God’s Mysterious Ways: Devotion for Monday September 28, 2020

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Devotion for Monday September 28, 2020

Topic: God’s Mysterious Ways

Text: Exodus 14:21 – 31                                 

This story is an instance of God’s wonderful favour to His people, Israel. God showed His Almighty power, by opening a passage through the waters, some miles over for them to pass through. There was no apparent way of escape, but the Lord opened up a dry path through the sea.

This shows that God can bring His people through the greatest difficulties, and force a way for them where He does not find it. They went through the sea; they walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea. This was done, in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust Him in the greatest straits. What cannot He do who did this do for you if only you trust Him to do so?

Sometimes we find ourselves caught in a problem and see no way out. Don’t panic; God can open up a way. What is the trap before you that there is no way of escape? God will make a way for you. When challenged and trapped, let this story and the words of this song by Don Moen encourage you.

 

God will make a way, Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me

He will be my guide, Hold closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way, He will make a way

 

By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see heaven and earth will fade

But His word will still remain; He will do something new today

   

Food for Thought: The parting of Red Sea was done in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust Him in the greatest straits.

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 31

Prayer: God, make way for me today as I go forth into the world. Open doors and gates of opportunities for me in Jesus name. 

Believe To See: Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday September 22, 2020

Topic: Believe To See                                          

Text: Exodus 14:10 – 14                             

In John 20:29, Jesus said, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Thomas wanted to see the wound inflicted on Jesus before he could believe that Jesus had risen. But Jesus told him to believe before seeing for their lies the blessings of God.

When Israel came to Pi Hahiroth as God directed them in Exodus 14:2, they camped there and Pharaoh with his men came pursing. There was no way open to Israel but upward, and thence their deliverance came. In their front was the Red Sea; behind them were Pharaoh and his men while their sides are hills. Thus it was hard for them to escape. The fearful cried out to Moses out of fear while the faithful looked through the only way opened to them which is heaven.

They quarrel with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt; and were also angry with God for the greatest kindness ever done them; thus gross are the absurdities of unbelief. Our fears should quicken our prayers and endeavours, but not silence our faith and hope. So Moses told them to be still, to believe and see what God will do for them (Exodus 14:13 and 14). What these two verses imply is that it is only when they believe that they will see miracles and if they don’t, the problem will consume them.

Beloved, are you afraid because the enemies have surrounded you and you don’t have the way of escape? Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Just believe God miraculous intervention because you will no longer see those enemies again. Be still! The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.     

Food for Thought: A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 13

Prayer: Give me the heart to believe your words, O Lord, that I might see your miracles and blessings upon my life in Jesus name.

Israel Are Special People: Devotion for Friday August 21, 2020

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Devotion for Friday August 21, 2020

Topic: Israel Are Special People                

Text: Deuteronomy 33:26 – 29             

This song of Moses declares that God is the refuge of the people of Israel, their only true security. This is one reason he said that the Israelites are privileged and special. There is none like the God as Israel. Thus there are no people like the Israel of God. This also applies to the New Israel or the Spiritual Israel which we belong.

Here are some of the peculiarities of Israel.

1. They were always well seated and sheltered. Those who make God their habitation shall have all the comforts and benefits of a habitation in Him (Psalm 91:1).

2. Never were people so well supported and borne up. God stoops to be with His people at any time. His everlasting arms are underneath them, to keep the spirit from sinking, from fainting, and their faith from failing. Divine grace is sufficient for them.

3. They were well commanded. Thus believers are more than conquerors over their spiritual enemies, through Christ that loved them.

4. The people were well secured and protected. Israel shall dwell in safety alone.

5. Never were people so well provided for; so helped, so well-armed, so well assured of victory over their enemies. Is there any other thing that can make us more special than these? 

Food for Thought: What more makes someone so special than these?

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 33 v 29

Prayer: May God help us to seek and to set our affections on Him alone; that we may have our lot with Israel of God, in the realms of love and eternal happiness, and not  Israel's foes in the regions of darkness and despair.

The Chosen of God: Devotion for Thursday August 13, 2020

 

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Devotion for Thursday August 13, 2020

Topic: The Chosen of God                              

Text: Isaiah 49:7 – 12                                        

Have you ever asked yourself, why am I a Christian? Is it because I was born into the church? Is it because God chose me to be a Christian? Being a Christian is not because we are good enough to be, but because God chose us out of His love and grace.

Again, have you ever asked why God is so interested in Israel despite their stiff-neck disposition? The reason for the choice of Israel is to become an instrument through which the world will come to know God (Isaiah 49:8, 9). That is also why you are a Christian.

The catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:480 has it that “God required the chosen people (Israel) to be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Our text speaks of what Christ will do for us and what we should do in appreciation of God’s faithfulness.

Beloved, God chose you as a Christian for some purposes. He chose you to become salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), to become light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and to show forth His praise and glory. From the words of Book of Common Prayer, we are expected to “Be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Have you being doing these? How faithful are you?

In John 15:16, Jesus stated why He chose and appointed us as Christians. It is just simple; we “Should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” John 15:16b. How are you doing this? Are you bearing good fruit or bad fruit?

Action: As you go out today, do the work that will bear fruit for God either through preaching, charity or showing mercy on people you meet.

Memory verse: Isaiah 49:7

Prayer: Help me O Lord to live up to the reason for your calling upon my life.

God Hears When We Complain: Devotion for Wednesday August 5, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday August 5, 2020

Topic: God Hears When We Complain                 

Text: Numbers 11:1 – 3                                   

It is proper to remind us that God is not man. He is omnipresent, omniscience and omnipotent. He alone knows what we will do or say tomorrow and even in years ahead. Not only that, He knows the intent of our hearts and the motive behind whatever we do. For this reason, we should be very careful of the utterances we make. When we have in mind that God is always with us in whatever we do, it will make us to be extremely cautious of our actions and inaction.

One of the ways we attract God’s anger is murmuring and complaining. These acts discredit God as unable or unwilling to save, deliver and help us. They are acts of lack of faith and confidence in God. Some major problems between God and His people, Israel is their act of disobedience and lack of faith they showed to Him. They were always faltering between opinions (1 King 18:21). It attracts God’s anger always.

In our text, the Israelites complained bitterly against God and Moses (Numbers 11:1). This made God to send fire against them in Taberah. Discontentment with the ways God deals with us is unwise and wicked. People who indulge in it provoke Him, and expose themselves to His wrath. We should understand that He knows the best for us.

Are you complaining because you are discontented with God for not answering your prayer about job, success in exam, fruit of the womb, no prospective spouse, etc.? As you even contemplate it in your heart, God hears.

Don’t incur His wrath. Know that these things you are seriously asking from God are extra blessings. The ultimate is our salvation.

Food for Thought: Discontentment and complaint are stepping stone to backsliding in faith. Beware because it attracts God’s anger.

Memory verse: Numbers 11:1               

Prayer: Heal me, O Lord, of any discontentment in me and help me never to complain about the position I find myself.

Things That Provoke God: Devotion for Thursday June 18, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday June 18, 2020

Topic: Things That Provoke God             

Text: Ezekiel 36:16 – 20                          

One characteristics or nature of God is that He doesn’t punish or restore us without telling us our wrongs. Most cases He sets before us the wrong and its consequences, and the right and its blessings (Leviticus 24 and Deuteronomy 28). The scripture has the story of how God spoke about the impending danger on the house of Eli but they did not heed the warning (1 Samuel 2:27 – 34).

Here in our text, God told Ezekiel what made Him to drive away the Israelites from their land into exile. This was God’s reason: “When the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds; to me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman in her customary impurity.” These actions of the Israelites were contrary to the covenant they made with God in Sinai when they came out of Egypt. They chose their ways rather than the way of God. This was the thing that provoked God’s anger.

Beloved, by virtue of our new birth and as Christians, we entered into a covenant with God which our catechism calls New Covenant. In that New Covenant Jesus Christ commands us to believe in Him and keep His commandment. It was for this reason He gave us the New Commandment that we should love one another as He loved us.

The question for us today is, do we keep the commandments as required of us? Do we love one another as He loved us? Failure means that we have chosen our own way as against the ways of God as the Israelites did. By that action, we have severed ourselves from God’s kingdom. Is that your wish and desire? May that not be your wish!

Food for Thought: Obedience to God is the required from us if we hope to have a place in His kingdom.

Memory verse: Ezekiel 36:17

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need O Lord to always do things according to your will and not mine in Jesus name.

When They Remembered God: Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

Topic: When They Remembered God

Text: Judges 6:7 – 10                                    

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 (Luke 15:11 - end.

The people of Israel 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 the sinfulness of sin, as disobedience to God, is chiefly lamented. 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, what are you suffering at this moment? Are you sick, in prison, indebted, etc.? Whether it may be that came 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 you sure you were not the one 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 (Isaiah 59:1 – 2).

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

Memory verse: Judges 6:7

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

One of the Consequences of Idol Worship: Devotion for Monday June 15, 2020

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Devotion for Monday June 15, 2020

Topic: One of the Consequences of Idol Worship      

Text: Judges 6:6                                    

The situation in the land of Israel at this time was embarrassing. It was the result of their disobedience and sin of Idol worship which God warned them earlier. Sin has it grievous consequences.

When the Israelites went out to war against Ai, they were humiliated (Joshua 7:1 – 5). We also know how the Israelites were humiliated in the days of Eli when the Ark of Covenant was seized by the Philistines and God had to fight for Himself (1 Samuel 4:1 – 11).

Sin stays the hand of God from fighting our battles; it stays the hand of God protecting us, from providing for us and from answering our prayers (Isaiah 59:1 – 2). The land of Israel was impoverished because of the siege from their surrounding neighbours. I can imagine the level of malnutrition in that land then.

Beloved, don’t undermine the consequences of sin especially idol worship. God detests idol worship and has vowed to punish people who are involved in it even to the fourth generation.

Many of us indulge in willful sin thinking we have time to repent. We should not forget Ananias and Sapphira. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31) because He is a consuming fire. He devours without mercy. It is now we can enjoy His mercy. Therefore, let us not abuse the privilege we have by living in sin especially modern day idol worship like money, wealth, property, etc.

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Food for Thought: Those that forsake the true God wander endlessly after false ones.

Memory verse: Judges 6:6

Prayer: God may I not forsake you and start wandering after idols.

Avoid Unnecessary Embarrassment: Devotion for Sunday June 12, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 12, 2020

Topic: Avoid Unnecessary Embarrassment      

Text: Judges 6:1 – 5                                              

Except for God’s grace, men are naturally incline to sin. It is said that “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” God doesn’t punish a people without first warning them except the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

One of the warnings handed over to the people of Israel by God through Moses was the warning of idol worship. It was a lengthy passage in the bible (Leviticus 26:14 – 46; Deuteronomy 28:15 – 68). Unfortunately, they couldn’t resist the temptation. For the evil they committed, see Judges 2:13 and 19. Sin tends to misery, and all the calamities which men suffer are tokens of God's displeasure against it.

What these neighbours of Israel did was to ensure there was no food in Israel. Their mission was not to take their produce away but to destroy them. It became embarrassment for the Israelites.   

The purpose of God's punishments is to call His people to repentance, that they may seek help from Him. Such embarrassment on a nation was the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. This is how devil embarrasses most pretenders to be Christian. For example what took a Pastor to the bedroom of a parishioner when only the wife of the man is at home? What is a condom doing in the bible of a brother preaching inside the bus? How come a sister who told the world she was a virgin give birth just 4 months after wedding?

As Christians, our standards should be high. There is no compromise about it. You may be hiding and compromising with sin but a day will come when God will embarrass you. Beware!

Food for Thought: Those who compromise their faith will always eat shame because their acts are never hidden for long

Memory verse: Judges 6:4             

Prayer: God, remove anything that will make the enemies to embarrass me.

Use Every Opportunity to Glorify God: Devotion for Sunday June 7, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 7, 2020

Topic: Use Every Opportunity to Glorify God               

Text: 2 Kings 5:2 – 3                                            

When Paul and Silas were jailed for preaching the gospel, they were not deterred. Right there inside the prison cell, they were singing to God, using the very opportunity they had to glorify God. The result was unprecedented as souls were won for Christ.

In our scriptural reading for today, we saw how this young girl; a captive from Israel, used the opportunity to tell her captors that there is a God in Israel who is Almighty, who can heal her master. She didn’t nurse grudges that she has been deprived of parental love and care by her captors. She was in a foreign land proclaiming God.

This little maid, though only a girl, could give an account of the famous prophet the Israelites had among them. Children should be taught at the early stage of their lives about the wondrous works of God, so that, wherever they go, they may talk of them. How much do you tell your children about God?

Every day, we have opportunity to serve God and humanity, and to preach the gospel of repentance, peace and love to people. There are pulpits everywhere; on the road, school, offices, business premises, etc., which we can use to teach the word of God. We should stop complaining that our Priest/Pastor has refused to give us pulpit in our churches. Daily we have opportunity to show kindness to people. How much do we utilise these opportunities in our schools, offices, business premises, as we commute, etc?

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God has sent you to that school, that office, that neighbourhood at a time like this for a purpose. God can use you to spread His word. Look for opportunities to tell others what God can do. There’s no telling who will hear your message and benefit! Do so because you will account for it someday.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you use the opportunity you have to show kindness, preach the word of God and encourage someone.    

Memory verse: 2 Kings 5:3                                                

Prayer: Lord, may I use every opportunity I have to do good to people I meet and preach your gospel in Jesus name.

Please Be The Judge: Devotion for Thursday May 21, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday May 21, 2020

Topic: Please Be The Judge

Text: Isaiah 5: 1 – 7                                      

Our bible passage for today is an imagery God used to teach the nation of Israel and by extension we the readers of today about our unfaithfulness despite the enormous grace and mercies we have received from Him.

God used the imagery of a vineyard at a very good place, fertile enough to produce good fruits (Isaiah 5:1, 2). All that was needed to make the vineyard were provided (Isaiah 5:2). Unfortunately and regrettably too, the vineyard produce the opposite of what God expected. Instead of good grapes, it produced wild grapes that were not useful.  

The lesson of the song of the vineyard shows that God’s chosen nation was to bear fruit—to carry out his work, to uphold justice. It did bear the fruit, but the fruit was bad. This passage uses plays on words: the Hebrew words for justice and bloodshed sound very much alike, as do those for righteousness and oppression. The hurt friend (God) now directs rhetorical questions to the people of Judah, asking them to judge whether He is guilty of neglecting them.

God often condemns sinners “out of their own mouth” (Deuteronomy 32:6; 2 Samuel 12:1-6; Job 15:6; Luke 19:22; Romans 3:4). Jesus gave us insight on how to identify someone by his or her fruit in Matthew 7:20. Have you examined your own “fruit” lately? Is it good or bad, useful or wild? If what you found is the opposite of what is expected, take action today. Amend your ways and begin to live righteously. God bless you!

Food for Thought: Are the fruit mention in Galatians 5:22 and 23 the kind you bear as a Christian.

Memory verse: Isaiah 5:3

Prayer: Almighty God, as you have invested so much on me, help me to make return equal to what you have invested in me in Jesus name.

Let Your Light Shine: Devotion for Wednesday May 6, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday May 6, 2020

Topic: Let Your Light Shine                          

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8                                   

A true Christian is a light to the world. In Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptized will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be.

In Matthew 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and gives to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this?

In our text, the prophet calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is, that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (Isaiah 60:2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (Isaiah 60:2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, it will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2).

For us who are Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it. It is a command. Therefore, ensure you do it through godly living; through the words of your mouth and through your actions.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Memory verse: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name.

God Rescues and Saves Us: Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

Topic: God Rescues and Saves Us                                               

Text: Psalm 107:10 – 16

Never undermine what God can do. He can turn a very bad and irredeemable situation into our favour when He is determined and that is why He is never too later in case He wants to act on. We should note that sin has so much consequences and the bible says that the soul that sins shall die.

Our text started with the level of affliction meted out on the Israelites (Psalm 107:10, 12) because they sinned against God (Psalm 107:11). In most cases sin is the major cause of troubles and problems of life we pass through. Most times God allow some of these afflictions to come upon us so we can redress our steps and seek His face in repentance. This was the case as they sought the Lord in their trouble and he heard them and delivered them out of their troubles.

Most times we don’t turn to God when we run into trouble. We try so many avenues for solution before we remember that God is there for us. God speedily answered His people when they repent. The Israelites stayed very long before they cried to God, but He was not long before He saved. They had sought for help everywhere else before they came to Him, but when they did address themselves to Him, they were welcome at once. This is the God we serve. A loving Father indeed! Remember the story of Prodigal Son which Jesus Christ used to teach us about the forbearance of God.

Beloved, are you in trouble? Are you concerned about the lockdown and Covid-19? Are you troubled about your family, children, spouse, business and many others? Call upon God now. Do not procrastinate about it and don’t let your sin pose as a barrier because He is ever willing to forgive you. Call upon Him today and don’t delay. He will safe you speedily no matter how irredeemable it may seem in the eyes of men.       

Food for Thought: Psalm 50:15

Memory verse: Psalm 107:13

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from all troubles of life I am passing through in Jesus name.

God Is Ever Faithful To His Word: Devotion for Monday April 20, 2020

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Devotion for Monday April 20, 2020

Topic: God Is Ever Faithful To His Word                          

Text: Luke 2:25 – 35  

Any prayer we make according to the will of God especially those that will bring glory to His name we receive answers from Him. The man Simeon was “Just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he will see the salvation of Israel before death. What a privilege! By the leading of the Spirit, he came into the temple at the dedication of the child, Jesus.

Here is the confession of Simeon’s faith, that the child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself; the salvation God has appointed for the world. God was faithful in keeping him to see that salvation promised (Luke 2:29ff).          

There are some lessons for us in this story.

1) Simeon had a good standing with God; a just and devout man, which made God to reveal mysteries to him. What is your standing with God? What testimony can people share about you? The life of Simeon should be a challenge to you.

2) God is faithful to His word. He spoke to Simeon about seeing the Salvation and Consolation of Israel. He kept His word and Simeon saw the Consolation of Israel. This shows that God cannot deny us and His word. Whatever He has said about you, He will perform.

3) When we wait patiently on God, He will answer us. Simeon waited for Consolation of Israel and he got it. Are you waiting on God for something, be sure that you will not be disappointed.

Food for Thought: God fulfills all His word; keeps all his promises, and never disappoints those who trust in him.

Memory verse: Luke 2:30

Prayer: As I keep on trusting your word, O Lord, may you fulfill them in Jesus name.


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Benediction I: Devotion for Wednesday April 1, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday April 1, 2020

Topic: Benediction 1                               

Text: Numbers 6:24

Today and tomorrow, we shall be looking at the prayer of benediction the priest says at the close of church services, meetings and fellowships. In our text for the day, we have blessings as contained in our benediction – The Lord, bless and keep you. It is a prayer asking God to bestow upon us all manner of blessings both temporal and spiritual.

God’s blessings of His Covenant people include receiving food and provisions, fertility in their fields and among their herds and cattle, and children (Lev. 26:3 – 15 & Deut. 28:1 - 14). May God bestow these blessing on you in Jesus name!

Another aspect of the Benediction is that God should keep us which means that God should continue to preserve us as we have received His blessings and as we use those blessings. It also means that God should keep us from sins and its bitter effects.

Blessings of God and protection from evil are the two most unquantifiable needs of people. God will bless you with irrevocable blessings and keep you from evil this month and always especially in a time like this when the world is face with the deadly virus, coronavirus.

Unfortunately, most people undermine this Benediction and walk out from church service before dismissal. You should desire it always and even request your priest to say it upon you and your family always.

Food for Thought: Why did God command Moses and Aaron to pronounce these blessings on His people?

Memory verse: Psalm 121:7

Prayer: Lord, grant me your blessings and protection now and always. Amen

As Constant Reminders: Devotion for Friday March 6, 2020

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Devotion for Friday March 6, 2020

Topic:  As Constant Reminders                     

Text: Isaiah 49:13 – 17

I learnt from my mentor, Robin Sharma to write inspiring quotations and paste them on conspicuous position so that my eyes can easily go there as to read it often and again. According to him, it will be a kind of reminder which will motivate me to apply the message to life. This is exactly what God means here in our memory verse for the day.

Our text started with words of encouragement (v13) that comfort has come for Israel because they thought that God had forsaken them in Babylon; but Isaiah pointed out that God would never forget them, as a loving mother would not forget her little child.

Are you in despair, discouraged, feeling lonely or abandoned? God is saying that your comfort has come. That you may be suffering today doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. Why complain (v14)? God went ahead to give the Israelites the assurance that He has not forgotten them (v15 – 17). He did so by inscribing or engraving them on His palms so as to be a reminder to Him about their welfare, comfort, blessings, protection, etc.

Are you in doubt about God’s concern for your welfare and blessings? Are you questioning God’s faithfulness to His promises concerning you? God says that He has not forgotten you. When we feel that God has forsaken us, we must ask if we are the ones that have forsaken and forgotten God (Deut. 31:6). He doesn’t forsake His people.

Action: Write down what can keep you continuously in the palms of God and paste in on a conspicuous position in your room so you will be doing them always.

Memory verse: Isaiah 49:16

Prayer: My Father in heaven, keep me continuously your palm so that you will always remember my blessings and welfare in Jesus name.

You Must Make a Choice: Devotion for Thursday March 5, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday March 5, 2020

Topic: You Must Make a Choice                 

Text: Jeremiah 21:8 – 14   

According to Catechism in the Book of Common Prayers, being created in the image of God means freedom to make choices, etc. Every day, we are faced with options which necessitates making of choices. This is inevitable in our worship of God, relationship with others, food we eat, where to go and many other areas of our daily lives and living.

However, if the choice we make turns against the will of God, we will be accountable for it if not in immediate terms, then later. Joshua gave the people of Israel the option of choosing whom to serve (Joshua 24:15 – 24).

In our text, God told Israel to either choose the way of life or the way of death (Jeremiah 21v8). The reason for this option is in Jeremiah 21:9 & 10. This counsel from Jeremiah was very displeasing to those who were flattered by their false prophets into a desperate resolution to hold out to their ways. Unfortunately it didn’t work.

Most times, we make wrong choices because we are often led by the flesh and again God’s ways most times seem foolish in our eyes. Just like our memory verse, we have a choice to make now – heaven or hell. To choose heaven, you must repent of your sins and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Choosing hell simply means refusal to repent. Have you made your choice?

Food for Thought: True religion is a matter of choice with all who heartily embrace it, and no man ever does or can serve God, in spirit and in truth, without choosing to do so

Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 30:15

Prayer: I choose life this day O Lord and may I not disappoint you at the end in Jesus name.

Unlock Your Hidden Treasure: Devotion for Wednesday March 4, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 4, 2020 

Topic: Unlock Your Hidden Treasure        

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9  

To every human being, there are deposits of treasures/gifts, which are waiting to be unlocked. These treasures or gifts can only become real and ours when we take some positive actions. Some of the ways to unlock our treasures are through revelation, challenges of life, reading of books, practices, etc.

I became an author through the revelation I received from reading of books from my mentor, Robin Sharma. Some of his books opened my eyes to the enormous gifts in me. Then I realised that I can do something. There are gifts/treasures and talents in you that are yet to manifest because you are not aware of them. I pray that God will reveal them to you.

Joshua had a task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. God told Joshua that he will succeed in the task on the condition that he incessantly meditates on the word of God. The way to be inspired and increase your courage is to meditate on the word of God daily and it should be for the purpose of understanding and obeying it. For Joshua to discover his ability in leadership, he must as a matter of priority, read and meditate on the word of God to unlock that treasure in him.

Some of us have the treasure of becoming inventors, great athletes, great evangelists, pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc., but fear have hindered us from attaining such greatness. God has an assurance for you in Joshua 1:9. Read and meditate on it.

Food for Thought: Fear is the greatest obstacle to attaining our greatness in life. 

Memory verse: Psalm 1:2

Prayer: Lord God, remove every fear in me that is an obstacle to the manifestation of the treasures hidden in me in Jesus name.

Refreshing Dew: Devotion for Saturday February 29, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday February 29, 2020

Topic: Refreshing Dew                       

Text: Hosea 14:4 – 7

This chapter of the book Hosea has a call to repentance and the unprecedented blessings that will follow if Israel obeys the call. A survey of this chapter has it that Hosea 14:1 – 3 is the call while verse 4ff is the response God will give when they repent. There are some lessons for us in this chapter.

a)       There is the need to acknowledge our sins (1 John 1:8 – 10, Psalm 51:1 -12). Lenten season should be used to assess our spiritual life and relationship with God and humanity. It takes humility and honesty to recognize and admit our weakness because it is difficult for some people to admit and acknowledge their shortcomings and faults. This is largely due to self in Man. If it is so with you, repent and ask God to help you out.

b)       There are blessings when we confess our sins (Hosea 4:4 – 9; Proverbs 28:13 & 1 John 1:9). One of those blessings of repentance is in our text for the day. God assures that He will be a refreshing dew to Israel when they turn from their evil and return to Him. Refreshing gives new strength. When you repent, God will renew you and bestow great blessings upon you.    

Food for Thought: Repentance is a guarantee of refreshing dew from God upon us.

Memory verse: Job 29:19

Prayer: God, grant me the spirit of humility and honesty to always admit my weaknesses and fault and also repent of them in Jesus name.

My God Will Save Me: Devotion for Friday February 21, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 21, 2020

Topic: My God Will Save Me                       

Text 1 Samuel 17:37

It is proper to recall what God did for us in the past so that we can build our faith on that to face future challenges. This is the imperative of testimonies in Christian gathering (see Revelation 12:11). The Philistines used their champion and giant Goliath to challenge Israel, requesting that they should present someone for a one on one contest with their giant (1 Samuel 17:23 – 24). He taunted Israel and defied the God of Israel.

Saul and all the Israeli army fled at that challenge. It was sin that brought fear into their lives (compare Proverbs 28:1). However, David, a young man of less than 18 years of age according to some commentators saw the challenge of Goliath as against God and not Israel. That propelled him to fight. He told Saul and later Goliath that His God will save him. He had that assurance and was fearless.

In our present world, we are faced with challenges from spiritual and physical Goliaths who want to consume us. They are in our families, offices, business arena, neighbourhood, market, schools, etc. When they come challenging and making mockery of your faith and your God, are you bold enough to stand against them or are you running like Saul and his men (1 Sam. 17:11)? If you are afraid, then search your life to know if you are standing in the Lord or not.

Just think about that great deliverance God gave you before. He can still do something greater for you. He is still alive (compare Hebrews 13:8). Trust Him to save you from those spiritual and physical Goliaths challenging you in that marriage, home, school, office, neighbourhood, etc. The Lord is with you.

Food for Thought: God is never tired of fighting our battles and delivering us from the plans of the enemies

Memory verse: Psalm 18:17

Prayer: Help me O Lord to trust in you when the enemies rise against me.