Add Flavour To Lives

Devotion for Friday April 6, 2018

Topic: Add Flavour To Lives

Text: Matthew 5:13 

Salt is a very common flavour that makes food tasty. This shows the importance of salt in seasoning foods. Jesus used the importance of salt in foods to teach us the importance of Christians in any society. Salt has multi functions. It adds flavour to food and is used as preservatives. By salt of the earth, Jesus posited that Christians are means of earth’s preservation through our prayers and exemplary Christian lifestyle.

Jesus compared Christians to salt because it is the nature of salt to preserve things from corruption and putrefaction, and to render them savoury and pleasant. In this respect, Christianity by the purity of its doctrine, should sweeten and purify sinners that they may become savoury to God and Man; and may be kept from being contaminated with errors and false doctrine. Again according to William Burkett, “Salt has a piercing power in it, which subdues the whole lump, and turns it into its own nature: such a piercing power is there in the ministry of the word, that it subdues the whole man to the obedience of itself.” In acting like salt, we are expected to add flavour to the lives of people around us.

Outside application of holy doctrine to preserve lives, we should let the world know the true essence of life and living. Some Christians live in such a way that unbelievers will never be motivated to go to church. We should let the world see peace, joy, happiness in our lives no matter the level of worldly afflictions and pains we may be going through. When we radiate life, it will make unbelievers to understand the true meaning of Christianity. Sing the hymn SS&S 798; Abu 239

Food for Thought: Are you adding flavour to the lives in your family and the society?

Memory verse: v 13

Prayer: Lord, may my life add flavour to people I meet daily in Jesus name

Wisdom For Godly Living

Devotion for Friday January 19, 2018

Topic: Wisdom For Godly Living

Topic: Psalm 39:1 – 4

The best virtue we can develop is the virtue of taming our mouths or observing the oath of silence. Words we speak are very sensitive and can be used against us. James emphasized on the use of mouth when he said, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” – James 3:8. In our bible reading, David meditates on human frailty and prays for wisdom to live Godly life. He asserts that he must be cautious because of his enemies; he must be patient because of his afflictions; he must be watchful over his tongue, lest he offends God, or give his enemies any reason to speak evil of him. These resolutions David made is what every Christian who wants to live a Godly life should undertake. We run into problem most times when we fail to tame our tongue especially when we are in the public or surrounded by enemies. Just like James noted, the tongue is an unruly evil and full of deadly poison. The ability to tame our tongue will definitely help us to avoid troubles and problems of life. David had shown his desire to live a godly life in this prayer he said here. How do you desire to live your life especially in our world of today where love is confessed but scare? You should adopt the example David gave here so that you will live with wisdom; not falling into problems with people around you. 

Sing A&M 356; Abu 186

Action: Write and paste in a conspicuous position how best you will want to live a godly life this year.     

Memory verse: James 3:2

Prayer: O Lord, my God help me to tame my tongue and to apply wisdom in the life I live in Jesus name. Amen

Bear Worthy Fruits

Devotion for Tuesday January 2, 2018

Topic: Bear worthy fruits

Text: Luke 3:7 – 9

John the Baptist in his preaching called the people to repentance and also admonished them to bear fruit worthy of repentance. John stated that the time has come when Abraham's seed shall no longer be reckoned by outward descent, but by character. Therefore, they should change their character and ways of living to conform to what they profess that implies having the character and doing the works of Abraham. What John the Baptist meant is that there should be a change of character that should led to a change of situation. Many people have kept doing same thing over and again expecting different results that can never be. You cannot hold on to one methodology of doing something and expect to get good results. 

What are the ways you have been serving God, doing your business or relating with people that has not yielded the desired fruit? You need to change your method. On the other hand, we should show the reality of our repentance by forsaking our sins and obeying the commands of God. In order that repentance may be shown to be sincere, it must produce good works. This is one way we can get God’s approval and blessings. Don’t hope to get God’s approval when you are still living in sin. Sing A&M 325

Food for Thought: The change of life is the proof of the change of heart.

Memory verse: Matthew 3:8  

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me a change of heart and life that will reflect the confession I make as a Christian in Jesus name. Amen.

What Is Acceptable To God

Devotion for Wednesday November 1, 2017

Topic: What Is Acceptable To God

Text: Romans 12:1

It is not everything we do that God approves and accepts. He accepted the sacrifice of Abel and showed disdain to that of Cain. Also He does not accept the act of not entirely depending on Him (Isaiah 31:1). God does not accept sacrifice that is not holy or anything not pleasing to Him. In this our text for the day, Paul exhorts us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. This means that we should dedicate and devote our souls and bodies to the service of God and His glory. Christians should offer up their lives unto God as a whole burnt offering. This must be voluntary as you are expected to do it (present yourself). It must be a living sacrifice; a holy sacrifice, a reasonable sacrifice, otherwise God will not accept it.

Have you offered yourself as a sacrifice that is acceptable to God? Your commitment should be reasonable and not offensive to God. A life that has been sacrificed to God as a living, holy and reasonable sacrifice is seen in its dependence of God for direction and instruction in everything. The person lives according to detects of God. Christians shouldn’t invent services, or make trials, or seek persecutions or provoke opposition so as to be seen as serving and suffering for Christ’s sake. They should do just what God requires of them, and that will be acceptable to Him.

When what we do is acceptable to God that will be the greatest recompense we can get because not everybody will have the privilege to serve God. If He approves what we do, what men think of us doesn’t matter. Therefore, to please Him should be our highest aim in this new month and we will certainly reap the benefits. Happy New Month!

Food for Thought: God’s priority and what He accepts matters. Is this your guiding principle in this heavenly race?

Memory verse: Romans 12:1

Prayer: Grant me, O Lord, the understanding of what you accept so that I can make them my priority in this heavenly race in Jesus name Amen.

A Living Hope

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 22, 2017

Topic: A Living Hope 

Text: 1 Peter 1:3 – 5

The Christian's hope is a living principle, and sustains his spiritual life. Our hope is lived out. It is something that is live out for others to see. This hope gives life and looks for life as its object. We are now born again for a wonderful expectation of life to come but not of this world because we are pilgrims and foreigners here. This expectation we have is based on the assurance that God will keep His promise to raise us because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Christ has made necessary power available for our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). His resurrection makes us certain that we too will be raised from the dead.

This assurance is what makes our hope lively. It keeps us going, striving against all odds so as to gain that which God has promised us. What the resurrection of Christ has done for us is that it has inspired hope and grace in us. It has brought the conviction that we are going to be resurrected. The onus on us now is to live our lives with that inspired hope from the resurrection of Christ. It should make us to be heavenly conscious as we read yesterday. It should inspire a more strong faith in us that God is ever faithful to His promises. Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die.

We may be experiencing some negative things that are currently challenging our faiths. That notwithstanding, if we know our God, our hope will be renewed every day. We can achieve this by daily searching out God’s promises and laying hold of them as we pray. Don’t allow uncertainties of life deem your hope rather rekindle it daily basis. 

Food for Thought: Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die. Rekindle it on daily basis as we await the return of our Saviour.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 1 verse 3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to keep the hope of eternal life lively in me in Jesus name.

Don’t Be The Avenger

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 24, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be The Avenger

Text: Romans 12:14 – 19

Apostle Paul summarizes the heart of Christian living in our scriptural reading for the day. If we love people the way Christ loves us, we will be keen to forgive. Those who have experienced God’s grace should be ready and willing to pass it on to others. This is the simple requirement of the gospel we preach. Grace is undeserved favour and because we freely received, we should freely give.

Apostle Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:35 to remind us that though we may want to avenge ourselves, but it is better we leave revenge to God because we are bound to overdo and run into the hands of the law. Refusing to take revenge avoids grudges and feuds. God will ensure that His just vengeance will be given at the appropriate time. He gave the charge in Romans 12:17 and emphasized it in Romans 12:19. The emphasis is for a purpose so we can moderate our actions and learn to live peaceably with others.

We should note that Jesus had set an example for us to follow. When He was reviled, He didn’t reviled back but left everything in the hands of God. Why will ours be different if we profess that we are His followers? We should not take revenge upon those who injure us, but exercise a forgiving spirit towards them. God expects us to leave vengeance to Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 32:35

Memory verse: Hebrew 10:30 – For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people” – (NKJV)  

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the spirit of patience, self-control and love so as to avoid revenge in a quest for vindication. Amen.

LIVING ABOVE STORMS OF LIFE: Devotion for Saturday September 17, 2016Beloved, Job resigned himself to God. His understanding of life and wealth (1:20, 21) made a great difference. He saw the storms of life as a passing phase in his life. This made to overcome at last. These storms did not make him sin. Don’t give up easily when you face storms of life.

LIVING ABOVE STORMS OF LIFE: Devotion for Saturday September 17, 2016

Text: Job 1:20 – 22                  Memory verse: Job 1 verse 22

Living above storms of life is one thing that can single us out as men and women who are faithful to God and those who know the God they serve. It is our faithfulness till the end that can earn us the anticipated crown which God had promised us when we are done here on earth. These are some of the things we can do to live above storms of life.

1. Look unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2). To overcome the storms of life, we must look unto Jesus Christ. He endured all hostilities and was rewarded with a name that is above every other name. That is an example that should motivate us when we come to the crossroads, bumps and curves of life. We should not be discouraged when we are confronted with storms of life.

2.  Another way to live above storms of life is to study the word of God regularly (Josh 1:8 and Ps 1:1–3). Let the word of God richly dwell in you. When you have the word of God in you, it will sustain you when problems and storms of life challenge your faith.

3. Through prayer we can overcome storms of life just as Hannah did (1 Sam. 1:9–11). The story of Hannah is well known to us. She had a challenge of delayed conception. She went to God in prayer after her mate, Peninnah taunted her.

4. Taking positive action as Ruth did. This is another positive way to live above the storms of life. Ruth confronted her fears, disappointments, and challenges with faith. Though everything looked bleak but she was not daunted. God looked favourably on her and blessed her by making a home for her.    

5. Through networking with right minds, we can overcome storms of life. Avoid people with the kind of mind Job’s wife had, people who will give you negative counsel that will demoralize you.

6. Be determined to persevere till the end (Job 13:15; 27:5 & Ps 30:5). Determination is one key to success.

7. Beware of advices you receives when you are passing through storms of life. People like Job’s wife could talk you out of faith.

8. Remember that storms are not meant to last forever (Psalm 30:5). They all have their expiry dates.

Beloved, Job resigned himself to God. His understanding of life and wealth (1:20, 21) made a great difference. He saw the storms of life as a passing phase in his life. This made to overcome at last. These storms did not make him sin. Don’t give up easily when you face storms of life.

Food for Thought: In all this, Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Prayer: God, grant me the grace I need as I pass through storms of life.

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING: Devotion for Monday November 23, 2015

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING   Monday November 23, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:4 – 10       Memory verse: v 4

The most despicable living man's state is preferable to that of the most noble who have died without repenting. This is true because such still have opportunity to repent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confide in God, whatever maybe their condition in life. He conceded that the living have an advantage over the dead (9:4), for the dead have no further opportunities to secure reward for their life’s labours (9:4 – 6).

Presently, we may be facing some challenges and we are asking, “When will all these troubles of life end?” No matter what you may be passing through now, there is hope for you as long as you are alive. Therefore, don’t give up your faith. Are you suffering the consequences of sin? You can still repent, make restitution and have peace. To you that is expecting, don’t loose heart for your time is coming as long as you are alive.

Food for Thought: Being alive means that we still have better opportunities

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for there is still hope for me.