ABOUT FIRST FRUIT HARVEST: Devotion for Sunday September 4, 2016

ABOUT FIRST FRUIT HARVEST: Devotion for Sunday September 4, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 26:1 – 11    Memory verse: Deuteronomy 26:2

First fruit harvest is an injunction from God who ordered the Israelis to do it and by extension we the new Israel. God gave His people the injunction to present their first fruit of all their produce to Him (Deut. 26:2). From out text, it was obvious that this injunction from God to the Israelis is in order not to forget the source of their blessings. It is a way of showing gratitude to God from who all our blessings comes from. This injunction is from the covenant God made with Israel (Ex. 34:26, 27).

In Deut. 26:2–11 is the instructions on how to carry out our first fruit harvest. We are expected to pick some of all produce of our land, put them in a basket and take them to the church and offer them to the Lord. The Priest will receive them from our hands and bless us. It should not be taken to any other place.

There are lessons for us in this our scriptural reading for today. They are (a) God is the source of all we have and all we are. Our successes are not out of our strength, our business acumen, our intelligence, etc. If it were so, there wouldn’t have been poor people because majority of the poor in our society today labour for almost 24 hour of every day in the week. If not God’s grace and favour, what can we achieve? He blesses our little effort and turns it to become a mighty blessing. Yesterday’s devotion attests to this.  

(b) It is a sign of regard, honour for and obedience to God (Prov. 3:9). When we set aside our first fruit as God demands from us, we are honouring God and He in turn will honour us (1 Sam. 2:30).

(c) It teaches us that we have responsibilities towards God. It makes us responsible to God who made us, gave us those blessings and to the less privileged ones; the strangers, the priests, the widows, etc, that we have around us. It is also a way of sowing seeds for a better and a greater harvest. How are you doing these? Let it be with a cheerful heart and not grudgingly because God loves a cheerful giver. Happy first fruit harvest to those celebrating today!

Food for Thought: Proverbs 3:9

Prayer: My Lord and my Father, may I always honour you with my substances because they all come from you in Jesus name.

MYSTERIOUS WAYS OF GOD: Devotion for Sunday August 21, 2016

MYSTERIOUS WAYS OF GOD: Devotion for Sunday August 21, 2016

Text: Exodus 14:21 – 31             Memory verse: v 31

This story we read in our scriptures this morning are an instances of God’s wonderful favour towards His people, Israel. God showed His Almighty power, by opening a passage through the waters, some miles over for them to pass through. That was the last thing they expected God to do for them at that moment but that was what He did, and that is what makes Him that God of all possibilities.

There was no apparent way of escape for them because the Egyptians were behind them, the hills by their sides and the Red Sea before them 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 miracle of opening a way in the Red Sea for His people to pass through was done, in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust Him in the greatest straits. What can’t He do who did this, do for you? Sometimes, we find ourselves caught in a problem and see no way out. We should not panic; God can open up a way where we lest expected. What is the trap before you that there is no way of escape? God will make a way for you. Just trust Him to do something for you. When challenged and trapped, let 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

(Don Moen – 1990, Eternal God)     

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 of life they come to.

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.  

GO FORWARD: Devotion for Saturday August 20, 2016

GO FORWARD: Devotion for Saturday August 20, 2016

Text: Exodus 14:15 – 20       Memory verse: Exodus 14:15

When we are desperate, in need or fearful, God is always waiting for us to ask for a solution from Him. He is ever ready to hear us speak to Him. One thing we must know about God is that He doesn’t force His will on us. He allows us to demonstrate our faith. At creation, He gave us freedom to make choices and do whatever pleases us but are bound to give account for all our words and actions on the last day which should conform with His will. If they didn’t conform to His will, then we will be people most miserable because His wrath will be revealed against all ungodliness.

In our scriptural reading for the day, Moses' silent prayers of faith prevailed more with God than Israelis’ loud outcries of fear. The pillar of cloud and fire came behind them, where they needed a guard, and it was a wall between them and their enemies. We should understand that it is our duty not just to pray, but to act; and unless we go forward in our duties, call and walk with God; our prayers will not be answered. God helps those who do what He requires to help them and that which God requires to help is our faith.  Yesterday, we read how Moses told them to stand still and expect orders from God: and now orders are given – Go Forward.

This order is from God to us today. Many of us are stagnant in our spiritual lives, refusing to make progress. Many are not willing to improve on their relationship with God but He is saying, go forward. Some people are not even ready to improve on their personal life and relationship with others. Are you afraid to undertake that meaningful project, God is saying go forward. That interview you are skeptical about should not intimidate you. Go forward because it is only in going forward, you can make progress. The Israelis moved forward and doors and gates were opened to them in a place it was never possible. Doors and gates will open to you in places that seem impossible today in Jesus name. Just go forward.

Food for Thought: The way to success, freedom and progress is to keep going forward and not backward or sideways which are distractions.

Prayer: God, strengthen my faith to go forward for there is my miracle.

BELIEVE TO SEE: Devotion for Friday August 19, 2016

BELIEVE TO SEE: Devotion for Friday August 19, 2016

Text: Exodus 14:10 – 14     Memory verse: Exodus 14:13

In John chapter 20 verse 29, Jesus Christ 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 from the dead. To him, the wound would show that it was Jesus Christ indeed (This act of Thomas is similar to the belief of Igbo in Nigeria which says, it is only when you have seen, that you can believe). But Jesus Christ told him to believe before seeing because believing without seeing brings more blessings of God.

When the Israelis came to Pi Hahiroth as God directed them in Exodus 14:2, they camped there and Pharaoh with his men came pursing after them. There was no way open to the Israelis but upward which can only be possible if they have wings but it was that same upward that their deliverance came. In their front was the Red Sea; behind them were Pharaoh and his men while their sides were 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; praying to God for intervention and deliverance.

The fearful amongst the Israelis quarreled with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt; and were also angry with God for the greatest unkindness ever done them. That gross misconduct showed the absurdities of unbelief. When challenges and problems confront us and we become afraid, our fears should quicken us into prayers and actions, 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, 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 that God will miraculous intervene 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.

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

TO GAIN HONOUR OVER PHARAOH: Devotion for Thursday August 18, 2016

TO GAIN HONOUR OVER PHARAOH: Devotion for Thursday August 18, 2016

Text: Exodus 14:1 – 9                

Memory verse: Exodus 14 v 4

It is act of foolishness to use human reasoning to assess God. Such assessment is baseless. It will amount to failure because God is never programmed. He cannot be manipulated. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are higher than ours. He deserves our respect, honour and adoration.

There is this aphorism of my people which says that “He that the god will kill; first, will be made mad.” This was the case of Pharaoh. God hardened his heart so as to gain honour over him. Pharaoh thought that all Israel were entangled in the wilderness, and so would become an easy prey for him. But God says, I will be honoured upon Pharaoh. Of course we all are made for the honour of God, our Maker. If men would not have their hearts hardened, they must not continue knowingly to disobey God. If they thus disobey, all the blame will rest upon them (Rom. 1:24–26) if God decides to gain honour over them.

After relenting and giving them permission to depart with the greatest reason, Pharaoh now changes his mind and determines to prevent the Israelis from going. Without any farther restraining grace and delay, God permitted him to rush on and pursue the Israelis to his final ruin. This was the evidence that his cup of iniquity was now full. God judged him. This shows that there is a limit to which we can enjoy the grace of God. Never think that you have all the days and years to enjoy the grace of God. Are you living in sin and thinking that you can continue to live the way you like? Today may be your last day to commit that sin and God will expose you. Why not repent at this moment and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Tomorrow may be too late. Kindly do it now or God will gain honour over you by force?

Food for Thought: Exodus 9:16 - But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show my power in you, and that my name may be declared in all the earth.

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father in heaven, help me to live a life that will bring honour to you and not you, taking it by force.

WAYS THE ENEMIES INTIMIDATE US: Devotion for Friday August 12, 2016

WAYS THE ENEMIES INTIMIDATE US: Devotion for Friday August 12, 2016

1 Samuel 17:1 – 11

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:10 - And the Philistine said, "I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

I once read a story of a young Christian in the United States of American army who was always preaching the word of God to fellow soldiers. He never hid his faith in Christ Jesus. This did not go down with his captain who always challenges him that there is no God. One day, this captain wanting to make mockery of this young Christian and his faith, gave him key to a car without engine and asked him to go and start the car to prove that there is God. Initially, he protested that he can’t drive. Unknown to the young man that there was no engine, he prayed fixed the key into the ignition and started the car. From that day, the captain came to acknowledge that indeed there is God.

The Philistines used their giant Goliath as a tool to intimidate the Israelis. Not only did he intimidate the people, he also defied the God of Israel. This was insult on the God we serve. Unfortunately, none of the Israeli soldiers dared to stand his challenge. But thank God for David, though not enlisted in the Israeli’s army because of his age, rebuked him and killed him in disgraceful way.

There are many ways the enemies intimidate us; by instilling fear into us, making mockery of us, demanding that we do some things that are beyond reasoning, by proclaiming sanctions and fines against us, etc. We have a clear example in Daniel 3:8–12 and 6:4, 5. These young Jews held on to their faith in God and He honoured them. He didn’t allow their faith to fail them. He acted promptly. If not their persistence and resilience, who would have known that a man would be thrown into the fire and they fire will not burn the person? Are you being intimidated in your school, office, neighbourhood, home, etc, because of your faith? Never mind their intimidation. Hold on to God and do not give up. He did not disappoint Daniel and his compatriots and He will not disappoint you. 

Food for Thought: Intimidation is devil’s weapon to weaken our faith but those that know their God are never move by these antics. 

Prayer: My Father in heaven, make my faith stronger amidst all forms of intimidations of the enemies in Jesus name.                         

ISRAELIS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE: Devotion for Saturday July 23, 2016

ISRAELIS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE: Devotion for Saturday July 23, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 33:26 – 29             

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 33:29 - Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places."

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 Israelis are privileged and special. There is none like the God of 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 to. Here are some of the peculiarities of the people 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). This is the understanding of the Psalmist hence his words in Psalm 91. This understanding is very necessary in our Christian race as we contend with principalities and powers.

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. Just as He was with them in their journey to the Promised Land so He is with them even now. Otherwise how can we describe the survival of the nation of Israel amidst the Arab world who desires to eliminate them?

3. They were well commanded. Thus believers are more than conquerors over their spiritual enemies, through Christ that loved them. This was demonstrated when they came to the Promised Land. God gave them instructions and they followed which resulted in the walls of Jericho falling down. 

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? Absolutely nothing! Are you among these special people?    

Food for Thought: What more makes someone so special than these five points mentioned above?

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.

Why Pick On Me: Devotion for Monday July 11, 2016

WHY PICK ON ME: Devotion for Monday July 11, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:11 – 15       

Memory verse: Numbers 11: 11 – So Moses said to the Lord, "Why have you afflicted your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you have laid the burden of all these people on me?

The cry of the people provoked Moses. That made him to undervalue the honour God had put upon him. He magnified his own performances, while he had the divine wisdom to direct him, and Almighty power to dispense rewards and punishments. He speaks distrustfully of the divine grace. The Israelites complained, and then Moses complained to God. But God responded positively to Moses and negatively to the rest of the people. Why? The people complained to one another, and there was no result. Moses took his complaint to God, who could solve any problem.

Many of us are good at complaining to each other even when we know that those people we complain to; can’t help us. Many of us usually say why me. That was the case of Moses here. This is a grave way of discrediting and dishonouring God. We need to learn to take our problems to the One who can do something about them instead of complaining and saying why me. The action of the people led Moses to complain too. Those of us in leadership position should always say this prayer; Lord, lead us not into temptation. Do you have a burden that you feel you can share with people? Why not go to God in prayer. He will hear and answer you.

Food for Thought: Why pick on me is a way of saying that God made mistake in calling you into His service.

Prayer: God, you don’t give someone assignment without the corresponding power to do it. Help me to always focus on you when the task seems too hard for me. Grant me the grace never to complain about the assignment you have given to me no matter the obstacles, opposition and confrontations on my way to carrying out those instructions.   

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

When Our Cry Offends God: Devotion for Sunday July 10, 2016

WHEN OUR CRY OFFENDS GOD: Devotion for Sunday July 10, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:10

Memory verse: v 10 – Then Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of his tent; and the anger of the LORD was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased.     

The Psalmist noted severally that he cried to God (Psalm 28:2; 61:2; 86:3) and God answered him. God desire us to cry to Him but there are cries that offend Him as we have in our text for today. This chapter of Numbers, records of series of discontentment and complaint by the Israelites. They were never satisfied by anything God did for them. Whether it was planned or not, we can’t say but they all sat at the doors of their tent and were weeping.

Their cry aroused the anger of God. Moses was displeased by their action. Unfortunately, he took a wrong step in addressing it. We shall see that tomorrow. When they complained in Numbers 11:4, God sent manna. What led to the cry in Numbers 11:10, we can’t say but it offended God. Why? They were never contented with God’s provisions. They cried one to another which means cry of discontentment and peevishness.

There are many Christians who are behaving the way Israelites did here. They cry to fellow human being. Such is an indictment that God is unable to take care of them. He gave us open cheque to come to Him with our burdens. Why cry to your fellow human being? Most times instead of crying to God, we complain to Him. That is not the right way to address our problems. We should note that little things matters. Whom do you tell about your problems? Do your cry, offend God? We should learn how to approach God so that our approach will not bring condemnation.

Food for Thought: Crying as a result of discontentment and peevishness is offensive to God and it attracts His wrath too.            

Prayer: God, remove every unhappy and discontent spirit from me. Help me, O Lord my God not to be discontented with your provisions for me and my family.

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS: Devotion for Saturday July 9, 2016

BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS: Devotion for Saturday July 9, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:4 – 9              

Memory verse: Numbers 11:4 – Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: "Who will give us meat to eat?

The Israelis were weary of the provision God had made for them, although wholesome food and nourishing. The mixed multitude instigated their weariness about God’s provision. The manna God gave them cost no money or care, and the labour of gathering it was very little indeed. Despite these, they talked of Egypt's cheapness, and the fish they ate there freely; as if that cost them nothing, when they paid dearly for it with hard service.

“While they lived on manna, they seemed exempt from the curse sin has brought on man, that in the sweat of his face he should eat bread; yet they speak of it with scorn. Peevish, discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it, but that it is too good for them” as Matthew Henry noted. Yesterday we read how they attracted God’s anger and today we read how they complained again just because of the influence of mixed multitude.

Man is never satisfied. His desires grow on daily basis and he is insatiable. These were men that complained about the torture they were going through in Egypt. Now they are dreaming of that place again. We can easily blame them for this unruly behaviour but most times, we even act worse than these. We dream and wish to have what we rejected, thus going back to our vomit. The kind of friends we keep and inability to feed our spirit with the word of God make us to go back to our vomit. When we join the mixed multitude, they will corrupt us. Note Paul’s word in 1 Cor. 15:33.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:6 – Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

Prayer: Deliver me, O Lord, from all association with mixed multitude and grant me the spirit of contentment in Jesus name.            

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

HE HEARS OUR COMPLAINS: Devotion for Friday July 8, 2016

Text: Numbers 11:1 – 3               

Memory verse: v 1 – Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.

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. 

One of the ways we attract God’s anger is murmuring and complaining. These acts discredit God and are ways of passing vote of no confidence in Him. They are acts of lack of faith. Major problems between God and His people Israel are their act of disobedience and lack of faith. They were always faltering between opinions (1 King 18:21). It attracts God’s anger always.

In our text, the Israelis complained bitterly against God and Moses (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 your salvation.

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

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

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:16 – 18               

Memory verse: v16 - So they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go (New King James Version).           

Usually, when God is at the centre of any movement, it easily receives solidarity and support of the people. There is no need to coax or intimidate people into doing what is right and appropriate. This was the case here. The people after hearing the message from Joshua were moved in their hearts which led to their response in our text. They agreed to obey Joshua. Their response was that whatever you command us to do; we will readily do, without murmuring or disputing. Again, wherever you send us, we will go.

These were assuring words to Joshua as he takes over the mantle of leadership from Moses. They promised Joshua obedience (1:16), they prayed for God’s presence with him (1:17), they pass an act to make it death for any Israeli who disobey Joshua's orders, or rebel against his commandment and they inspired him to go on with cheerfulness in the work to which God had called him; and, in desiring that, he should be strong and of good courage as God admonished him earlier. These words of assurance from the people were enough to inspire Joshua into action. There is no leader that will receive such assurance from his subjects that will not be motivated. 

How much solidarity do you give to your leaders; political leaders, traditional rulers, your boss in the office, your master as an apprentice, your pastors and teachers of the gospel, your fellowship leaders, group leaders in the church, etc? Do you support your Priest/Pastor when he moves motions for evangelism, revival, etc in church meetings or you are there to oppose every move whether good or bad simply because you don’t love the Pastor? The work of God cannot progress where there is rancor and disagreement. We should always work as a team for that is the desire of God (John. 17:11, 22).

Food for Thought: How much solidarity do you give to your leaders in the society and the church?

Prayer: 1. Lord God, may I never be a clog in the wheel of progress in your church in Jesus name. 2. Use me to support those in authority through obedience and moral support. 

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:20 – 23        Memory verse: v 21

God keeps to His words. He fulfilled all His promises except when we fail to keep our own part of the covenant. When He told the Israelis, at the bank of Red Sea that the Egyptians they are seeing they will see no more. It was as if it is something very impossible to happen. But God was true to His word. 

Here is the assurance that the remnant will return to their Promised Land. Those who remained faithful to God despite the horrors of the invasion are called the remnant. Once Assyria’s army was destroyed, a small group of God’s people would stop relying on Assyria and start trusting God (10:20). This remnant would be but a fraction of Israel’s former population (Ezra 2:64-65). Have your life been battered by evil, sickness, sin, etc? God is promising you that you will return to the position of good health, prosperity, progress, knowledge of God, etc.   

In spiritual terms, the key to being a part of the remnant was faith in Christ Jesus. These remnants are those that will be raptured to be with the Lord. Being a descendant of Abraham, living in the Promised Land, having trusted God at one time, none of these were good enough. Are you relying on your Christian heritage, the rituals of worship, or past experience to qualify you for belonging to God’s family? The key to being a true Christian is faith in God.

Food for Thought: Will you be among those that will return to God when the rapture takes place?

Prayer: Lord God, keep me rapturable till the day of rapture or my death

THINGS THAT PROVOKE GOD : Devotion for Wednesday June 8, 2016

THINGS THAT PROVOKE GOD : Devotion for Wednesday June 8, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 36:16 – 20                           Memory verse: v 17

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 (Lev. 24 and Deut. 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 Sam. 2:27–34). Here God told Ezekiel what made Him to drive away the Israelis 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 Israelis were contrary to the covenant they made with God in Sinai when they came out of Egypt. They chose their ways rather than that of God. This was the thing that provoked God’s anger.

Beloved, by virtue of our new birth as Christians, we entered into a new covenant with God. 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. 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 Israelis did. By that action, we have severed ourselves from God’s kingdom. Is that your wish and desire?

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

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

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE (OBEDIENCE) 2: Devotion for Friday February 26, 2016

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE (OBEDIENCE) 2: Devotion for Friday February 26, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14                 Memory verse: v 2

Moses took only 14 verses in this chapter to explain obedience which is one secret of abundance (blessing) and used the remaining 54 verses of this chapter to speak about disobedience and its consequences (curses). Why did he spend so much time talking about disobedience? He did that because human beings by nature are always inclined to sin and disobedience. Moses was emphatic that obedience is the very key (28:1, 2) to assessing the numerous blessing mentioned in 28:3–14. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. God requires them live righteously in their families and nation at large, then the providence of God would prosper all their outward concerns.

Here is God’s assurance of blessing His people. Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after us, and shall be thrown into our laps by God’s special kindness because we are His people who obey His voice. Naturally, there is the tendency to bless those who obey us. This is same with God. How obedient are you to God’s commandments? Do you make light of them? Remember that just as the whole destiny of Israelis was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary, so it has been laid out for us. The choice is all yours.  

Food for Thought: Only he who believes is obedient and only he, who is obedient, believes.

Prayer: God, I need your grace to obey your commandments which is a prerequisite for abundant blessing in Jesus name.

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU Sunday November 1, 2015

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU   Sunday November 1, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 6      Memory verse: v 2

In this chapter the blessings and curses are enumerated at length, and in various small details, so that on the first entrance of the Israelites into the land of promise, their whole destiny was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary. The blessings are here put before the curses because God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy. It is His delight to bless. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. They are required to keep up religion, the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and then the providence of God would prosper all their outward concerns.

Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after you, and shall be thrown into your lap by special kindness. These promises still stand for us today. Unfortunately, most people run after miracles and blessings because they have refused to obey the voice of God. It is through obedience that God’s blessings will come upon us and overtake us this month and in the days ahead. Have a lovely month of November.

Food for Thought: For these blessings to overtake you, what are the things you should do?

Prayer: May I play my part O Lord, so that your blessings will overtake me.   

GOD DIRECTS US ON WHAT TO DO

HE DIRECTS US ON WHAT TO DO      Sunday June 28, 2015

Text: Isaiah 48:16 – 22         Memory verse: v 17

God wants us to whole heartedly obey Him and He will lead us to make profit and prosper in life. Unfortunately, the hardest things for us is that whole hearted obedience. From time to time, God had made known to us, all necessary doctrines; which, if observed by us, would have been infinitely profitable to us, both for this life and that to come.

It is not God’s fault that we didn’t benefit from all He had taught us. Rather it is our own fault that we have not profited from all that God taught us. In 45:18, God lamented their inability to heed His commandments which would have benefited them. God did all He could to make Israel good but they couldn’t obey His instructions.    

Do we not make God to lament by our refusal to repent despite all the teachings and warnings we receive? What we have learnt would have taken us to another level of Christianity and prosperity but not so, rather, we chose to do things in our own way. The Israelis were very obstinate and stiff necked (Deuteronomy 31:27 & Jeremiah 17:23). Their stories in the Bible were to warn us. We should not after reading all these fail God as they did. Following God’s directions will make us prosper and make heaven at last.

Food for Thought: No external attention, even to things which God has commanded, can be accepted as a substitute for an obedient heart.

Prayer: Lord, grant me an obedient heart to follow your directives for my life in Jesus name.