We are Accountable

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday July 23, 2017

Topic: We are Accountable

Text: Romans 14:12

Many a time, I wonder if Christians know that they will account for all they do and say. How can a Christian act without consideration? Paul tells us in our bible reading for the day that we will certainly give account of our actions and words to God on the last day. The account Christian will give is of our character and conduct, our word and actions, our plans and purposes.

On the day of accountability, all the words, works and purposes shall be brought forth, and tried by the unerring standard of God’s justice. Albert Barnes admonished that “as we shall be called to so fearful account with God, we should not be engaged in condemning our brethren, but should examine whether we are prepared to give our account with joy and not with grief.” How will you give your account – with joy or with grief and regrets? Think about it.

Beloved, Christ will be our final judge and we will give our account to Him. We will either be accepted or condemned according to His decision. As He will be the judge, we should live under His inspection and guidance so He will say to us on that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:21).

Food for Thought: On the day of accountability, we shall not be examined on what we have read in the bible but what we have done, not how well we have spoken, but how religiously we have lived.  

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:5

Prayer: Lord, help me to live with consciousness that judgment and accountability await me in Jesus name.

No Excuse (IV)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 15, 2017

Topic: No Excuse IV

Text: Revelation 2:18 – 29

Thyatira was a town where many people work for a living. Many trade and artisans were there with specialties in cloth making, dyeing, and pottery. Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was a merchant from Thyatira (Acts 16:14). The city was mostly secular, with no particular religion known with them.

In this letter, God acknowledged their works (charity), love, service, faith, and patience. Despite all these, He had few things against them. He accused them of allowing that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce His servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. In the church in Thyatira, a woman taught that immorality was not a sin for believers. Her name may be Jezebel or maybe, John used that name Jezebel to symbolize the kind of evil she was promoting. God pronounced judgement on that woman (Revelation 2:22, 23) after He had given her the grace to repent but she did not (Revelation 2:21). God charged those who were not influenced by this woman’s teaching to hold fast what you have till He comes (Revelation 2:25).  

Beloved in Christ, immorality is a great sin before man and God. Some pastors teach that these things doesn’t matter, insisting that what matter before God is confession of Christ as Lord and Saviour. Sadly, many people believe such teaching because their pastor has said so. Here is an eye opener. God doesn’t compromise and we shouldn’t do so. There is no excuse if we accept teachings of what the bible condemns as sin. Beware because you don’t have excuse before God (Romans 2:1).

Food for Thought: Acts 15:20, 29

Memory verse: Revelation 2 verse 20 - But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

Prayer: God, deliver me from contamination with things offered to idol and the teachings of Jezebel in Jesus name. Amen.

Beware Of The Crowd

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 4, 2017

Topic: Beware Of The Crowd

Text: Exodus 23:1 – 3

Heavenly race is a singular race. It is never done a race of multitude. This is the reason Jesus said that the road that leads to heaven is strait and narrow. The Hebrew word “mybr rabbim, is translated multitude (crowd). It signifies the great, chiefs, or mighty one. Some scholars see the usage in our text as meaning the rich.

Perversion of justice is often in favour of the rich. For this reason, Moses warns Israelites against twisting justice. It should be impartial. The rich and poor should be treated in the same way and with the same yardstick. When we give special privileges to either rich or poor, it makes justice for all and sundry more doubtful. Let the fairness God shows to each of us guide your judgment.

Most times the crowd (the multitude or the rich) pressurizes on us to pervert justice or do the opposite of what God demands from us. This makes some greedy judges to become easily vulnerable to their trap. Sometimes, there are pressures from the crowd to sway our decision about a person or any case we are handling. This has become more worrisome with the advent of social media and Pentecostalism.

In all these challenges from the crowd, we must inquire from God what we ought to do, not what most people do or want us to do. This is so because we must be judged by our Master, not our fellow servants. Ending up in hell because of the crowd will be the most miserable thing that can happen to us. It is my prayer that ending up in hell will never be our portion in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 1:10 – 16

Memory verse: Exodus 23 verse 2 - You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice (ESV).

Prayer: God, grant me the wisdom to always inquire from you what I ought to do and not what most people do or want in Jesus name.

Wrong Judgement and Criticism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday February 12, 2017         

Topic: Wrong Judgement and Criticism

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 37

Yesterday, we saw how Eliab took on David because of questions he asked about Goliath.  Eliab saw it as being arrogant (cocky). But it wasn’t so as David came in there and saw things differently. To him, how can an uncircumcised be challenging the army of Israel, the people of the Almighty God and nobody cared to respond? He saw Goliath as defiling the army of Israel and by extension, God their leader. He saw that as a challenge to God which he can’t tolerate.

Before Saul, David was judged and criticised (1 Samuel 17:33) despite his optimism in 1 Samuel 17:32, 34 – 37). When he answered Eliab, he did that with meekness but before Saul he answered with faith, confidence and full assurance. When you know the God you serve, you speak with full assurance and faith. His testimonies drove away fear in Saul. Thus he approved David as one who will fight the Philistine. What is your testimony as a child of God? Can your testimony remove fear from people and instil faith?

A shepherd lad of about 15 years came the same morning from keeping sheep and had more courage than all the mighty men of Israel. It is good to know God! If you know the Almighty God, nothing whatsoever can intimidate you. This confirms the word of Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:27. Do you know that you can shame your critics? All you needed is just to use the stones they had thrown on you to build monuments.

A female doctor told my wife that I was already dead in 2003. My wife rejected that and vow that I will live. Here I am today. Prove those critics wrong by doing what seems impossible and God will back you up. Take a step of faith today and don’t procrastinate. God will honour you.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 1:26 – 29

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 verse 33 - And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”

Prayer: God, grant that I will not judge people wrongly. Help me to rise about criticism and wrong judgement to become a hero and iconic.

NO MORE DISASTER

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016

Topic: NO MORE DISASTER                         

Text: Zephaniah 3:14 – 20               

Zephaniah was prophesying here about the future of Jerusalem and the day of hope in Zephaniah 3:8–end. Any true prophet as God’s oracle is bound to speak the truth and give the message as God gave it without sentiment, bias or prejudice. Unfortunately, such preaching is lacking in so many pulpits today. The reasons may not be far from these. (1) Some preach to save their job (2) Some preach so as not to offend their members who are wealthy (3) Some preach to please their boss and many more.

In the case of Zephaniah, it was different. He presented the message from God as he received it. He did as God commanded him; thundering certain judgments and horrible punishment for all who would defy the Lord (Zephaniah 1:1ff). However, in our text is a message of hope when God will take away punishment and turn back enemies so there will be no more harm on His people. This message was a relief to the Israelites. After God had done these, He will dwell with them. The prophet called on the Israelites to sing in Zephaniah 3 verse 14 for some reasons. You can find the reasons in Zephaniah 3:8–end.

After the promises of taking away sin, follow promises of taking away trouble. It teaches us that when the cause is removed, the effect will cease. Most times, disaster comes upon us when we follow our own will or do things without first seeking the face of God. However, God is promising here that those things we did in ignorance, He will overlook and take away our disaster. Are you suffering because of sin or not taking time to seek the face of God? God says He will take away that punishment and turn back your enemies. He will rescue and be with you as He has promised, so you will not see any disaster again.   

Food for Thought: Isaiah 10:27

Memory verse: Zephaniah 3 verse 15

Prayer: Take away, O Lord, the causes and effect of sin in my life and family in Jesus name.

ARE YOU AT EASE?

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2016

Topic: ARE YOU AT EASE?                

Text: Amos 6:1 – 7

In the book Revelation, one problem with the church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot. What led them into being lukewarm was the wealth they enjoyed (Revelation 3:17). This made God to rebuke them (Revelation 3:19), warning them to repent (See full story in Revelation 3:14 – 22). That story is very similar to our text for the day. Our bible reading centres on dangers of luxury and false security.

Usually, times of continued worldly prosperity and alliance with political leadership are full of danger to the cause of Christianity. There is always the tendency to bring into the church luxury, pride, vain show, and indifference to God's service, with all the gross sins that naturally follow in their train. Thus the professors of godliness dishonour Christ before the world, lose their power over men's consciences, and make it necessary that God should purify His church by His judgments.” This was the reason why Amos denounced those that are at ease in Zion. The people in question are men and women who have so much confidence in their wealth and their connections. This attitude is dangerous and God condemns it whole and entire (see Psalm 146:3 & Isaiah 31:3).

It was on this basis that Family Bible Notes admonished that “The numerous examples on record of great and often very sudden changes from a state of ease and comfort to one of deep affliction, ought to be a solemn warning to us of the present day not to abuse the great prosperity which God is bestowing upon us, lest He cause our sun also to go down at noon, and darken our land in the clear day, as he did with ancient Israel (Amos 8:9).” Do you trust your riches and now complacent on the things of God? Do you belong to the group that feels all is well because you have money and can get whatever you want at beck and call? Know that God is the owner of whatever you have and He is the only one that can connect us and not man. Trust God and not your riches for wealth are deceptive.

Food for Thought: Do you abuse the great prosperity God has bestowed on you?

Memory verse: Amos 6 verse 1

Prayer: God, remove every spirit of complacency in me in respect of serving you and help me not to be at ease because of my wealth in Jesus name.

GOD OF EQUITY

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2016

Topic: GOD OF EQUITY                     

Text: Numbers 13:1 – 20        Memory verse: Numbers 13 verse 2  

One of the greatest problems confronting us in our nation Nigeria is the issue of justice and equity. This problem is not similar to Nigeria alone. From what I read, United States of America adopted Electoral College as part of the process in choosing a President to ensure equity. God who called the nation Israel knew that equity is one way to ensure peace and progress. Thus in our scriptural reading, he ensured all the tribes were represented among the spies that went to search out the Promised Land.

The command to go and search out the Promised Land was not God’s original plan. He would have had the people go immediately forward under His all- sufficient guidance (Deuteronomy 1:20, 21) but when the people proposed first to search the land, God was pleased to permit the plan, and to give directions respecting the manner of executing it (Deuteronomy 1:22–23). Moses decided to get valuable information before the people could enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13:17 – 20), and he took careful steps to get that information. God, being God of equity instructed that there should be equity in choosing the spies. When you are making decisions or assuming new responsibilities, remember these two important steps. Ask yourself what you need to know about the opportunity, and then obtain that knowledge. Common sense is a valuable aid in accomplishing God’s purposes.

From the instruction God gave, it show His fair dealing with us. He didn’t allow only few tribes to do the spying no matter their population. Every tribe was represented to ensure equity and fairness, and also balance judgment. This is the way He deals with all of us as Christians. He doesn’t favour some people because of their creed or race. This is a challenging example for our leaders in Nigeria with her peculiar nature of diverse tribes. There should not be any room to deny people their rights just because they are few in number. As leaders in various capacities; be it in the church, in government, in organizations, etc, we should not be selective in dealing with people rather we should maintain a fair playing ground for everyone to participate to avoid accusation that their rights are denied.

Food for Thought: God’s standard has remained same for every Christian no matter your creed or race.

Prayer: God, your standard remains the same for every believer. Grant me the grace to live by it and not to assume you will lower your standard in anyway.

REWARD FOR BLASPHEMY: Devotion for Thursday April 28, 2016

REWARD FOR BLASPHEMY: Devotion for Thursday April 28, 2016                                             

Text: 2 Kings 19:35 – 37    Memory verse: v 37

This was the just judgment of God for Sennacherib’s blasphemy, that he would be slain before the idol that he preferred to the living God, and by those who should by nature have needed his defence; a reward for blasphemy against God of Israel. According to Adam Clarke, there was a story that “He consulted his wise men how it was that such miracles should be wrought for the Israelites; who told him that it was because of the merit of Abraham who had offered his only son to God: he then said, I will offer to him my two sons; which when they heard, they rose up and slew him.” What a tragedy for a man who had boasted and blasphemed that God of Israel cannot save His people from his hands. God is no respecter of man because whatever position you hold today, He gave to you. Remember how He humbled Nebuchadnezzar.

From our bible text, it is obvious that no one contends with his Maker (Isa. 45:9). God is not a man. He deserves our reverence. We should hold Him in awe because He is a consuming fire. Whatever He says, He performs. One lesson we should learn here is that what God has said about dying in sin will surely come to pass. We shouldn’t discard them with wave of hand. God has reward for every sin. Repent of your sin today before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder" – Matthew 21:44

Prayer: May I never contend with you, O Lord, my God, because it will mean death.  

WARNING NOT HEEDED: Devotion for Sunday April 17, 2016

WARNING NOT HEEDED: Devotion for Sunday April 17, 2016            

Text: Genesis 6:13 – 22      Memory verse: 22

There are many ways God warns us. It could be through spoken word, through dreams, through natural events or through signs and wonders. The essence is to quicken us in order to avoid an impending danger. Each week we hear or read about numerous alarms from environmental and nutritional activists or religious and political zealots. Of recent is the alarm on impending flood on riverine. Most people don’t care to listen to the warnings of these ‘extremists,’ as they are labeled. That was probably how people responded to Noah. Our text tells the story of how Noah and his family built an ark in obedience to God, in response to His warning that the earth would be destroyed. Noah was the only righteous person living. The Bible doesn’t state that people mocked Noah, but it certainly shows that no one listened to him or to God.

Noah got right to work as God commanded (Gen 6:22). It seems that other people had been warned about the coming disaster (1 Pet 3:20) but, apparently, did not expect it to happen. This is how people today often react to warnings, even warnings from God. Daily, thousands are told of God’s inevitable judgment, yet most don’t really believe it will occur. We shouldn’t expect people to welcome or accept our message of God’s coming judgment on sin. Those who don’t believe in God will scoff at His judgment and try to get you to deny God as well. Let us not neglect the warning about the second coming of Christ as Noah’s generation did.

Food for Thought: How do you take God’s commandment?

Prayer: Grant me, O Lord, an obedient heart to do as you command me.

When God is Angry: Devotion for Monday November 30, 2015

WHEN GOD IS ANGRY     Monday November 30, 2015

Text: Micah 1:1 – 7           Memory verse: v 4

The people and the earth were summoned to draw near and give their attendance, as upon a court of judicature because of what He will do to nations for their evil and wickedness. He declares the destruction first of the one kingdom, and then of the other, because of their manifold wickedness, but chiefly because of their idolatry. And to this end he notes the wickedness of the people, the cruelty of the princes and governors, and the allowing of the false prophets, and the delighting in them.

Micah used the imagery from earthquakes and volcanic agency (4:4), to describe the terrors which attend Jehovah's coming in judgment (compare Judges 5:5). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” so says Hebrews 10:31. Many of us undermine God and what He can do because He is Love. He is also a very Jealous and consuming fire. We should avoid whatever may attract God’s anger because we will be crushed.

Food for Thought: No one can secure himself against the judgments of God.

Prayer: Lord God, do not vex your anger on me but show me your mercy.

DON'T EASILY CONDEMN: Devotion for Friday November 27, 2015

DO NOT CONDEMN        Friday November 27, 2015

Text: Numbers 12:1 – 9    Memory verse: v 1

\Aaron and Miriam murmured against Moses condemning him because of the Ethiopian wife he married. The patience of Moses was tried within his own family, as well as by the people. The pretence of Aaron and Miriam was, that he had married a foreign wife; but probably their pride was hurt, and their envy stirred up, by his superior authority (12:2). Wrong opposition from our near relations, and from religious friends, is most painful.  

God, did not only cleared Moses, but praised him. Moses had the spirit of prophecy in a way which set him far above all other prophets. Are you quick to condemn people in authority out of jealousy? Repent now because the God that vindicated Moses is still on the throne. We should leave judgment and condemnation for God.

Food for Thought: Do you murmur and condemn people out of jealousy?

Prayer: Lord, remove the spirit of jealousy and envy in me.