They Drove Away Justice: Devotion for Saturday October 3, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

Topic: They Drove Away Justice

Text: Isaiah 59:9 – 15                                

According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If we shut our eyes against the light of Divine truth, it is just with God to hide from our eyes the things that belong to our peace.” No wonder the bible says that “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). A situation where the sins of those who profess themselves as God's people, are worse than the sins of others is very unfortunate.

Here in our bible reading for the day, the Prophet Isaiah decries the sad state of the nation where justice and righteousness are absent in the courts of law (Zechariah 8:16), and in social matters in general. All over the scriptures, God is always against injustice. He upholds justices and righteousness and He expects nothing less from us. But sad to say that He got the least from His people and was displeased about it.

What can we say of our present day religious and political leaders in this generation especially in our nation, Nigeria? Are they upholding justice? What of our judges? Have they not turned back justice by declaring the guilty, innocent and the innocent, guilty? Compare Amos 5:12 and 6:12.

Beloved, God is never happy when we pervert justice. It is a wicked and sinful person that does so (Proverbs 7:23). When we witness in any case, we should also not testify to pervert justice (Exodus 23:2). That should be the mark of true Christianity we confess.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 16:19

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 14

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord to always stand for justice no matter the circumstances in Jesus name.

Beware of Your Personal Assistant: Devotion for Tuesday August 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday August 11, 2020

Topic: Beware of Your Personal Assistants       

Text: Numbers 11:24 – 30                               

Mark 10:38 says, “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.” In verse 14, Jesus saw it and was greatly displeased. His disciples were the ones that stood against the children who came to Jesus.

Here Joshua who was personal assistant to Moses was jealous that Eldad and Medad were prophesying in the camp. Joshua seems to have thought that, in remaining behind they had been guilty of disrespect towards Moses.  But Moses rejoiced in every gift of God's Spirit, though some irregularity might be connected with it.

This incident is similar to a story told in Mark 9:38-41 (Luke 9:49 – 50). The disciples wanted Jesus to forbid others to drive out demons because they were not part of the disciples’ group. But this type of narrow attitude was condemned by both Moses and Jesus.

Beloved, beware of putting limits on God; He can work through whomever He chooses. This act of limiting God on who to use is common among Christians today. When someone who is not a member of our church or fellowship is being used by God, we ridicule it immediately. You don’t choose for God whom to use. He can use anyone to work out His purpose when there is no vessel available for Him to use.

Those in leadership position should be wary of their personal assistants who stop people arbitrarily from coming to them or give wrong information to the public about you. A true leader should be available to the people he or she is leading.

Food for Thought: God is never limited in His dealing with us.

Memory verse: Numbers 11:28

Prayer: Lord, grant unto all the people in position of authority wisdom to handle weaknesses of their assistants 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.

STAND IN THE GAP: Devotion for Monday October 3, 2016

STAND IN THE GAP: Devotion for Monday October 3, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 22:23 – 31      Memory verse: Ezekiel 22 verse 30

Whatever we do as leaders or priest will always have effect on the people we lead whether good of bad. If only we hope to make great impacts on the people we lead, we should be very cautious of what we do; the kind of policies we introduce and the kind of advice we receive from people. When wicked leaders collaborate with wicked and false prophets, and priests to ruin a nation and corrupt its faith and practices through false doctrines, ungodliness and iniquity, it will bring unbearable consequences because it will definitely permeate the masses.

This is the case in this our country and most other countries of the world. Unfortunately, the deceiver and the deceived cannot escape God’s anger. At the revelation of His anger, the people with their rulers and teachers will become like briers and thorns ready to be consumed by the fire of His wrath. None of them will be spared. That is the extend God can go in dealing with us in His anger.

As Christians who fear God, we should unite to promote His truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down. This is what is expected of us if only we can make our world a better place for all of us to live in. A situation where we who ought to be bearers of light turn out to become agents of darkness will at the long run receive the wrath of God.

When the society is morally bankrupt, it will be hard to see anyone who seeks the face of God in fasting and prayers. This was the reason God expressed sadness over the situation in Ezekiel 22:30. God sought for a man that would stand in the gap; that would faithfully exhort, reprove and counsel, with all long-suffering and doctrine because there was a serious breach made in the moral state and feeling of the people. But none was to be found! Today, most of us instead of standing at the gap because of the moral decadence in our society, we resort to joining them or complaining. We should stand at the gap always for that is what God expects from us.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 59:16

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace I need to stand at the gap always for my family and my nation in Jesus name.

JUSTICE IS TURNED BACK: Devotion for Thursday August 25, 2016

JUSTICE IS TURNED BACK: Devotion for Thursday August 25, 2016

Text: Isaiah 59:9 – 15             Memory verse: Isaiah 59:14

According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If we shut our eyes against the light of Divine truth, it is just with God to hide from our eyes the things that belong to our peace.” No wonder the bible says that “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). A situation where the sins of those who profess themselves God's people, are worse than the sins of others who are termed unbelievers is very unfortunate.

Here, the prophet Isaiah decries the sad state where justice and righteousness are absent in the courts of law (Zechariah 8:16), and in social matters in general. All over the scriptures, God is always against injustice. He upholds justices and righteousness and He expects nothing less from us. But sad to say that He got the least from His people and was displeased about it. If you were in God’s shoes will you be pleased seeing injustice pervade all affairs of life?  

What can we say of our present day religious and political leaders? Are they upholding justice? What of our judges and magistrates? Have they not turned back justice by declaring the guilty, innocent and the innocent, guilty? Compare Amos 5:12; 6:12. Is this the same in your country?

Beloved, God is never happy when we pervert justice. It is a wicked and sinful person that does so (Proverbs 7:23). When we witness in any case, we should also not testify to pervert justice (Exodus 23:2). Let the fear of God be in our hearts in every witness we bear or case we judge. If this be our guiding principle, it will make our society and the world at large a peaceful place to live in.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 16:19

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord, to always stand for justice no matter the circumstances in Jesus name.

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

ASSURED SOLIDARITY: Devotion for Sunday June 26, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:16 – 18               

Memory verse: v16 - So they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go (New King James Version).           

Usually, when God is at the centre of any movement, it easily receives solidarity and support of the people. There is no need to coax or intimidate people into doing what is right and appropriate. This was the case here. The people after hearing the message from Joshua were moved in their hearts which led to their response in our text. They agreed to obey Joshua. Their response was that whatever you command us to do; we will readily do, without murmuring or disputing. Again, wherever you send us, we will go.

These were assuring words to Joshua as he takes over the mantle of leadership from Moses. They promised Joshua obedience (1:16), they prayed for God’s presence with him (1:17), they pass an act to make it death for any Israeli who disobey Joshua's orders, or rebel against his commandment and they inspired him to go on with cheerfulness in the work to which God had called him; and, in desiring that, he should be strong and of good courage as God admonished him earlier. These words of assurance from the people were enough to inspire Joshua into action. There is no leader that will receive such assurance from his subjects that will not be motivated. 

How much solidarity do you give to your leaders; political leaders, traditional rulers, your boss in the office, your master as an apprentice, your pastors and teachers of the gospel, your fellowship leaders, group leaders in the church, etc? Do you support your Priest/Pastor when he moves motions for evangelism, revival, etc in church meetings or you are there to oppose every move whether good or bad simply because you don’t love the Pastor? The work of God cannot progress where there is rancor and disagreement. We should always work as a team for that is the desire of God (John. 17:11, 22).

Food for Thought: How much solidarity do you give to your leaders in the society and the church?

Prayer: 1. Lord God, may I never be a clog in the wheel of progress in your church in Jesus name. 2. Use me to support those in authority through obedience and moral support. 

BE GENEROUS: Devotion for Tuesday May 17, 2016

BE GENEROUS: Devotion for Tuesday May 17, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 30:21 – 26        Memory verse: v 23

David used his authority to over-rule the submission of some of “the wicked and worthless men” who went with him as they pursued the Amalekites (30:22, 23). He managed the situation with all sweetness, though they were such wicked and unreasonable men, he called them brethren; not only as of the same nation and religion with him, but as his fellow-soldiers. He admonished them to be magnanimous with what God has provided because it didn’t come out of sheer hard work but the mercies of God.

There are two major lessons we should learn in this our text.

1. We shouldn’t unkindly and injuriously withhold from our brethren whatever God has freely given or imparted to us. What are the things God has freely given to you? It may be your time; your wealth, your strength, your talents, etc. They are gifts that should be used for the good of others. You shouldn’t brag with them or hoard them for selfish use in your neighbourhood, office, church and the society at large.

2. Secondly, as leaders in whatever capacity we find ourselves, we should manage the behaviours of all under us in such a way that there will be peace always. David managed the anger of some of these “wicked and worthless men.” This should be a challenge to us in leadership positions.

Food for Thought: Being magnanimous with what God has given freely to us is a sign that we are grateful to Him.

Prayer: Our father in heaven, help me to be magnanimous with what you have given freely to me.