Be Courageous In A Time Like This

Devotion for Thursday January 18, 2018

Topic: Be Courageous In A Time Like This           

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 7                                            

Living a righteous life in a society that has so many challenges demand courage and implicit trust in God. Our society today is faced with challenges of poor economy, the issue of herdsmen killing people, corruption, and armed robbery, Boko Haram, Badoo, Insurgency and many others. To live amidst these challenges need courage and grace of God.

Joshua had assumed the leadership of Israel and now has the mandate to lead them into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1, 2). God gave him all the assurances he needed and some strategies to lead well and prosper.

Here are some of them. He said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God’s law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law – The Bible.

If we intend to be successful in our endeavours and live well despite the challenges confronting our nation, we should follow God’s instruction to Joshua. We need to be strong in faith and be courageous in following God. Do not despair. You can live well amidst these challenges if you trust God. He is the one that can make all things possible. As you live for Him, He will surely protect, provide and make you a success in your endeavours.

Sing Hymn: COURAGE, BROTHER! DO NOT STUMBLE (Tune Stuggart) Abu 215

1) Courage, brother! do not stumble    2) Though the road be rough and dreary,

Though thy path be dark as night;               And its end far out of sight;

There’s a star to guide the humble:            Foot it bravely; strong or weary, 

“Trust in God, and do the right.”                 “Trust in God, and do the right.” 

3) Perish policy and cunning,            4) Some will hate thee, some will love thee,  

Perish all that fears the light!                Some will flatter, some will slight;

Whether losing, whether winning,       Cease from man, and look above thee:

“Trust in God, and do the right.”          “Trust in God, and do the right.”

5) Simple rule, and safest guiding,         6) Courage, brother! do not stumble,

Inward peace and inward might,                Though thy path be dark as night;

Star upon our path abiding,                         There’s a star to guide the humble:

“Trust in God, and do the right.”                 “Trust in God, and do the right.”

Food for Thought: Despairing about challenges doesn’t remove them. It takes courage to face them and to overcome.

Memory verse: Joshua 1:7  

Prayer: Lord God, make me strong and grant me the courage to faithfully follow you courageously in a time like this in Jesus name. Amen.

Consequences Of Famine

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 26, 2017

Topic: Consequences Of Famine

Text: 2 Kings 6:29

In June 2016, I read a story of how a woman used her child as a surety to get garri (a staple food in Nigeria made from cassava) from a trader in Osun state, Nigeria because she is being owe 7 months’ salary. This is the level people can be desperate to get food in time of crises.

The famine that led to our text was the greatest and worst famine in the history of Israel. It was so severe that people were killing and eating their children. This came as a result of God’s judgment. When we deliberately commit sin, God punishes us and it is usually very severe. Many things can lead to famine – sin, disobedience, for divine purpose, natural disaster like drought and invasion of an area by locust, etc. From what happened in the following verses, it seems the famine was pronounced by Elisha (2 Kings 6:30 – 31).

When the famine came to the level of people eating their children, Elisha went to the Lord and He spoke to him (2 Kings 7:1ff). When we come to crossroad on issues that confuse us, we should go to God for He has solutions to our problems. Elisha knew God was the source of all solution that defies all human wisdom. What would have led to the agreement to kill their children? Indeed, Moses foretold that this very evil shall come upon them if they forsake God (Deut. 28:53 & 57). This evil also came upon them when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Israel (Ezek. 5:10). Killing and eating of fellow human being as one of the consequences of famine is inhuman and against God’s commandment. Let us avoid whatsoever will bring famine by carefully obeying God.     

Food for Thought: Sin and disobedience has grievous consequences

Memory verse: 2 Kings 6 verse 29

Prayer: God, remove anything that will bring famine and its consequences in my life and family.

GOD IS NOT HANDICAPPED: Devotion for Wednesday August 24, 2016

GOD IS NOT HANDICAPPED: Devotion for Wednesday August 24, 2016

Text: Isaiah 59:1 – 8              Memory verse: Isaiah 59:1

It is erroneous to believe that God is handicapped and incapable to deliver, hear, heal, free and bless us. It is the belief of some many people that is why their miracles elude them. In 1 Sam. 5:1–5, is the story of how God proved that He is not handicapped. His Ark of Covenant was taken to the shrine of Philistine god, Dagon and He brought the statue down on two occasions. Unlike the Muslims who always take to arms when they perceive that Mohammed their prophet has been blasphemed as we have witnessed in this country and of recent was burning to death eight persons (students who are Christians) in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Our God fights for Himself. If we are not saved and our prayers are not answered, it is not because God is handicapped or incapacitated.

In our scriptural reading, we see sin and its consequences; exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and so separating us, not only from all good, but separating us to all evils. Yet there are many who derive joy in living in sin despite its consequences. This is very unfortunate! Such people are still under the influence and bondage of Satan.

Because God is holy, He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it doesn’t matter. That is in the view and understanding of some men but not God. Sin cuts people off from God. It forms a wall that invariably isolates us from the people He loves. The long list of wretched sins the people of Israel and we by extension commit makes God angry and forces Him to look the other way. Anyone who dies in his/her life of sin separates himself or herself eternally from God.

Finally brethren, let us always search ourselves because if we haven’t received salvation it is not because God is handicapped but because of our sins. This is same to other blessings that come from God. Have you confessed your sin to God, allowing Him to remove it? He can save you if you turn to Him. You can do it now. There is no need to procrastinate.

Food for Thought: You can hinder your salvation and blessings because of sin and not because God is incapacitated.

Prayer: God, I repent of my sins today (mention them) because they are hindrance to my blessings in Jesus name.