urging them to forsake any claim to legal righteousness. He charged them to seek that righteousness which is through faith of Christ so as to know Christ; to win Christ and to press ever forward to obtain the prize. For us the present day Christians, the mindset Paul expects us to develop is having deep personal desire for a daily experience with God and the pursuit to be like Christ. It should be an experience that can give vitality and meaning to life.

To attain maturity expected of us in this Christian race, we should focus on knowing Christ the more (Philippians 3:8), having righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:9) and desiring moral transformation which leads to encounter with the resurrection power (Philippians 3:10). This should be our concern as we race towards heaven.

Food for Thought: Christians must live like Christ or nothing else

Memory verse: Philippians 3:15

Prayer: Lord God, help me to have the mind of Christ which is love, obedience and humility

Unprecedented Favour

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday January 22, 2017

Topic: Unprecedented Favour

Text: Ruth 2:14 – 17           

The favour Boaz showed Ruth continued at mealtime when he invited her to eat with the reapers. She ate and also kept for Naomi. Some would have eaten everything after all she is at home doing nothing but not Ruth. It was as if Boaz was uncomfortable that he has not done enough for Ruth, (just like King Ahasuerus on the night he remembered Mordecai) that he gave approval for Ruth to glean. 

In his words, he commanded his reapers saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her." This act of Boaz is unprecedented because he just met Ruth, a foreigner for the first time. This shows that when our ways are pleasing to God, He can do anything for us. 

On the day I wrote this devotion, a man walked into my house and after exchanging pleasantries, brought out an envelope, counted N25,000:00 and gave to my family. I looked at the man, he wasn’t indebted to me. He just woke up, walked to my house and gave my family N25,000:00. I concluded that it was God working in my favour. God will work for you this day in Jesus name. 

Ruth obeyed the leading of God and “Line started falling for her in pleasant places.” Are you ready to allow God work for you or you want to help yourself? Some ladies would have started flirting about but not Ruth. Humility, industry, obedience, etc., pays.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 11:25

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 16

Prayer: Lord God, show me favour as I go out this day that in all I will do, I will be favour abundantly in Jesus name. Amen.

It Has Been God’s Grace

My Daily Covenant (2017 Edition) Devotion for Tuesday January 3, 2017                     

Topic: It Has Been God’s Grace

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 11   

The doctrine of Christ's death and resurrection is the foundation of Christianity. If you remove it, all our hopes for eternity will sink at once. That is the basis of our preaching the gospel message and gathering to worship God. It is only by holding this truth about Christ’s death and resurrection firm that we can stand in the day of trial, and are kept faithful to God.

Paul had been an enemy of the Christians because he captured and persecuted them - (Acts 9:1-3). Thus, he felt unworthy to be called an apostle of Christ. Undoubtedly, he was the most influential of the apostles, yet very deeply humble because God bestowed a honour which he felt he never deserved such. He knew that he had worked hard and accomplished much but only because God had poured His kindness and grace upon him.

True humility is not convincing yourself that you are worthless but recognizing God’s work in you. It is having God’s perspective on who you are and acknowledging His grace in developing your abilities. Paul knew that it was not by his own merit to have been called Apostle and the privilege to have seen Jesus, but it was God's grace which enabled him to do a more abundant work than any other apostle. How much do you acknowledge God’s grace working out its purpose in your life, ministry, career, etc?  

It is that grace of God that has sustained us into the New Year and all we have achieved in life. Therefore, we should be grateful to God for this and certainly show our appreciation through our service to Him and humanity. This is what we owe God in this New Year and certainly, that is what He expects from us.

Action: Think and write down in your devotion note the things you can do to appreciate the grace of God you have received and begin to do them.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Prayer: Humble me, O God by granting me the understanding of your grace upon my life in Jesus name Amen. 

JESUS CHRIST’S HUMILITY: Devotion for Thursday November 24, 2016

JESUS CHRIST’S HUMILITY: Devotion for Thursday November 24, 2016

Text: John 6:14 – 15            Memory verse: John 6 verse 15

Humility, Jesus Christ, Leader, Model, King, Crown, Devotion, Life, Foundation, 

Anyone who is a leader, a minister of the gospel or even a believer is looked up to for true and thorough modeling. If they don’t see anything to model from your life, then that person’s ministry or leadership is in vain. You must be willing at all times to offer your followers something they will appreciate and value especially, in your attitude and character.

Yesterday, we read about Jesus Christ’s compassion. Today, we have in our text, His humility. The people associated Jesus (John 6:14) with the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15. But their assumption was that the promised prophet would break Roman rule over Israel as Moses had broken Egypt’s (John 1:21; cf. Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22 and 7:37).

Jesus withdrew from the crowd because they had missed the point and not to have accepted Him on His terms. The crowd had intended to force Him to become king. He knew that this offer of kingship was superficial, motivated by a desire for bread rather than as a result of true recognition of His person. They wanted bread for physical life and independence for political life. But Jesus offered Himself as the foundation for a new spiritual and eternal life.

Though He escaped, they went after Him. This is because He has so much to offer the people both physically and spiritually. What have you to offer people who come to you first as a Christian and secondly as a Pastor. If you have something to offer, whether you are on the mountain, in the cave or desert, they will come there. Remember the case of John the Baptist. They came to the wilderness to meet him. We should always ask God for such humble and compassionate spirit to steer clear of worldliness in our Christian race. It will help us so much to live out our Christian faith in our perverse generation. People should see Christ in us especially the unbelievers because we are the bible they read. If Christ is not seen in us, no matter how much time we spend in preaching, it will not bear the needed fruits. Therefore, let your life of humility show others Christ in you.

Food for Thought: True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves.

Prayer: Lord God, make me humble enough so that I will not be seen but Christ will only be seen in me.

Sermon Note on The Christian Virtue of Humility

THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE OF HUMILITY     Text: Matthew 18:1 – 4; 1 Peter 5:5 – 7

Introduction: Humility is modest or unassuming in attitude and behaviour. It is feeling or showing respect and deference to other people. In Bible Online, Sockman posited that “True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.” Humility is what will tell the world about our Christianity outside love.  

Development: The disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question may have arisen from the prediction Jesus gave in Matt. 17:22, 23. To answer their question, Jesus called a small child over to him. The disciples had become preoccupied with the organization of an earthly kingdom and were seeking positions of advantage. Jesus used a child to help His self-centred disciples get the point. The disciples needed to become as little children. Jesus wanted them to change their attitude toward greatness.

They were to have servant attitudes (diaconate spirit), not being “childish” (arguing over petty issues) but “childlike,” with humble and sincere hearts. God’s people are called to humility and unconcern for social status. Unfortunately, that has become one of the greatest problems of the church today. People want to prefix something to their name. The desperate one will pay huge sums of money to the church so they will be made knights or Ezinne. Some, on their own will begin to prefix Evang. Some have even made themselves Pastors and Apostles.

Those who persist in pride and “ladder climbing” for the sake of status in this world will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. By contrast, those who, in humility, realize their need of a Saviour, accept Him, and move into the world to serve, not only enter the Kingdom but will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. True humility means to deny oneself, to accept a position of servant hood, and to completely follow the Master. This informs the admonition of Peter on church relationship in 1 Peter 5:5 – 7. He noted that all the believers had a responsibility in the congregation to serve each other in humility. Humility means being able to put others’ needs and desires ahead of one’s own (see Philippians 2:3-4).  

Application: Today, our world in general and the church in particular are in dire need of this Christian virtue of humility. We need men/women who will serve without asking for a price. The Church needs people who will carry the virtue of humility to their offices, neighbourhood, business premises, schools, etc. Humility should be seen in our actions, reactions, responses, word, etc. We should be humble enough to accept our mistakes, confess our sins and repent of them. It takes a humble heart to repent of sins.

Conclusion: Have you ever thought of what the Church of God would look like if all of us had developed the kind of servant hood or diaconate spirit found in Christ (Philippians 2:3 – 11)? The virtue of humility will help us to crucify self, put on compassionate spirit and live out the life of Christ. It will make us less worldly and more heavenly. Just like our collect for the day, we should ask God to humble us in every aspect of our lives for that is what the world will see in us and acknowledge that we are indeed Christ-like.

Let us pray

Renew Your Spirit in Me: Devotion for Wednesday December 16, 2015

RENEW YOUR SPIRIT IN ME   Wednesday December 16, 2015

Text: Psalm 51:7 – 13      Memory verse: v 10

The content of David’s pray here is worthy of note. He prayed that God would cleanse him from his sins and its defilement (51:7). He also prayed that, as his sins are being pardoned, he might have the comfort of that pardon. He asks not to be comforted till first he is cleansed and that he will receive complete and effectual pardon (51:9). He asked for sanctifying grace, for continuance of God's good-will towards him and the progress of His good work in him, restoring divine comforts and the perpetual communications of divine grace towards him.

The two words used in 51:10 make a complete prayer. David asked
God to CREATE what is not there at all and to RENEW that which was there, but in a sadly feeble state. The spirit of God was in him but He was grieved (Ephesians 4:30). This is consequences of sin. Sin demoralizes. It renders us powerless and makes the joy of salvation to depart from us. Are you still under the burden of sin? This prayer of David can help to ease the burden if you can pray it with all your heart. Do it now and don’t procrastinate about it. I wish you a great day.

Food for Thought: God honours humility.

Prayer: Use the memory verse for prayers.

HE WASHED THEIR FEET: Devotion for Sunday December 13, 2015

HE WASHED THEIR FEET   Sunday December 13, 2015

Text: John 13:1 – 10     Memory verse: v 5

Jesus Christ has people in the world that are His own; He has purchased them, and paid dearly for them, and He has set them apart for Himself; they devote themselves to Him as a peculiar people. Those whom Christ loves, He loves to the end and nothing can separate a true believer from the love of Christ. Jesus washed His disciples' feet to teach us to promote God's glory and the good of our brethren. We must attend to duty, and must lay aside everything that would hinder us in what we have to do. Washing His disciples' feet signify the value of spiritual washing, and the cleansing of the soul from the pollution of sin.

Before Jesus could go on to speak of the disciples’ glory, he first clearly illustrated the humble service that would lead to glory. This shows that, if we sincerely desire to be glorified, we should first humble ourselves. Washing of feet is the work of servants but Jesus did it. We should also humble ourselves to serve others. This will single us out as Disciples of Christ.

Food for Thought: Humility is not self despising spirit but a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us.

Prayer: Grant me a humble spirit, O Lord.

GODLY SORROW AND ITS EFFECT: Devotion for Friday December 4, 2015

GODLY SORROW AND ITS EFFECT   Friday December 4, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:5 – 11      Memory verse: v 10

Paul had no rest from his circumstances (1 Corinthians 5:12), nor from his fears concerning the Corinthians and the false apostles. However, the coming of Titus was a consolation in the sense that he told him about the Corinthians (7:13), and he was glad to hear about them which eased his fears. Sorrow according to the will of God or tending to the glory of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. There is a great difference between godly sorrow and the worldly sorrow. The fruits of godly sorrow are mentioned in verse 11.   

Godly sorrow generates hatred for sin. It wrought watchfulness and a cautious fear of sin which will lead to the desire to be reconciled with God. Also it wrought zeal for duty and against sin. Deep humility before God, hatred of all sin, with faith in Christ, a new heart and a new life leads to repentance and salvation. May, the Lord bestow them on every one of us.

Food for Thought: Matthew 26:75

Prayer: Bestow upon me a godly sorrow that will lead to repentance.

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.  

BEFORE DESTRUCTION COMES

BEFORE DESTRUCTION COMES   Saturday July 4, 2015

Text: Proverbs 18:12                 Memory verse: v 12

No one is destroyed without a cause. Samson was tamed when he exposed the secrets of his power. Before Nebuchadnezzar was driven into the bush, he was proud and never acknowledged who made him. Time will fail us to mention Herod, Belshazzar, etc. The spirit that manifested in them was enough evidence to show what their end will be. A man's spirit is a sure indication of the lot that awaits him: if he is humble, he will reap honor; if he is haughty, he will reap ruin.

Beloved, pride is the presage of ruin, and ruin will at last be the punishment of pride. In the same way, humility is the presage of honour and prepares men for it, and honour shall at length be the reward of humility (Proverbs 15:33). We manifest pride through words of our mouth, action, dressing, etc. Mention other ways. Pride goes before destruction. We should be mindful of how we live so that we will not ignorantly be proud rather we should show humility in everything for that will bring us honour at the end (Philippians 2:5 – 11).

Food for Thought: Is it possible to know when you manifest pride?

Prayer: Lord, remove every atom of pride in me and grant me the spirit of humility in Jesus name.

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF

HE HUMBLED HIMSELF                                   Monday April 13, 2015

Text: Philippians 2:5 – 11                           Memory verse: v 8

To conform to image of Christ (Romans 8:29), we must learn from Him especially His humility. When He took on a human form, He humbled Himself to accomplish that task for which He came—to die for sinful humanity in order that they might have eternal life. Jesus Christ emptying Himself to become man expressed His great humility and love for humanity.

Stockman said that “True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.” Even in human nature, Jesus was tempted as we are today (Hebrew 4:15) but never fell into any. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be. This is a lesson for us.

Food for Thought: True humility is not an abject, groveling, self-despising spirit; it is but a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us   

Prayer: May I conform to the image of Christ in humility and obedience, O God.