There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Devotion for Friday June 15, 2018

Sing SS&S 601

Topic: There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Text: Luke 18:28 – 30                        

Most times, people assume that those who surrender their lives to Christ are at a loss because they will no longer “enjoy” the things of the world. This is a wrong notion. There is no loss in salvation or following Jesus. It was this notion that led Peter to ask Jesus what becomes their fate as His followers (Luke 18:28). The response of Jesus is in Luke 18:29 – 30. Jesus noted that those who had left all and followed Him are no losers; that is, in this world they shall receive manifold blessings in hundred-fold (Mark 10:30). Job lost all in order to prove to Satan about his faithfulness in serving God and at the end, God restored all he lost while he was still alive (Job 42:10) and I know that his faith will certainly take him to heaven. Is there any lesson for us here in this story of Job? Beloved, our God is faithful. 1Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” For this reason, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). People may have been taunting you concerning your faith in Christ Jesus and calling you names. Don’t mind them! There is a reward for you. The greatest reward we look forward to is the eternal life in the bliss of heaven. Are you looking forward to that city? Don’t allow the distractions of the world to keep you out of it.

Food for Thought: There is no loss for the sake of the gospel that is greater than the love God has for us.

Memory verse: Luke 18:30

Prayer: Lord God, as I have left all to follow you, may I not lose my reward in Jesus name.

The Cost Of Following Jesus

Devotion for Tuesday January 30, 2018

Topic: The Cost Of Following Jesus

Text: Matthew 16:24 – 28

There are always terms and conditions which apply to any contract or agreement. In terms of our relationship with God, there are terms and conditions attached to it. Jesus came to establish the New Covenant. Our Catechism has it that Jesus commands us in the New Covenant to believe in Him and to keep His commandments with the promise to bring us into the Kingdom of God and give us life in its fullness. In our bible passage for the day, He states one of the conditions expected of would be disciples which is self- denial, taking up one’s cross and following Him. 

The words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:24 show us the 4 principles of the Christian life. 

1) He must have a sincere desire to belong to Christ - If any man desires to be my disciple. 

2) He should renounce self-dependence, and selfish pursuits – Let him deny himself. 

3) He should embrace the condition which God has appointed, and bear the troubles and difficulties he may meet with in walking the Christian road - Let him take up his cross. 

4) He should imitate Jesus by following Him even in suffering – Let him follow me. 

Everything in life has a cost attached to it. You cannot claim to be a disciple of Jesus without fulfilling these principles and conditions or else you will not be sincere in being His disciple. Have you met the terms and conditions of being a disciple? If not, there is still time for you to key into the conditions so as to benefit from His promises in the New Covenant. 

Sing SS&S 597; Abu 110

Food for Thought: A true disciple of Christ in all things denies his own will, however pleasing, and does the will of God, however painful.

Memory verse: Matthew 10:38

Prayer: Lord God, help me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow you all the days of my life in Jesus name. Amen

I Will Not Leave You As Orphans

Devotion for Thursday January 25, 2018

Topic: I Will Not Leave You As Orphans 

Text: John 14:18 – 21                                        

When someone dear to you is leaving or parting from you, even temporarily, it is always emotional and it is even more disheartening when it is at the point where you have just started knowing each other, and have started enjoying the relationship. I still remember my last service as a Catechist at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Adonte. It was an emotional service. Tears flowed like a river. Even the Lay Reader who handled the church before I came did not hide his emotions as he wept openly during the service. I was the first Catechist and I served only 6 months. I left when they were beginning to enjoy my ministry.

Jesus had just been with the disciples for three years and now He was leaving. What do you think will be the feelings of His disciples who left everything to follow Him? Jesus knew what will be in their minds and thus He promises that He would continue to take care of them saying, “I will not leave you orphans.”

God’s care for us is continuous. Just as Jesus did not end His care for them but continued even after His death and resurrection, so His care for us will continue. We know that every year, people try to improve on what they were the previous year and so God will also improve on what He did for you last year. However, it depends on our love for Him and His word. The evidence of our love for Christ is obedience to His laws. Where sincere love to Christ is in the heart, there will be obedience. Love will be a commanding, constraining principle; and where love is, duty follows from a principle of gratitude. Sing A&M 399 with emphasis on Stanza 2

Food for Thought: God is able to keep and care for all those who entrust their lives to His care and protection.

Memory verse: John 14:18

Prayer: God, I rededicate myself and family to your care and protection this year. Grant us the grace to love and keep your commandments.

Utilize Your Gifts

Devotion for Tuesday January 9, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Gifts

Text: Proverbs 18:16

Gifts are something bestowed on us. If we can afford such thing, we can’t call it a gift. The author of Proverbs says the gift of a man and not the wealth. This gift can be talent, wisdom, knowledge, craft, art, etc. The gift makes way for the owner and brings him or her before great men. From this verse of the scripture, there are three things we should note of. 1) Every man has a gift. This truth is illustrated in the parable Jesus gave about talents in Matthew 25:14 – 30. There was no servant without a talent. Though some of the servants had more talents than other servants, none was left without one. 2) Talents are meant to be utilized. In that same parable, the king condemned the servant that didn’t utilize the talent he received. For every talent God has given to us, we must utilize them or else on the day of reckoning, we will be condemned for not using them. 3) When we use them, it brings us before kings. A look at that parable in Matthew 25:14 – 30 shows us the reward of using our talents. Those that used theirs were brought before the king for commendation and reward while the man that hid his talent was condemned and cast out into a place of regret.  In the days ahead, we will look at some examples of those that used their talents and how it brought them before kings. What are your gifts/talents? How are you utilizing them? Sing A&M 331, Abu 109

Food for Thought: “Concealed talent brings no reputation” – Erasmus.

Memory verse: Matthew 25:20

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to utilize my gifts and may they bring me before great men in Jesus name. Amen\

The Alpha And Omega

Devotion for Saturday November 25, 2017

Topic: The Alpha And Omega

Text: Revelation 1:8

Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters of Greek alphabets. By applying them to Himself, Christ had shown us that He is the cause and end of all things. In Revelation 1:11, similar application was made to God the Father, thus confirming the Trinity and what Jesus said that by Him everything that is made was made. This saying of Jesus has some inspirations for us as Christians. Jesus being the Alpha and Omega which is the beginning and the end means that He is aware of everything about us. He made us and everything about us is known to Him. As the Alpha and Omega, God is in control of the affairs of this world and this is the greatest assurance we have. He also knows what our end will be. This is a kind of reassurance for us that God knows when the problems confronting us will end. The second part of our text is a description of Christ as Jehovah; self-existing, unchangeable, and eternal. The truth here is that as God who called us is self-existing, He is also able to meet our needs. No matter the kind of boasting of our enemies and the rage they vent on God’s people, even in the interim, God remains the Author and Creator of all things. Whatsoever He proposes, declares, and promises surely must stand. As He is the end, He shall bring all the things which are revealed to a complete and glorious conclusion. What has God revealed to you? Just believe Him because in due time, it will come to a glorious conclusion (Philippians 1:6).

Food for Thought: As the Alpha and Omega, God is in control of the affairs of this world and this is the greatest assurance we have.

Memory verse: Isaiah 44:6                                                                    

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you know everything about me as the Alpha and Omega, bring every promise concerning me to a glorious conclusion in Jesus name. Amen.

WHY DISILLUSIONED? WHY TROUBLED?

WHY DISILLUSIONED? WHY TROUBLED? YOU HAVE THE MAN, JESUS CHRIST

The case of the man at the Pool of Bethesda who said, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me" was the centre of discussion at the just concluded 7th edition of Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) held in National Christian Centre Abuja from 13th – 16th November. This man was sick for 38 years. Though it was not stated if he had spent all the 38 years at the Pool but from the story and the man’s submission, it was obvious that he had spent so many years there. The sickness had affected this man so severely that he couldn’t answer simple question.

Looking at the man, according to Bishop Sunday Adewole, “He was an old man, 38 years of living with infirmity clearly shows that he was not a young man. He totally depended on others for everything. This was made obvious by his statement ‘I have no man …’ He had submitted all his dependency on another human. The sickness had affected his mentality to the extent that he finds it difficult to answer the question Jesus asked him correctly, he rather complained. He was a blame shifter, a sinner, disloyal and ingrate.”

Despite all these weaknesses in that man, who didn’t deserve what he received Jesus chose him for healing. It was the work of grace which God has offered to humanity through Jesus Christ. He demonstrated this grace towards this man. That grace is sufficient for you if only you can come to the full knowledge of God and believe that He is the Saviour.

Today, many of us, despite our long years in the church are still disillusioned, troubled and living in anxiety because of the challenges of life. Some people find it hard to believe that in Christianity, we can stay without food, with sickness, jobless, childless, no prospective spouse coming to ask for your hand in marriage at over 40 years and many more. The present economic stress in the country has worsened the matter. These problems and challenges have so much affected the spiritual life of some people that today, they can hardly pray. A young lady of about 37 years came to me and said, “Daddy, I am tired. I can no longer pray because I have prayed and nothing seems to happen.” When I asked why, she said, “I am now 37 years and no man is asking for my hand in marriage.” This is a sister that is committed and dedicated but things are not working out well for her. This is one in million cases we have today.

However, I bring you the assurance that you have the man Jesus. There is no situation beyond his ability. If you have Jesus, the following are available for you. a) He can give you hope (1 Peter 1:13; Hebrews 10:23). b) He can give you joy amidst all the challenges of life (John 16:24). c) He can provide for you (Matthew 6:25 – 27). d) He can give you salvation (Luke 19:10; 1 Thess. 5:9). e) He can forgive you (Ephesians 1:7 – 8). f) He can comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4). g) He can take away your worries, care and anxiety (Psalm 55:22; Matt. 11:28). h) He can give you eternal life (John 10:27 – 28; John 3:16, 36). i) He can help you (Hebrews 4:15 – 16) j) He can heal you (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

Beloved, you should understand the God you serve; His abilities and all He can do. If you know and have Jesus, you will never be troubled or disillusioned by situations and circumstances. Cheer up because you are not like that man at the Pool of Bethesda (House of Mercy) who claimed that he had no man but you have the man Jesus Christ who is abundantly able to save, heal, deliver and help. Hallelujah!

Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma

Assisting Priest

St. Philip's Anglican Church

AGGS Compound

West End, Asaba

Jairus Came To Jesus

Devotion for Friday August 18, 2017

Topic: Jairus Came To Jesus 

Text: Luke 8:40 – 42

Kings and Rulers hardly make out time to serve God. The most some of them can do is to send messenger to the Prophet or Servant of God. Maybe the case of his only daughter made Jairus to come to Jesus. If not that his daughter was dying, would Jairus have come to Jesus? Think about that? Some people are so self-centered that they only do good when it affects them.

When Jairus came to Jesus, he fell down at His feet. It may be an evidence of his faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ or maybe he believed Him to be God or hero worshipping because he wanted something from Him; the healing of his daughter. Whatever may be his reason, Jesus demonstrated His love and passion to save souls by going immediately with him. When he came to Jesus, He (Jesus) did not reject him or deny his request. Jesus exhibited great humility, suffering Himself to be thronged with much people who followed Him.

Why are you following Jesus? Why have you come to Jesus by becoming a Christian and being in the Church? Is it because you need healing, protection, a good spouse, deliverance, salvation, where to ease off tension after the weeks work, etc? God knows our hearts; those who are sincere in coming to Him and those who are not. We should love God because He first loved us (1John 4:9). Again, we should be ready to go to Christ when we are in distress because He is so ready hear and help us, if we seek Him in sincerity, though our faith maybe weak and feeble. Ask Him today and He will answer you.

Food for Thought: What motivates you to go to Christ? Is it because you love Christ?

Memory verse: Luke 8:41

Prayer: Lord, may I always come to you with sincere heart

Allow Them To Discern

Devotion for Wednesday August 16, 2017

Topic: Allow Them To Discern

Text: John 4:16 – 26

Some people are fond of telling others who they are by their words and actions. They will always want people to acknowledge them by introducing themselves even though the occasion does not demand or warrant such. This is common attitude of the Pharisees. Such attitude is opposed to God, no wonder Jesus always rebuke them (Luke 11:39 – 44). Are you one of those who would always introduce yourself to people so as to be recognised? Know that unwarranted introduction is an act of pride.

Jesus met this woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well and as their discussion ensued, the woman made the statement in John 4:19. She perceived that Jesus is a prophet from His manner and His knowledge of her of her history. The word prophet here denotes one who knew her heart and life, and who must therefore have come from God. Every word that Jesus had uttered excited her to wonder more and more, and when He lifted the curtain off her life, she was convinced at once of Jesus superhuman knowledge. Jesus didn’t tell her He is a prophet rather it was through His word, the woman came to understand.

How do you present yourself to others? Do you allow people to discern that you are a child of God by your actions and words?

Food for thought: “Those that are truly desirous to be owned and accepted by God will likewise desire not to be taken notice of nor applauded by men.” - Henry         

Memory Verse: John 4:19

Prayer: Grant me the spirit of humility, O Lord, that people will know me by the fruit I bear

Christianity Breaks Barriers

Devotion for Tuesday August 15, 2017

Topic: Christianity Breaks Barriers

Text: John 4:4 – 15

The ancestors of the Samaritans were introduced into the land of Israel by the King of Assyria, after he had led the ten tribes into captivity (2 Kings 17:24 – 41). When the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon and began to rebuild their temple, the Samaritans asked for permission to build with them, and when this was refused, an enmity arose between the two people which never died out (Ezra 4:1 – 5; Nehemiah 2:10; 4:1 – 3).

There was no familiarity nor friendship between Jews and Samaritans before Jesus came into the world. However, this may not affect business as the disciples of Jesus Christ had gone to buy food in the town. This woman of Samaria knew that Jesus was a Jew. The antipathy between the Jews and Samaritans was so bitter that they will never want to ask any hospitable rite. The woman’s reply is not a refusal of the Jesus’ request anyway, but an expression of astonishment that a Jew should ask a favour of a Samaritan. However, Jesus had come to set example for us that Christianity should break barriers, build bridges and not walls.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:24; Luke 6:27 and 35). Jesus did not want to follow the status quo maintained by His people. He was distinct and that is what He expects from us. A Christian shouldn’t join his/her family to maintain enmity with another family. Do you use your Christianity to break barriers and mend fences? Do you seek for avenues to reconcile people in enmity? This is what Christianity is all about; making peace and reconciling people, and people with God (2 Corinthians 5:17 – 19 and Matthew 5:9).

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:18

Memory verse: John 4:9

Prayer: Lord God, make me an instrument of peace in my generation in Jesus name.

The Vulnerability Of Man

Devotion for Sunday August 13, 2017

Topic: The Vulnerability Of Man

Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23

In our bible reading yesterday, we read how Jesus Christ praised Peter for a divine inspiration expressed when he answered His question. In today’s bible reading, Peter in his impetus and impulsive manner came up again but this time, it was no praise for him but rebuke. This shows the vulnerability of man. We do similar things at times by acting according to our emotions which result to problems. When God insprires us to act or react, it can never result to problem. The word Satan means literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs, dreams or goals. It is applied to the devil because he opposes us as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). There is no evidence that the Lord Jesus applied this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or that he used the term in anger. Rather, He meant that Peter was trying to hinder the redemption of mankind by giving Jesus the advice that opposes his mission on earth. We should note that Satan uses our closest allies, family members or best friends to tempt us. When they give us such advice, we should be careful or they will make us to lose our salvation. Jesus accused Peter of not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. Beloved in Christ, are you vulnerable beyond control? Are you only mindful about the things of the flesh that you undermine the things of the spirit? Ask God to help you overcome your vulnerability.

Food for Thought: “You cannot run away from your weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or you perish” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Memory verse: Matthew 16:23

Prayer: Lord God, help e to deal with my weaknesses before they deny me entry into heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

They Tested Him

Devotion for Thursday August 10, 2017

Topic: They Tested Him

Text: Matthew 16:1 – 4

The sect of Pharisees and Sadducees were opposed to each other in principles and in conduct; yet they joined forces against Christ. They had to put aside all their differences because they wanted to test Jesus. This is how funny the devil and his agents can be. They desired a sign of their own choice, despising the signs of healing the sick, and those that brought succour and comfort to the less privileged (Luke 4:18 & 19). They sought for something else to satisfy their curiosity by feigning a desire for evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but their real desire was to see Jesus make the attempt to work miracle and fail, that they might betray and ruin Him. It is hypocrisy, when we slight the signs of what God have ordained by seeking for signs of our own devise. However, Jesus knowing their persons countered them (Matthew 16:2 – 4).

Many people by their thought and actions are testing God. Many are still in the church on the condition that God will have to answer them and if He doesn’t answer them at a particular time, they will stop serving Him. Some have given God conditions that if He does not do what they desire, they will drop their bibles and stop going to church. Some test God by getting involved in things that got them entangled and thereafter, they started crying, “God why?’ Beloved, do you test God? Israelites tested Him and paid dearly for it (Psalm 95:9 – 11; Numbers 14:1 – 24). Don’t try it again.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:9

Memory verse: Matthew 16:1

Prayer: O Lord and my God, grant me the grace that I will not tempt by my words and actions which I will thereafter pay dearly for them.

Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings?

Devotion for Thursday August 3, 2017

Topic: Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings?

Text: Luke 12:13 – 14

Jesus while teaching on greed gave a parable about this man. The Greek word for greed literally means the thirst for having more. Working to provide for you family’s need is not covetousness. However, while we work for our needs, we must be rich towards God by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Little did the poor fool (though materially rich) in our text, so wise in matters of earthly business, suspect that the awful doom was close to him. He forgot what Solomon said, “Do not boast about tomorrow” (Proverbs 27:1).

Jesus used this parable to teach the dangers in greed and covetousness. This farmer saw his wealth as an opportunity to please himself. He had no thought of others or of God. There’s certainly nothing wrong in following good business principles, or even with saving for the future (1 Timothy 5:8). This man had a false perception or view of life and death. He thought that life comes from accumulating things and death was far away.

On March 11, 1856, Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal, “That man is the richest whose pleasures are cheapest.” He also said, “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” Being wealthy is not sin rather making wealth your god (Colossians 3:5). The man lived without God and died without God and his wealth was but incident in his life. What about you? How do treat God’s blessings upon your life; Are you hoarding it for you and your posterity  or you are using it to please yourself or to please God? Beware!

Food for Thought: Wealth and pride are enemies of salvation

Memory verse: Luke 12:19

Prayer: O God, make me rich towards you by seeking seeking first your kingdom and His righteous in Jesus name. 

The Divine Pleasure

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday July 21, 2017

Topic: The Divine Pleasure

Text: Luke 12:27 – 32

In the earlier part of this discourse (Luke 12:4), Jesus had called his disciples “my friends.” He had told them of the troubles of life which awaits them, but at the same time wished to show them how dear they were to Him. Jesus told them to endure trials, lack of necessities and temptations that might come their way for His sake and for the glorious future that awaits them.

Again, He assured them that God will meet their needs (Luke 12:22 – 31). God’s ability to provide does not exempt His people from the common calamities of life. In some respects, they are more exposed to calamities than other people. They have reason therefore to fear, no wonder His words in John 14:1.

The underling fact in our text is that God has provided for them a Kingdom. The glory of it cannot be expressed or conceived, nor will the duration of it ever end (Hebrews 12:28). He has given them this kingdom as their inheritance. The Kingdom is worth making a priority (Luke 12:31) because God will give it to those who faithfully follow Him.

The Kingdom is a certain reality, so God’s people need not to be afraid. Jesus went to prepare a Kingdom for us; a place of blessedness, where evil is fully overcome and where those who live there know only happiness, peace and joy. God’s desire and divine pleasure is for you to be part of His Kingdom. How are you preparing to be part of it?     

Food for thought: If God could give up His Son to die for us, will it be a hard thing for Him to give us His Kingdom?

Memory verse: Luke 12:32

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace to be part of your Kingdom in Jesus name Amen.

Enemies Of The Cross

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday July 15, 2017

Topic: Enemies Of The Cross

Text: Philippians 3:17 – 19

In our bible reading for the day, Paul speaks of nominal Christians who used their liberty as a clock for licentiousness. They are enemies of the Cross according to Paul. Their evil lives bring shame upon the religion of the Cross. Paul criticized self-indulgent Christians, people who claimed to be Christians but couldn’t live up to Christ’s model of servanthood and self-sacrifice.

These enemies were professed believers who were corrupting the gospel by their immoral lives and false teachings (Galatians 1:7, 6:12 and Philippians 1:15 – 16). They were not opened and avowed enemies of the Cross nor did they deny that Jesus Christ didn’t die on the Cross to make atonement for our sins rather; they were living in a manner inimical to pure gospel. An immoral life is an enemy of the Cross of Christ who died to make us holy.

Someone becomes an enemy of the Cross when there is no evidence that the heart is renewed. Similar people are found in the churches today. Some are even in the altars. How are you living your life as a Christian? Are you among those that commit all forms of sins because they are no longer under the law (Romans 6:14 and 15)? Are you in the church keeping malice, committing fornication, practicing masturbation, you are still involved in corrupt practices, etc? You are an enemy of the Cross Repent before it would be too late

Food for Thought: Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean freedom to be selfish but taking every opportunity to serve and to become the best person you can be.

Memory verse: Philippians 3 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, help me to avoid any sin that will make me an enemy of the Cross.

Yes My Redeemer Lives

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday July 14, 2017

Topic: Yes My Redeemer Lives

Text: Job 19:25

If we ever hope to reap from God’s goodness and mercies, we must have a good knowledge of Him. Here in our text is Job’s creed or confession of faith - his belief in God the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and the principles of natural religion, had often professed. Job believed in a living Redeemer and looked for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Job made his confession of faith in steadfastness of his belief in God.

What do you confess in times of trouble? Do not forget that what you confess matters a lot because life and death are in the power of tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Even when you are questioned about what you confess, don’t stop saying it. It will produce result for you, so long as it is the promise of God.

Jesus Christ our near kinsman has redeemed us after our heavenly inheritance was mortgaged by sin. He has paid our debt, satisfied God’s justice for sin, and so has taken off the mortgage and made a new settlement of our inheritance. Jesus Christ is our living Redeemer. Though He died on the Cross, He rose again. Although Job had lost all his wealth and friends, he was not separated from Christ. He trusted God and spoke prophetically about the Redeemer and resurrection.

In that your sickbed, that problem or trouble, what is your relationship with Christ? Do you still see Him as your Redeemer? Do you serve God only when things are good and you back out on Him when trouble comes your way? What is your take about Jesus? Is He your Redeemer?

Food for Thought: Strong confidence in God supports the soul in the deepest afflictions and causes it to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Memory verse: Job 19:25

Prayer: Lord, even when the world turns against me, help me to understand that you are there for me as my living Redeemer.       

Bear Much Fruit

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday July 10, 2017

Topic: Bear Much Fruit

Text: John 15:1 – 8

Nothing gladdens the heart of any farmer that we he sees his efforts bearing fruits as expected. It makes him so happy and He will want to do more. In the same way, nothing pleases God more than when his children are doing His will and bearing fruits for His kingdom. In fact God expects us to bear fruits as He charged Adam in Genesis 1:28. God loves those that obey and glorify Him. This is the secret Jesus revealed in this our text, that those that obey God and do His will are glorifying Him.

The best way to glorify God is to bear fruits. This is what is expected of us as Paul charged that we should abound in good works (1 Corinthians 15:58). The Spirit of God stimulates good works in us as we have in John 15:5 and being fruitful is an evidence or demonstration of true discipleship.

What fruit are you bearing? We have the fruits of the flesh (Galatians 5:19 – 21) and also the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 – 23). In your office, do your words and actions show that you are a Christian, and do you bear fruit for Him there? As a driver, do you connive with the Motor Mechanic to defraud your boss? Do you make unnecessary claims for the money of the work you didn’t do?

Our fruits should glorify God and edify man.  Jesus Christ said that we are the light of the world and He also charged us to let our light shine. Are you among those whose lights appear dim or those whose lights are shinning for others to see? Therefore, live as Jesus Christ charged us in Matthew 5:16

Food for Thought: Whatever that is worth doing at all is worth doing well – Lord Chesterfield

Memory verse: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: Help me O Lord to bear fruits that will glorify you through my words and deeds in Jesus name. 

When Human Help is not Necessary

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 4, 2017

Topic: When Human Help is not Necessary

This man’s sickness had become his way of life because it has lasted for 38 years. No one had ever helped him. He had no hope of ever being healed and no way to help himself. The man’s situation was hopeless. He was trapped there at the side of the Pool. There was no hope of healing in his home if he goes back and even at the pool; there was no help until He who is greater than all human help combined came into the scene. This man didn’t invite Jesus. Heaven smiled at him when Jesus came his way. We should understand that Jesus came to him because He had seen the desires of his heart. He had heard his cry for help and was moved with compassion. He came to him to prove to us that when He comes into any problem whether protracted or not, human help we had hoped on will no longer be necessary.

Beloved, you may have been trapped in that infirmity, debt, prison sentence, protracted sickness, unemployed in the labour market, etc., and you feel that here is no one to help. God can minister to your deepest needs in that situation. Don’t let that problem or hardship cause you to lose hope. God may have special work He is preparing you to do in spite of your condition, or even because of it. People have ministered effectively to hurting people because they triumphed over their own hurt. Again, why not invite Jesus into that hopeless situation you are trapped in? When He comes into that troubled situation you are into, your cry of no one to help will end as it ended for this man. Call on Him today and certainly He will answer you.

Food for Thought: Jesus’ question shows us that He will not force himself upon anyone. He seeks permission before intervening in that person’s life except on special cases.

Memory verse: John 5 verse 6 – “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"

Prayer: Almighty God, I invite you into my life to solve all physical and spiritual problems where I have been trapped in without help in Jesus name. 

You Are Surrounded By Wolves

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday June 10, 2017

Topic: You Are Surrounded By Wolves

Text: Matthew 10:16 - Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

When God calls us to a duty, He makes known to us the intricacies and implications. When He called me into full time ministry, He gave me Isaiah 43:1 – 10 which I see as what I have passed through since my ordination. When God called Paul, He told him about what he would suffer (Acts 9:10–16).

In our text today was the commission Jesus gave His disciples and present Christians on evangelism. Jesus Christ sent the disciples into the world as sheep among wolves; He intimated them that the enemies of the gospel in this wicked world have a great inclination, from their nature, to devour and destroy the ministers of the gospel and Christians alike. This is just as wolves have, from their natural temper to devour sheep. What a metaphor!

Despite all these challenges, Jesus recommended ways they can overcome them. He recommended prudence and innocence; saying you shall be as wise as serpents, to avoid the world's injuries, and harmless as doves, in not revenging against them. What a good counsel from Jesus who actually wants us to succeed in our Christian race! Christians must not be altogether doves, lest they fall into dangers or serpents, lest they endanger others. This teaches us that wisdom and innocence should dwell together. How wise and innocent are you?

Food for Thought: “For as piety without policy is too simple to be safe, so policy without piety is too subtle to be good” – William Burkett Notes.

Memory verse: Matthew 10 verse 16 - "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Prayer: God, fill me with the spirit of wisdom and innocence in my Christianity.

Why Are You Crying?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday June 8, 2017                  

Topic: Why Are You Crying?                                                           

Text: John 20:15

When God does something for us, we should be grateful for such blessing, received. Mary Magdalene demonstrated such character. She ministered to Jesus Christ with her substance (Luke 8:3). Jesus casted out seven demons from her and as act of gratitude to her great Deliverer, she became His follower. She was committed to serving Christ with total sincerity of heart and it paid off for her. When other women left the tomb disappointed, she stayed back crying at the tomb perhaps waiting to get information on what had happened. Her staying back paid off as Jesus appeared and spoke to her (John 20: 15a).

The first question Jesus asked Mary was an expression of kindly sympathy. The second question seems to suggest that He knew the cause of her grief. This is the character of Jesus; not only sympathetic but also empathetic about our situations (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15 and 16). His appearance comforted Mary. God will comfort you also on that, which is the cause of your sorrow and grief at the moment.

You may be crying because of what you are presently passing through or people might have mocked or abused you. Maybe you have made frantic efforts to succeed in life and nothing seems to work for you. Maybe you are in the hospital and there is no headway about your healing and now you have resorted to crying. Never mind, it is not and never too late with Jesus, except you haven’t invited Him into the matter. He has solutions to your problems. He has answer for you. Just keep trusting Him.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 1: 3 & 4

Memory verse: John 20 verse 15b

Prayer: Pray for God’s comfort concerning that protracted problem that makes you cry often and again.

The Rich Man And Lazarus

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 24, 2017

Topic: The Rich Man And Lazarus

Text: Luke 16:19 – 31

There are so many inspiring lessons for us in this story. One mistake people make in life is to think that money is everything. It is not so. Again, wealth is not a perimeter to judge God’s blessings and favour. The Pharisees considered wealth to be a proof of a person’s righteousness but Jesus shocked them with this story in which a diseased beggar was rewarded and a rich man was punished. The rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth but because he was selfish, refusing to feed Lazarus, take him in, or care for him. The rich man was hard-hearted in spite of his great blessings.

The amount of money we have is not as important as the way we use it. What is your attitude toward your money and possessions? Do you hoard them selfishly, or do you use them to help others? There is something worth noting in Luke 16:22. Lazarus died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom while the rich man was buried. This shows that no amount of burial changes the final destination of man.

What determines our final destination is the way we live when we are alive. Therefore beware of the way you live and use your wealth. The rich man thought that his five brothers would surely believe a messenger who had been raised from the dead. But Abraham asserted that if they did not believe Moses and the prophets, who spoke constantly of caring for the poor, not even a resurrection would convince them. Are you like this rich man? Don’t wait for the messenger from the dead. Repent now and accept Jesus as your Saviour. 

Food for Thought: What is your attitude towards your money and possessions?

Memory verse: Luke 16 verse 22

Prayer: Lord God, help me to accept your message of salvation now and not to wait for a message or messenger from the dead in Jesus name.