God Stooped and Feeds Us: Devotion for Saturday August 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday August 15, 2020

Topic: God Stooped and Feeds Us                                 

Text: Hosea 11:1 – 7                             

God has always loved Israel as a parent loves a stubborn child, and that is why He would not release Israel from the consequences of its behaviour. The Israelites were sinful, and they would be punished like a rebellious son brought by his parents before the elders (Deuteronomy 21:18 – 21). Despite Israel’s sad history of willful disobedience and idol worship, God repeatedly offered to restore the nation if it would only turn to Him.

God’s discipline requires times of leading and times of feeding. Sometimes the rope is taut; sometimes it is slack. God’s discipline is always in form of love and its object is always the well being of His people. Hosea 11:4 is an appropriate image of God's deliverance of Israel from the Egyptian yoke, and of His feeding them in the wilderness.

The recall of God's goodness and tenderness towards us in the days of our spiritual darkness and weakness ought to keep us very humble and very near to His mercy-seat. God’s love for us is great. It is far beyond problems and troubles of life. When He allows us to go through trouble, it is His way of making us to recall His love for us.

God uses various ways to discipline us. He feeds us by making provisions for us despite our weaknesses. He brought down the food of angels for His people to eat (Psalm 78:25). Do you lack food for the day, God will provide for you. Keep trusting Him because He is a great provider but you should not capitalise on his benevolence and remain in sin. He is also a Jealous God.

Food for Thought: He is a great provider, a great provider (2x). He will surely provide for me, a great provider.

Memory verse: Hosea 11: v 4

Prayer: God, the great provider, provide for me all that are necessary for my physical and spiritual well-being in Jesus name.

God of All Possibilities: Devotion for Monday August 10, 2020

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Devotion for Monday August 10, 2020

Topic: God of All Possibilities                      

Text: Numbers 11:21 – 23                         

Our God is God of all possibilities. He is not man that fails. He is not a man who says something and fails to perform it (See Genesis 18:14; Numbers 23:19; Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37). Remember out memory verse of yesterday – Jeremiah 32:27.

Here in our bible reading for the day, Moses doubted the possibility of God feeding over two million people with meat in the desert. It is a surprise the way Moses reacted to God’s promise because he has seen miracles and had fellowship with God. His bad mood (Numbers 11:11 – 15) occasion by the cry of the people was responsible for this doubt. When we are peeved and discontented, we lose focus on God and begin to doubt His presence with us and what He is able to do for us. This was the problem with Moses here.

Adam Clarke commentary says, “There is certainly a considerable measure of weakness and unbelief manifested in the complaints and questions of Moses on this occasion; but his conduct appears at the same time so very simple, honest, and affectionate, that we cannot but admire it, while we wonder that he had not stronger confidence in that God whose miracles he had so often witnessed in Egypt.” Most times we behave same way. We easily forget what God did for us in the past and we begin to question what He can do. When such begin to happen in our lives, we should check ourselves. Certainly it is a sign that we have started losing faith and our relationship with God has been distorted. If you have been annoyed and bitter about life or with someone who has provoked you, you should quickly go back to God for healing of that anger and bitterness before you start doubting God.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 32:17

Memory verse: Numbers 11:21

Prayer: My father in heaven, you are God of all possibilities. Meet me at the point of my needs (mention them) that the world will acknowledge that you alone is God. 

Why Pick On Me: Devotion for Saturday August 8, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday August 8, 2020

Topic: Why Pick On Me                                            

Text: Numbers 11:11 – 15                               

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’t 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.

Memory verse: Numbers 11:11

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.   

Assured Solidarity: Devotion for Wednesday July 8, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday July 8, 2020

Topic: Assured Solidarity            

Text: Joshua 1:16 – 18                                     

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 in our bible passage for the day.

The people of Israel after hearing the message from Joshua were moved in their hearts which led to their response in bible reading for today. 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 (Joshua 1:16), they prayed for God’s presence with him (Joshua 1:17), they pass an act to make it death penalty for any Israelite to 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.

How much solidarity do you give to your leaders, your pastors and teachers of the gospel? Do you support their 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 are 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?

Memory verse: Joshua 1:16            

Prayer: Lord God, may I never be a clog in the wheel of progress in your church in Jesus name.

Do Not Procrastinate: Devotion for Tuesday July 7, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 7, 2020

Topic: Do Not Procrastinate             

Text: Joshua 1:10 – 15                           

In Romans 4:20, the bible recorded that Abraham did not waver or stagger at the promises of God. This means that he had no doubt about what God told him despite his physical condition and that of his wife (Romans 4:19).

In our bible reading today, Joshua said to the people immediately God had spoken to him, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess” (Joshua 1:11b). We honour the truth of God, when we stagger not or waver at the promise of God as Abraham did. The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren. When God, by his providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brethren.

“The certainty that God will bestow upon his people the blessings he has promised them, does not in the least lessen the necessity of their using all appointed means to obtain them” so says Family Bible Notes. God promised to take them into the Promised Land. They don’t have to procrastinate or sit in a place for the promise to be fulfilled. They have a part to play.

Likewise, God has made several promises to us. We shouldn’t procrastinate about them by waiting for “manna to fall from heaven.” Rather we should swing into action by playing our part in that promise made by God. Remember that God promised to feed the birds of the air but He does not throw their food into their nest.

Food for Thought: What will you do to ensure that God’s promises made to you will be fulfilled?

Memory verse: Joshua 1:11

Prayer: God remove from me every form of procrastination especially in heavenly matters in Jesus name.

God Satisfy the Longing Soul: Devotion for Saturday April 25, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL 

Devotion for Saturday April 25, 2020

Topic: God Satisfy the Longing Soul                       

Text: Psalm 107:1 – 9

Indeed, you will agree with me that God has done so much for us, and we have so much for which to thank Him (see Psalms 103:1 – 5). He wants us to tell everyone all that He has done. These verses should be seen as act of appreciation to God we owe Him for His benefits towards us. There is no affliction no matter how grievous that our God cannot deliver us from. Thus the Psalmist exhorts us who are delivered to be mindful of so great a benefit (Psalm 107:5 & 6).

As for thirst He gives satisfaction, so for hunger He supplies filling. Lost, hungry, thirsty, and exhausted as used in our text, are wanderers, an example of Israelites in exile. They also typify anyone who has not found the satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Anyone who recognises he or she is lost can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy these needs.

Jesus is the way (John 14:6), the bread from heaven (John 6:33, 35), the living water (John 4:10-14), and the giver of rest (Matthew 11:28-30) to as many as recognises Him as Lord and Saviour. Have you received His life-giving offer? He showed us what God desires us to thirst after (Matthew 5:6). He then warned us in Matthew 6:33 and 34 to seek righteousness and all other things will be added unto us. What are the things you hunger and thirst after? God will satisfy your hunger and thirst especially those things that will glorify His name.

Food for Thought: Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness

Memory verse: Psalm 34:10

Prayer: God, satisfy my longing soul for your righteousness in Jesus name.

A New Thing For You

Devotion for Wednesday January 2

Topic: A New Thing For You

Text: Isaiah 43:16 – 21

The Lord has promised to do a new thing for you because it is His desire to do new things for us. The new thing will not be delayed because it shall ‘spring forth now.’ 2 Peter 3:9 say that the “Lord is not slack concerning His promises” and Isaiah 40:8 confirms that “God’s word will stand forever.” A new thing from God goes with a new song; new title, new office, new privileges, new blessings, new joy, new victory and many more. When you are promoted, your level changes. However, a new thing from God can be positive or negative depending on which divide you belong.

In Exodus 14:21 -28, when God parted the Red Sea, it was a new thing. The Israelites experienced this as a way of freedom. But to Pharaoh and his men, it was a way of total destruction. When God says to His children that He will do a new thing, it means that He will move them to a level of freedom they have never known before. It also means that God is about to surprise their enemies beyond recovery. Get ready; it is your season for a new thing that will lead to a new song (Psalm 40:3) in your life, family, business and ministry in this New Year in

Jesus name.

Beloved in Christ, before you hold on to a promise, you should first get to know who made the promise with the terms and conditions attached to it. The one who is making this promise to you and I is the one called Jehovah El-Shaddai – the God that is more than enough, the Almighty (Genesis 17:1). Have you known and accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour? Do you actually want to experience a new thing in this New Year? Then you have to prepare yourself and rededicate your life again to Him. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, do something now so you could enjoy the new thing packaged for you this season and beyond.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:19

Prayer: Lord God, do a new thing in my life that will lead to a new song this month and always in Jesus name. Amen.

Don’t Shut Your Hands

Devotion for Sunday January 14, 2018

Topic: Don’t Shut Your Hands

Text: Deuteronomy 15:7 – 8

This passage is similar to Leviticus 25:35 – 37. Due to the foregoing laws in the previous verses, Moses admonished the Israelites not to shut their hands against the poor. He exhorts them not to be mean and selfish but to develop a liberal spirit of charity and kindness which will secure for them the divine blessings (Romans 12:8 & 2 Corinthians 9:7). Also in Leviticus 25:35 – 37, Moses charged them to relieve the poor; by not taking interest or increase, for what was needful for the poor man's support (Leviticus 25:36–37). This is what Christianity demands from us. The Psalmist added his voice on this matter and stated that there are promises attached to the command of taking care of the poor in Psalm 41:1 and 112: 9. Just as stated earlier, if we desire to secure divine blessings from God, we should be ready and ever willing to open our hands to the poor and the needy. If God has blessed you enough, you should make a regular provision for some of the poor people in your neighbourhood. Securing all the worldly goods for yourself and your children alone while people around you are living in abject poverty is the highest level of wickedness. Plan and put someone poor you know into your budget and God will bless you the more. Sing A&M 361; Abu 128        

Food for Thought: Leviticus 25:35 – 37          

Memory verse: 1 John 3:17

Prayer: O Lord, may I not shut my hands against the needy when I have what they need from me in Jesus name. Amen.'

God Fights For His People

Devotion for Friday September 29, 2017

Topic: God Fights For His People

Text: Exodus 14:22 – 29

When God’s acts are made manifest, it will easily be noticed that

He did it. It will not leave any trace of doubt. Pharaoh and all the Egyptians knew that God was backing the Israelites. They knew that God wants to take them out of their land but selfishness and greed blinded their eyes that they still hardened their hearts and went after the Israelites even after they had suffered the ten plagues. They drove furiously as they were pursuing the Israelites to a point that they started sinking and driving heavily. With that, they found themselves embarrassed at every step, the way grew deep, their hearts grew sad, their wheels dropped off and the axle tree failed. They had been flying upon the back of the Israelites ass the hawk upon the dove; but now they cried “Let us flee the face of the Israelites because the Lord God fights for them.”

Every child of God is special to Him. He guards them jealously and would never allow any evil to come upon them. He fights for them. This is what most people don’t know as they fight Christians. This act of God here should be an eye opener to the enemies of the gospel and Christianity. Beloved, don’t mind all the threats against you. God will fight for you as you keep your peace. He will so do it that your enemies will confess that indeed God is fighting for you.

Food For Thought: Exodus 14:14

Memory verse: Exodus 14:25

Prayer: God, I look up to you to fight my battles and redeem your name in my life in Jesus name, Amen.

I Am Aware Of Their Ordeal

Devotion for Monday September 25, 2017

Topic: I Am Aware Of Their Ordeal

Text: Exodus 3:9

God Almighty is Omnipresence and He hears what we say even in our closet. Jehovah is just, kind, , compassionate and merciful. He tenderly sympathizes with all who are distressed, especially such as wrongfully suffer. He delivers them who are oppressed and punishes the oppressor. This was the case of the Israelites in the land of Egypt.

Moses was in the land of Median when God met him and told him what was happening in the land of Egypt. He told Moses that the cry of the children of Israel had come to Him as a reason of the oppression of the Egyptians. Job 34:28 says “So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.” God hears the cry of the oppressed (Exodus 22:33). They cry of the Israelites came to God who hates oppression and unjust affliction of people.

Are you going through affliction of the enemies? Are you groaning under heavy yoke of burden of a wicked Boss, Madam, Master, Director, Headmaster or Head Teacher and you have been asking when will your salvation come? God is telling you that He has seen those tears. Do your husband pommel you and you are contemplating of giving up or walking out of the marriage? God is saying that He has seen your tears and will rescue you soon. Don’t give up. Beloved, God has heard your cry for job opportunity, promotion, a life partner, a child or those your other needs. He will soon complete His redemption plans for you. Keep trusting him!

Food for Thought: Psalm 145:19

Memory verse: Exodus 3:9

Prayer: Lord, I know that you hear when I cry. Do not delay to answer me in Jesus name. 

They Believed God’s Word

Devotion for Wednesday September 20, 2017

Topic: They Believed God’s Word

Text: Exodus 4:31

Today’s text is contradictory to what we have in Exodus 6:6 – 9 as the Israelites did not heed to Moses. Here, they believed but when what they had expected didn’t come – the immediate release from bondage of Pharaoh and his men, they didn’t believe any longer. They had thought that their deliverance would have been so easy but it was not so. This is one of the many problems of men who come to Jesus Christ because they need a good job, spouse, heal

ing, deliverance; fruit of the womb, prosperous business and breakthrough in all endeavours. When they come and didn’t receive what they had desired from God, they will easily give up.

The people believed the word of God through Moses and Aaron that God has appeared for them in mercy and was about to deliver them from bondage. God is better to us than our fears. We overcome difficulties in some o our duties when God appears for us. The yoke which appears to exasperating will be easy and the burden which seems so heavy will be made light (Matthew 11:29 – 30).

The word of God is a source of encouragement. There is nothing that gives joy more than the word of God we hear. As we hear it, it brings comfort, gives directions, removes fear and grant us boldness (Joshua 1:8; Palm 1:1 – 3).

How do you take God’s word you hear? Do you believe it? It is the word of God we hear that will bring miracles and open doors for us. Constant meditation on the word of God will strengthen our faith to believe in God. Please make time to read and meditate on the word of God for that will give you the needed result in life.

Food for Thought: They believed because they saw. Is it same with you?

Memory verse: Exodus 4:31

Prayer: Lord God, help me to always meditate on your word so I can believe in Jesus name.

A New Thing

Devotion for Tuesday August 1, 2017

Topic: A New Thing

Text: Isaiah 43:16 – 21

The Lord has promised to do a new thing for you. The new thing will not be delayed because it shall ‘spring forth now.’ You may ask how do I know. 2 Peter 3:9 say that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises and Isaiah 40:8 confirms that God’s word will stand forever. A new thing from God goes with a new song; new title, new office, new privileges, new blessings, new joy, new victory and many more. When you are promoted, your level changes. However, a new thing from God can be positive or negative depending on which divide you belong.

In Exodus 14:21 -28, when God parted the Red Sea, it was a new thing. The Israelites experienced this as a way of freedom. But to Pharaoh and his men, it was a way of total destruction. When God says to His children that He will do a new thing, it means that He will move them to a level of freedom they have never known before. It also means that God is about to surprise their enemies beyond recovery. Get ready; it is your season for a new thing that will lead to a new song (Psalm 40:3) in your life, family, business and ministry.

Beloved in Christ, before you hold on to a promise, you should first get to know who made the promise with the terms and conditions. The one who is making this promise to His own is the one called Jehovah El-Shaddai – the God that is more than enough, the Almighty (Genesis 17:1). Have you known and accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour? If not, do something now so you could enjoy the new thing packaged for you this season and beyond. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:19

Prayer: Lord God, do a new thing in my life that will lead to a new song this month and always in Jesus name. 
Amen.

Simple Requirements

Devotion for Saturday July 29, 2017

Topic: Simple Requirements

Text: Deuteronomy 10:12 – 18

God repeatedly told the Israelites the necessity of love that comes from the heart in their relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 4:29 and 6:5). He did not want His people to substitute their heartfelt love for Him with mere outward religious forms. Outward obedience and correct religious practices have validity and significance only if they are based on knowing Jesus Christ. It was necessary that they always obey God from a heart of sincere love and honour for Him. To the New Testament believers, faith and love from the heart are also essential in our relationship with God (John 21:15 and Colossians 3:4).

Here in our bible reading for the day, Moses gave a summary of what God expects from the Israelites. They are simple in form and easy to remember. The basics are;

1) That they should fear God (have reverence for Him)

2) That they should live according to His will

3) That they should love Him

4) That they should worship Him with all their hearts and souls.

5) That they should obey His commands.

These essential commands from God do not require money that they cannot afford. These same requirements are what God expects from us too. They are unchanging patterns of life that we should adapt to. The fear of God brings satisfaction, perfection and gives wisdom. To love God is to obey His commands (John 14:15). For all repentance and deliverance from sin ad transgression, God requires nothing but to turn to Him and begin to obey Him. If you are still living in sin, do that now and have your peace.

Food For Thought: Deuteronomy 6:5

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 10:12

Prayer: Lord, may I know what is required of me in my Christian race so that I may run according to your standard and rule and at the end win the prize in Jesus name.

Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday July 7, 2017

Topic: Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 54

Satan and his agents know how to harass the children of God. They intimidate Christians with laws against their faith as in the time of Daniel and his 3 Hebrews friends. Goliath’s harassing and intimidation of the Israelites for 40 days was embarrassing. Unfortunately, for the 40 days, no Israelite stood up to his challenge until a minor who had not even qualified and enlisted into the Israel’s army came into the scene and stopped the harassment from Goliath.

Goliath’s taunting revealed the level of faithlessness in the people of Israel. One man blocked the entire army of Almighty God, an army that had seen entire nation run before it in fear. The Israelites viewed the situation only in human terms, much like their forefathers had viewed with fear and faithlessness the giants in the land (Numbers 13:26 – 14:20).

Goliath was 9 feet, 9 inches tall and wore a coat of armour weighing 125 pounds; his bronze javelin weighed 17 pounds (1 Samuel 17:4 – 5). David’s confession in 1 Samuel 17:45 – 47 reveals a teen who knew God and what He can do. He knew that outward physical appearance were nothing when compared with the power of the unseen God. Thus he was determined to stop the harassment of the enemy. He stepped out and God honoured him.

This is how Satan and his agents harass us in our neighbourhood, offices, schools, etc., with laws against our faith. How do we treat such? Do we go into our shells or speak out for God? Or do we take a stand for God as the Hebrew boys did in the book of Daniel. Our God has ways of putting Satan and his agents to shame. Let’s not belittle Him when the enemies come, embarrassing us and defying His name

Food for Thought: Stopping the harassment of the enemies is best done in the spirit (2 Corinthians 10:14)

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 verse 12

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God never to close my eyes and mouth to the embarrassment of the enemies of the cross in Jesus name.

The God Of All Flesh

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday June 15, 2017

Topic: The God Of All Flesh

Text: Jeremiah 32:26 – 27         

There is nothing impossible with God (Genesis 18:14; 2 Kings 19:15; & Luke 1:37). God is the Almighty (Genesis 17:1). What God actually meant was that He is able to do all things if and only Abraham will believe and trust Him. God has ways of dealing with His people when they sin against Him.

The Israelites felt that they were God’s special people and therefore God could not do as Jeremiah had prophesied. However, God categorically said that they should know that He is God of all flesh; He governs and guides them as it pleases Him. He reiterated that as the God of all flesh, He is the author of their captivity for their sins and will also out of His mercies be their Redeemer to restore them again to liberty. Our God is full of love and mercy.

Today, many of us undermine warnings from God about sin and its consequences. We feel that it is impossible for God to destroy the population of the world that throng to churches these days. If God spared only Lot’s family when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, He can still do it (Genesis 19:1ff. See Genesis 7:1ff). On the other hand, there is nothing too hard for God to do in terms of protecting, providing, guiding and saving us. He can command all flesh and other creatures to work in your favour. What are the things you believe God to provide for you? Just know that he is the God of all flesh and can cause someone to arise on your behalf. Just keep trusting and obeying God.

Food for thought: Is there anything God cannot do for us?

Memory verse: Jeremiah 32 verse 27

Prayer: God, work out your will in my life to glorify your name in Jesus name.

Mind Your Utterances

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 19, 2017

Topic: Mind Your Utterances

Text: Numbers 14:26 – 35

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31). Also see the warning in Matt 21:24. Provoking God is asking for trouble. It is like falling on a stone or the stone falling on someone. When you undermine the powers or mercies of God, He will show you that He is a consuming fire. He did it to Sodom and Gomorrah. He did it also to Goliath. On the contrary, God is full of mercies. He showed it to David and his descendants. May you not fall into the hands of living God rather may you enjoy His mercies in Jesus name.

God hates murmuring and complaining especially from people who have enjoyed His faithfulness. The Israelites tempted God, provoked Him and received rewards for their deeds. They condemned and ridiculed themselves and God honoured their word (Num. 14:28–34). This act of murmuring provoked God. It is a kind of indictment on God that He is not capable of protecting or leading them into the Promised Land. Again, by murmuring they try to shows that God’s words are not true. This was the reason God decided to honour their words of self-condemnation.

Have you enjoyed the mercies of God in form of healing, salvation, deliverance, protection, etc, and you are complaining or murmuring over immediate problem now, repent before the anger of God will come upon you. Beware of the kind of confession you make about your life; your marriage, your children, your job, your relationship, your dream, your spouse, etc. You can’t tell when you will use your negative confession to offend God and attract punishment.

Food for Thought: Beware of the confession you make about yourself.

Memory verse: Numbers 14 verse 29

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, never to murmur or complain against you no matter my present condition.

Leadership and Generosity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 21, 2017     

Topic: Leadership and Generosity

Text: 1 Chronicles 16:1 – 3

David had a great regard and love for God, no wonder he was termed a man after God’s heart. He brought the Ark of God into Jerusalem and wanted to build a house for it but God restrained him from doing it. Some of our leaders today are not perturbed by dilapidated church building in their environment. Unfortunately, it is not so with the Muslims. They always want to build place of worship. Christians who are leaders should always use their position to build places of worship of God Almighty.

When David brought the Ark into the city, he praised God and made offering to the Lord. David was very pleased that the Ark was now in Jerusalem after the previous attempt failed. In his joy he offered burnt and peace offerings to the Lord. He blessed his people and gave them gifts as a mark of his generosity. David’s act of generosity is commendable and should be emulated by all in leadership positions.

As God was generous to David and he demonstrated same, those of us He has been generous to, should do the same to the less privileged and the poor people under us. When Herod was happy, he didn’t remember God. Rather he called for friends to a party and at the peak of his merriment; he made a promise which resulted to the death of John the Baptist.

Those of us in leadership positions should give special considerations to people we lead. They should make laws that will be favourable to their subjects and avoid owing their workers’ wages because the bible condemns it (See Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15). As at the time of writing today’s devotion, some states in Nigeria owed their workers up to 8 months’ salary arrears. Unfortunately, some of these Governors are Christians who never stopped their own salaries and allowances. Christian leaders should be generous to their subjects as David was.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 24:14 – 15

Memory verse: 1 Chronicles 16 verse 3 - And distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant to all those in leadership positions especially in our country, a benevolent heart for their subjects in Jesus name. Amen. 

The Quiet Blessings from God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion Monday January 30, 2017

Topic: The Quiet Blessings from God

Text: Deuteronomy 8:4      

Deuteronomy 2:7b; 29:5 and Nehemiah 9:21 all speak about the quiet blessings the Israelites enjoyed in the wilderness. Quiet blessings are those blessings we hardly notice. Have you ever sat down to ask how your meagre salary sustains you and your family? Have you thought about the provisions God made for you which you didn’t request for? Have you ever thought of the mysteries behind waking sleeping and waking up? Have you ever thought of then air which we have at our disposal. If we are to buy air, how much do you have to buy the one that will sustain you a day?

All these lay credence to the words of Moses in our text. They indicated a special or miraculous providence from God, their loving Guardian in preserving them amid the wears and tears of nomadic life in the desert. Moses used this reminder also to reassure the Israelites about God’s faithfulness whether he was there with them or not.

Most times, we take God’s protection for granted. We hardly take notice or thank God when we have a smooth journey, our car doesn’t break down on the road, our clothes don’t rip, or our tools don’t break while working. It seems that the people of Israel also failed to take notice, for they didn’t even notice that in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, their clothes didn’t wear out and their feet didn’t blister. Thus, they did not remember to give thanks to God for these blessings and Moses had to remind them.

What has been working well for you in your family and in your office/business? What has been giving you good service? What has been lasting for a long time without breaking down or tearing apart? For all those other quiet and unnoticeable blessings, we should endeavour to always thank God for these quiet blessings. It is only when we thank Him for what He had done for us that He will do more. Develop a heart of gratitude today.

Food for Thought: How often do you appreciate the quiet blessings from God – The air you breathe, water you didn’t buy, etc.?

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 29 verse 5 - I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet.

Prayer: God, help me to appreciate all your blessings and live well to please you in Jesus name. Amen.

The Bitter Experience

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 14, 2017

Topic: The Bitter Experience

Text: Ruth 1:3 – 5       

When God called the Israelites and brought them into the Promised Land, He discouraged friendly relations with the Moabites (Deut. 23:3-6) but probably not forbidden, since the Moabites lived outside the Promised Land. Marrying a Canaanite (and all those living within the borders of the Promised Land), however, was against God’s law (Deut. 7:1 – 4).

Moabites were not allowed to worship at the Tabernacle because they had not let the Israelites pass through their land during the Exodus from Egypt. Unfortunately, this was the land

Elimelech chose as his destination for succour in time of famine and it left bitter experience for Naomi who survived the succour in the land of Moab.

As God’s chosen nation, Israel should have set the standards of high moral living for the other nations. Ironically, it was Ruth, a Moabitess, whom God used as an example of genuine spiritual character. This shows just how bleak life had become in Israel during those days.

There are things that can bring bitter experience for us especially when we remove ourselves from the terms of covenant we have with our God. The major thing that can bring bitter experience to us is sin. Sin is disobedience to God’s law and command.

God had set boundaries for us where we must remain or else there will be consequences. We must remain within the confines of God’s grace to enjoy that grace. We will only remain within the confines of God’s grace when we live in obedience to His word and commandments. Remember what the bible says that, he that breaks the hedge, the snake will bite.

Naomi lived 10 years in Moab and had nothing to show for it except Ruth who was used by God to console her for the wrong decision of the husband. Have you taken wrong decisions and they are now hurting and hunting you? God is ready to heal the hurt and remove the hunt if only you can return to Him and ask for forgiveness of your disobedience and sins. The choice is all yours. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: Wrong decisions can affect you and your posterity. Always seek God’s leading in your decisions.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 5 - ​ And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband (ESV).

Prayer: God, grant that I will not take decisions that will bring bitter experiences to my families in Jesus name.

Don’t Be Easily Discouraged

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional 
Devotion for Monday January 9, 2017 
Topic: Don’t Be Easily Discouraged
Text: Exodus 14:10–12 
Most times we are easily discouraged by what we hear, see or read. For this reason, we must beware of what we watch, read or hear. Some of the stories we hear come with fear and intimidation that can make us loose faith. The things we watch; listen to or read should be things that build our faith and not the ones that can demoralize and put fear into us. This is one problem I have with some present day preachers who emphasis are more on what they enemies can do or have done more than what Jesus Christ has done for us and will still do. 
The Israelites were quick to complain. There was nothing they did not complain about ranging from water, food, leadership, etc. Having seen the plagues God meted out on Egyptians before they left, that would have strengthened their faith, unfortunately, it wasn’t so. Instead they doubted every word of God that Moses brought to them. 
An impatient man cannot wait for God’s appointed time and that was the case here. The Israelites were discouraged and their hearts melted because they saw the rage and speed at which the Egyptians were coming, and they forgot that God controls the affairs of men. There are times when we face challenges and life threatening issues that we lose focus on God. Some people will complain and grumble that they were better off being unbelievers. Such act is a first degree of distrust and lack of confidence in God. He is able to protect, provide and fight our battles. There are some who are easily discouraged by lack of food, money, job, prospective spouse, etc. These are temporal affliction the devil uses to distract us. We should not give in to them. No matter the situation we may find ourselves, let us know that our God is able to protect, provide and fight for us.
Food for Thought: “History has demonstrated that most notable winners usually encounter heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to be discouraged by their defeat” – B. C. Forbes. 
Memory verse: Exodus 14 verse 12 - Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness (ESV).
Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that I will I will not distrust you or lose confidence in you in Jesus name.