You Were Born for a Reason: Devotion for Tuesday March 17, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday March 17, 2020

Topic: You Were Born for a Reason                          

Text: Jeremiah 1:4 – 10  

Our bible reading today, gives us insight into the truth that we were born for one reason or another. I have heard people complain bitterly that there is no reason living any more. I want us to understand that we were not born to fulfil numbers. You were not born into that family just because your parents needed a child.

Rather God planned your birth because you have a role to play in your family, the church and your generation. There is a gap you will fill. The problem is ability to understand what role God has appointed you for. In Jeremiah 1:5, God told Jeremiah that before his birth, He ordained him a priest to nations. The reason for his birth was to become a prophet of God. When the family, church or generation need men to serve at different capacities, God raises men for those positions.

Beloved, God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you in various ways. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that He has a purpose in mind for you.

Remember what the bible says in Isaiah 49:13 – 17. Do not give up now. You still have a future because there is a reason why God is still keeping you alive. That reason for your creation will be perfected and your generation will hear of you in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: God has created you for a purpose; to love, obey and serve Him and humanity. How are you fulfilling these purposes?

Memory verse: Jeremiah 1:5

Prayer: God, you created me for a purpose. Grant that the purpose for my creation will be fulfilled in my life in Jesus name.

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

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

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.

Recall God’s Love To Renews Your Hope

Devotion for Sunday March 4, 2018

Topic: Recall God’s Love To Renews Your Hope

Text: Lamentations 3:21 – 36            

Having stated his distress and temptations (3:1ff), Jeremiah shows what gave him courage and hope to stand firm in our bible reading for today. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. No wonder the admonition to give glorify God in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:8). God's compassion do not fail; of this we have fresh instances every morning.

Jeremiah affirmed that he had hope because God is his portion. God being his portion encouraged him in affliction, distress and temptation. Affliction has made many humble and serious with God, and has weaned them from the world, which otherwise, would have been proud and unruly. There are many things that can renew our hopes today as we pass through afflictions, distresses and temptations of life. They are the word of God (Bible), testimonies of people, direct revelation from God as we pray and favours from people.

It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. David did it and admonished us to do same (Psalm 42:5; 43:5; 78:7; 115:11). You may be going through afflictions, troubles, trials or temptations now. Be of good cheer and put all your hope on him. The Lord is your strength and you will come out a better Christian in Jesus name. Amen

Sing A&M 290; Abu 326

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:24   

Memory verse: Lamentation 3:21

Prayer: Lord God, may I continue to hope on you no matter the severity of temptations, trials or trouble I am passing through.

Ask Me And I Will Tell You

Devotion for Tuesday January 16, 2018

Topic: Ask Me And I Will Tell You

Text: Jeremiah 33:1 – 5

God is so loving and merciful. He knows how best we can live and serve Him better. He doesn’t want to wander aimlessly in the dark. He is the light and wants us to be and walk in the light too. Whatever will bring doubt in us and make us afraid, He will want to eliminate such. Hence, His words form the topic for the day. Life is full of uncertainties. Even this day, we are not sure of what will happen in the next hour. Because of such uncertainties, God calls on us in our bible reading for the day to ask and He will tell us what lies ahead, how best to handle issues, the ways to attain success and the best way to serve Him and humanity. Jesus Christ also gave same assurance in Matthew 7:7. Beloved, do you know what lies ahead of you this year? What do you think will bring success and progress for you? How best do you think you can serve God? How do you want to handle that troublesome

neighbour? If really you don’t have answers to these and many more questions agitating your mind, then you should ask God to tell you. Nothing takes God unawares. He knows your tomorrow and what it holds for you. He is in the right position to advice you. Remember that he who asks for direction never misses his way. Ask God for direction on ways to go, how to do things today and all the days of your life, and you will always meet with progress and success. Sing SS&S 319; Abu 249

Food for Thought: Someone who asks questions never misses his way

Memory verse: Jeremiah 33:3

Prayer: Grant, O God that I will always seek your counsel whenever I am confused or in doubt in Jesus name. Amen.

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.

They Will Fail

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 28, 2017 

Topic: They Will Fail

Text: Jeremiah 1:14 – 19

When God calls us, He gives us details about the intricacies and all that is involved in the call. He tells us what we will benefit and what we will suffer in the process. When God called me into the fulltime ministry, He used Isaiah 43:1 – 10. It has manifested in my life. So He tells us beforehand what we will face in this ministry before they even start manifesting.

This chapter is on the call of Jeremiah with assurance in 1:8. He clearly told him that they will surely fight against him but can’t prevail because God was determined to defend and support him against all his enemies. We know all that Jeremiah suffered; how he was jailed, thrown into a pit and many other things that he suffered. However, in all those trials, persecutions and attack, God saw him through.

Every Christian has a call; a call to live righteously, resist the devil, overcome the world so as to receive a reward at the end. Jesus made it abundantly clear in the bible that in this world we will suffer for His sake. Nevertheless, we should be of good cheers because he has secured our victory (Jn. 16:33). As long as we are in this world, tribulations, trials, temptations will come. They will fight against you but they will not prevail. God will defend you. Are you afraid and has become discouraged? Look up unto God and be focused. God is by your side to fight for you. Just hold your peace.      

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 20:10

Memory verse: Jeremiah 1:8

Prayer: God, thank you for your word. Increase my faith and remove any atom of fear in me. Always defend me according to your promises in Jesus name. Amen.

ARE YOU IN DOUBT? Devotion for Thursday October 13, 2016

ARE YOU IN DOUBT? Devotion for Thursday October 13, 2016

Text: Jeremiah 33:1 – 9       Memory verse: Jeremiah 33 verse 3

There are many things that can challenge our faith and make us question if the promises of God are real. It can only take a man of faith to endure the hardship, trials and even imprisonment without questioning God. An average Christian in a prison (33:1) for a long time simply because of his faith and commitment to God will surely ask if God and all His promises are real. The person will question the love God promised, the protection and deliverance He assured us.

This happens when we come to a cross road and are perplexed. When there seems to be no way out of seemly difficult problem and having fasted, and prayed without an answer, we will act like John the Baptist (Matt 11:2, 3). Before his imprisonment, he announced that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God and the Messiah (John 1:29–36). Unfortunately, while in prison, he questioned the truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and had to send his disciples to inquire from Jesus Christ if He is the Messiah. What he saw and passed through led into such doubt. Again, he had a wrong understanding of Messiahship of Jesus Christ. However, in all our doubts, fears and apprehensions, God understands our plight when we come to crossroads.

God saw the ordeal Jeremiah was into and asked the prophet to call upon Him so He might clarify every fears, doubt and apprehensions, and reveal secret things to him. Are you in doubt if indeed God called you as a Christian, a missionary, a Pastor, etc? Are you in doubt if God was the one that gave you that spouse, job, sent you to that mission field, etc? Are you in doubt if your Christianity is real as things are not moving on well with you despite your commitment? It is time to call on God and He will answer and make it clear to you on why you are facing hard times in your call and ministry, and what you will gain by passing through it faithfully. He has reasons for everything happening to you.

Food for Thought: “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt” – William Shakespeare 

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father solve every problem that led me into doubting your love and reveal hidden things to me in Jesus name. Amen.

YOU WERE BORN FOR A REASON: Devotion for Thursday March 10, 2016

YOU WERE BORN FOR A REASON: Devotion for Thursday March 10, 2016

Text: Jeremiah 1:4 – 10     Memory verse: v 5

Our bible reading today, gives us insight into the truth that everyone of us was born for a reason. I have heard people complain bitterly that there is no reason living any more. I want us to understand that we were not born to fulfil numbers. You were not born into that family just because your parents needed a child. Rather God planned your birth because you have a role to play in your family, the church and your generation. There is a gap you will fill. The problem is ability to understand what role God has appointed you for. In 1:5, God told Jeremiah that before his birth, He ordained him a priest to nations. The reason for his birth was to become a prophet of God. When the family, church or generation need men to serve at different capacities, God raises men for those positions.

Beloved, God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you in various ways. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that He has a purpose in mind for you. Remember our devotion for Monday – For Constant Reminder. Do not give up now. You still have a future because there is a reason why God is still keeping you alive. That reason for your creation will be perfected and your generation will hear of you in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: God has created you for a purpose; to love, obey and serve Him and humanity. How are you fulfilling these purposes?

PRECIOUS THOUGHT: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2015

PRECIOUS THOUGHT       Friday September 18, 2015

Text: Psalm 139:17 – 24         Memory verse: v 17

God's counsels concerning us and our welfare are deep, such as cannot be known (Jeremiah 29:11). We cannot count how many mercies we have received from him. However, if we can, it will help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long. David asserts that he is no accomplice with traitors. He disowned them and does not harbour a trace of fellowship with them. He appealed to God that He should search him, and search him thoroughly to know if there are lies or evil in him.

Can you boldly invite God to search you? This is a challenge for us. David knew that the thoughts God had for him, were precious. This made him to keep trusting God. What are the thoughts of God for you? Good knowledge of them will help you to acknowledge the mercies of God in your life.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Father, work out your plans for me for yours is the best for me    

IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE: Devotion for Tuesday September 15, 2015

IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE     Tuesday September 15, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 17:12 – 18          Memory verse: v 17

Jeremiah acknowledged the favour of God in setting up His sanctuary. There is fullness of comfort in God, overflowing, ever-flowing fullness, like a fountain as he asserts (17:13). It is always fresh and clear, like spring-water, while the pleasures of sin are puddle-waters. He prays to God for healing, saving mercy (17:14). He appeals to God concerning his faithful discharge of the office to which he was called (17:16). He humbly begs that God would own and protect him in the work to which he had plainly called him.

Jeremiah pleads with God to be his refuge since he has no human source of protection. God is our Saviour and Judge. He is the one that can destroy or save us. Jeremiah prayed that God should protect him in the day of trouble. This should be our prayer because our help is only in God.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 16:19a

Prayer: Lord, you are my hope in the day of trouble. Don’t allow any terror on me in Jesus name.

HE MAGNETS US WITH LOVE

HE MAGNETS US WITH LOVE            Thursday June 25, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 31:1 – 4                             Memory verse: v 3

The love God shows us is like magnet that iron cannot resist. When we consider how awful our lives are and how God overlooked our evil deeds to die for us, and bring us back to Himself, it helps us to really appreciate the magnitude of his love for us. Life Application Notes commenting on verse 3 says, “God reaches toward His people with kindness motivated by deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for them if they will only let Him. After many words of warning about sin, this reminder of God’s magnificent love is a breath of fresh air. Rather than thinking of God with dread, look carefully and see Him lovingly drawing us toward Himself.”  Are there lessons for us here?

From the comment above, we have a challenge not to dread God when we even sin against Him. All we need to do is to look beyond His anger against our sins and see Him loving drawing us towards Himself. His arms are so open to receive anyone who comes to Him. A song says: The door of heaven is open so wide, Jesus is pleading with His hands so wide … Let that love that led Him to the cross of Calvary draw you closer and closer to Him.

Food for Thought: Hosea 11:4

Prayer: Lord as you draw me closer with your love, may I not reject you.

THEY WILL KNOW ME

THEY WILL KNOW ME             Saturday May 2, 2015

Text: Jeremiah 31:31 – 34       Memory verse: v 34  

Yesterday, we saw that total loyalty in our call is seen in our commitment to serving God and humanity without reservations. One can only be loyal when he has known God. When one has known God, he brings in the fear of God in anything he does. He clearly portrays sincerity, absolute commitment and obedience. Such a person is never cajoled into doing what is expected of him.

God spoke through Jeremiah that in the era of Christ, people will know Him. No one needs to be persuaded before he can know God. This will be the result of the covenant God will make with His people (Jeremiah 31:34). It shall be a time of universal knowledge; all shall know God in Christ, from the least to the greatest.

Have you known God? Does your claim of having the knowledge of God reflect in your serving Him? If this does not reflect in your relationship with God and others, your assumption is vague and deceitful. You had better search your life now because God knows those who are His people.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 54:13. 

Prayer: Lord, teach me to know you so I will no longer be ignorant of you