FROM NOBODY TO SOMEBODY: Devotion for Monday February 1, 2016

FROM NOBODY TO SOMEBODY     Monday February 1, 2016

Text: 1 Peter 2:7 – 10                Memory verse: v 10

Jesus Christ is indeed precious – highly valued or esteemed. Not only is Christ precious to the Father (2:4), He is also precious to believers (2:7). Quoting from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 8:14), Peter explained that not only were the builders who rejected the stone humiliated but it later became the cornerstone; they also had stumbled and fallen over it. Stumbled means tripping and falling, or it can mean taking offense at or rejecting something or someone. 2:9 contrasts our privilege and destiny with that of unbelievers (described in 2:8). We are a chosen people, a distinct group from the rest of the world, unified by the Holy Spirit. We are also a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation (Ex 19:6). Being part of ‘priesthood’ is a high honour which made us somebody from nobody.

Think of it, if not for Christ, what would have been your condition today? Christians at one time had been rejected by God without any hope of mercy, but we are now people of God because He has chosen us (2:9) and we have received His mercy. ‘Mercy’ means God’s compassionate treatment of us even though we deserve the full measure of His justice. On the other hand, it is God that can turn our situations for good. He did it in life of Abraham, Jabez, David, etc; He will do it for you. You have worth because of what God does, not because of what you do. He will still do something that will single you out as indispensable in Jesus name. Live in this month and beyond with this honour. Happy New month!

Food for Thought: Do you know your worth as a Christian?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making me somebody in your eyes no matter what the world thinks about me.

JABEZ’S PRAYER: Devotion for Saturday August 1, 2015

JABEZ’S PRAYER         Saturday August 1, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicle 4:10     Memory verse: v 10

In these two verses that say something about Jabez, he is remembered for a prayer request rather than his heroic acts which made him honourable. This prayer is what people love to pray always. In his prayer, he asked God to (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work (extend my lands), (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) keep him from trouble and pain. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. Do you acknowledge God as source of your being and all that you have?

Most times we pray about God’s blessings. However, when we pray for God’s blessing, we should also ask Him to take His rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. It is only when we have God at the centre of whatever we do that such can prosper in our hands. Obeying Him in daily responsibilities is heroic living. Do you obey God in all you do?

Food for Thought: Jabez got an answer because he loved God.

Prayer: O Lord, my God, help me to love you as much as you love me. 

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Devotion for Friday July 31, 2015

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?   Friday July 31, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9          Memory verse: v 9

Here the author of this book praised Jabez for his sincere and fervent piety, as well, perhaps, as for some public and patriotic works which he performed and where not mentioned. The Jewish writers affirm that he was an eminent doctor in the law, whose reputation drew so many scribes around him that a town was called by his name (1 Chronicles 2:55) and this passage bears ample testimony to the piety of his character – he was honourable. How honourable are you? What is your own testimony within your neighbourhood?

His mother gave him the name Jabez because of the memory of the critical circumstances which marked his birth. This troubled him and he sought the face of God in this regard. He knew that the name he bears was affecting him in so many ways. This led to the prayers in 4:10. The chronicler seems to be teaching us that God listens to and acts on behalf of those who sincerely implore him. What is your own name? Does the name you bear influence the kind of character you exhibit? Do you answer the name of a god or goddess and thus behave wild? Think about your name. However remember that God answers us when we call upon Him.

Food for Thought: Does your name have any influence on your character?

Prayer: God make me and my name honourable in your sight in Jesus name.

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM    Tuesday June 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 62:1 – 7                                 Memory verse: v 5

The Bible severally made it clear that we can’t do anything of our own strength or wisdom (John 15:5). See also Romans 9:16; Zechariah 4:6. The Psalmist knows this fact which made him to submit to God, waiting silently because his expectations can only be fulfilled by God. Christians expect from God because we believe in him. 

Treasury of David Commentary says, “Expectation is the child of prayer and faith, and is owned of the Lord as an acceptable grace. We should desire nothing but what would be right for God to give, then our expectation would be all from God; and concerning truly good things we should not look to second causes, but to the Lord alone, and so again our expectation would be all from Him.” If only we are asking for godly things, we will never be weary or try other ways to meet our needs.

Expectations from men will be disappointed as they are frail, while that from God will be abundantly more than realized. Hannah expected and got Samuel. Elizabeth and Zachariah expected and got John the Baptist. Jabez waited and his coast was enlarged. Don’t give up on that thing you have been waiting on God for. Hear what Charles Spurgeon said, “Call on God and spread the case before Him. Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it.”

Food for Thought: Psalm 62:1

Prayer: Grant me the patience as I wait expectantly from you, O Lord.