In A Moment Of Weakness

Devotion for Monday January 22, 2018

Topic: In A Moment Of Weakness

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34  

If you have ever given away a valuable possession and later regretted it, you will probably recall that you made that decision of giving out that valuable possession under pressure or in a moment of weakness. At that time, resistance seemed impossible. A birthright was a special honour given to the firstborn son (Genesis 25:31). It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honour of one day becoming the family’s leader. Birthrights were priceless. 

In Isaac’s family, the birthright belonged to Esau. But because of Esau’s narrow view, he did not hold on to it. Esau was hungry and Jacob had some food, Esau could not see beyond his exaggerated sense of need. His words in Genesis 25:32 were probably not true; it merely reflected how he felt. Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do. Esau did not need to eat the meal he so desperately wanted, but the pressure of the moment distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent. 

People often experience similar pressures and face similar decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. What pressures do you face at the moment? You can avoid making Esau’s mistake by comparing an action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Getting through that short, pressure–filled moment is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming a temptation. May God help us in such times in Jesus name, Amen! Sing A&M 184

Food for Thought: Do you act on impulse to satisfying your immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences?

Memory verse: Genesis 25:32

Prayer: Lord, may I not sell my Christian right for any material gain in Jesus name. Amen

The Widow Of Zarephath

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday March 20, 2017

Topic: The Widow Of Zarephath

Text: 1 Kings 17:8 – 16

In mid-2016, I read in one of the Nigerian National dailies how a woman used her child as a surety to get food for her family in Osun State Nigeria because of hunger. In August 2016, I also read how a pregnant woman stole N300:00 (less than a dollar) to eat. She didn’t deny when arrested. These and many more are effects of hunger on Nigerians as at the time of writing especially the one caused by famine.

That makes it worse as was this case in Israel in time of this woman of Zarephath. Her faith in this time of crises was exemplary and worthy of emulation. This woman and Jezebel, wife of Ahab are from the same territory. She was not a Jewess. Zarephath is a Phoenician seaport on the Mediterranean between Tyre and Sidon, usually subject to Tyre. How come she had faith in God of Israel to believe Elijah? Is there any lesson for us about those who are not of the same faith with you?

How could this woman easily believe the words of Elijah as she was not an Israelite? Probably, she had heard so much about Elijah and the God of Israel. Or she had become a secret worshipper of God of Israel. Beloved, you might have heard so much about God or you might have read so much about Him in the scriptures. Do you believe His words or you still have doubts in His ability to heal, deliver and save you?  

This woman gave up what she termed her last meal before death to a total stranger. She acted like the widow who gave a mite. That was an uncommon faith. Her faith is a challenge for us. How many of us are willing to give out from our best or last food, clothes, car, etc? Most of us give out the over used clothes, remnant of our food, etc. We should learn to give the best. This woman was rewarded for such a faith. You will receive far more if you learn to give your best.

Action: As you go out today, ensure that you give your best in words and deed to those who need them.

Memory verse: 1 King 17 verse 15

Prayer: God, grant me the kind of faith in that woman of Zarephath in Jesus name. Amen.

BLESSING IN ARDENT DESIRE TO DO RIGHT

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 18, 2016

Topic: BLESSING IN ARDENT DESIRE TO DO RIGHT    

Text: Matthew 5:6               Memory verse: Matthew 5:6

Righteousness as we have it here denotes that spiritual and entire conformity to the laws of God. To hunger and thirst here means to have an ardent desire to conform to the laws of God. As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, Jesus, by using these words here, plainly mean those whose deepest cravings are to live in a right relationship with God. Jesus Christ wants us to understand that to hunger and thirst after righteousness is to apprehend its worth, to desire it, and to be restless in endeavours to posses it, as people usually do when they are haggard as a result of hunger.

Hunger and thirsty are what we experience daily. The use here implies that our desire for righteousness should be on daily basis. No one satisfies hunger and thirst once and for all. Therefore, we cannot claim righteousness once and for all. When we take a proper look at the first four of the beatitudes, they centre on personal relationship with God in terms of salvation and righteousness while the remainders show us how to relate with people accordingly. Do you have this kind of hunger and thirst? Our desires of spiritual blessings especially for righteousness must be sincere and earnest.

Food for Thought: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart desire and I long to worship thee. Chorus: You alone are my strength, my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield; you alone are my heart desire, and I long to worship Thee (Song). 

Prayer: Almighty God, satisfy my hunger and thirst after spiritual blessings.