God Has Solutions to Our Problems: Devotion for Sunday August 9, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday August 9, 2020

Topic: God Has Solutions to Our Problems       

Text: Numbers 11:16 – 20                                 

To solve the immediate problem raised by Moses, God ordered him constitute an order of seventy elders, either by a selection from the existing staff of elders or by the appointment of new ones, to be empowered to assist him by their collective wisdom and experience in the onerous cares of government.

The Jewish writers say that this was the origin of the Sanhedrin, or supreme appellate court of their nation which also consists of 70 men. God’s promise of coming down was not in the physical form. What the Spirit God talks about in Numbers 11:17 means the gifts and influences of the Spirit (Numbers 27:18; Joel 2:28; John 7:39; 1 Corinthians 14:12).

God also gave solution to the need of meat they people were cried for (Numbers 11:18 – 20). Unfortunately, God purpose to give them meat to eat until it become loathsome to them. “What people impatiently and wickedly desire, God sometimes suffers them to have, and to abuse to their ruin” so says Family Bible Note.

Our God has answers and solutions to all our problems. This should strengthen our faith in Him. What are the problems you are currently facing and thinking that there is no way out? God has answers to them. Is it in your career, school, business, office, etc.? God is ever willing to answer you.

The meat will be loathsome to them because they despised the Lord who was among them, and have wept before Him, saying, "Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?” That was a mark of ingratitude. Do you despise God simply because you are not happy with Him? Repent today.  

Food for Thought: "For with God nothing will be impossible” – Luke 1:37

Memory verse: Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?

Prayer: In time of difficulties and crises, help me O Lord to look up to you because you alone can solve all the problems of life.

Use Your Wealth Wisely

Devotion for Saturday March 31, 2018

Topic: Use Your Wealth Wisely

Text: Matthew 27: 57 – 66           

Joseph from Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin who became a disciple of Jesus. He was a member of the council of Jewish leaders. According to Luke, he was a good and just man, who never consented to their decision to kill Jesus. He was also waiting for the kingdom of God (Luke 23:50, 51). This was the man God used to give Jesus a befitting burial. Jesus acquaintances (Matthew 27:49) stood afar off; they had no money to bear the charge neither the courage to bury Him decently; but God raised one that had both. Joseph made himself available for God to use in the burial of Jesus Christ. If the known disciples were the ones that asked for His body, the Roman Soldiers would have turned down the request. God is wisdom and He does His things wisely. Despite his riches, he was humble enough to serve God. The reason he went and asked for the body of Jesus was because he wants to bury it honourably otherwise, by the Jewish customs; He would have either been burned, or buried in the common place appointed for executed criminals. To others how do you use your wealth? Is it for the good of humanity or to the glory of God? What areas do you channel your riches – to intimidate neighbours, to abuse people or to help the needy and humanity? Joseph of Arimathea showed he loved God. What about you? Sing A&M 210; Abu 34

Food for Thought: “He that will not permit his wealth to do any good to others while he is living prevents it from doing good to himself when he is dead” – Colton.

Memory verse: Matthew 27:58

Prayer: Lord, grant me the right understand of the essence of wealth and talent you have bestowed on me so I can use them wisely.

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

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.

They Cannot Deny It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 24, 2017

Topic: They Cannot Deny It

Text: Acts 4:15 – 18

The Council was in a dilemma on what to do with the Apostles as they had performed an undeniable and widely publicized miraculous healing of the man born lame. This miracle and others done by the Apostles made the masses to gravitate toward Christianity abandoning the Jewish religion. Their problem now was how they could save their faces (in light of the obviously healed man), discourage further teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and preserve the status quo.

Their solution to the above concerns was to order them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again. Unfortunately, their power and position could not convince them to be silent. When God’s will is unfolding, no one can stop it (Acts 5:34 – 39). Again, His works do not leave traces of doubt behind. The healing of this man was so obvious that the Council couldn’t deny it. They attested to it.

Most unbelievers question our salvation too when they discover that our lives do not reflect the confession we make. We give unbelievers room to doubt our faith when we compromise and live carelessly. Can people in your office, school, neighbourhood, and other places where you may be found say that your salvation and faith are undeniable? Can people actually vouch that you are a true Christian? Ponder on these questions and where there is need; amend your ways now by repenting of your sins before it will be too late.          

Food for Thought: Can people question your credibility as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 16b

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to live well so that people can’t deny or question whether I am a Christian indeed.

WE WISH TO SEE JESUS: Devotion for Wednesday September 2, 2015

WE WISH TO SEE JESUS     Wednesday September 2, 2015

Text: John 12:20 – 26             Memory verse: v 21

These Greek were either visitors from Greece or Greek-speaking Jews. They may be Jewish proselytes or simply God-fearing Gentiles. These Greeks probably selected Philip as their emissary to Jesus because, though Philip was a Jew, he had a Greek name. He was from Bethsaida, a town in Galilee near the Greek territory on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee called Decapolis. The city of Bethsaida itself had a large Greek population, and Philip may have been able to speak Greek. He hesitated for some time and went to Andrew, a close ally. Both went to Jesus.

The very inclusion of Greeks in the events of the final week has great significance. We Gentiles also ought to be grateful that Christ includes us in his offer of salvation. Are you willing to lead people to Jesus? There are many people who desire to see Jesus. The first Jesus they will see is you. Therefore, we should be mindful of how will live and associate with people or else our actions can deter them from coming to see Jesus. Let us shine as light (Matthew 5:13 – 16).

Food for Thought: Can unbelievers come to you to lead them to Jesus?

Prayer: Almighty God, make me a role model for unbelievers to emulate.