Divine Compassion: Devotion for Sunday August 23, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday August 23, 2020

Topic: Divine Compassion                  

Text: Mark 1:40 – 45                    

The real value of a person is inside, not outside. Although a person’s body may be diseased or deformed but the real person inside is valuable to God. No person is too disgusting for God’s touch. This was the reason Jesus despised the law to give this leper a divine touch.

In keeping with the law in Leviticus 13 and 14, it is the Jewish leaders that declare people with leprosy unclean. This meant that lepers were unfit to participate in any religious or social activity. According to laws about leprosy in Leviticus 13 and 14, when a leper was cured, he or she had to go to a priest to be examined. Then the leper will give a Thanks offering at the Temple. Jesus adhered to these laws by sending the man to the priest, demonstrating Jesus’ complete regard for God’s law.

In a sense, we are all people with “leprosy” because we have all been deformed by the ugliness of sin. By sending His Son, Jesus, God has touched us, giving us the opportunity to be healed. Have you received that Divine touch? Divine touch is not only for healing of leprosy. It brings salvation, peace, breakthrough, favour, promotion, business opportunities, etc. All that is expected of you is to apply to the Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to His will. I assure you that He will stretch out His hands upon you now for the Divine touch you need to have a turn around.

Food for Thought: Jesus’ compassion for us undermines the law and protocols 

Memory verse: Mark 1 v 41

Prayer: Lord God, break every protocol and law to touch me at the point of my need in Jesus name.

 

Faith and Justification: Devotion for Thursday, January 9, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL 

Devotion for Thursday January 9 2020

Topic: Faith and Justification

Text: Acts 13:38 – 41

Anyone who repents from his/her sins always has the concern of justification hence the need to learn assurance of salvation. Here, Paul assures his listeners that it is only through Jesus Christ we can obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for our sin.

There are two things we have to note in our text.

1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto them the forgiveness of sins.

2. It is only through Christ that those who believe in Him are justified from all things; from all the guilt and stain of sin, from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

Presently, many still see justification as through our personal efforts. It is not so! If we believe in Jesus as the Messiah, accept Him and His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary by faith, He did for us what the law could never do; justify us before God. The law could not bring peace. It is by Jesus Christ we obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. Paul ended with a warning (Acts 13:40, 41).

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We should take this warning to heart because though they were meant to come upon impenitent sinners, they are designed to awaken us to beware lest it come upon us. Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?

Food for Thought: Our justification is based on the work of Christ at the Cross of Calvary. How much do you appreciate this?

Memory verse: Romans 3:28

Prayer: Lord, as you have justified me, help me to remain same in Jesus name. 

To Fulfill The Law

Devotion for Sunday January 13, 2019

Topic: To Fulfill The Law

Text: Matthew 5:17 – 20

A proverbial saying of the Igbos has it that “the rat does not fall from the roof of the house. Something is pursuing it.” For Jesus to stand and make the assertion in our text today shows that He has been accused of breaking the law. The four gospels of the scripture have records of these accusations. Unfortunately, these accusations are unfounded. Some were just ways aimed to trap Jesus and misinterpretation of the law (See Matthew 12:1 – 12).

Jesus actually came to fulfill the law hence He subjected Himself to it by dying for the sake of the sin of the world which He took upon Himself (Ezekiel 18:4). Christ did not come to bring any new way of righteousness and salvation into the world, but indeed to fulfil that which was shadowed by the Law; by delivering men through grace from the curse of the Law. He also came to teach the true use of obedience and to engrave in our hearts the power for obedience.

Jesus had to make this fact straight not just for the Pharisees but for us, the present day readers and Christians because He is our model and we should emulate Him (Ephesians 5:1). We should follow His example and that is the best way to please God and serve Him as expected. How obediently are you applying the grace of God?

Food for Thought: Romans 3:31

Memory verse: Matthew 5:17

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, grant me the grace to follow the example of Christ in obedience to the law in Jesus name 

Jesus, Our Advocate

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 8, 2017

Topic: Jesus, Our Advocate

Text: 1 John 2:1

An Advocate is someone who supports or speaks in favour of something. An advocate is someone who acts or intercedes on behalf of another. Advocate is legal representative of somebody as in lawyers.  An Advocate pleads, mediates (1Timothy 2:5) and intercedes on behalf of his client. In legal terms, he represents and speaks on behalf of his client in court.

John used this legal term to explain the role Jesus Christ plays for us in the presence of His Father. The great object which John wrote to them was that they should not sin; and yet if they sinned, and were conscious that they were guilty before God, they should not despair. Rather they should confess and repent of their sins because they have an Advocate with the Father who is a propitiation for the sins of the world (1 John 2:1 & 2).

John also asserts that we shouldn’t take it as delight to continue living is sin. Unfortunately, this is common among some Christians today. Some wilfully commit sin because we have an advocate. Remember that God is also a consuming fire. As our "advocate," Christ is not a mere suppliant petitioner. He pleads for us on the ground of justice, or righteousness, as well as mercy (see yesterday’s devotion: http://mydailycovenantwithgod.blogspot.com/2017/04/gods-mercy-is-indispensable.html). He pleads with the Father not to withdraw His love because we may have been betrayed into sin.

Beloved, have you been betrayed into sinning and you are now feeling guilty and condemned? John offers reassurance that God will forgive you for the sake of our advocate who is the only propitiation for our sins. Go to God in prayer now.

Food for Thought: What will be our condition without Jesus?

Memory verse: 1 Timothy 2:5

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord, not to wilfully sin against you in Jesus name. Amen

Jesus Is Ever Willing To Heal Us

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Tuesday January 10, 2017             

Topic: Jesus Is Ever Willing To Heal Us

Text: Matthew 8:1 – 4              

Those to whom Christ has made Himself known, will always desire to know Him more. This was the case in Matthew 8:1. The multitude having been impressed with the teachings of Jesus Christ as we have in the previous chapter, followed Him. This is usually the effect of truth when we come to appreciate it, no wonder the bible says that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free (See John 8:32). Do you desire to know God the more? Please maximize every opportunity offered in your church to know God and know Him well.

In the multitude following and pressing on Jesus was a leper who appealed to Jesus for healing. What prompted this leper to make such request bearing in mind that they were usually isolated? How come he was in the crowd? Could it be that he has heard about Jesus and decided to go against all odds and protocols to get His attention? Is there any lesson for us in terms of persistence? As Christians, we should persist in what we are asking from God and certainly, He will hear and answer us.

This leper knew the potentials of healing in Jesus. That knowledge led to his statement in Matthew 8:2 and Jesus proved to him that He is more than willing to heal him by touching him which is against the Law of Moses.

Beloved, Jesus is more than willing to heal, deliver, protect, guard, guide and save us. He is ready to come into our lives and dwell there. No wonder His words in Revelation 2:20. Are you ready to yield yourself to Him? Are you ready to accept Him today into your life? Remember that He knows our problems and burdens. He is ever willing to help us out. Go to Him today for those things you desire to get from Him. Don’t be deterred or mind what people may say; be persistent, resist oppositions and go to Jesus. They may call you names for following Jesus; for being born again, etc. Let the promise of eternal life keep you following. He will touch you at the point of your needs.

Food for Thought: At the touch of Jesus all impurity flees.

Memory verse: Matthew 8 verse 3

Prayer: Touch me, my Lord and my God that all impurity in my life will be cleansed in Jesus name. Amen.

THE POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD: Devotion for Friday November 25, 2016

THE POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD: Devotion for Friday November 25, 2016

Text: 2 Kings 22:11 – 13          Memory verse: 2 Kings 22 verse 11

King Josiah sent message through Shaphan the scribe to Hilkiah the high priest. Shaphan returned words to the king about the book of the Law Hilkiah found (2 Kings 22:8). Shaphan read it to the hearing of the king (2 Kings 22:10). On hearing the words of God written in the book of the Law, Josiah knew that he and his people were in danger of God’s wrath, condemnation and judgment. He tore his clothes on account of the judgments denounced in the law against the people; and to which they were exposed to on account of their idolatry (2 Kings 22:13).

He sent people to inquire of the Lord for him, and for his people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against them, because their fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according to all that, which is written concerning them.

The word of God King Josiah heard started burning in him because he opened his heart to receive it. He didn’t give halfhearted attention to it as some of us do. These words that moved King Josiah unto godly repentance may not move some other persons to even blink an eye. This shows that the effect of the world of God on us depends on how we pay attention to it and how we accept it. If we accept the word of God wholeheartedly, it will yield abundant result of righteousness and fruitfulness for us. 

The word of God is quick and powerful (Heb. 4:12). When we read it with open heart to hear from God, take instruction and gain wisdom, it will surely prick our heart if we have been living in sin. The word of God, whether of law or grace, whether of promise or threatening, imparts to it, His own divine power. It lays open every heart, and detects all hypocrisy and unbelief. This is what the word did in heart of Josiah. Are you living a life of unbelief, hypocrisy and sin? You should yield your heart to God, allowing him to reveal your sin and thereafter repent of them. Are you ready to do that?

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 23:29

Prayer: Lord, empower your word as I read it so that it will bring out in me godly sorrow which brings repentance in Jesus name.

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

  

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        

Memory verse: v 9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (New King James Version).

In our text, God used the phrase “Be strong and of good courage,” 3 times in verses 6, 7 and 9. God used this phrase repeatedly because that was the area He has endued Joshua but he seems not to have understood that. He wants Joshua to understand that He is with him and has empowered him to lead the Israelis into the Promised Land.

Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, had severally proved that he was, yet needs these exhortations. The reason is that his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new. Again he needed the exhortation because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses; and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect that the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for his shoulders.

God expected Joshua to make His law, his rule. He was charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. This is what is expected of us too in our Christian race wherein we face stiff challenges as Joshua faced. How much time do you spend in meditating on the word of God? We show the highest and noblest courage when we faithfully discharge our duties. There is no coward that makes it his great object to obey the known will of God.  

Most times it is in the area of our strength that devil brings fear to intimidate us. Joshua knew that he has the charisma, character and ability to lead the people yet, he was reluctant and unwilling. In the days of Gideon, he was afraid of the Midianites even when he has the power. It was the power in him that made the angel of the Lord to urge him to go in that strength. What are the areas of your strength? Are you using them to its full potential or you are waiting for God to emphasis on it?

Food for Thought: Most times devil intimidates or tempts us based on our strength.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognise my strength and use it for your glory. 

JUST REWARD FOR SIN: Devotion for Tuesday March 29, 2016

JUST REWARD FOR SIN: Devotion for Tuesday March 29, 2016

Text: Romans 6:12 – 23              Memory verse: v 23

After the admonition to walk in newness of life by Paul as we read yesterday, he went further to speak about the just reward for sin. He started by saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (6:12). That was a conclusion of his exhortation in 6:1–11. He gave this charge because of the consequences and reward for sin. Most people play with sin as if it has no consequence. If we are dead to sin, how can sin still control us? Christians died to sin at repentance, but as long as they live in their mortal bodies, they will have the compulsion to sin. But only because we have died to sin do we have the power to no longer let it control us. Worthy of note is the question in 6:15. “To refuse obedience to the law, under pretence of Christian liberty; to sin because we are not under the law, but under grace; is a turning the grace of God into wantonness, and to use our Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh” according to William Burkett’s Note.

This result of sin is not just physical death; everyone dies physically, believers and nonbelievers alike. This refers to eternal separation from God. This is the wage that a person receives for his or her rebellion against God. But instead of wages, those who believe receive a free gift from God; the eternal life. Just as the labourer is worthy of his hire and feels it to be his due, so death is the due for sin, the wages the sinner has formed for himself. The good news is that God has offered us eternal life as a gift. Have you received yours?

Food for Thought: Are you working for wage or gift?

Prayer: God, your gift for me is eternal life. Grant that I will not miss out in Jesus name.

TOTALITY OF THE LAW: Devotion for Tuesday October 13, 2015

TOTALITY OF THE LAW                Tuesday October 13, 2015                      

Text: Romans 13:7 – 10                      Memory verse: v 10

Paul highlights the imperativeness of love in our relationship with one another and God. What he suggests is that love for God and our neighbours is fulfilling the requirements of the law. We know that Love does not intend or design any ill on anybody. Love is utterly against doing that which may turn to the prejudice, offence, or grief of anyone. It works no evil; that is, it prohibits the working of evil. See Proverbs 3:27-29. The only thing that can restrain us from doing evil is love and not even fear. Love is a living active principle of obedience to the whole law. 

How much do you love your neighbours? Do you laugh with them while in your heart you are nursing great hatred? Remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. You may have all the gifts, do all the miracles, give even gifts to people, etc, but if all these lacks genuine love, you have missed the mark. The emphasis of dos and don’ts are insignificant when we do not truly love God and our neighbours.   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:8

Prayer: Sow in my heart, O Lord, love for you and for my neighbours.