A Life Without Christ: Devotion for Monday August 3, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday August 3, 2020

Topic: A Life without Christ   

Text: Ephesians 2:11 – 13                       

A life without Christ is miserable. That is the worst life someone can think of. This was our case before Christ came and died for us. Jews considered all non-Jews (Gentiles) ceremonially unclean. They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies. This was one reason Christ was rebuking them of their false claims and hypocrisy.

Apostle Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike are unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ. In order to realize how great a gift of salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition. This is what Paul posited in Ephesians 2:11, 12. See Romans 3:9, 23.

As Gentiles, we were living without any of the hopes and consolations which we now have, from having accepted and embraced Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Paul raised this to remind us of the deplorable condition in which we were by nature; and nothing would better express it than to say we were "without Christ," or that they had no knowledge of a Saviour. Therefore we shouldn’t allow this privilege to slip off our hands.

On the other hand, have you ever felt separate, excommunicated, excluded, and hopeless? These verses are for you. No one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers. You are Christ own forever if you continue to live in Him and by His Word

Food for Thought: Ephesians 4:17 – 19

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:12                                                                               

Prayer: God, you have shown me your love through Christ Jesus. Help me never to live a life without Christ henceforth in Jesus name.

The Key to Salvation: Devotion for Thursday April 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 16, 2020 

Topic: The Key to Salvation                                        

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built their religious worship on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith. The zeal Israelites had, was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Roman 10:2). Some people have great zeal in religion but are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal will be in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character, kind in spirit, and useful in tendency.

The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. Based on this reason; Paul tries to point out to them the key to salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (10:4ff). He posited in 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” His stand on this is the truth expressed in Romans 10:10.

Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptised into the body of Christ.

Have you ever been asked, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give you the beautiful answer: Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the Risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.      

Food for Thought: The basic proofs of our Christian faith are our belief in Christ (inward faith) and confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

Use Your Christianity to Break Barriers: Devotion for Saturday, August 17, 2013

Devotion for Saturday August 17, 2019

Topic: Use Your Christianity to 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.

No Special Favour with God: Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

Topic: No Special Favour with God

Text: Romans 11:16 – 21

God is no respecter of man. You may be His favourite today but if tomorrow you sin, He punishes you without looking at your face or blinking an eye. David’s case with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah was a clear demonstration that God punishes even His favourite.

Paul tells us that the reason why the Jews were broken off (Romans 11:20) was their unbelief. Again the only reason we (the Gentile) are still in place is because of our trust in God of the Jews.

He thus warns us not to go the ways of the Jews God rejected or else He will not spare us. If God did not refrain from rejecting the Jews who became unbelievers assuredly He will not refrain from rejecting us in the same circumstance.

Therefore, Paul advises us not to take God’s goodness and severity for granted (Romans 11:22 compare John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2 and Hebrews 3:6, 14).

Beloved, with God there is no favouritism. God’s standard is the same whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, male or female, of black race or white, etc.

As children of God, we should not be partial too. As Personnel Manager in your office, do you consider tribe, religion or relationship in offering employment to people?

In the church, do you give your people certain position because they are your people? If we are called children of God, we must behave like God in all ramifications.

God looks at the heart, no wonder He chose David instead of Eliab.

Lastly, we should not think that as Christians today, we have made it to heaven. We should be mindful of what we do because any little slip or compromise can cost us our salvation. We must continue to take heed lest we fall off.

Almighty God, please help us to remain steadfast in Jesus name. Amen

Food for Thought: It was possible that God could break off the Jews on the account of their unbelief. Certainly, He will not spare us if we follow suit.

Memory verse: Romans 11: 21

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith and not to be partial in my dealing with people.

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.

With God, No Favouritism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday July 16, 2017

Topic: With God, No Favouritism

Text: Romans 11:16 – 21

God is no respecter of man. You may be His favourite today but if tomorrow you sin, He punishes you without looking at your face or blinking an eye. David’s case with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah was a clear demonstration that God punishes even His favourite. Paul tells us that the reason why the Jews were broken off (Romans 11:20) was their unbelief. Again the only reason we (the Gentile) are still in place is because of our trust in God of the Jews. He thus warns us not to go the ways of the Jews God rejected or else He will not spare us. If God did not refrain from rejecting the Jews who became unbelievers assuredly He will not refrain from rejecting us in the same circumstance. Therefore, Paul advises us not to take God’s goodness and severity for granted (Romans 11:22 compare John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2 and Hebrews 3:6, 14).

Beloved, with God there is no favouritism. God’s standard is the same whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, male or female, of black race or white, etc. As children of God, we should not be partial too. As Personnel Manager in your office, do you consider tribe, religion or relationship in offering employment to people? In the church, do you give your people certain position because they are your people? If we are called children of God, we must behave like God in all ramifications. God looks at the heart, no wonder He chose David instead of Eliab. Lastly, we should not think that as Christians today, we have made it to heaven. We should be mindful of what we do because any little slip or compromise can cause us our salvation. We must continue to take heed lest we fall off. God, help us to remain steadfast in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: It was possible that God could break off the Jews on the account of their unbelief. Certainly, He will not spare us if we follow suit.

Memory verse: Romans 11: 21

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith and not to be partial in my dealing with people.

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 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.

PULL DOWN WALLS: Devotion for Thursday July 7, 2016

PULL DOWN WALLS: Devotion for Thursday July 7, 2016

Text: Ephesians 2:14 – 22       

Memory verse: v 14 – For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. 

Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of Himself; in every sense Christ was the Peace of the Gentiles, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. It was never so before His coming into the world. Jews hate Gentiles including their close neighbours and ‘relations,’ Samaritans. Christ also has destroyed the barriers people built between themselves. Because these walls have been removed, we can have real unity with people who are not like us. This is true reconciliation.

Because of Christ’s death, we are now all one (Ephesians 2:14); our hostility against each other has been put to death (Ephesians 2:16); we can all have access to the Father by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18); we are no longer strangers or foreigners to God (Ephesians 2:19); and we are all being built into a holy temple with Christ as our Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 21).

The middle wall of separation alludes to the wall in the Jewish temple that separated the court of the Gentiles from the holy place occupied by the Jews. A Gentile who was caught going beyond this wall was killed (see Acts 21:28, 29). Today most of us Christians are still building walls that Christ pulled down through segregation, despising others, not reaching the unreached with the gospel of Christ, placing does and don’t which has resulted in people neglecting one another in the church, etc. Can you mention some other ways we still build walls? Instead of building bridges to link one another, we are building wall and barriers. With walls the gospel cannot reach the unreached. We should be like Christ in reconciling people to God (2 Corinthians 5:18) instead of sending them away with our quirk character.   

Food for Thought: In what ways are people building walls against fellow Christians and unbelievers?

Prayer: Lord God, I repent of my actions which are barriers to people who want to repent and come to you.

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

Without Christ: Devotion for Wednesday July 6, 2016

WITHOUT CHRIST: Devotion for Wednesday July 6, 2016

Text: Ephesians 2:11 – 13        

Memory Verse: v 12 - That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

A life without Christ is miserable. Indeed, such life is dead while alive. That is the worst life someone can think of. This was our case before Christ came and died for us. Jews considered all non-Jews (Gentiles) ceremonially unclean. They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies. This was a false conception and deceit; a consolation which blinded their eyes to the mysteries of God. This was one reason Christ was rebuking them of their false claims and hypocrisy.

Here, Apostle Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike were unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ. In order to realize how great a gift of salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition. This is what Paul posited in Ephesians 2:11, 12. See Romans 3:9, 23.

As Gentiles, we were living without any of the hopes and consolations which we now have, from having embraced Christ. Apostle Paul raised this issue to remind the Church at Ephesus and we by extension, of the deplorable condition in which we were by nature; and nothing would better express it than to say we were "without Christ," or that we had no knowledge of a Saviour. Therefore we shouldn’t allow this privilege to slip off our hands. On the other hand, have you ever felt separate, excommunicated, excluded, and hopeless? Don’t despair. These verses are for you. No one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers. If you have Christ, that is enough for you because He can do what no man can do for you. You are Christ own forever!

Food for Thought: Ephesians 4:17–19   

Prayer: God, you have shown me your love through Christ Jesus. Help me never to live a life without Christ henceforth in Jesus name. 

NB: Do you have question about our Christian faith? Is there anything about Christianity bordering you? Why not ask your question? We offer counseling and answer questions online. You can also reach us on our Facebook page (My Daily Covenant with God devotional) and we will arrange a chat with you.

THE KEY TO SALVATION: Devotion for Thursday March 31, 2016

THE KEY TO SALVATION: Devotion for Thursday March 31, 2016

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11      Memory verse: v 9

The Jews built on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith. The zeal Israelites had, was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (10:2). Some people may have great zeal in religion, and yet be blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal will be in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character, kind in spirit, and useful in tendency. The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. It was based on this reason; Paul tries to point out to them the key to salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (10:4ff). This he posited in 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” His stand on this is the truth expressed in 10:10.

Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of Him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptised into the body of Christ. Rom 10:8–11 show us how to become a Christian. Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity. Grab it with two hands.       

Food for Thought: The basic proofs of our Christian faith are; to believe in Christ (inward faith) and confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

IF ANY IS THIRSTY: Devotion for Wednesday December 30, 2015

IF ANY IS THIRSTY    Wednesday December 30, 2015                   

Text: John 7:37 – 44       Memory verse: v 37

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews drew water from Pool of Siloam and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and forever happy, let him allow Christ to rule over him. Thirst here means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. Many believed Him to be Messiah due to His teaching while some others didn’t believe. This is usual even till date when the gospel is preached.

The Spirit dwelling and working in believers is like a fountain of living, running water, out of which plenty streams flow, cooling and cleansing as water. All of us may not have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit but for His more common and more valuable influences we can ask and God will gladly grant to us. Are you willing to ask God today?

Food for Thought: How thirsty are you for spiritual blessing?

Prayer: Lord, make me thirsty for spiritual blessings in Jesus name.

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday December 29, 2015

A PATRIOT INDEED      Tuesday December 29, 2015

Text: Esther 10:1 – 6         Memory verse: v 3

Mordecai was truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth, but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good. Mordecai was indeed a patriot who sought for the welfare of his people at all times and as he had the opportunity.

We are not required to do what is not in our power because God doesn’t require us to do so but there are those we should emulate as recorded in the Bible. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says “If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be active according to the ability and opportunities He gives us, in promoting His glory and the best interests of men. If our faith be genuine, it will work by love.” How much do you seek for the welfare of fellow Christian and your pastors? Mordecai has proved himself. What about you? You have opportunity to do something today.

Food for Thought: Any challenge for you in the life of Mordecai

Prayer: Lord, give us men and women like Mordecai in our political offices.

BAG WITH HOLE: Devotion for Thursday December 3, 2015

BAG WITH HOLE       Thursday December 3, 2015

Text: Haggai 1:1 – 6    Memory verse: v 6

After the return from captivity, Haggai was sent to encourage the people to rebuild the temple, and to reprove their neglect. There was serious sin of these Jews in that they neglected the building of God's house, that they might have more time and money for worldly affairs. The poverty they thought to prevent by not building the temple, God brought upon them for not building it. Thus Haggai called on them to consider their ways (1:5).

Many of us act foolishly like the Jews here. We hold back our tithes and offering thinking that paying them will make us poorer not knowing that such is even the key to our poverty. The result is having a bag with a hole. We should search ourselves. God cannot be mocked. Whatever God demands from us should be done to the letters to avoid futility in our works.

Food for Thought: Does your bag have holes on them?

Prayer: Lord may I not work into bags with holes in Jesus name.

WHERE LIES YOUR CONFIDENCE? Devotion for Sunday November 29, 2015

WHERE LIES YOUR CONFIDENCE?   Sunday November 29, 2015

Text: Isaiah 36:1 – 10              Memory verse: v 5

Hezekiah refused to serve the King of Assyria which made him to occupy the fortified cities of Judah. He sent Rabshakeh to meet with Hezekiah but Hezekiah sent his men to negotiation table. Rabshakeh tried to convince the Jews that it was to no purpose for them to refuse to serve the King of Assyria. He asked the Jews the kind of confidence they have. His speech showed a great deal of art but a great deal of pride, malice, falsehood, and blasphemy. Hezekiah's nobles held their peace. There is a time to keep silence, as well as a time to speak.

The Jews were calm because they know whom they trust. They were not perturbed by the threat and blasphemies because their God can defend Himself. When enemies throw their challenges, what do you do? Do you start fidgeting or you keep calm knowing whom you trust? Who do you confide in, in time of trouble? Hezekiah and his men trusted God and He fought for them.

Food for Thought: Enemies threat doesn’t move one who confides in God.

Prayer: God, may I confide in you so that I will not be moved by the threats of the enemies. 

STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH      Friday July 17, 2015

Text: Roman 4:17 – 22            Memory verse: v 20

Abraham never faltered in believing God’s promise because he took God at His word. His persistence in believing made his faith grew stronger. He was able to trust in God to do what seemed humanly impossible, and even to glorify God before the results were apparent. In spite of all this, Abraham was clearly human and imperfect. He had his weaknesses (fears) and bad habits (lying under pressure). The Bible depicts Abraham with all his flaws, but as a man of faith. Abraham’s faith was simple trust in God and He honoured that.

Abraham is a model not just for the Jews, but for all people as a person of faith who realized he was totally dependent on his Creator for all things, even life itself. This should be a challenge for us. We should depend on God as we go forth into the world believing Him to provide for us all we need and ask of Him. You may have been asking for a very long time but trust God as Abraham did and you will not be disappointed.

Food for Thought: Do you have faith in God

Prayer: Lord, grant me a strong faith to trust you as Abraham did. 

THE BASIC TRUTH ABOUT OUR CALLING

THE BASIC TRUTH ABOUT OUR CALLING     Monday July 6, 2015

Text: Acts 14:19 – 28              Memory verse: v 22

The rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Jesus Christ Paul preached. Some Jews in Lystra may have informed Jews from Antioch and Iconium of the presence of these ‘troublemakers.’ The healing miracle may have deepened the jealousy and heightened which resulted in their drastic action to kill Paul. The Jews turned the crowds into a murderous mob. Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city, left for dead. “This courageous messenger, who had faithfully preached the Good News and had been hounded for it at every turn, got up, dusted himself off, and went back to work, others would have quit, but not Paul” as Life Application Commentary Noted.

Paul and Barnabas came back to see the believers in the cities where they had recently been threatened and physically attacked. They knew the dangers they faced, yet they believed that they had a responsibility to encourage the new believers. No matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable the task may seem, we must always support new believers who need our help and encouragement. It was not convenient or comfortable for Jesus to go to the cross for us! So we must follow His example for that is our calling.

Food for Thought: 2 Timothy 3: 12

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to end persecution for your sake

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN       Friday July 3, 2015

Text: John 3:1 – 10                  Memory verse: v 3  

That a person must be born again speaks of spiritual birth, but Nicodemus understood Jesus as referring to a physical rebirth. Nicodemus had no true understanding of the spiritual nature of the kingdom which Jesus had come to establish, nor of the spiritual character required for admission to it. He therefore met his difficulty by telling him that all men, be they Jews or Gentiles, must be made new in the inner man by a spiritual birth, before they can enter into his kingdom and enjoy its privileges. Jesus expected Nicodemus to know these (v 10).  Nobody qualifies for the Kingdom except he/she is born again (3:5).

Many people ask questions about born again; when and how can someone be born again. “The beginning of Christianity consists in this, that we know ourselves not only to be corrupt in part, but to be wholly dead in sin: so that our nature has need to be created anew, with regard to its qualities, which can be done by no other power, but by the divine and heavenly, by which we were first created” as Geneva Bible Notes. If you didn’t begin your Christianity by being born again, you need to go back and surrender to Jesus today or the Kingdom will elude you.

Food for Thought: What do you really understand by born again?

Prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ, I surrender my life to you. Create me anew in your own likeness so that I will be qualified to enter into your Kingdom.  

SHOWERS OF BLESSING

SHOWERS OF BLESSING        Thursday June 18, 2015

Text: Ezekiel 34:23 – 26               Memory verse: v 26

Rain is a covenant blessing (Leviticus 26:4; Deuteronomy 28:12). Rain seldom fell in Judea except at two seasons--the former rain at the end of autumn, the seed time; and the latter rain in spring, before the beginning of harvest (compare Jeremiah 5:24). Ezekiel affirms that the Jews and Zion, God’s hill (Psalms 2:6), were to be sources of blessing not only to themselves but to the surrounding heathen nations as well (Isaiah 19:24; 56:6, 7; 60:3; Micah 5:7; Zechariah 8:13). 

This promise shows God’s care; not only for the righteous but the unrighteous too (compare Matthew 5:45). The essence of this promise is in Ezekiel 34:27ff. This shows the kind of concern God has for us. It also confirms the words of Jeremiah 29:11. It was this text that was used to write Christian Life Hymnal 342 – There shall be showers of Blessings.

Beloved, God did not create us to abandon us. He knows our needs and ever willing to meet our needs. His desire is to give us the best that will make us serve Him better. Unfortunately, Satan has succeeded in making some of us feel that the best for us is in the world. Our best is not in this world because Satan has corrupted it and God is preparing a place for us. Are you ready to possess it? Showers of blessings God will pour on us are not only in rain but in all things lawful and needful. The only condition to receive them is by faith and obedience. Are you obedient enough and do you have the faith?

Food for Thought: Christian Life Hymnal 342 – There shall be showers of Blessing.

Prayer: Lord, release upon me showers of blessings as promised in Jesus name. 

I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE

 

I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE      Saturday April 25, 2015

Text: John 10:22 – 30                    Memory verse: v 28

At Solomon’s porch (10:23) in the Temple, some of the Jews came to Jesus demanding that he should plainly tell them if He is Christ having kept them in doubt for some time now (10: 24). Responding, Jesus to made it clear that He has told them but they did not believe, even when the works He did in the name of His father bore witness for Him (10:25). He went further to say that it is so because they are not His sheep (10:26). A real sheep of Christ hears His voice and follows Him (10:27) and He gives them eternal life (John 5:24). In John 10:25 – 28, Jesus recapped the blessings of those who truly listen to and believe the gospel. Can you mention them?

All these are the privileges of believers in Christ Jesus. If you are not yet his sheep, you are not a beneficiary of these rights and privileges. You should better repent now to be part of it. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects his people from eternal harm. While believers can expect to suffer on earth, Satan cannot harm their souls or take away their eternal life with God. May, this be your portion in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: John 6:37

Prayer: God, grant unto me that eternal life and security, and help me to faithfully follow you as I hear your voice in Jesus name.