The Evil of Aiding and Abetting: Devotion for Friday May 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 15, 2020

Topic: The Evil of Aiding and Abetting       

Text: Genesis 27:18 – 29

Rebecca knew that the blessing God wanted to give through Isaac was intended for Jacob, and expected he would have it. But she acted wrongly against Isaac by putting a cheat on him; she also wronged Jacob by leading him into wickedness of defrauding his brother. By her action she placed a stumbling-block in Esau's way, and gave him a cause to hate Jacob. The long term consequence of that action is the strife of Islam against Christianity.

The aiding and abetting of Rebecca is one of those crooked measures often adopted to further the Divine promises; as if the end would justify, or excuse wrong means. Thus many have acted wrong, under the idea of being useful in promoting the cause of Christ. No one can be wiser than God.

If Rebecca had not lead Jacob to supplant his brother, wouldn’t God have fulfilled his promises concerning Jacob? This is one area Christians make mistake too often. We try in so many ways to aid and abet ourselves and others in accessing favour from God and men. There is no how we can help God to be God. In all His wisdom, He is able to bring His decrees to fruition without our aid.

By aiding and abetting, most of us have encouraged or involved in all manner of crimes. If you have ever aided and abetted or you are planning one now, repent before the anger of God will descend on you. It is a sin to aid and abet in order to access God’s promise.

Food for Thought: Are there ways you aid and abet yourself or someone else to do evil or gain favour?

Memory verse: Genesis 27:7

Prayer: Forgive me O Lord in any way I have helped someone in aiding and abetting, and help me not to indulge in it any longer.

In A Moment Of Weakness: Devotion for Wednesday May 13, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 13, 2020

Topic: In A Moment Of Weakness             

Text: Genesis 25:29 – 34   

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 decisions. For example, under sexual temptation, a marriage vow may seem unimportant. A person might feel such great pressure in one area that nothing else seems to matter and the person loses his or her perspective.

What pressures are you currently facing? Is it taking or giving bribe? No matter the kind of pressure, you can avoid making Esau’s mistake and selling your Christian birthright by comparing that action’s short-term satisfaction with its long-range consequences before you act. Going through that short, pressure – filled moment is the most difficult part of overcoming a temptation.

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.

Obey Even When It Hurts: Devotion for Friday April 24, 20202

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday April 24, 2020

Topic: Obey Even When It Hurts                                 

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14

Abraham learnt many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. Some of them were when he was called out of Ur; when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises.

That was the reason God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (see Hebrews 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief agony. However Abraham obeyed, giving Isaac at his own hurt and God honoured his faith.

Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. In what ways might God be testing your faith? Are you willing to obey Him even when it will hurt you? Such obedience is what God requires from us – Obedience at all cost.  

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey God even when it hurts.

Memory verse: Hebrew 11:17 

Prayer: 1. God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

2. Pray for my wife and I as we mark our 20th Wedding Anniversary today, April 24.

Boomerang or Fate? Devotion for Friday April 17, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday April 17, 2020

Text: Boomerang or Fate?                               

Text: Genesis 27:30 – 40

The story of Esau and Jacob is a very pathetic one. It has so many lessons to teach us on how someone who makes light the salvation of God will cry before the judgment seat of God on Judgement Day.

When Isaac told Esau that Jacob had taken the blessing, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry. This was the consequence of making light his birthright. He paid dearly with a cry but the cry could not retrieve the lost blessings and birthright.

According to Matthew Henry, “The day is coming, when those that now make light of the blessings of the covenant, and sell their title to spiritual blessings for that which is of no value, will, in vain, ask urgently for them.” Do make light the covenant God made with you by choosing the pleasures of sin rather than suffering affliction for the sake of heaven (see Hebrews 11:25)?

What happened to Esau was both boomerang and fate. Though God favoured Jacob instead of Esau, he (Esau) also contributed to his problem. Some people who are under condemnation of sin rather than repent, have resolved to remain in their sin. One day it will boomerang on you.

Some people have been indulging in “little sin’ – malice, greed, hatred, manifesting pride because they are now born again. Note that one day, all these little foxes will boomerang and you will cry had I known like the rich man (Luke 16:19ff). What seems to be your fate today can change tomorrow by the way you choose to live. The choice is yours.

Action: Write down some things you can do now to avoid crying like Esau on the last day.

Memory verse: Genesis 25:36

Prayer: Lord, may I not contribute to my rejection in heaven on the last day in Jesus name.

Sow Your Seed And Reap: Devotion for Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Devotion for Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Topic: Sow Your Seed And Reap               
Text: Genesis 26:12 – 14                         
The instruction God gave Isaac in 26:2, 3 was "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.”
Isaac obeyed and stayed in Gerar (26:6).
He didn’t just stay, waiting for fulfillment of God’s promise.
He sowed in the land where he was a stranger and God blessed him 100 times more than what he sowed.
The blessing attracted envy of his landlords the Philistines (26:7). They made Isaac go out of their country.
Wisdom teaches us to give up our right, and to draw back from contentions. If we are wrongfully driven from one place, the Lord will make room for us in another.
So it was in the case of Isaac.
One thing we should understand in this text is that Isaac didn’t wait for God’s blessings as promised to start manifesting.
He went ahead to do something for himself. It was what he was doing that God blessed and he prospered therein.
God has promised to bless us. But we still have a part to play in bringing the promises to fulfillment. We have to sow our seed. That seed maybe money, training, studies, investment and many other numerous ways.
When God provided manna, He kept them outside and not inside their tent. He could have sent them into their tents but not so because He wanted to teach them that they have a part to play in their blessings.
Again it was to test their obedience. Isaac obeyed God and stayed in Gerar when God blessed him and he prospered.
How obedient are you to God’s instructions?
Food for Thought: Obedience is the very key that opens the door of miracles, blessings and favour
Memory verse: Genesis 26:12
Prayer: Lord help me to obey your instructions and to sow my seed so you will use it to bless me.

Isaac Sowed

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Saturday January 5

Topic: Isaac Sowed

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 14                           

The instruction God gave Isaac in Genesis chapter 26 verses 2 and 3 was "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.” Isaac obeyed and stayed in Gerar (Genesis 26:6). He didn’t just stay, waiting for fulfillment of God’s promise. He sowed in the land where he was a stranger and God blessed him 100 times more than what he sowed. The blessing attracted envy of his landlords the Philistines (Genesis 26:7). They made Isaac go out of their country. Wisdom teaches us to give up our right, and to draw back from contentions. If we are wrongfully driven from one place, the Lord will make room for us in another. So it was in the case of Isaac. He left without contending with them and that attracted God’s favour the more. This should be a great lesson for us.

One thing we should understand in this text is that Isaac didn’t wait for God’s blessings as promised to start manifesting. He went ahead to do something for himself. It was what he was doing that God blessed and he prospered therein. God has promised to bless us in this New Year. But we still have a part to play in bringing the promises to fulfillment. When God provided manna, He kept them outside and not inside their tent. He could have sent them into their tents but not so because He wanted to teach them that they have a part to play in bringing their blessings to fulfillment. Again it was to test their obedience. Isaac obeyed God and stayed in Gerar when God blessed him and he prospered. How obedient are you to God’s instructions and how prepared are you to obey him this year and beyond?

Food for Thought: How prepared are you to obey God and sow seeds that will last for you?

Memory verse: Genesis 26 v 12

Prayer: Lord, teach me to sow seeds because without sowing my seeds, I will not reap.

Obey, Even When It Hurts

Devotion for Tuesday May 22, 2018

Topic: Obey, Even When It Hurts

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14    

Abraham, through the years, learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises. That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but he wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (see Hebrews 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However Abraham obeyed, giving his son at his own hurt and God honoured his faith. Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey, trusting God as we try to see what He is teaching us. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. Is God testing your faith? Then sing SS&S 642

Action: As you go out, be determined to obey God even if it will hurt you.

Memory verse: Genesis 22:9 

Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

Action Generates Abundance

Devotion for Thursday March 22, 2018

Topic: Action Generates Abundance

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 17                           

God instructed Isaac to stay in the land of the Philistines instead of going down to Egypt as his father Abraham did (Genesis 26:2 – 4). Isaac obeyed and dwelt in Gerar (Genesis 26:6). God told him to stay and he took action to ensure that he walks in line with all the promises God made to him. He sowed and the reward was outstanding (Genesis 26:12). The description of the reward Isaac received is challenging (Genesis 26:13) – “The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.” It was the action taken by Isaac that God required to bless him. God indeed blessed him which made the Philistines to start envying him. You need to enter into an action God needs to bless you so that it will make your enemies to start envying you in Jesus name. Beloved, if you desire to live in abundance, you need to take a step and action that God requires to bless you. God gave Israelites manna in the wilderness but He did not throw it into their tents. They went out for the manna. You need to take action today. Don’t fold your hands and keep waiting for the promised blessing. Isaac didn’t start sleeping and praying for blessings rather he took action. Today some Christians are lazy. They prefer to stay at home believing and claiming all the promises of God without a corresponding action. The action you will take now will determine what you will become or the kind of abundance that will attend your way this year and beyond. 

Sing A&M 483

Food for Thought: “Great ideas means nothing without world-class willpower to get the big ideas done” – Robin Sharma.  

Memory verse: Genesis 22:12

Prayer: Lord, lead me into what I will do so that your promised blessing will begin to manifest in my life and family in Jesus name. 

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

When There Is Famine

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday January 12, 2017         

Topic: When There Is Famine

Text: Ruth 1:1

The story of Ruth takes place sometime during the period of the rule of the judges. These were dark days for Israel, when the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes (Judg. 17:6; 21:25). Such period is usually challenging to the faith of those who believe in God. It takes grit and determination to persist in the faith is such period.

Ruth, who is the main person spoken of in this book was subject to many afflictions and yet eventually, God gave her good and joyful offspring, teaching us to abide with patience till God delivers us out of troubles. Are you undergoing an affliction that has shaken your faith to its foundation? Have people concluded that your case is over and there is no more hope for you? Let this story of Ruth be a great source of encouragement for you.

We depend on God for the comforts of this life, as well as the life to come; and without His blessing, notwithstanding all human efforts, the earth would never yield a harvest. This was the case of Israel in the time of Elimelech and Naomi. This resulted to famine in the land and Elimelech took his family to Moab. Abraham did it by going to Egypt and Isaac wanted to do it too but God stopped him.

Most times, when there is famine in the land, it is usually the consequences of our sin. Running away from the land will not be the best. The first step is to seek the face of God in repentance. The famine some of us are facing now maybe sickness, no job, unfavourable business, failure in exams, problems in your marriage, delayed conception, etc. Running away as Elimelech did is not always the solution.

Some people ran away from their land because of famine, but not all have succeeded. There were people who stayed back and God remembered them. We should always seek the face of God when we are confronted with problems or else we will take decisions that might affect us adversely.

Food for Thought: Psalm 37:19

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 1 - In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.

Prayer: Read Psalm 33:18 – 22 and use it to pray.

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:26 – 33                  Memory verse: Genesis 26:28 

Today’s bible passage confirms Proverbs 16:7 which says, “When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This was the case of Isaac in our bible reading of today. We have seen this happen in so many places. David who killed Philistine giant and champion Goliath was offered asylum by Achish one of the Philistines kings who would have seen the coming of David as an opportunity to avenge the death of their champion but it was not so as he openly and warmly welcomed David and his men. He didn’t stop at that, he also gave him the power to choice the place he will stay and David opted for Ziklag to go out of his daily sight.

The bible asserts that the kings' hearts are in the hands of God, which, when it pleases Him, turns their hearts to grant favour to His people. A good man will always be peaceful. That was the case of Isaac. He never insisted on avenging the unfair treatment he received from the Philistines. Rather, he chose to forgive them and to enter into a new relationship and friendship with them.

Our Christian faith teaches and expects us to be good and friendly neighbours with people in our neighbourhood. It always expects us to live peaceably with all men as we have in Hebrew 12:14. For what Isaac did in making forgiving and making peace, providence smiled upon him and God blessed his labours. This persuaded the people of Gerar to come to Isaac.

With Isaac’s enemies wanting to make a peace treaty, Isaac was quick to respond, turning the occasion into a celebration. We should be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with us. When God’s influence in our lives attracts people; even enemies, we must take the opportunity to reach out to them with God’s love. Insisting on wrongs done to us can never bring God’s blessing upon us. Those that God has blessed and favoured have enough reason to forgive those that hate them, since they cannot do them any real harm. Are you willing to forgive those who offended you?

Food for Thought: “Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one, makes you even with him; forgiving it sets you above him” -Nylic Review.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend and hurt me in Jesus name.

GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR PLIGHT: Devotion for Friday September 9, 2016

GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR PLIGHT: Devotion for Friday September 9, 2016

Text: Genesis 26: 24, 25               Memory verse: Genesis 26:24

Most times all we need to overcome the problems of life we pass through is just someone to encourage us; someone to hold our hands or someone we can lay our heads on. Sometimes we don’t even need the money or physical help. Once we have a heart to understand us, we will be okay.

If you are in good relationship with God and usually spend time with Him, you will definitely know that He understands our plight and our need for special encouragement. Occasionally, when we are confronted with series of problems in life, we develop emotion depression and then we will need a heart to lean on. This was the case of Isaac as he needed especial encouragement because of the insult, envy, jealousy and outrage he received from the Philistines.

With the persistent attack and threat, he had to return to the place where Abraham his father died. Such remembrance of the death of his father and the persecution he suffered in the hands of the Philistines afflicted his soul. God who made him and called him into the covenant He made with his father, Abraham, understood his plight and immediately appears to comfort and support him in his trials, by a renewal of all the promises made to him and his father. After God had spoken to him, he built an altar there. God’s words brought reassurance to Isaac that He was there with him. That might have been the reason why he started building the altar for God.

There are times when we are challenged and wronged, and we feel as if God is far from us or has forgotten us. One might ask why God didn’t intervene when Isaac was being wronged by the Philistines. Why did He now appear after he has suffered loses? The reason is that the land of Philistine was not the place God promised Isaac. Again, the famine that made him to run to the land of Philistine was over. God expected him to have returned. God knows when to appear for our good. Are you going through hard times, sickness, in prison, being oppressed, etc? God understands your situation and will appear for your deliverance soon. Don’t give up.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Lord, you know all my ordeals, send your words of encouragement to pacify and reassure me of your love in Jesus name.

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:15 – 23          Memory verse: Genesis 26:16

God is ever faithful to the words He has spoken and He keeps them. He doesn’t make a promise without keeping to it. We have series of promises He made to His people which were fulfilled. Though some took a long time to come to pass, the long time in our eyes is not so with God.

He kept His promise to bless Isaac (Genesis 26:3) as Isaac was blessed (Genesis 26:13). The Bible stated that he started prospering until he became prosperous. The neighbouring Philistines grew jealous because everything Isaac did seemed to go right. The first step they took was to plug his wells and tried to get rid of him. By this they thought his blessings will cease. Being jealous is a very bad and it is a dividing force that can tear apart the closest friends. Life Application Notes says, “Jealousy forces you to separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place. When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune.”

The jealousy and envy of the Philistines against Isaac made him to relocate three times and on each occasion, he and his men dug new well. In the first two disputes that arose between Isaac and the Philistines, he moved on. He opted to avoid quarrel and troubles of the Philistines by moving to a more neutral ground. Here is a lesson and challenge for us Christians of this generation. Isaac moved on without challenging back for his rights which were denied him. He finally got to a place where there was room enough for him and the Philistines. Instead of Isaac resorting to start a huge conflict, he opted for give and take for the sake of peace between him and his landlords. We should be willing to forsake an important position or valuable possession to keep peace as those who bear the name of Christ.

Beloved, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your Landlord, your colleagues, your neighbours, etc, begins to envy you. Picking quarrels against them will be a mark of immaturity. With the blessing of God upon you, you are greater than them and will continue to excel above them. If someone is jealous of you, it means you have something he or she doesn’t have. Why then will you be offended? Know that the more they envy you, the more you will continue to prosper. It is my sincere desire that God will prosper you till you become prosperous in Jesus name. Amen        

Food for Thought: Exodus 1:9

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to know when to withdraw and when to stand and fight when people are against me.

ISAAC SOWED: Devotion for Saturday September 3, 2016

ISAAC SOWED: Devotion for Saturday September 3, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 14           Memory verse: Genesis 26:12     

The instruction God gave Isaac in Genesis 26:2 & 3 was "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.” Isaac obeyed God’s instruction and stayed in Gerar (Genesis 26:6). He didn’t just stay, waiting for fulfillment of God’s promise. In the interim, he sowed in the land where he was a stranger and God blessed him 100 times more than what he sowed. He was not waiting for the death of the Philistines to inherit their blessings. The blessing of God upon him attracted envy of his landlords, the Philistines (Genesis 26:7). They forced Isaac go out of their country. Wisdom and discretion teaches us to give up our right, and to draw back from contentions. That was what David did when Saul went after him. He ran to the Philistines.  If we are wrongfully driven out from one place, the Lord will make room for us in another. So it was in the case of Isaac.

We should understand that Isaac didn’t wait for God’s blessings as promised to start manifesting. He went ahead to do something for himself. It was what he was doing that God blessed and he prospered therein. God has promised to bless us. But we still have a part to play in bringing the promises to fulfillment. When God provided manna, He kept them outside and not inside the tent. He could have sent them into their tents but it wasn’t so because He wanted to teach them that they have a part to play in their blessings. Again it was to test their obedience. Isaac obeyed God and stayed in Gerar when God blessed him and he prospered. How obedient are you to God’s instructions?

Food for Thought: What and where can you sow so as to reap abundantly?

Prayer: As I sow, O Lord, may I reap in abundance in Jesus name. Grant that I will not reap into a leaking pocket in Jesus name.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Devotion for Friday September 2, 2016

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Devotion for Friday September 2, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:1 – 11               Memory verse: Genesis 26:7

Most behavioural traits of any man are usually transferred to his child. Outside that, most children copy what their father do a lot and grow up with them. Again, most men always like their son to take after them. My dad was a teacher. After my secondary school education, he talked me into going to a Teacher Training College. Then I hadn’t any courage to challenge him. I obliged.

In Genesis 12:10–19 we have the story of how Abram went to Egypt and told lies that Sarai is his sister. In the real sense, Sarah was related to him but now she is the wife and he ought to have acknowledged that. Instead, he talked Sarah into agreeing with him that she was the sister.

God had told him to go to Canaan but due to famine, he left for Egypt. He didn’t ask God before he left. The consequence of that visit was Haggai the mother of Ishmael. Here is a similar lie by his son, Isaac in Gerar, an ancient city south of Gaza in the land of Philistine. Isaac was on his way to Egypt too when God stopped him (26:2, 3). Moses, of the tribe of Levi didn’t enter into the Promised Land because of anger (Num 20:8–11). This was the trait he inherited from his forefathers, Levi (Gen. 49:5, 6).         

Beloved in Christ, we should understand that most of our behavioural traits are transferable. Therefore, as parents, we should be wise to ask God to deliver us from any trait in us that is not godly. Do you have a bad behaviour like anger, hatred, greed, pride, etc? Please ask God to deliver you out of it. Moses lived 120 years and used it to labour for his people. Because of anger, he was not part of the climax of his labour. This was very unfortunate. Had Abram not gone to Egypt, Haggai wouldn’t have come into his house. Are you still living in sin? Then you are like your father the devil (Jn. 8:41–44). Repent now because those who live in sin are not the sons of God.        

Food for Thought: Malachi 1:6

Prayer: God, you are my Father. Deliver me from the power of sin because anyone living in sin is a son of the devil. 

OBEY EVEN WHEN IT HURTS: Devotion for Wednesday April 20, 2016

OBEY EVEN WHEN IT HURTS: Devotion for Wednesday April 20, 2016              

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14    Memory verse: v 9                   

Abraham, through the years, learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises. That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (Heb 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However Abraham obeyed, even at his own hurt and God honoured his faith.

Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey, trusting God as we try to see what He teaches us. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. In what ways might God be testing your faith?

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey God even when it hurts. 

Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

AIDING AND ABETTING: Devotion for Tuesday April 12, 2016

AIDING AND ABETTING: Devotion for Tuesday April 12, 2016

Text: Genesis 27:6 – 29     Memory verse: v 6 & 7

Rebecca knew that the blessing God wanted to give through Isaac was intended for Jacob, and expected he would have it. But she acted wrongly against Isaac by cheating on him; she also wronged Jacob by leading him into wickedness of defrauding his brother. By her action she placed a stumbling-block in Esau's way, and gave him a cause for hatred towards Jacob and at last to Christianity. The aiding and abetting of Rebecca is one of those crooked measures often adopted to further the Divine promises; as if the end would justify, or excuse wrong means. Thus many have acted wrongly, under the idea of being useful in promoting the cause of Christ. No one can be wiser than God. If Rebecca had not lead Jacob to supplant his brother, wouldn’t God have fulfilled his promises concerning Jacob?

This is one area we Christians make mistake too often. We try in so many ways to aid and abet ourselves and others in accessing favour from God and men. We can’t help God to be God. In all His wisdom, He is able to bring His decrees to fruition. By aiding and abetting, most of us have encouraged or involved ourselves in all manner of crimes. One of my daughters once told me how the parents gave her money to pay for examination malpractices. She refused and at last she failed. She refused because she has accepted Christ as her Saviour. She saw it as sin which some would have easily complied with. If you have ever aided and abetted or you are planning one now, repent before the anger of God will descend on you.

Food for Thought: Are there ways you aid and abet yourself or someone else to do evil or gain favour?

Prayer: Forgive me, O Lord, in any way I have helped someone in aiding and abetting, and help me not to indulge in it any longer.       

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE (ACTION) 1: Devotion for Thursday February 25, 2016

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE (ACTION) 1: Devotion for Thursday February 25, 2016      

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 17                            Memory verse: v 12

God instructed Isaac to stay in the land of the Philistines instead of going down to Egypt as his father Abraham did (26:2–4). Isaac obeyed and dwelt in Gerar (26:6). God told him to stay and he took action to ensure that he walks in line with all the promises God made to him. He sowed and the reward was outstanding (26:12). The description of the reward Isaac received is challenging (26:13) – “The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.” It was the action taken by Isaac that God required to bless him. God indeed blessed him which made the Philistines to start envying him. May God in His mercies, do something in your life that will attract envy of people in Jesus name.

Beloved, if you desire to live in abundance, you need to take a step and action that God requires to bless you. God gave Israelis manna in the wilderness but He did not throw it into their tents. They went out for the manna. You need to take action today. Don’t fold your hands and keep waiting for the “wealth of the Gentiles” as some lazy Christians do or you stay at home believing and claiming all the promises of God without a corresponding action. The action you will take now will determine what you will become or the kind of abundance that will attend your way this year.

Food for Thought: “Great ideas means nothing without world-class willpower to get the big ideas done” – Robin Sharma.  

Prayer: Lord, lead me into what I will do so that your promised blessing will begin to manifest in my life and family in Jesus name.

MEDITATION

MEDITATION                            Sunday April 5, 2015

Text: Genesis 24:62 – 67         Memory verse: v 63                                            

Devout meditation upon the character, works, and ways of God, communion with Him, and commitment of our interests to His care, are often followed by His special favours. Some think Isaac expected his servants about that time that was why he went to the field for the purpose of meeting them. However, it should seem he went out to take the advantage of a silent evening, and a solitary field, for mediation and prayer. This was the habit of the godly fathers to meditate on God's promises, and to pray for the accomplishment of them. How often do you make out time to meditate on God’s word and works even in this Easter season when we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ?  

As we observe the evening meditation God sometimes lets us have what in our willfulness we persist in choosing, just to teach us that our own way is not the best. Evening meditation gives opportunity for reappraisal of our walk with God for the day. Maximize it for your spiritual growth.

Food for Thought: Through meditation and by giving full attention to one thing at a time we can learn to direct our attention to God fully and benefit from His ever presence.

Prayer: Teach me O God, to always make time to be in your presence as I meditate on your love and faithfulness.