God’s Messenger: Devotion for Monday August 31, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday September 1, 2020

Topic:  God’s Messenger                         

Text: Malachi 3:1 - 6                      

The first few words of this chapter seem an answer to the scoffers of those days. It may not be unconnected with the last verse of chapter 2. Here is a prophecy of the appearing of John the Baptist. He is Christ's harbinger or forerunner. He shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance.

The “messenger” (Malachi 3:1) was identified by Jesus as John the Baptist (Matthew 11:10, 14), who served as Christ’s forerunner, inviting people to repent and believe in Him. The work of the messenger here was to preach the gospel. John fulfilled his calling with simply message: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2)!" His diligence and commitment to his call won him many disciples and moved the most hardened set of people then; the Pharisees and Sadducees to come for his baptism (Matthew 3:7).

Today, we are God’s messengers and forerunners of second coming of Christ. We have been mandated to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15 – 18). Christ has also empowered us to do this. How are you preaching the gospel of salvation Jesus Christ has offered humanity?

Do you fear faces? John the Baptist didn’t fear faces. He rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees. He rebuked Herod. He was fearless. What is your excuse for not preaching the gospel? Remember, we will give account of how we used our gifts and talent God has bestowed on us.

Welcome to the month of September 2020!

Action: Write down 3 ways you can disseminate the gospel to people.

Memory verse: Malachi 3 v 3  

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to be a committed messenger of the gospel in Jesus name.

Trust God Always: Devotion for Wednesday February 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 5, 2020

Topic: Trust God 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 hearkened 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 it all over the scriptures. I have personally tagged myself useless but God said I am not and I will still be useful. This devotion is one of the things God directed me to start writing after that encounter.    

Life usually presents its curves, bumps and pot holes on our life’s journeys. All these are aimed at slowing us down and at times we begin to doubt God and His faithfulness.

In our scriptural reading of the day, the Psalmist who had experienced God’s faithfulness urges us to trust God for some reasons. He is our refuge (62:8), all power belongs to Him (62:11) and He is merciful (62:12). Thus we should trust God to guide us when in doubt, to protect us when in danger, to supply our needs when in want, 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 provide for you according to your needs. Trust him to bring more customers to your business and to grant you favour as you go for that contract and business opportunities. The Lord, be with you!

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.

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.

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.

Prepare For Your 2018

Devotion for Monday January 1, 2018

Topic: Prepare For Your 2018

Text: Luke 3:1 – 6

Welcome to the year 2018. Do you know that most people usually start

their year unprepared? For this reason our devotions for the first two weeks are on what we can do to have a rewarding year. In our bible reading, John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus Christ called on the people of Judea to prepare the way for the Lord to manifest Himself for them. This implies that people who are expecting the Messiah should do something so that the Messiah will fulfill His promises. They were expected to remove every hindrance to His manifestation.

At the beginning of the year like this, we should take a stock of how we lived in the previous year, observing where we failed and where we did well. Those areas we didn’t do well should be worked on. Again, there are things that hinder the manifestation of Christ in our lives and families. We might have indulged in one sin or another thus distorting our relationship with God. We should amend our ways and live rightly so that our relationship with God will be smooth. 

What are those valleys to be filled and those mountains and hills that we ought to bring low; the crooked places to be made straight and the rough ways to be made smooth so that we can see the salvation, deliverance and blessings of God in our lives this year? Think about them as you Sing SS&S 363

Food for Thought: What do you think will hinder the manifestation of God’s salvation and blessings in your life this year?

Memory verse: Isaiah 40:3

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to prepare my heart for you to dwell in this year and always in Jesus name. 

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.

A Voice Crying In The Wilderness

Devotion for Monday August 14, 2017

Topic: A Voice Crying In The Wilderness

Text: Isaiah 40:3 – 8

Preparation matters so much in everything we do and hope to be successful therein; be it our personal businesses and endeavours or in the things of God. When we prepare ourselves before embarking on any project, it helps to avoid lapses, makes us more efficient and productive. This chapter of Isaiah is titled ‘Comfort for my people.’ It speaks about the set time to favour Zion which demands that the people of God must be prepared through repentance and faith. Our text is a call for preparation for what the Lord will do in Zion (Isaiah 40:4 and 5).

The way of the Lord is prepared through:

1) Repentance from sin; that was what John the Baptist preached to all Judah and Jerusalem (Matthew 3:1 – 6) and thereby made ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17).

2) Confidence in the word of the Lord and not in any creature. The mouth of the Lord has spoken it; the voice as this further to cry he that has ears to hear let him hears it. The word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8, compare 1 Peter 1:25).

How are you preparing for the return of Jesus Christ? If there is a revival programme or crusade, how do you prepare for it? A prepared heart will always meet God’s blessings in any personal or church programme, crusade or revival services. Have you repented? Remember the warning of John the Baptist when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to him in Matthew 3:7 – 12. Do not be complacent that you were born into the church or you can read and preach the bible. It is better to search yourself today and start preparing now before it will be too late. Jesus Christ is coming very soon.

Food for thought: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” – Alexander Graham Bell.

Memory verse: Mark 1:3  

Prayer: Help me O Lord, my God to prepare the way for you to meet me always and for your return in Jesus name.

Price Of Godliness (Delayed Conception)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 6, 2017

Topic: Price Of Godliness (Delayed Conception) 

Text: Luke 1:5 – 7

In Genesis 29:31, bible recorded that when God saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb but Rachael was barren. What was the wrong of Rachael? Was she the one who desired to be loved? Is it a crime to be beautiful and lovely? God actually wanted to show that He had a hand in the marriage of Leah too and should not be unloved.

Our bible reading stated that Zachariah and Elizabeth were righteous before God but Elizabeth was barren. Moreover they were well advanced in age. This story shows that God does not consider our righteousness in making us fruitful in terms of becoming pregnant otherwise; prostitutes would never have become pregnant. Another lesson from this story of this couple is that when God wants to give people a special child, He delays the conception of the woman. No wonder God blessed them with the greatest man to ever live on this earth outside Jesus Christ.

Remember the case of Hannah too. As a priest, Zachariah loved the wife and they lived righteously. If he had opted for extra marital affair, he would have gotten a child at earlier stage of his life. He didn’t do that because he had the fear of God.

There are many women who are yet to conceive after over 15 years of marriage. Some of them obeyed God and refuse to have pre-marital affair before wedding. The price they are paying for honouring God is delayed conception which could be the handiwork of the devil to make people promiscuous. The case of Elizabeth, Hannah, Rachael, etc should encourage you. God is not asleep and there is nothing impossible with Him. Keep believing in Him and He will honour you with children that are exceptionally brilliant, anointed and godly. Your patience will not be in vain.

Food for Thought: Should delayed conception be the reason to break oath of fidelity or engage in pre-marital sexual relationship?

Memory verse: Luke 1 verse 7

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to remain faithful no matter the consequences of the price I will have to pay.

Wavering In Faith?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday March 21, 2017

Topic: Wavering In Faith?

Text: 1 Kings 17:17 – 24

Affliction, pain, problem and sickness, want, etc, can make us behave funny and abnormal. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) but when he was imprisoned, he sent message to ask if Jesus was indeed the Messiah. One would wonder why sudden doubt? This is one effect of a backslidden life or one who had not actually repented. Another reason for such doubt maybe the result of knowing God just because of miracle you have received and not because you have a relationship with Him.

This latter reason may be the cause of this woman of Zarephath’s action against Elijah in our scriptural reading for the day. She received a miracle when she had not developed a relationship with God. However, one would have expected that with such a miracle received, she would have known God the more. This woman’s action is one way sinners react. They see the presence of true Christians as the cause of their problem instead of repenting and using such opportunity to develop a relationship with God.

On daily basis we receive one form of miracle or another from God. These miracles especially waking up everyday should challenge us to develop a relationship with God. Again, we shouldn’t start wavering in faith because of one problem when we have previously been blessed with a miracle. The miracle should challenge us to draw closer to God in our time of troubles, problems, affliction, sickness and pain. These problems of life shouldn’t despair us.

Food for Thought: Cynicism and fear freezes life; faith thaws it out. Release your life and set it free with faith.

Memory verse: 1 King 17 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, increase faith in me so as to set me free from wavering in Jesus name.

REVEALING CHRIST TO THE WORLD: Devotion for Thursday October 6, 2016

REVEALING CHRIST TO THE WORLD: Devotion for Thursday October 6, 2016

Text: John 1:29 – 34        Memory verse: John 1 verse 31

If we, Christians truly appreciate what Christ has done for us, there is no limit to the extent which we can reveal Him to the world. What Christ had done for and is still doing for us are enough for us to shout to the hearing of the world about them on daily basis. Unfortunately, we are too quiet about Christ and all He does for us daily.

When Jesus Christ was commissioning the disciples on the day of Ascension, He solemnly charged them and we the present day disciples (Christians) by extension to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8); to tell the world all we know about Him and all He has done to save humanity. That is the only thing we can do to justify our redemption from the powers of sin, the world and the devil. John saw Jesus coming to him, and pointed Him out as the Lamb of God. His preaching centred on repentance, yet he told his followers that they were to look to Jesus only for the pardon of their sins. John’s purpose for baptizing people was to reveal Jesus to Israel. In other words, the baptism he organised for people was a prelude to the manifestation of Christ to Israel.

Just as John the Baptist had the mandate to reveal Christ to Israelis, so we have been mandated to reveal Christ to our own Jerusalem and to the uttermost part of this world. We can do this through the life of Christ manifesting in us and through the word of God we preach to people. John was a great example to Israel that was the reason they kept asking if he was the Messiah. On our part we should reveal Christ to the world by living out His life in us. This is one of the best ways to reveal Him.

Action: As you go forth into the world today, let the life of Christ be seen in you.

Prayer: God, use me to reveal Jesus to the world through my words and action. 

GOD’S MESSENGER: Devotion for Wednesday August 3, 2016

GOD’S MESSENGER: Devotion for Wednesday August 3, 2016

Text: Malachi 3:1 - 6              Memory verse: v 3

The first words of this chapter seem an answer to the scoffers of those days. It may not be unconnected with the last verse of chapter two. Here is a prophecy of the appearing of John the Baptist. He is Christ's harbinger or forerunner. He shall prepare the way before Him, by calling men to repentance. The “messenger” (Malachi 3:1) was identified by Jesus as John the Baptist (Matt 11:10, 14), who served as Christ’s forerunner, inviting people to repent and believe in Him. The work of the messenger here was to preach the gospel. John fulfilled his calling with simply message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt 3:2)!" His diligence and commitment to his call won him many disciples and moved the most hardened set of people then; the Pharisees and Sadducees to come for his baptism (Matt 3:7).

Today, we are God’s messengers and forerunners of second coming of Christ. We have been mandated to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mk 16:15–18). Christ has also empowered us to do this. How are you preaching the gospel? Do you fear faces? John the Baptist didn’t fear faces. He rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees. He rebuked Herod. He was fearless. What is your excuse for not preaching the gospel? Remember, we will give account of how we used our gifts and talent God has bestowed on us.

Action: Write down 3 ways you can disseminate the gospel to people.  

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to be a committed messenger of the gospel in Jesus name.  

TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD: Devotion for Saturday February 13, 2016

TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD   Saturday February 13, 2016 

Text: Matthew 4:17       Memory verse: v 17

Living Bible translates this verse thus: “From then Jesus began to preach, ‘Turn from sin, and turn to God, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.’” Turn from sin and turn to God is simple explanation of the word repent. Repentance is very necessary if we hope to make the kingdom of God because another word for it is born again. This was the beginning of public ministry of Jesus. He started His ministry by first presenting the word of God, calling on people to turn away from their sins and turn back to God who made them in His image. Here is a model for us preachers of the gospel. The message of Jesus was same with that of John the Baptist (Matt 3:2).

Becoming a follower of Christ begins with repentance, turning away from our self-centeredness and self-control lives. The next step is to turn the right way, to Christ. Turning to Christ is one basic sign that we have repented and become His real followers. In this message of Christ, we can see that being part of God’s kingdom begins with repentance for past sins. Again, Jesus posited here that the reign of grace was at hand; and that nothing but an obstinate perseverance in sin and impenitence can keep any soul out of it; and that now is the accepted time to enter in. Have you turned from sin and to God? Note that without true repentance, you can’t enter into God’s kingdom. Now is the reign of grace. Don’t abuse it.

Food for Thought: Have you really turned from your sins to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, I repent of my sins. Keep me safe for your kingdom.

I DO NOT CHANGE: Devotion for Friday December 18, 2015

I DO NOT CHANGE         Friday December 18, 2015

Text: Malachi 3:1 – 6     Memory verse: v 6

Here is a prophecy about the coming of Christ and His forbearer John the Baptist who shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The Messiah had been long called, ‘He that should come,’ and now shortly He will come. God was tired of the way the people had cynically twisted His truths and He resolved to punish those who insisted that because God was silent, He approved of their actions or at least would never punish them. He would also punish those who professed a counterfeit faith while acting sinfully (see 3:5). God affirmed that what He has resolved to do will happen because He is the God that cannot change (3:1).

Our God does not change. Whatever He utters happens as He said it. Do you take God’s word for granted or you twist His truth or think that Jesus is not coming back again? Know that God doesn’t change. Again, has God made any promise to you and it you feel time is running out on you? He doesn’t change and those promises will happen at His own time. Keep believing.

Food for Thought: God’s word is God and doesn’t change

Prayer: God let all you have said about me happen as you have said them.

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM    Tuesday June 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 62:1 – 7                                 Memory verse: v 5

The Bible severally made it clear that we can’t do anything of our own strength or wisdom (John 15:5). See also Romans 9:16; Zechariah 4:6. The Psalmist knows this fact which made him to submit to God, waiting silently because his expectations can only be fulfilled by God. Christians expect from God because we believe in him. 

Treasury of David Commentary says, “Expectation is the child of prayer and faith, and is owned of the Lord as an acceptable grace. We should desire nothing but what would be right for God to give, then our expectation would be all from God; and concerning truly good things we should not look to second causes, but to the Lord alone, and so again our expectation would be all from Him.” If only we are asking for godly things, we will never be weary or try other ways to meet our needs.

Expectations from men will be disappointed as they are frail, while that from God will be abundantly more than realized. Hannah expected and got Samuel. Elizabeth and Zachariah expected and got John the Baptist. Jabez waited and his coast was enlarged. Don’t give up on that thing you have been waiting on God for. Hear what Charles Spurgeon said, “Call on God and spread the case before Him. Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it.”

Food for Thought: Psalm 62:1

Prayer: Grant me the patience as I wait expectantly from you, O Lord.

THE IMPENDING WRATH OF GOD

THE IMPENDING WRATH       Saturday June 20, 2015

Text: Matthew 3:7 – 12             Memory verse: v 7

John was gladly baptizing many repentant people who came to him, confessing their sins and desiring to live for God. However, when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees, he burst out in anger at the hypocrisy of these religious leaders. The Pharisees separated themselves from anything non-Jewish and carefully followed both the Old Testament laws and the oral traditions handed down through the centuries. The Sadducees on the other hand believed the Pentateuch alone (Genesis—Deuteronomy) to be God’s word.

John denounced and criticized the Pharisees for being legalistic and hypocritical, for following the letter of the law while ignoring its true intent. He had criticized the Sadducees for using religion to advance their political position. He obviously doubted the genuineness of their desire to be baptized, that was why he made the statement in 3:7. Brood of vipers (Jesus also used this term – 12:34; 23:33), conveys how dangerous and cunning they were.

Do you know that there is an impending wrath on sinners? How prepared are you to avoid it? Now is the time because tomorrow may be too late. Repent of your sins now and accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Food for Thought: Romans 5:9

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not be caught up in the web of your wrath that will be revealed against the ungodly in Jesus name.

HE FINDS HIS BROTHER

HE FINDS HIS BROTHER         Friday June 12, 2015

Text: John 1:37 – 42                     Memory verse: v 41

There is great joy when one encounters the Messiah. The Samaritan woman after her encounter with Him, called out to friends and neighbours to come and see the All Knowing God (John 4:4 – 26, 28 – 29). Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and immediately went to tell his brother, Simon, about him. There was no question in Andrew’s mind that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only did he tell his brother, but he was also eager to introduce others to Jesus (see John 6:8, 9; 12:22). 

Do you know that there is power in witnessing about the goodness of God in our lives? As Christians we cannot keep to ourselves our knowledge of the Messiah because that is one powerful weapon against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6: 15; Rev 12:11). Witnessing about Christ strengthens the faith of the believers and encourages the weaker ones among us.

If the trumpet sounds today or in whatever way God calls you to give account of your life as a Christian, will He say to you “Well done my faithful servant” or will He find you wanting because you were ashamed to tell others how good and pleasant it is to have found Christ? The greatest thing we can do for God is to tell others about His love for us wherein He sent His son to die for our sins (3:16). Start today by talking to someone you will meet. 

Food for Thought: Must I go and empty handed; must I meet my Saviour so?

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to tell others that I have found you and never to be ashamed of doing so in Jesus name.