Awake From Sleep: Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

Topic: Awake From Sleep                               

Text: Ephesians 5:12 – 20                         

As Christians, we should stand for the truth; we shouldn’t get caught up in gossip about the shameful actions of sinful people (Ephesians 5:12). We should not promote or dignify sin by even so much as discussing it. What the ungodly people do in secret becomes clear for how evil it is as light shines on them. Nothing can hide from the light piercing through darkness. Believers are the “rays” of that light. By our actions (Ephesians 5:8 – 12), we become instruments of light, exposing the dark acts of sin.

Apostle Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right. This is not optional.

It is for this reason the Apostle calls on compromising Christians to wake up from sleep (Ephesians 5:14) and begin to live for Christ. What Paul was stressing here is that the Ephesians should wake up and realize the dangerous condition into which some of them had been slipping into. Are such things not seen in our present day Christendom where we pretend and are nonchalant to our call to rebuke evil and sin? Are we not unperturbed and senseless in the darkness, and pollution of sin, and sometimes rename sin so as to cover our unrighteousness?

We should wake from death in sin to a sense of our guilty, lost condition, and look to Him who died for us, and He will make us light. We should redeem the time we have lost while asleep by being active for God. God is waiting for you to act. Start now (Isaiah 60:1)!   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:11 & 12

Memory verse: Ephesians 5 v 14

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast way the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility so that on the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty: to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever (Collect for Advent Sunday). 

Let there be Light: Devotion for Tuesday 18th February, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday February 18, 2020

Topic: Let there be Light                                  

Text: Genesis 1:3

Let there be light as used here is what God willed, decreed and appointed. There was result when God said it! There was darkness everywhere and God decreed light and darkness went away. May the light of God shine upon you this season for darkness to go away in Jesus name! Darkness is example of evil; backwardness, failure, lack of progress in personal endeavours, etc. Today, many people are in darkness because of ignorance and sin. We also know that devil and his agents are carrier of darkness.

God causes light to shine out of darkness and He can cause light into the darkest part of our lives. Jesus said that He is the light of the world. When we allow Jesus to come into our lives through repentance He will dispel the light in our lives, families and work. Are you living in sin, know that you are surrounded with darkness and you need Jesus Christ in your life. Are you experiencing backwardness, failure, lack of progress, problems in life, marriage, studies and business? You need Jesus to dispel the darkness causing these problems. Allow the light of God in your life because “there is no darkness enough in the entire world to put out the light of one candle” – Epitaph in PowerBible Online. Note that the light of God is greater than the light of the candle. 

Food for Thought: Light makes the difference in our lives and the world.

Memory verse: Psalm 33:9               

Prayer: Lord, decree and shine your light into my life, family and endeavours in Jesus name.

Is Your Faith Known To People?

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Wednesday January 9, 2019

Topic: Is Your Faith Known To People?

Text: Colossians 1:1 – 8

The action of Paul in our text is a challenge for present day Christians. In this letter he told the Church at Colossae that he has heard about their faith through Epaphras and that he has intensified his prayer for them. He did not doubt their Christianity as some of us would have done. He believed that they were still in faith. We must learn how to uphold people in faith by praying for them not questioning their faith.

From Paul’s statement in our text, the faith of the Church at Colossae was known to people. It was not hidden. They were not compromising and that is what is expected of us. We should let the world know about our faith. Wherever we go; wherever we find ourselves, we should let people know what we believe in. Anything short of this equals denying Jesus Christ.  Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” – Matthew 5:14, 15. We shouldn’t hide our ideal identity as Christian. When we hide what we are and what we believe in, then it means that we have some “skeleton in our cupboard.”

We should make our faith known in our offices, schools, neighbourhood, business centres, market, inside the bus and other places we find ourselves daily. Hiding our identity means denying Jesus which has consequences (See Matthew 10:33).

Food for Thought: What is your testimony about your faith among your colleagues and in your neighbourhood? 

Memory verse: Ephesians 1:15

Prayer: God, help me to make my faith known to people wherever I may find myself in Jesus name.

Is Your Faith Known To People?

Devotion for Friday August 10, 2018

Topic: Is Your Faith Known To People?

Text: Colossians 1:1 – 8

The action of Paul in our text is a challenge for present day Christians. In this letter he told the Church at Colossae that he has heard about their faith through Epaphras and that he has intensified his prayer for them. He did not doubt their Christianity as some of us would have done. He believed that they were still in faith. We must learn how to uphold people in faith by praying for them not questioning their faith. From Paul’s statement in our text, the faith of the Church at Colossae was known to people. It was not hidden. They were not compromising and that is what is expected of us. We should let the world know about our faith. Wherever we go; wherever we find ourselves, we should let people know what we believe in. Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” – Matthew 5:14, 15. We should make our faith known in our offices, schools, neighbourhood, business centres, market, inside the bus and other places we find ourselves daily. Hiding our identity means denying Jesus which has consequences (See Matthew 10:33).

Food for Thought: What is your testimony about your faith among your colleagues and in your neighbourhood? 

Memory verse: Ephesians 1:15

Prayer: God, help me to make my faith known to people wherever I may find myself in Jesus name.

Let Your Light Shine

Devotion for Friday June 8, 2018

Sing SS&S 1138; Abu 240

Topic: Let Your Light Shine

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8

A true Christian is a light to the world. In the Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptized will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be. In Matthew 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and give to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this? In our text, the prophet calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (v2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (2b). As the light (Christ – see John 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, He will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2). For us Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Memory verse: Isaiah 60:1

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name. Amen 

Let Your Light So Shine

Devotion for Saturday April 7, 2018

Topic: Let Your Light So Shine

Text: Matthew 5:14 – 16                           

Light is very important in our existence here on earth. Have you ever imagined what life would be without light? To some of us in Nigeria, it may not mean anything because we are used to darkness but not someone in the Western World. Jesus Christ told His disciples that they are light of the world and should shine for people to see. Jesus later explained this in John 8:12.

Without darkness, we can’t know the importance of light. The basic truth in this is that as light dispels darkness and enables a man to see his way, so the Christian, by his teaching and exemplary life, removes ignorance and prejudice, and discloses the way of life to unbelievers. Christians reflecting the light of Christ is necessary so that its beauty and essence can’t be concealed. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like.

These are some of the ways we can hide our light from shinning. (1) When we keep quiet while we ought to speak. (2) Going along with the crowd and not standing out for Christ. (3) Denying the light, (4) Allowing sin in our lives which dims our light, (5) Not explaining the source of our light to others and (6) Ignoring the needs of others.

Beloved, are you really light in your family, office, school, business and neighbourhood? What being light of the world implies is that we are expected to live lives of high morals to reflect our call as Christians. We should let the light of Christ we have received be seen in us otherwise we are either being selfish or deceitful.

Sing: Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray, Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Keep me burning till that brighter day.

Food for Thought: Is your light shining for people around you to see?

Memory verse: Matthew 5:14

Prayer: Use the song above to pray.

LIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE: Devotion for Friday October 14, 2016

LIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE: Devotion for Friday October 14, 2016

Text: Genesis 1:1 – 5       Memory verse: Genesis 1 verse 3

Light symbolises God, good, righteousness and godly living while darkness is a symbol of everything evil failure, backwardness, lack of progress in personal endeavours, etc. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life – John 8:12" and of His disciples, “You are the light of the world” Matt. 5:14. This means that He came into the world to give the world direction in this dark world of sin and evil. As for we, His disciples, we are to give direction to the world too. In our text, the bible recorded that God willed, decreed and appointed that there will be light (1:3) and it was so. There was result and darkness went away. Let every darkness around you leave in Jesus name.

Today, many are in darkness because of sin and ignorance. If you are among them, you need the light of God in your life. It is better you repent now before it will be too late. Family Bible Notes says, “God caused the light to shine out of darkness, and He can shine into dark hearts, and give them the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:6.” It is the light of God that brings progress, peace and unity in a family. It is what makes the difference in families and lives. Are you surrounded by darkness? God is saying let there be light in your life, your family, business and all you do. Allow the light of the word of God into your life.

Food for Thought: There is no darkness enough in the entire world to put out the light of one little candle” – Epitaph in PowerBible CD.

Prayer: God, remove darkness in my life and let your life shine in my life and family in Jesus name.

THE CHOSEN OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday July 16, 2016

THE CHOSEN OF GOD: Devotion for Saturday July 16, 2016

Text: Isaiah 49:7 – 12          

Memory verse: Isaiah 49:7 - Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel; and He has chosen you."

Have you ever asked yourself, why am I a Christian? Is it because I was born into the church? Is it because God chose me to be a Christian? Being a Christian is not because we are good enough to be, but because God chose us out of His love and grace. Again, have you ever asked why God is so interested in Israel despite their stiff-neck disposition? The reason for the choice of Israel is to become an instrument through which the world will come to know God (49:8, 9). That is also why you are a Christian. The catechism in Book of Common Prayer 2007:480 has it that “God required the chosen people (Israel) to be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Our text speaks of what Christ will do for us and what we should do in appreciation of God’s faithfulness.

Beloved, God chose you as a Christian for some purposes. He chose you to become salt (Matt 5:13), to become light (Matt 5:14) and to show forth His praise and glory. From the words of Book of Common Prayer, we are expected to “Be faithful, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” Have you been doing these? How faithful are you? In John 15:16, Jesus stated why He chose and appointed us as Christians. It is just simple; we “Should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you” Jn. 15:16b. How are you doing these?

Action: As you go out today, do the work that will bear fruit for God either through preaching, charity or showing mercy on people you meet.

Prayer: My God and my Father in heaven, help me to live up to the reason for your call upon my life. Grant that I will not disappoint the confidence you have reposed on me as Christian in Jesus name.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: Devotion for Friday May 6, 2016

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE: Devotion for Friday May 6, 2016

Text: Isaiah 60:1 – 8        Memory verse: v 1

A true Christian is a light to the world. In Book of Common Prayer (2007:167), we have in the liturgy for baptism, where the person being baptised will be given a candle light with the following admonition. (One of the sponsors says): Receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness to light. (The congregation will respond): Shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father, Amen. This clearly shows what the life of a Christian should be. In Matt. 5:14 – 16, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. What does it imply? It means that we are to show the world things as they are, and give to men right views of them. We are to enlighten, direct, and quicken others. How much are you doing this?

In our text, Isaiah calls on the nation of Israel to arise and shine because their light has come. God's covenant with Israel is that His word and Spirit shall dwell with her forever. These are mightier than the powers of darkness (60:2a); so that in all her conflicts with them it is certain that she will, in the end, prevail (60:2b). As the light (Christ – Jn. 8:12; 9:5) is revealed, it will draw Gentiles to it (Epiphany – Matt 2:2). For us Christians of today, as far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. It behooves on us to shine the light for others who are still in darkness to see our light and come to it.

Food for Thought: How can you shine your light for others to see?

Prayer: Father in heaven, let my light so shine before men, that they may see my good works and glorify you in Jesus name.

BE AN ILLUMINANT: Devotion for Friday February 12, 2016

BE AN ILLUMINANT    Friday February 12, 2016

   

Text: Matthew 5:14 – 16      Memory verse: v 14

An illuminant is source of light – something that gives off or provides light. Jesus Christ told His disciples that they are light of the world and should shine as the light of a city on the mountain which could be seen from afar and it cannot be hidden. Jesus later explained this in Jn. 8:12. Without darkness, we can’t know the importance of light. The Fourfold Gospel says that “As light dispels darkness and enables a man to see his way, so the Christian, by his teaching and example, removes ignorance and prejudice, and discloses the way of life.” The church, reflecting the light of Christ, is necessary as conspicuous body, so that neither its blemishes nor its beauty can be concealed.

If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ looks like. We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others. Be a beacon of truth; don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world. 

Beloved are you really light in your family, office, school, business and neighbourhood? What this passage implies is that we are expected to live a life of high moral standard to reflect our call as Christians. We should let the light of Christ we have received (as we have in our liturgy for baptism) be seen in us otherwise we are either being selfish or deceits.

Food for Thought: Is your light still shining?

Prayer: Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray, Give me oil in my lamp keep me burning. Keep me burning till that brighter day (Song). Use this song to pray.

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU: Devotion for Tuesday December 15, 2015

WHY THE WORLD HATES YOU   Tuesday December 15, 2015

Text: John 15:18 – 25     Memory verse: v 19

When we, Christians are hated by the world as our Master was, it should not cause us to fear, and rather it should strengthen and encourage us. Here Christ spoke concerning hatred, which is the character of the devil's kingdom, as love is of the kingdom of Christ. The world will hate us because we are not of the world (15:19) and our words, tempers, actions, are quite opposite to theirs. There is no resemblance. The world will love their own and hate what does not belong to them.

Does it baffle you when you see the world turning against you? It shouldn’t baffle you because you are light and they represent darkness that hates light. They hate Christians because their presence reproves their deeds. Do you weep over neglect and abuse you suffer in your neighbourhood, school, office, market, etc? Cheer up! They did it to Jesus; ours will not be an exception. However, know that God will always fight for His own people.

Food for Thought: Knowledge of our status as foreigners here on earth helps us to live well among those who hate us in this world  

Prayer: God, let not the hatred of the world against me weaken my spirit.

A LIGHT IN THE DARK: Devotion for Monday November 9, 2015

A LIGHT IN THE DARK        Monday November 9, 2015

Text: Philippians 2:14 – 16       Memory verse: v 15

Here we have some dangers in complaining and argument. Why is complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about us is that we constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they will get a false impression of Christ and the gospel. Our belief in Christ should unite us who trust Him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ.

We should stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ. The reason for this is because we are called as light (Matthew 5:14 – 16) to shine in the dark. Is your light still shining or has it gone off? Our light should shine through our words and deeds. Be mindful of how you live in your neighbourhood.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:16

Prayer: God, trim my lamp and make me shine for you in this dark world.