No Intercessor: Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

Topic: No Intercessor                                    

Text: Isaiah 59:16 – 21                              

This passage is connected with the following chapters. It is generally thought to describe the coming of the Messiah, as the Avenger and Deliverer of His church. There was none to intercede with God to turn away His wrath; none to interpose for the support of justice and truth. Yet He engaged His own strength and righteousness for His people.

Isaiah 62:6 & 7, say, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” This passage explains the importance of intercessors. Unfortunately, God sought for the intercessors but found none as we have in our bible reading for the day. Maybe that informed the decision in Isaiah 62:6 and 7.

There was no man to intercede for the course of truth and equity. Despite no intercessors, God saved His people for His own glory because by His righteousness He is bound to maintain the cause of truth.

Beloved, God has called us as watchmen not only to our immediate family alone but to the society where we live. How much are we interceding for them? As watchmen and watchwomen, how serious do we take this call God has placed on us? We should note that our call as Christians is not just to enjoy our relationship with God alone but to help others through preaching and intercession. We should not fail in intercession.

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus Christ taught us, He used plural form and not singular – Our father, forgive us, give us, etc. We should make it a priority to pray for salvation and deliverance of people because we are product of other people’s intercession too.

Food for Thought: When last did you intercede for sinners especially that person in your neighbourhood, office or business arena?

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 16

Prayer: Lord, lay the burden of intercession in my heart in Jesus name.

Intercessors, Lord’s prayer, Watchmen, Prayer, Jerusalem, Messiah, Devotion,

Who is this? Devotion for Sunday April 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Palm Sunday April 5, 2020

Topic: Who Is This?                                              

Text: Matthew 21:1 – 11

Happy Palm Sunday! When Jesus was born and the wise men had come seeking him, the entire city of Jerusalem was “disturbed” (Matthew 2:3). Again, Jesus caused a great “disturbance” in the city in His Triumphant entry. That “disturbance” led to the question, “Who is this?” The reply was “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” But Jesus was not just another prophet; He was the prophet who was to come (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). No wonder the city was in an uproar! There was great excitement.

The sight of such a multitude, the shouts of the people, and the triumphant procession through the city, excited much attention and inquiry to know who was being celebrated. By who is this, the questionnaire wanted to know the person worthy of such honour. Does Jesus Christ deserve your honour?

In our bible reading today, Jesus boldly declared Himself King, and the crowd gladly acknowledged that and joined Him. When Jesus came into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy; who had waited for the consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. Where do you belong in these two groups as we celebrate Palm Sunday today? Do you ask, who is this, because you want to know Jesus of Nazareth or you want to ridicule Him?  

Food for Thought: Why do seek to know Jesus – to ridicule Him or to serve Him as Lord and Saviour? 

Memory verse: Matthew 21:10

Prayer: Grant, O God, that I will know Jesus in order to serve Him as my Lord and Saviour.

Jesus Christ Moved The City

Devotion for Sunday Palm Sunday March 25, 2018

Topic: Jesus Christ Moved The City       

Text: Matthew 21:1 – 11 

After the birth of Jesus and the visit of the wise men from the east, the whole city of Jerusalem was “disturbed” (Matthew 2:3). Again, Jesus caused a great disturbance in the city of Jerusalem which gave rise to the question, “Who is this?” The reply to that question was “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” But Jesus is the prophet who was to come (Deuteronomy 18:15–18). No wonder the city was in an uproar! There was great excitement. The sight of such a multitude, the shouts of the people, and the triumphant procession through the city, excited much attention and inquiry to know who was being celebrated. As the procession descended from Mount Olives, it was in plain view of all Jerusalem, and its magnitude, shouts and songs excited the wonder of the whole city. By who is this, the questionnaire wanted to know the person worthy of such honour. By this event, Jesus boldly declared Himself King, and the crowd gladly acknowledged that and joined Him. When Jesus came into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who had waited for the consolation of Israel; others, of the sect of Pharisees, were moved with envy. Where do you belong in these two groups? Do you ask, who is Jesus, because you want to know Him or you want to ridicule Him like the Pharisees? Sing A&M 99, Abu 41  

Food for Thought: Why do seek to know Jesus – to ridicule Him or to serve Him as Lord and Saviour?

Memory verse: Matthew 21:10  

Prayer: Grant O God, that I will know Jesus in order to serve Him as my Lord and Saviour.

Continue With The Lord

Devotion for Tuesday February 27, 2018

Topic: Continue With The Lord                         

Text: Acts 11:19 – 24

The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch were people dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church was made to work for its good. Initially, they concentrated their preaching on the Jews only (Acts 11:19) but some other preachers from Cyrene and Cyprus (in present day North Africa) came also and preached to Gentiles in Antioch. Divine power attended their preaching and many believed the gospel (Acts 11:21). 

The Church at Jerusalem heard that the gospel had reached Antioch and they sent Barnabas to them. He was a great link between the Jewish believers and Gentile believers. He was a wise choice to go to Antioch for a number of reasons. As he was from Cyprus, he would have had a natural connection with the evangelists who had started the movement in Antioch. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. His name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and he lived up to it as he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord and continue with Him. He came and confirmed what was earlier preached. He didn't try to show off as a ‘senior believer/evangelist.’ 

Christians should partner one another in the gospel because we all are meant to work for Christ who owns the Church. Barnabas urged them that they should be firm and resolute in their new found faith despite trials and temptation that may come their way. Are you source of encouragement to people around you as Barnabas was? 

Sing SS&S 529; Abu 216

Food for Thought: Barnabas lived up to his name by being a source of encouragement. Are you living up to your name as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 11:23

Prayer: May I live up to my name as a Christian O Lord and a source of encouragement to people around me in Jesus name. Amen

Prove Your Patriotism

Devotion for Sunday January 21, 2018

Topic: Prove Your Patriotism        

Text: Nehemiah 1:5 – 11              

Nehemiah’s prayer was nationalistic in nature which is a clear evidence of his patriotism. He started his prayer by recalling the attributes and promises of God (see Exodus 20:6). He was specific about the deplorable condition of Jerusalem which he attributed to sin of the Israelites (Nehemiah 1: 6 & 7 see Deuteronomy 28:15). He didn’t exonerate himself and his family. He remembered the promise of God concerning repentance and restoration (Nehemiah 1:8 – 10 see Leviticus 26:33, 39; Deuteronomy 4:25-27, 29; 28:64). He prayed for favour in the eyes of the king he serves. We should note that the best way to obtain favour from men is to plead with God in whose hand lie the hearts of men. His approach to national problem of Israel is a challenge for us Christians of this generation. 

We are the major contributors to the problem of corruption, insecurity, political violence and all manner of social vices that are affecting us today by our inability to pray and to do what is expected of us. How often do we even care to know what is happening in our nation? Nehemiah asked and that prompted him into prayer. When we hear of national issues, does it prompt us to pray or do we begin to analyze it, blaming people at leadership position and exonerating ourselves? It is our duty to pray for our nation. Let this be uppermost in our hearts. Sing SS&S 1138; Abu 240

Food for Thought: How often do you pray for your nation and the challenges confronting her?

Memory verse: Nehemiah 1:7

Prayer: Lord, lay a great burden in my heart and hearts of other Christians in this nation to pray for her always in Jesus name. Amen

Be A True Patriot

Devotion for Saturday January 20, 2018

Topic: Be A True Patriot

Text: Nehemiah 1:1 – 4                         

Nehemiah was a cup bearer of a Persian king. He tastes whatever is served the king as drink. Thus he lived at ease, and in honour, but didn’t forget that he was an Israelite, and that his brethren were in distress. He was ready to do them all the good he could through the position he was occupying; and to know how best to show them kindness, he makes inquiries about them. Nehemiah was a man of true piety though, he was in high position in civil office but his piety led him to take a deep interest in the welfare of his people and course of God in the home of his ancestors and brethren. This distinguished him as a great patriot.

Today we have men and women who are in high positions but cannot do anything good for their people. They are so self-centered that they don’t even care what happens in their villages/towns. Some Christians don’t pay contributions for development of their communities. Some don’t pay their taxes and rates to government. Yet they criticize the government. These acts are not Christ-like. Jesus gave us example in Matthew 17:25 – 27.

As Christians we should show the light first among our people and to others. We should have concern about the welfare of our communities and the nation at large. Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem and went into prayers (Nehemiah 1:4). How much do we pray for our nation and communities? We desired change in our nation and communities but wait for someone else to bring it. Why not become the change by being a true patriot? Sing SS&S 798; Abu 29

Food for Thought: What can you do to improve the welfare of your community?

Memory verse: Nehemiah 1:4

Prayer: Grant me the burden to always pray and work for the good of my community and my country at large in Jesus name. Amen.

Best Ways To Bear Worthy Fruits

Devotion for Wednesday January 3, 2018

Topic: Best Ways To Bear Worthy Fruits

Text: Luke 3:10 – 14

The question the people of Jerusalem, all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan asked John is what all meaningful Christians should ask God at the beginning of the year like this which is "what shall we do then?" The question they asked John is similar to what we have in Acts 2:37. John had to enumerate some of the areas people of diverse professions commit sin against God and humanity. He mentioned acts of charity (Kindness to the needy), honesty and sincerity among tax collectors in collecting taxes. He also charged soldiers to stop intimidating people or accusing them falsely, and to be contented with their wages. A closer look at John’s answers in Luke 3:11 – 14 gives a clear picture of our present day society. Can you do a comparison with your society? Some people have decided to be doing these and many other crimes despite the word of God they preach and hear. Their reasons are that a labourer deserves his wages and their salaries have not been paid. Beloved, you have no excuse to extort money from people or falsify scales to make gains. These are attributes of unbelievers. It should not be seen or heard among believers. If you had been in it, repent today. God expects us to bear good fruits for Him. We can only do it through righteousness and not through deceit if we hope to benefit from His blessings for us. Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Food for Thought: One of the first demands of religion is to be good and it is the best way to show that our repentance is not feigned.

Memory verse: 1 John 3:17

Prayer: Lord God, grant that I will bear fruits worthy of my repentance in Jesus name. Amen

There Is Nothing Hidden From God

Devotion for Tuesday December 4, 2017

Topic: There Is Nothing Hidden From God

Text: Acts 15:18

The context of our bible reading today is from Jerusalem Council Meeting presided over by James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ over the issues of Gentiles becoming Christians, and what they need to do to be accepted. He stated that whatever was happening (Repentance among Gentiles) is known to God because it has been the plan of God from time immemorial (Genesis 3:15; 12:3). The argument of James according to Family Bible Note is that “The calling of the Gentiles into the church is in accordance with God’s purpose from the beginning. Why then throw hindrance in their way.”

Nothing comes to pass by chance, but only by God’s appointment. God knows all you are passing through now. There is nothing that comes to pass by chance without His knowledge. Many cry daily saying that God has forsaken them. Many cry asking if God is not aware of the trials and attacks of the enemies. All these are well known to God. The one that may come tomorrow is also known to Him (Luke 22:33). We should not fret when the enemies come around. They can only succeed when God gives approval. Remember the case of Job. As Jesus prayed for Peter when the devil came to ask for permission to sieve him, so He is praying and working in your favour

Food for Thought: Nothing happens to us except God permits it.

Memory verse: Acts 15:12

Prayer: Lord, you know everything about me. Work out your will concerning all the problems that confront me to you own glory in Jesus name. Amen

Hypocrisy Destroys The Church

Devotion for Saturday August 19, 2017

Topic: Hypocrisy Destroys The Church

Text: Galatians 2:11 – 18

Hypocrisy is a very dangerous character that can lead to betrayal, gossip, pretences, falsehood and many other evils. Anyone who is hypocritical can even kill. Hypocrites are deceivers and tempters (Mark 12:15). They are always deceptive in their words and actions. Beware of such people who are hypocrites in nature.

Paul, speaking in defence of Christians and circumcision gave instance of how Peter and some Jews played hypocrisy by refraining themselves from eating with the Gentiles when James sent some Jews from Jerusalem to Antioch. They separated from the converted Gentiles and acted to convince the Jews that they still believed the law to be of moral obligation. They followed Peter and disguised their sentiments. They knew that the Jewish ceremonial laws was done away by the gospel, and had practically acknowledged it by eating with the Gentiles, however, they were afraid to avow their true convictions. This was hypocrisy at the highest level and more worrisome is the fact that it came from Peter who was adjudged a leader of the church. This made Paul to challenge him (Galatians 2:14).

There are many ways people play hypocrisy in our present day Christianity. Some claim they are born again Christians but don’t trust God to protect and care for them. Thus they depend on other sources for their protection and providence. Some people are still living in obvious sins and deeply involved in church programmes and activities. They are hypocrites and in such cases, the spirit of God can hardly dwell in such a church where they claim to be worshipping. If you are not done with sin, why take a seat at the centre of church services and programmes? Why will a church leader see a member of his/her church living in obvious sin and keep mum? Such inaction destroys the church too. To enjoy the presence of God in our churches, we must do away with hypocrites.

Food for Thought: “Of all the things in the world that stink in the nostril of men, hypocrisy is the worst” – Charles Spurgeon.

Memory verse: Galatians 2:13

Prayer: God heal me of any spirit of hypocrisy in me through the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Hosanna In The Highest

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Palm Sunday April 9, 2017

Topic: Hosanna In The Highest

Text: Mark 11:1 - 11

During the celebration of Passover festival, Jews usually come to Jerusalem from all over the Roman world for this week-long celebration to remember the great exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:37-51). It was on the Sunday preceding the festival, that Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King. Many in the crowds had heard of or seen Jesus and were hoping he would come to the Temple (John 11:55-57). He eventually came, not as a warring king on a horse or on a chariot, but as a gentle and peaceable King on a donkey’s colt (Zechariah 9:9). Thus with this entry, Jesus declared His Kingship and Messiahship. Unfortunately, some people misunderstood it.

The tumultuous crowd shouted “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Hosanna simple means “save now” or “save, we pray!" This was the cry of the multitudes as they thronged in our Lord's triumphal procession into Jerusalem. Some of these Jews were merely shouting Hosanna because others were shouting. Some others were shouting because they were indeed expecting a Messiah. These two groups were there.

Today, some of us shout Hosanna from our hearts while some others shout without believing what they are saying. Paul says that salvation is near our mouth (Romans 10:8-9). The confession you make, is it out of a sincere heart or just to fulfil all righteousness because you are in the crowd? Remember that our relationship and dealings with God are based on faith. 

Food for Thought: Do you mean the hosanna you shout or you do it to fulfill all righteousness?

Memory verse: Mark 11 verse 9

Prayer: Lord, let what I believe be same and true with my confession in Jesus name. Amen.

NO MORE DISASTER

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016

Topic: NO MORE DISASTER                         

Text: Zephaniah 3:14 – 20               

Zephaniah was prophesying here about the future of Jerusalem and the day of hope in Zephaniah 3:8–end. Any true prophet as God’s oracle is bound to speak the truth and give the message as God gave it without sentiment, bias or prejudice. Unfortunately, such preaching is lacking in so many pulpits today. The reasons may not be far from these. (1) Some preach to save their job (2) Some preach so as not to offend their members who are wealthy (3) Some preach to please their boss and many more.

In the case of Zephaniah, it was different. He presented the message from God as he received it. He did as God commanded him; thundering certain judgments and horrible punishment for all who would defy the Lord (Zephaniah 1:1ff). However, in our text is a message of hope when God will take away punishment and turn back enemies so there will be no more harm on His people. This message was a relief to the Israelites. After God had done these, He will dwell with them. The prophet called on the Israelites to sing in Zephaniah 3 verse 14 for some reasons. You can find the reasons in Zephaniah 3:8–end.

After the promises of taking away sin, follow promises of taking away trouble. It teaches us that when the cause is removed, the effect will cease. Most times, disaster comes upon us when we follow our own will or do things without first seeking the face of God. However, God is promising here that those things we did in ignorance, He will overlook and take away our disaster. Are you suffering because of sin or not taking time to seek the face of God? God says He will take away that punishment and turn back your enemies. He will rescue and be with you as He has promised, so you will not see any disaster again.   

Food for Thought: Isaiah 10:27

Memory verse: Zephaniah 3 verse 15

Prayer: Take away, O Lord, the causes and effect of sin in my life and family in Jesus name.

NO MORE SHAME

Devotion for Monday December 26, 2016

Topic: NO MORE SHAME            

Text: Isaiah 54:1 – 5           

This portion of Isaiah’s prophecy is on the increase of the church through the conversion of the Jews and Gentiles. To be childless is a woman’s great shame and disgrace. Families depend on children for survival, especially when the parents became elderly. Here, God said that Israel (Jerusalem) was unfruitful, like a childless woman, but God would permit her to have many children and change her mourning into singing. This is one thing that the birth of Jesus brought about. God allowed His people to go through this period of unfruitfulness, mockery and shame because of their sin. However, in His compassion and mercy, He is promising them a glorious future devoid of shame and mockery.

Have you been abandoned because of sin by friends and loved ones? Is your past life now haunting you that you have become an object of ridicule because you are unfruitful? Return to God (Hos. 14:1) now, for He is the only one that removes shame. Not only will He remove the shame but He will wipe away the scars on you. Your miracle will spring forth (Isa. 54:2; 2 Kings 4:1–7). That glorious future is now, the dispensation of God’s grace through Christ. He has redeemed us from all the curses that hitherto have brought us shame. This is the period for fruitfulness, which will remove shame. Step into it.

Food for Thought: When God arises for us, nobody remembers our shame.

Memory verse: Isaiah 54 verse 4

Prayer: Arise, O Lord, and wipe out all shame I have suffered in Jesus name. 

REPROACH TO NATIONS: Devotion for Saturday October 1, 2016

REPROACH TO NATIONS: Devotion for Saturday October 1, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 22:1 – 16      Memory verse: Ezekiel 22 verse 4   

Happy independent celebrations to Nigeria and Nigerians! Today is the 56th Independence Anniversary of Nigerian nation. We congratulate Nigerians as they celebrate this day.

Here in our text for the day, Jerusalem is called a bloody city because of her crimes. This chapter of Ezekiel explains why Jerusalem’s judgment would come (Ezekiel 22:2–16), how it would come (Ezekiel 22:17–22), and who would be affected by it (Ezekiel 22:23–31). The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with are exceedingly sinful – murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the Sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery.

What would have led a nation adopted by a holy, righteous and pure God into this level of sin, crime and evil? Not being mindful of God led them into this wickedness. They took the mercies and grace of God for granted and thus due to their complacency and lukewarmness, they started compromising which took them into these evil they were charged of here.    

Sinners provoke God by forgetting Him. When they do not take His ordinances to heart, they can do anything they like. When they also see the worship of God as ceremonies without spiritual attachment to it, their worship will not have any impact on them. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Family Bible Notes says about Ezekiel 22:4 that, “When we see a community giving itself up to the practice of iniquity of every kind without restraint, we may be certain, from the sure testimony of God, that its days of punishment are near.” The position of Family Bible Notes here can well be said of our present generation where all manner of evil are seen on daily basis.  

The sins charged against Jerusalem, are similar to what we see in Nigeria today – murder, oppression and extortion, adultery, etc. The spate of Fulani herdsmen and marauders, killings, abduction and kidnapping, Boko Haram, budget padding, corruption, etc are all pointers to the assertion that our present day Nigeria is similar to what Ezekiel saw in Jerusalem at the time he was prophesying. Just like Jerusalem became a reproach to nations around her so our country, Nigeria has become a reproach to nations around her.

As Family Bible Notes posited above, we are expecting God’s judgment upon this country for we have turned against God in so many ways. In fact we have started reaping the fruit of our evil, greed, corruption, hatred, in ability to forgive ourselves, etc with the current economic recession and poor leadership we have experienced in Nigeria since independence.

Think of the number of churches in our country. What are the effects of these churches in our nation? Are the perpetrators of these crimes not found in our churches? We should be prepared for the day of the Lord. How prepared are you for God’s judgment because it will certainly come? Don’t think you can escape it unless you repent. Nigeria needs a Solemn Assembly which should be led by our leader. Until we sincerely and truly repent, we cannot escape the wrath of God that will be revealed to avenge the blood of innocent souls spilled in this country.

Food for Thought: Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people - Proverbs 14:34.  

Prayer: Lord God, heal our country and her people that we will no longer be reproach unto nations in Jesus name.   

      

WHO IS THIS? Devotion for Palm Sunday March 20, 2016

WHO IS THIS? Devotion for Palm Sunday March 20 2016  

Text: Matthew 21:1 – 11  Memory verse: v 10

Happy Palm Sunday! When Jesus had been born and the wise men had come seeking him, the entire city of Jerusalem was ‘disturbed’ (Matt 2:3). Again, Jesus caused a great disturbance in the city. To the question, “Who is this?” came the reply, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” But Jesus was not just another prophet; He was the prophet who was to come (Deut 18:15-18). No wonder the city was in an uproar! There was great excitement. The sight of such a multitude, the shouts of the people, and the triumphant procession through the city, excited much attention and inquiry to know who was being celebrated. By “Who is this,” the questionnaire wanted to know the person worthy of such honour.

With this triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus boldly declared Himself King, and the crowd gladly acknowledged that and joined Him. When Jesus came into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who had waited for the consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. Where do you belong in these two groups? Do you ask, who is this, because you want to know Jesus of Nazareth or you want to ridicule Him?

Food for Thought: Why do you seek to know Jesus – to ridicule Him or to serve Him as Lord and Saviour?  

Prayer: Grant, O God, that I will know Jesus in order to serve Him as my Lord and Saviour.

They did not know when it came: Devotion for Thursday December 17, 2015

They did not know when it came: Devotion for Thursday December 17, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:37 – 39                         Memory verse: v 39

In these verses our Saviour, Jesus Christ, declares that Jerusalem's destruction, and the world's final dissolution at the Great Day, would be much like the destruction of the old world in the time of Noah; and that in two respects: 1. In regard of unexpectedness. 2. In regard of security and sensuality. In Noah’s time, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, wholly given up to sensuality and debauchery, and did not know of the flood was coming. They did not consider it, till the flood swept them away. Thus was it in the destruction of Jerusalem, and so it will be in the end of the world. No man can tell. Therefore, we must be very cautious, watchful and prayerful.    

It is good that we don’t know exactly when Christ will return. If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to be lazy in our work for Christ, hoping that there is still more time. Worse yet, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to God right at the end. As Christians, heaven is not just our only goal; we also have works to do here and we must keep on doing it until death or until we see the unmistakable return of our Saviour. Keep the light burning like the wise virgins.

Food for Thought: 2 Peter 2:4 – 6

Prayer: Lord, may your second coming not take me unawares.