Jesus Christ Has Risen: Devotion for Easter Day April 12, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Easter Day Sunday April 12, 2020

Text: Jesus Christ Has Risen!                      

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10

Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We thank God for such a privilege. Mary Magdalene and her colleagues came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body (Luke 24:1) but the met an empty tomb.

The angel who announced the good news of the Resurrection to the women gave them four messages:

(1) Don’t be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb.

(2) He isn’t here. Jesus is no more among the dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people.

(3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the Resurrection.

Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity and that is why many people especially in my clime will defy stay at home to go and worship. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel today is simple; Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life.

One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you “telling” others about this good news? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mark 8:38).    

Food for Thought: If Jesus didn’t resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Memory verse: Matthew 26:32

Prayer: O Lord my God, may I never be ashamed of telling people about you. 

A site your Boss will not want to visit

To Fulfill The Law

Devotion for Sunday January 13, 2019

Topic: To Fulfill The Law

Text: Matthew 5:17 – 20

A proverbial saying of the Igbos has it that “the rat does not fall from the roof of the house. Something is pursuing it.” For Jesus to stand and make the assertion in our text today shows that He has been accused of breaking the law. The four gospels of the scripture have records of these accusations. Unfortunately, these accusations are unfounded. Some were just ways aimed to trap Jesus and misinterpretation of the law (See Matthew 12:1 – 12).

Jesus actually came to fulfill the law hence He subjected Himself to it by dying for the sake of the sin of the world which He took upon Himself (Ezekiel 18:4). Christ did not come to bring any new way of righteousness and salvation into the world, but indeed to fulfil that which was shadowed by the Law; by delivering men through grace from the curse of the Law. He also came to teach the true use of obedience and to engrave in our hearts the power for obedience.

Jesus had to make this fact straight not just for the Pharisees but for us, the present day readers and Christians because He is our model and we should emulate Him (Ephesians 5:1). We should follow His example and that is the best way to please God and serve Him as expected. How obediently are you applying the grace of God?

Food for Thought: Romans 3:31

Memory verse: Matthew 5:17

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, grant me the grace to follow the example of Christ in obedience to the law in Jesus name 

This Is My Beloved Son

Devotion for Wednesday August 1, 2018

Sing Hymn SS&S (Sankey) No 642 – When we walk with the Lord

Topic: This Is My Beloved Son

Text: Matthew 17:1 – 8

Parents delight in their children especially when they are following their will and instructions for a better future. This is how God the Father has infinite delight in His Son which He expressed in our text and also Matthew 3:17. Such delight has been extended to us too because of our faith in the work Jesus Christ on Calvary.

One of the reasons God the Father chose to make such pronouncement is because He wants His Son to be recognized, obeyed and honoured (John 5:23). This instruction to listen; to obey, to hearken, etc. is designed to help us actualize God’s will for us in this heavenly race.

It is important to obey Jesus for so many reasons.

1) He is the author of our life and faith

2) He knows our yesterday, today and tomorrow

3) He has the key to eternal life which is our main priority as Christian.

4) His counsel is meant for our good and wellbeing. How important is hearing God’s word to you? You cannot claim to have a relationship with God without absolute obedience and compliance to His word.

As we begin this month and in this first devotion for this edition, I sincerely charge you to live more righteously, pleasing God in all things and at the right time, He will certainly declare that you are a beloved son/daughter too. May your life begin to please God and bring joy to heaven in Jesus name! Happy new month!

Food for Thought:

Memory verse: Matthew 3:17

Prayer: O Lord, help me to live the life that will please you so that you will announce me to the world in Jesus name.

Salvation Is Possible For All

Devotion for Thursday June 14, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 471

Topic: Salvation Is Possible For All

Text: Luke 18:18 – 27                         

This rich young man mentioned in our bible reading came to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus pointed out the significance of his use of the word “good” (Luke 18:19), stating that there is no one good. He sought for reassurance from Jesus; a way to ascertain that he had eternal life. He wanted Jesus to measure and grade his qualifications, or to give him some task he could do to be assured of his own immortality. So Jesus gave him a task, the one thing the rich man knew he could not do. The rich man’s problem was that he would not obey Jesus’ final command (Luke 18:22). His riches were only the surface problem; the real problem lay in the love he had for his wealth. This shows that riches are `not bad but love for it instead of God is the problem. “Then who in the world can be saved?” the bystanders asked. No one can be save, by his or her own achievements, was Jesus’ answer. “What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God.” Salvation cannot be earned—it is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-10). Have you doubted your salvation? Are you deep into sin and now you think your salvation is no more possible? God who offers us salvation is ever ready to save you and it is open to all who are willing to come to Him. All you need do is to pertinently come to Him and He will forgive you. Are you ready to do that today?

Food for Thought: Salvation cannot be earned—it is God’s gift

Memory verse: Luke 18:27

Prayer: Father, help me to sustain my salvation and not to lose it.

Find Joy In One Another

Devotion for Thursday May 31, 2018

Topic: Find Joy In One Another

Text: John 3:22 – 36

Here in our text, John teaches us not to envy or resent one another’s gifts or blessings. Rather we should find joy in what others are blessed with or doing. There was a dispute between the Jews and John the Baptist’s disciples which may have centred on the relative worth of John’s baptism and that of Jesus Christ. However, John, being mindful of his office, not only puts a stop to their endeavours, but also takes occasion by that means to give testimony about Christ, that in him alone the Father has set forth everlasting life. He summed up his testimony saying, “Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled” – John 3:29b He was filled with joy that he has done his job as a forerunner of Jesus Christ and was very happy that Jesus had taken over. This act of John is a great challenge for present day Christians who are creating gulf instead of building bridges with interdenominational barriers between them. Today, there is so much competition among Christians. We envy and resent people’s gifts and hardly acknowledge the working of God in other people’s lives. This is one ploy of the devil to plant disunity and disharmony among Christians and many of us are undermining this plot of the devil. We should find joy in one another. We preach about heaven; a place for all believers yet we don’t see anything good in fellow Christians. One thing I know for sure is that, God is not making heaven for one denomination alone and again, many of us will be disappointed on the last day as the people that will make heaven are people who find joy in other people’s gifts and ministries. God help your church to understand this.

Sing The Church’s One Foundation A&M 225; Abu 81

Food for Thought: True brotherly love appreciates and supports gifts and ministry of other believers.

Memory verse: John 3:29b

Prayer: Almighty God, may I find joy in other people’s gifts and ministry in Jesus name.

Please pray for the production of My Daily Covenant with God and also pray for Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma as he celebrates his birthday today.

Whatever He Says To You, Do It

Devotion for Wednesday May 30, 2018

Topic: Whatever He Says To You, Do It

Text: John 2:1 – 11

It is evident from John 2:4 that Jesus’ mother did not understand what He had said as a harsh reproof and repulse, but as an indication of His willingness at the proper time to provide wine, hence her statement in John 2:5. From our bible passage, it shows that Mary had known the power in Jesus and His willingness to solve people’s problems which led her to speak to the servants. There are some lessons for us in this text. 1) There is a time for everything on earth. Jesus didn’t act immediately the mother made the request but waited for the appropriate time. This shows that there is time for God to answer us. He may not answer us immediately we make our request but obviously, He will answer. 2) What Jesus says to us is what we should do so as to attract His blessings upon our lives. We find it so difficult to do God’s bidding most times. Unfortunately, obedience to God’s word no matter how difficult or painful it may be is the way to test our faithfulness and love for God. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments” – John 14:15. Until we do that, we cannot claim that we love God. 3) We should not question God’s instructions to us. The servants didn’t question Mary’s or Jesus’ instructions. They obeyed to the letter and that produced the miracle. Can you imagine the instruction of Jesus telling the servants to take water they just poured into the jar and serve as wine? Yet they didn’t question but acted and there was a miracle. As we obey God without questioning, we will be reaping our miracles.

Sing A&M 202; Abu 202

Food for Thought: “Let the ground of all religious actions be obedience; examine not why it is commanded, but observe it because it is commanded. True obedience neither procrastinates nor questions. -Quarles

Memory verse: John 2:5

Prayer: Lord God, grant me an obedient spirit in all you command me to do in Jesus name.

Jesus Has Risen From The Dead

Devotion for Sunday (Easter Day) April 1, 2018

Topic: Jesus Has Risen From The Dead

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10

Happy Easter to you! Today is Easter when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Severally, He foretold about this day (Matthew 12:40; 17:9, 23) outside the prediction of the prophets. Mary Magdalene and her colleagues came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:1) but they met an empty tomb. The message from the angel who announced the good news of the resurrection to the women centred on four areas: (1) Do not be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb that Jesus is alive and not in the grave. (2) He is not here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people. (3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the resurrection. It is also our responsibility to spread the great and good news about Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel is simple; Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you “telling” others about this good news? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mark 8:38).

Sing SS&S 152; Abu 50   

Food for Thought: If Jesus did not resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Memory verse: Matthew 28:7

Prayer: Lord God, may I never be ashamed of telling people about you.

At Calvary, They Crucified Jesus

Devotion for Good Friday March 30, 2018

Topic: At Calvary, They Crucified Jesus

Text: Luke 23:32 – 49  

Luke called the place where Jesus was crucified, Calvary while the other three evangelists called it, Place of Skull or Golgotha in Hebrew (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22 & John 19:17). Calvary is a hill just outside the city walls of Jerusalem where the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place. The choice of Calvary was for a purpose. The Chief Priest and Romans soldiers choose the place which was conspicuous so as to make mockery of Jesus but they never knew it was symbolic. See Hebrews 13:11, 12 and compare it with these passages Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 4:11 – 12, 21; 6:30; 9:11; 16:27; Numbers 19:3. He was crucified there because bearing the sins of the world just like the lamb in the Old Testament bearing sin is burnt outside the camp. To show what He came to do at Calvary, the first thing was to plea for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. He died to purchase our forgiveness. He also pardoned one of the criminals right there at Calvary. This shows that true repentance is never late. But we should not procrastinate about it because we may not have the grace this criminal enjoyed. As the soldiers taunted Him, He was humble and didn’t retaliate (1 Pet 2:21 – 24). His death was recorded in Luke 23:46 while the reaction of the Centurion to His death is in Luke 23:47. Having died for us, we should seek to glorify God with true repentance and conversion; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.

Sing SS&S 621; Abu 35

Food for Thought: Christ became accursed for us upon the cross. What have you done to reciprocate this sacrifice?

Memory verse: Luke 23:33

Prayer: God, grant that this ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for me will not be in vain.

Give Jesus Christ The Best

Devotion for Monday In Holy Week March 26, 2018

Topic: Give Jesus Christ The Best             

Text: Mark 14:1 – 9                    

It takes someone who knows the value of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity on the Cross of Calvary to give Him something freely and willingly. For example, most people who are faithful in their tithe and offering are people who have received the touch of God. Jesus first poured out Himself for mankind without reservations. It was a willingly offer made to save mankind (John 10:15, 17; 15:13 & Romans 5:7, 8). Mary had come to know Jesus Christ which made her to use a very costly oil to anoint Him. Jesus commended her pious offer to the notice of believers in all ages. Just that one offering immortalized her name. Jesus Christ will always honour those who honour Him (1 Samuel 2:30). He reprimanded the disciples, but comforted Mary. The expensive ointment poured on Jesus was a beautiful, acceptable, appealing act of love and sacrifice. Her act was a public declaration of her faith in Him as Messiah. Christ poured out His soul unto death for us, and shall we think anything too precious for Him? Do we give Him the precious ointment of our best affections by loving Him with all our hearts? At times, it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed but we should remember that charity to the poor will not excuse us from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ words were valuable lessons to Judas and the disciples that devotion to Christ is worth more than money. How devoted are you to God?

Let us sing from SS&S 621, Abu 35

Food for Thought: What can you offer to God that is equal to salvation He gave you?

Memory verse: Mark 14:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you to the extent of offering you the best thing I have in Jesus name.

Trust In Him Always

Devotion for Monday March 19, 2018

Topic: Trust In Him Always

Text: Psalm 62:8 – 12 

There are times we falter in faith despite the level of our knowledge of God and spirituality. It happened to Abraham when he harkened to the voice of his wife by going into her maid. It also happened to John the Baptist while he was in prison. He sent message to confirm from Jesus Christ if He was the Messiah or not (Matthew 11:2 – 6) despite revealing to his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:29 – 36). This has happened to some other men and women of God as we have then all over the scriptures. 

Life usually presents its curves, bumps and pot holes on our life’s journeys. It doesn’t spare anyone though the spate and degree varies. All these are aimed at slowing us down or divert our faith and at times we begin to doubt God and His faithfulness. In our bible reading of the day, the Psalmist who had experienced God’s faithfulness urges us to trust God for some reasons. He is our refuge (v8, see Psalm 18:2), all power belongs to Him (v11, see Revelation 19:1) and He is merciful (v12, see Psalm 103:8). Thus we should trust Him to guide us when we are in doubt, to protect us when we are in danger, to supply all we need when in want and to strengthen us for every good word, and work. We should trust when we can see, as well as when we are utterly in the dark. 

As you go out today, trust God to meet that pressing need of yours. Trust him to bring more customers to your business and to grant you favour as you go for that contract and business opportunities. Also trust Him to grant you peaceful working environment with that your froward boss. The Lord, be with you!

Sing SS&S 804; Abu 238

Food for thought: Proverbs 3:5, 6          

Memory verse: Psalm 62:8

Prayer: Lord, grant me stronger faith to trust you always as I go through curves of life in Jesus name.

The Example From Matthew

Devotion for Wednesday January 31, 2018

Topic: The Example From Matthew

Text: Matthew 9:9 – 13

Yesterday, we read about the terms and conditions Jesus Christ gave to those who would be His disciples. Today, we have an example from Matthew who became one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Matthew was in a tax office when Jesus met him. He requested that Matthew should follow Him and immediately he left everything and followed Jesus. He didn’t wait to write a resignation letter. He didn’t wait to hand over, he left everything immediately as Peter and his fishermen colleagues did and followed Jesus. 

In the previous chapter of this gospel, Matthew 8:18 - 22, we have the story of a man desiring to follow Jesus. When Jesus mentioned the terms and conditions, he withdrew. Jesus told the second one to follow him and he gave excuses of going to bury his father. The two men were opposite of what we saw in Matthew. His action shows his love for God is far greater than his love for his job, family or any other worldly possessions. This is what God expects from us. Our love for Him must be greater that our love for our jobs, families or any other worldly possessions. 

Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ the way Peter, Matthew and other Apostles followed Him? What are the things hindering your commitments to God? The example Matthew gave to us is a challenging one. Take up that challenge and prove your love for God. Sing A&M 331; Abu 109

Food for Thought: Have you left all to follow Jesus?

Memory verse: Matthew 9:9

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord my God, to follow the example of Matthew in forsaking all to follow you in Jesus name. Amen. 

Extravagant Grace

Devotion for Wednesday January 17, 2018

Topic: Extravagant Grace                             

Text: John 8:1 – 11                                             

When Jesus called on someone without sin to throw the first stone on this woman caught in the very act, the leaders slipped away one by one, from oldest to youngest. As Life Application Commentary noted, “Evidently the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness.”

Every human being has a sinful nature and is desperately in need of forgiveness and transformation. If we are invited today to throw a stone on that woman, I know we wouldn’t have thrown the first stone because we cannot claim that we have not sinned. We would have also walked away.

Actually no one could claim he or she is sinless so as to throw a stone this woman. Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy and embarrassed them. They went back in shame to think of some other ways to trap Jesus. No one had accused the woman, and Jesus kindly said that He would not condemn her either. Thus she was released through extravagant grace God shows sinners.

Jesus secured her freedom from the Pharisees and to free her from her sins said, “Go and sin no more.” Jesus didn’t condemn her, but neither did he ignore or condone her behaviour. Jesus told the woman to leave her life of sin.

As we have been graciously brought to this new day, we should not abuse the grace of God. He expects to see righteousness in us. Don’t think you deserve to be alive; it is by God’s grace. Live in gratitude like this woman having received God’s grace. Sing A&M 352; SS&S 581; Abu 195

Food for Thought: How grateful are you to God for the grace He showers on you?

Memory verse: John 8:11

Prayer: Lord, I am alive by your grace. Help me to live my life in gratitude for this singular honour in Jesus name. Amen.

They Are Gifts From God

Devotion for Tuesday November 21, 2017

Topic: They Are Gifts From God

Text: John 3:26 – 33

There is nothing we have that is not from God. He is the one that appoints our work and gives us all that we have. Some Jews steered up envy in the mind of the disciples of John the Baptist by telling them that Jesus was baptizing. They came to John, who was wise enough to correct this erroneous perception that no other person can baptize except him and also the envy and jealousy of his disciples. John the Baptist made effort to root out all prejudice against Christ out of their minds, which made him to show them a five-fold difference between Christ and himself (John 3:29 – 33).

There is no ministry we have today that God has not entrusted to us. He gives to all, their places and work as He sees best for us. John cautioned them not to be dissatisfied that a greater than himself has come, for this is what he foretold.

From the above, we should note that it is important every gospel minister should endeavour to magnify Jesus Christ; to display His Glorious Excellency and perfections before the people and not themselves. They should also revere His person, respect His authority and laws. This is the duty we owe God as Christians. That we are being used today doesn’t mean we are to arrogate the praise to ourselves and we start answering big names like Demon Bulldozer, Apostle of Fire, Miracle Worker, etc. We should be humble in whatever way God uses us and never to be envious of the way He uses others too.

Food for Thought: Envy and prejudice kill our gifts and make us unproductive.

Memory verse: James 1:17

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the understanding that you appoint our work for us and help me not to envy another person or arrogate praise to myself for what you are using me to do in Jesus name.

Share The Good News

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday June 1, 2017

Topic: Share The Good News

Text: 2 Kings 7:9

Christianity is all about compassion from God to Man and from Man to Man. Anything short of this is not the true Christianity. As a Christian, if you don’t have compassion on your fellow Christians or even your enemies, your Christianity is incomplete and you are not worthy to be called a Christian.

After these lepers have eaten and drunk, they realized that it would not be the right thing to enjoy the food and drinks alone (2 Kings 7:9). Do you eat and enjoy alone? Repent from it and learn how to share with others. The lepers went and told the gatekeepers of the city because they were not allowed into the city. The gatekeepers in turn told the King. The King doubted the fact that the Syrians had left. This is how we doubt when God is at work at times but my prayer is that God will surprise you this season. The lepers discovered the deserted camp and realized their lives had been spared. At first they kept the good news to themselves, forgetting their fellow citizens, who were starving in the city. They had a compassionate heart which made them to go back into the city with the good news.

The Good News about Jesus Christ must be shared, too, for no news is more important in this our present generation. We must not forget those who are dying without it. We must not become so preoccupied with our own faith that we neglect sharing it with those around us. We shouldn’t “wait until morning.” Today, determine to be compassionate and to show kindness to someone by sharing with him/her the gospel of Christ. Make it part of your life to share with others the gospel.

Action: Reach someone with the Gospel today. Don’t disappoint God.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 7 verse 9

Prayer: God, grant me a compassionate and charitable heart to share my blessings with others especially the Good news of the kingdom.

No Excuse (VI)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 17, 2017

Topic: No Excuse (VI)

 Text: Revelation 3:7 – 13           

Philadelphia was a small church in a difficult area with no prestige and no wealth, discouraged because it hadn’t grown. But Jesus Christ had no words of rebuke for this small, seemingly insignificant church. From our bible reading, it was obvious that there was significant conflict between the Christians and the Jews in Philadelphia.

As in the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:9), Jesus Christ referred to those who called themselves Jews as liars and those who belong to Satan. Though this church may have been small (you have little strength) and may have had little impact upon the city, but it had obeyed and had not denied God. They had been faithful in a difficult area. What a challenge to big churches of today who compromise their standard in order to accommodate some ‘rich’ people who are not ready to repent.

What are the challenges you face in your church? Is the small nature? Note that God didn’t commend any of these churches for building cathedrals and having the largest congregations. These are not what God judges. He is always after our spiritual lives. That your congregation is small should not be the basis of losing faith. God’s emphasis is not on multitude. You should not be discouraged by the small nature of your church or inability to build a big church. Sustain your faithfulness and righteousness and God will open doors of opportunities for you as He assured the church at Philadelphia. Do not be weakened by your little strength for God will not accept that as an excuse.    

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:8

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 10

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to hold fast what I have, that no one will take away my crown from me in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Of Good Cheer

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday January 26, 2017

Topic: Be Of Good Cheer

Text: Matthew 14:22 – 27     

Have you ever wondered why some of the initiatives, plans and promises of God are hindered by Satan’s attacks? It is because Satan and his agents do not want us to enjoy the promises of God. This is the reason some people can’t grow as Christians; they move one step and fall two steps backward.

In our text is the story of how Jesus asked the disciples to move ahead of Him. They obeyed and went on. Satan thought that the absence of Jesus on the boat will be a good opportunity to attack. Unfortunately, he greatly made a mistake. When the disciples felt the threat of the wave, Jesus immediately appeared for them saying, “Be of good cheer.”

There are great lessons for us here.

1) When God instructs us to move on, we should obey because He is always there with us (Matt 28:20).

2) When we are threatened and in despair, we should always remember His words in Jn. 16:33.

3). God doesn’t abandon us to threats of the enemies especially when we are doing His will or command.

4) Jesus knows our needs and He is able to meet us at the point of our need. When the disciples felt threatened, Jesus knew and came to their rescue. Yours will not be different.

As you go out today, be of good cheer because He is already working in your favour to protect you from attacks of the enemies and to provide for you.

Food for Thought: Hearing the voice of Christ saying “It is I,” is a sufficient support in all afflictions of life.

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 27 - But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Prayer: My Lord and my God, speak your word to me in all the afflictions I am going through in Jesus name.

Don’t Be Easily Discouraged

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

THE POOR IN SPIRIT

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2016

Topic: THE POOR IN SPIRIT                      

Text: Matthew 5 verse 3                    

Each of the beatitude tells us how God blesses us. Christians should spend time to study the beatitude because some of us have been following the wrong path and when they come to the crossroad (when the blessings they had hoped for didn’t come), they will begin to see the promises of God as not true and subsequently fall out of the faith.

Blessed, means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate and enviable state of believers. It is more of inward and not outward. We shall look at the beatitude for the next 10 days. The poor as used here means the humble, who depend on God in all things, temporal and spiritual, and look to Him for the supply of every want; more especially those who feel their need, as sinners, of spiritual blessings, and look to Jesus Christ to grant them (Isaiah 66:2).

It is proper to understand that being poor as Jesus Christ used it is not those that are poor in estate, or those whom the world has made poor in possession, but those whom the gospel has made poor in spirit, that is, the truly humble and lowly spirits. They have a right and title to the kingdom of heaven. Beloved, what is the effect of the gospel in your life? The gospel should make us do the accepted things in the likeness of Christ. Christ was not keen on material things while on earth but whenever the need arises there is always a provision for that. Though, a King, He live a life of poor spirit. We should emulate Him.      

Food for Thought: True happiness does not consist in external condition, but in the state of the mind.

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 3

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding of what being poor in spirit means so I will live to receive the blessings therein in Jesus name.      

WHEN GOD STEPS INTO OUR PROBLEM: Devotion for Sunday November 27, 2016

WHEN GOD STEPS INTO OUR PROBLEM: Devotion for Sunday November 27, 2016

Text: John 5:1 – 9                           Memory verse: John 5 verse 6

When God steps into our problems; all the things that were hitherto impossible will become possible. When He steps into our lives, we see visible change and turnaround. When He steps into our problem, all protocols and laws of nature will give way for Him to fulfill his purpose in our lives. This was the case of this man in our scriptural reading for the day.

This man at Pool of Bethesda whose name was not mentioned didn’t invite Jesus into his problem. Jesus stepped into it because of His compassionate disposition towards us as we read on Wednesday November 23. After 38 years, this man’s problem had become his way of life. No one had ever helped him. He had no hope of ever being healed and no desire to help himself. The man’s situation looked hopeless in the eyes of men but God who knows our needs knew that he needed help even though he couldn’t help himself.

The arrival of Jesus turned things around for a man who has no help. Jesus didn’t put him into the pool to be healed as others were healed in that place rather, He proved that He is far greater than the Pool and powers therein. The man received a supernatural healing from Jesus Christ. You can imagine the joy that will be in his heart as he was leaving that Pool. Those who gave up on him were disappointed. How will those who had wished him death see him coming back home? This is how God will disappoint and put to shame all your enemies who are wishing you death, failure, etc.  

Beloved in Christ, no matter how trapped you feel in your infirmities, God can minister to your deepest needs. Don’t let a problem or hardship cause you to lose hope. God may have special work for you to do in spite of your condition, or even because of it. Many have ministered effectively to hurting people because they have triumphed over their own hurts. All you need to do is to pray that God will locate you as He steps into that your sickness, trials, prison, marriage, business, studies and examination, etc. When He steps in, your level will definitely change for good.

Food for Thought: Jesus Christ is a game changer we need to make our lives more meaningful.

Prayer: My God, step into problems confronting me that there will be a change in Jesus name.

JESUS CHRIST’S HUMILITY: Devotion for Thursday November 24, 2016

JESUS CHRIST’S HUMILITY: Devotion for Thursday November 24, 2016

Text: John 6:14 – 15            Memory verse: John 6 verse 15

Humility, Jesus Christ, Leader, Model, King, Crown, Devotion, Life, Foundation, 

Anyone who is a leader, a minister of the gospel or even a believer is looked up to for true and thorough modeling. If they don’t see anything to model from your life, then that person’s ministry or leadership is in vain. You must be willing at all times to offer your followers something they will appreciate and value especially, in your attitude and character.

Yesterday, we read about Jesus Christ’s compassion. Today, we have in our text, His humility. The people associated Jesus (John 6:14) with the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15. But their assumption was that the promised prophet would break Roman rule over Israel as Moses had broken Egypt’s (John 1:21; cf. Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22 and 7:37).

Jesus withdrew from the crowd because they had missed the point and not to have accepted Him on His terms. The crowd had intended to force Him to become king. He knew that this offer of kingship was superficial, motivated by a desire for bread rather than as a result of true recognition of His person. They wanted bread for physical life and independence for political life. But Jesus offered Himself as the foundation for a new spiritual and eternal life.

Though He escaped, they went after Him. This is because He has so much to offer the people both physically and spiritually. What have you to offer people who come to you first as a Christian and secondly as a Pastor. If you have something to offer, whether you are on the mountain, in the cave or desert, they will come there. Remember the case of John the Baptist. They came to the wilderness to meet him. We should always ask God for such humble and compassionate spirit to steer clear of worldliness in our Christian race. It will help us so much to live out our Christian faith in our perverse generation. People should see Christ in us especially the unbelievers because we are the bible they read. If Christ is not seen in us, no matter how much time we spend in preaching, it will not bear the needed fruits. Therefore, let your life of humility show others Christ in you.

Food for Thought: True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves.

Prayer: Lord God, make me humble enough so that I will not be seen but Christ will only be seen in me.