Virtues That Promote Brotherliness: Devotion for Monday August 31, 2020

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Devotion for Monday August 31, 2020

Topic:  Virtues That Promote Brotherliness          

Text: Colossians 3:12 – 17                  

In our text for today, Paul continued to reveal what a new man in Christ should be and the things that will promote brotherliness among Christians and how to live for God. All the virtues that Paul encourages us to develop (to put on) are perfectly bound together by love.

As we clothe ourselves with these virtues, the last garment we are to put on is love, which holds all of the others in place. To practice any list of virtues without practicing love will lead to distortion, fragmentation, and stagnation (1 Corinthians 13:3).

He also offers a strategy to help us live for God day by day. They are (1) Imitate Christ’s compassionate, forgiving attitude (Colossians 3:12 – 13); (2) let love guide your life (Colossians 3:14); (3) let the peace of Christ rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15); (4) always be thankful (3:15); (5) keep God’s Word in you at all times (Colossians 3:16); (6) live as Jesus Christ’s representative (Colossians 3:17). These are ways to live well and for God. Love binds together all the other graces into one whole and thus making the Christian character complete.

Are these virtues evident in your life? If not, how do you intend to inculcate them into your life so that Christ will be seen in you?

Food for Thought: All the Christian graces are bound together in love. It is the source of them all.

Memory verse: Colossians 3 v 14

Prayer: Almighty God, sow in my heart the virtue of love for you and humanity which is the root for all other Christian virtues.

Extraordinary Love: Devotion for Tuesday August 25, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday August 25, 2020

Topic: Extraordinary Love               

Text: Luke 15:11 – 32                    

The parable of the prodigal son shows what is expected of us in repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to Him. It fully sets forth the riches of gospel of grace – the extraordinary love of God.

This young man took a decision to go back to the father and acted on it. “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” – Luke 15:20b.

The father immediately restored this destitute and humbled young man as his son. “This represents the readiness with which God receives returning sinners. To be saved, men must not only resolve, but they must return to God; taking all the blame and shame of their departure to themselves, and ascribing righteousness to Him, they must surrender all their interests for time and eternity to his care, guidance, and disposal” as Family Bible Note opined. 

The sheep was lost because it may have foolishly wandered away (Luke 15:4); the coin was lost through no fault of its own (Luke 15:8); and the son left out of selfishness (Luke 15:12). God’s great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why or how they got lost.

Beloved, have you ever wondered why God has showed so much love to you despite your weaknesses? What steps do you take or should you take to reciprocate this extraordinary love of God for you? It will be great injustice if we neglect and fail to appreciate the love of God for us.

Food for Thought: Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4

Memory verse: Luke 15 v 24

Prayer: God, may I never fail to reciprocate your love for me. Help me to serve you out of love and gratitude for loving me despite my sins.  

David’s Sincere Love for Saul: Devotion for Thursday July 16, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday July 16, 2020

Topic: David’s Sincere Love for Saul       

Text: 2 Samuel 1:17 – 27                 

When the news of Saul’s death came to David, he was still in exile in the land of the Philistines occasioned by Saul’s treat to kill him. Here in our text, he mourned the death of who we can see as his avowed enemy. He was touched by the way the anointed of God died.

There are many characters of David that are worthy of emulation. Some of them are in our text for the day. David was sincere about this. An evidence of his sincerity was the fact that he did not immediately take over from Saul. He consulted to gain the people’s approval. Some people would have amplified the news of Saul’s death among the people that harboured him but not David.

In 2 Samuel 1:20, he said, “Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” He urged the daughters to Israel weep over Saul (2 Samuel 1:24). This shows he had no grudges over Saul and his hatred for him.

What David did is a challenge for us today. How many Christians of present generation can demonstrate such love for one who has openly declared that he is your enemy? Some of us would have taken the opportunity to speak evil about Saul to gain favour from the Philistines and other Israelites. David is a type of Christ indeed. No wonder he is a man after God’s heart. Those of us who wish our enemies to die would have gone to Church for a thanksgiving that Saul their worst enemy is dead. If you have such mind, repent because of words of God in Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20.

Food for Thought: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” Luke 6:27, 28.

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 1:20

Prayer: I need your grace O Lord, to love my enemies. Help me to sincerely do this, I pray in Jesus name.

Why Some People Don’t Help The Needy: Devotion for Sunday May 3, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday May 3, 2020

Topic: Why Some People Don’t Help The Needy       

Text: Acts 9:10 – 18                                     

There are so many people who are suffering today just because their appointed helpers have refused to help. They will always have one reason or another why they won’t help people who come to them for help or they come across. One of the reason people don’t help is poor understanding of how their wealth came about (see yesterday’s devotion).

They will question; where were you when they were making their money? This is sheer arrogance. Another reason is in our memory verse – our past or history. Some will recount what happened in the days of your forefathers and because of that they will not help anyone from your family.

In our text, Ananias initially refused to help Saul because of his past. He told God what he knew and heard about Saul. However, God insisted that he was the one chosen for the task. It was that insistence from God that made Ananias to help Saul. May God, in His mercies insists that your helpers will come your way in Jesus name. The excuse of Ananias is contrary to the bible teaching concerning our relationship with our enemies – “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you” (see Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35; Romans 12:14, 20; 1 Peter 2:23; 3:9).

As Christians, we should not fail to help people by recounting what happened in the past or any reason at all. We should behave like our Father in heaven as we have in Matthew 5:45.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you do good to someone who actually needs help without counting the cost.

Memory verse: Act 9:13

Prayer: God, help me to love my enemies and to do good to them because it is the best way to sow your love in their hearts.

Love’s Article of Faith: Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020

Topic: Love’s Article of Faith  

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7

Yesterday we talked about Love. In our bible reading for the day, Paul goes further to explain what Love really means which I have termed Love’s Article of faith or creed. Creed means set of principle. Because love is so important among the believers, Paul described love in detail. First of all, love is patient, the opposite of being short-tempered. Patience (sometimes translated “long-suffering” or “slow to anger”) is an attribute of God (see Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:20).

In many places, we are called upon to be patient (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Real love bears with certain annoyances or inconveniences without complaint. It does not lose its temper when provoked. It steadily perseveres amidst trials.

Love is also kind. Kindness takes the initiative in responding generously to others’ needs. Because we have received kindness, we ought to act with kindness toward others too. Real love is considerate and helpful to others. Love is gentle and mild; always ready to show compassion, especially to those in need. Love is not jealous. A jealous person desires what another person has and it leads to envy. Love is not boastful or proud.

While some believers may have a problem with envy, those with the ‘greater’ gifts might have a problem with boasting or pride. Gifted believers who are caught up in pride and boasting over their gifts don’t serve well. Without love, they may feel that by using their gifts, they are doing someone a favor, that others should be grateful to them, and that they are far superior. It is this kind of love Paul described here that we need in our hearts to serve God and our neighbours.

Food for Thought: Do you have this real love in your heart?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:8

Prayer: God, sow in my heart genuine love for you and my neighbours.

What is Love? Devotion for Friday February 14, 2020

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Devotion for Friday February 14, 2020

Topic:  What is Love?                           

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3

Today is the feast of St. Valentine; a day popularly known as Lovers’ day. “Appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail and later executed” so says Wikipedia. Whether this lore is real or not, the essence of love as seen in the story of St. Valentine has been hijacked and abused.

The excellent way Paul mentioned in the close of the former chapter, is not charity in our common use of the word, almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning; true love for God and man. Love in this aspect is not romantic love as people practice today. Paul explains that love for God and Man is the best gift which God bestows on us. We should most earnestly desire and cherish it in our lives and in others. What is love? In simple terms, Biblical love is simply sincere obedience to God and his service, and serving fellow human beings. This is the reason charity which is sometimes translated love means almsgiving. 

Do you have that gift of love in you? How much do you love your neighbours? How do you use your gift of beauty, knowledge, money, strength and others talents? See these passages; Luke 10:30 – 37 and 1 John 4:20

Food for Thought: Are you using your gifts in an excellent way?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 12:31

Prayer: Lord, let love be the guiding principle of all my words and deeds.

Your Labours of Love is never in Vain: Devotion for Friday January 24, 2020

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Devotion for Friday January 24, 2020

Topic: Your Labours of Love is never in Vain      

Text: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 7 

Naturally, most kings will try to wipe out the families of their rivals in order to prevent any descendants from seeking the throne. But David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul.

David was kind, partly because of his loyalty to God’s previously anointed king (1 Samuel 24:5-6) and mainly because of his vow to show kindness to all of Jonathan’s descendants (1 Samuel 20:14 – 17). David did not forget the love and sacrifice Jonathan showed him. Don’t forget the mercies you received from God and people.

People who are really godly will always remember the mercies they received from people and from God. David made inquiry because he knew he owe a great deal of responsibility to the family of Jonathan in particular. Jonathan was David's sworn friend; therefore he shows kindness to his son Mephibosheth. God is ever faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another.

If Providence has raised us, and our friends and their families are brought low, we must look upon that as giving us the fairer opportunity of being kind to them. We can show kindness for love we have received from God by being more dedicated and committed to His service. And to those who have shown us love, we can pray for them always. When we do these, God will bless them and us, the more.

Food for Thought: “Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together” – Goethe.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Prayer: God, may I ever be grateful for love I have received from you and from people.

A Reward For Our Love For God

Devotion for Monday July 23, 2018

Sing A&M 235 (Abu 183)

Topic: A Reward For Our Love For God

Text: James 1:12

It is disheartening to see brethren turn away from faith as a result of troubles of life they had gone through or they are going through. Christianity is a call to persevere and the very moment one resolves to follow the way of Christ, the devil marks him for trouble. We’ve seen a non-Christian do so many treacherous things yet life seems to smile at him and the man who resolves to do things the right ways goes home heartbroken.

There are temptations all around a believer; the actual inducements to sin which surround us and lie in wait for us, and fall upon us to hurt us in the course of our lives. There may be enticements to that which is sinful, as, for instance, when we are tempted in business to be dishonest, or when in association with others, we are tempted to lie, to hold malice, and engage in unrighteous conduct of any kind.

On the other hand, the temptations may arise from what is in itself innocent, but which becomes sinful from an improper use of it. Just as the worth of a sailor is tested by the length and the roughness of the voyage, so is every one of us put to the test by the ordinary circumstances of life according to the stuff that we show ourselves to be made of and that determines our worth and reward.

Trial and temptations show whether or not we love God and can be true to our call. If we conquer them, they become instruments for bracing us up and making us stronger than before. At the end we will have the privilege to be with our God in heaven where we will be rewarded with crown of life. We will be blessed if we can prayerfully persevere and overcome this world and become gloriously ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Food for Thought: Rewards are given to the winners and they are those who endured in a challenge and end so well; chose to end well today.

Memory Verse: James 1:12

Prayer: Oh Lord, give me the grace to joyfully follow you to the end.

Love, The Greatest Gift

Devotion for Wednesday June 13, 2018

Sing SS&S 1155; Abu 279

Topic: Love, The Greatest Gift 

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – 13

Paul mentioned three virtues that distinguish us as true Christians. They are faith, hope and love but love is the greatest among them. He concludes his teaching that love is the greatest gift that distinguishes us a true Christians. Love is the greatest because it ceases not in the life to come as the rest do, but is perfected and accomplished. Seeing that faith and hope tend to things which are promised and are to come, when we have hold of those promises, to what purpose would we have faith and hope again when the end comes? That was the argument of Paul. Only a true Christian experiences these three things; for without Christ we would have only unbelief, despair, and hatred. Faith is directed toward God; hope is for our benefit; and love flows first to God and then to our neighbours. Love is the greatest of all these because it sums up or includes both faith and hope. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. Do you really love God and others? What are the evidences?

Food for Thought: Do you know what true love means?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10:13

Prayer: Help me to love as you love O Lord my God in Jesus name.

Love Never Fails

Devotion for Tuesday June 12, 2018

Sing SS&S 648; Abu 40

Topic: Love Never Fails

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8 – 10

Paul expresses the value of love which he said can never be obsolete; it will always have its place. All the spiritual gifts will eventually disappear, but love will last forever. On this earth, outside of heaven, everything is imperfect. No matter how much people may know, they know only a little. No matter how much prophecy is given, it still reveals little. Not until the arrival of God’s Kingdom (the end), will everything be made perfect and complete. At that time, all the special gifts of the Spirit will disappear. Because gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ, they will no longer be needed. The body will be complete, and God’s Kingdom would have arrived. Yet love will continue (1 Corinthians 13:8), because love is the very essence of God. “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). God’s love caused Him to reach out to undeserving humanity and send a Saviour. His love saved us and will bring us into His Kingdom to be with Him forever. The Kingdom rests on God’s love. On the other hand, works of love never die too. They outlive us. Love is the gift and virtue that can accompany us to heaven because that is the essence of life of Christianity. The first fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in Galatians 5:22 is love. It shows how important love is in our lives as Christians. Do you actually love God and man? Note that without genuine love for God and man, you are deficient in your character as a Christian. 

Action: As you go out today, use every opportunity you have to show love to someone.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 13:10

Prayer: Lord God, help me to love you and my neighbours as I ought to in Jesus name.

What Is Your Servant?

Devotion for Sunday February 25, 2018

Topic: What Is Your Servant? 

Text: 2 Samuel 9:8                                  

Yesterday, we read how David sought for Mephibosheth and brought him to dine at his table just for the sake of Jonathan’s love for him. It was the conviction of unworthiness, and true gratitude for favours received led Mephibosheth to ask “what is your servant?” The way David treated him surprised him so much. David’s treatment of Mephibosheth shows his integrity as a leader who accepted his obligation to show love and mercy. His generous provision for Jonathan’s son goes beyond any political benefit he might have received. This should be a lesson for those in authority. What David did, humbled Mephibosheth. It is good to have a humble heart under undeserved Providences. This is applicable to our salvation too. We deserved death by virtue of our sins but God in His love and mercies came and died for us. This should make us humble in whatever position we find ourselves. This led to the statements Paul made in 1 Corinthians 15:9 and Ephesians 3:8. Mephibosheth used the phrase, a servant and dead dog not because he was crippled but because he saw himself as a despised person who is not worthy of such honour. Do you have a humbled heart? How do you feel about the gifts God has bestowed on you? A thankful heart is the greatest virtue. Develop yours.  Sing SS&S 1138; Abu 240

Food for Thought: The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 9:8

Prayer: Lord God, grant me a thankful heart to always appreciate my salvation and works of mercies you do in my life. 

The Example From Matthew

Devotion for Wednesday January 31, 2018

Topic: The Example From Matthew

Text: Matthew 9:9 – 13

Yesterday, we read about the terms and conditions Jesus Christ gave to those who would be His disciples. Today, we have an example from Matthew who became one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Matthew was in a tax office when Jesus met him. He requested that Matthew should follow Him and immediately he left everything and followed Jesus. He didn’t wait to write a resignation letter. He didn’t wait to hand over, he left everything immediately as Peter and his fishermen colleagues did and followed Jesus. 

In the previous chapter of this gospel, Matthew 8:18 - 22, we have the story of a man desiring to follow Jesus. When Jesus mentioned the terms and conditions, he withdrew. Jesus told the second one to follow him and he gave excuses of going to bury his father. The two men were opposite of what we saw in Matthew. His action shows his love for God is far greater than his love for his job, family or any other worldly possessions. This is what God expects from us. Our love for Him must be greater that our love for our jobs, families or any other worldly possessions. 

Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ the way Peter, Matthew and other Apostles followed Him? What are the things hindering your commitments to God? The example Matthew gave to us is a challenging one. Take up that challenge and prove your love for God. Sing A&M 331; Abu 109

Food for Thought: Have you left all to follow Jesus?

Memory verse: Matthew 9:9

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord my God, to follow the example of Matthew in forsaking all to follow you in Jesus name. Amen. 

Simple Requirements

Devotion for Saturday July 29, 2017

Topic: Simple Requirements

Text: Deuteronomy 10:12 – 18

God repeatedly told the Israelites the necessity of love that comes from the heart in their relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 4:29 and 6:5). He did not want His people to substitute their heartfelt love for Him with mere outward religious forms. Outward obedience and correct religious practices have validity and significance only if they are based on knowing Jesus Christ. It was necessary that they always obey God from a heart of sincere love and honour for Him. To the New Testament believers, faith and love from the heart are also essential in our relationship with God (John 21:15 and Colossians 3:4).

Here in our bible reading for the day, Moses gave a summary of what God expects from the Israelites. They are simple in form and easy to remember. The basics are;

1) That they should fear God (have reverence for Him)

2) That they should live according to His will

3) That they should love Him

4) That they should worship Him with all their hearts and souls.

5) That they should obey His commands.

These essential commands from God do not require money that they cannot afford. These same requirements are what God expects from us too. They are unchanging patterns of life that we should adapt to. The fear of God brings satisfaction, perfection and gives wisdom. To love God is to obey His commands (John 14:15). For all repentance and deliverance from sin ad transgression, God requires nothing but to turn to Him and begin to obey Him. If you are still living in sin, do that now and have your peace.

Food For Thought: Deuteronomy 6:5

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 10:12

Prayer: Lord, may I know what is required of me in my Christian race so that I may run according to your standard and rule and at the end win the prize in Jesus name.

God’s Chastening, Our Benefit

Devotion for Wednesday July 25, 2017

Topic: God’s Chastening, Our Benefit

Text: Job 5:17 – Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

The Greek word ‘paidedeia’ was translated chastening meaning disciplinary correction. There are blessings in God’s chastening us. This sentence looks paradoxical but that is the truth some may not accept but there are benefits from God’s chastening. God turns His heart towards us when He corrects us but His heart turns from the wicked when He punishes them. His corrections are not sent to take away our comforts but to take away our corruptions. Again, corrections are not manifestations of wrath, but an evidence of His love. If God reproves a person and same responds rightly, then God will deliver that individual from all adversity and trouble. The chastening of God is a sign that we are God’s children and an assurance of God’s love and concern for us (Hebrews 12:6 – 8). Our happiness as Christians does not consist in our outward comforts; in riches, in health, in honour, in civil liberty or human relationship. Rather, our happiness consists in our relationship with God and in union with Jesus Christ. God chastises us so that we might not be finally condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31 – 32) and that we might share His Holiness, living sanctified lives without which we will never see the Lord (Hebrews 12:10 – 11, 14). How do you respond to God’s chastening?

Food for Thought: Absolute trust in God sustains us in trials and in due time, it secures certain, full and eternal deliverance.

Memory verse: Hebrews 12:6 - For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to look out for the benefits in chastening me and not minding its pain, discomfort and inconveniences.

How To Be Privy To God’s Secret

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Devotion for Wednesday July 19, 2017

Topic: How To Be Privy To God’s Secret

Text: Genesis 18:17

Friends and loved ones share secrets. It takes people who have given themselves to each other to know the deep things about one another. You cannot meet someone for the first time and start telling the person about your life and some secrets about yourself. The intimacy would have grown or developed before you open up.

David and Jonathan son of Saul were two great friends (1 Samuel 18:1). Jonathan revealed his father’s plan to kill David to him (1 Samuel 19:2) because they were true friends.

Abraham found favour in the eyes of God and their friendship grew in lips and bounds. God spoke with him and always direct him on what to do. God didn’t want to hide anything from Abraham because he had endeared himself to Him for some reasons.

(1) Abraham had a covenant with God (Genesis 17:2)

(2) Abraham obeyed God and kept to the terms of the covenant (Hebrews 11:8)

(3) God saw the faithfulness of his heart

(4) God saw that Abraham would certainly pass on to his generations unborn the mysteries of God (Genesis 18:17)

God charged us in Jeremiah 33:3 to call to Him and He will reveal thing we do not know. God can reveal His secrets to s when we are in right relationship with Him. What is your relationship with God? Do you obey His words and faithfully walk with Him? To be privy of heaven’s decision and plans, you should befriend God, having constant fellowship with Him.

Food For Thought: Those who live in communion with God will always have insight into the present and future.

Memory verse: Genesis 18:17

Prayer: Lord God, draw me closer and closer to yourself daily and always reveal to me your will for my life in Jesus name.

Serve God Without Conditions

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

When I was praying in the Church early Wednesday morning before the Holy Communion Service, I said, “GOD, GRANT ME THE GRACE TO LIVE WELL SO THAT I WILL MAKE HEAVEN AT LAST.” Immediately God told me that “I AM SELFISH.” Before I could ask how, He said, “YOU SHOULD SERVE ME BECAUSE YOU LOVE AS I LOVE YOU AND DIED FOR YOU.” As I heard God speak to me, I didn’t argue. I changed my language of prayer asking God to forgive and help me to love Him as He loves me which should be my aim of serving Him.

I spent time to meditate on what God told me before I went to preach. How many of us actually serve God without attachment to our service? How many of us will be in the church today if God didn’t promise heaven? How many of us will serve God today if the assurance of protection is not there? How many of us will still serve God wish all these worldly distraction from the devil and his agents? How many of us will serve God just because He loves us and died for our sake before we even came to know Him? Just few people would have been in the church today if God didn’t promise us heaven!

Beloved in Christ, what is your aim of serving God? It will be sad to focus on what we stand to gain from serving God than serving Him because He loves us and died for us when we were yet sinners. God didn’t attach any condition to the love He has for us. He loves us unconditionally and still blesses us even when we still compromise and sin against Him. The love for God should be the first motivation factor in serving Him. Any other thing can follow later. When He chose to die for us, He didn’t have the doubt if people will accept His death or not. Today is enough history of what He did for us.

St Matthew warns us saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When we serve God and live out His righteousness, He will give us that heaven at last. We should not be carried away by the promises of God forgetting He who made the promise. Love God freely without attachments or sentiments and certainly He will grant you your heart desires.  

Tabugbo Uzoma

(Servant of God & Humanity) 

The God Of All Flesh

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Devotion for Thursday June 15, 2017

Topic: The God Of All Flesh

Text: Jeremiah 32:26 – 27         

There is nothing impossible with God (Genesis 18:14; 2 Kings 19:15; & Luke 1:37). God is the Almighty (Genesis 17:1). What God actually meant was that He is able to do all things if and only Abraham will believe and trust Him. God has ways of dealing with His people when they sin against Him.

The Israelites felt that they were God’s special people and therefore God could not do as Jeremiah had prophesied. However, God categorically said that they should know that He is God of all flesh; He governs and guides them as it pleases Him. He reiterated that as the God of all flesh, He is the author of their captivity for their sins and will also out of His mercies be their Redeemer to restore them again to liberty. Our God is full of love and mercy.

Today, many of us undermine warnings from God about sin and its consequences. We feel that it is impossible for God to destroy the population of the world that throng to churches these days. If God spared only Lot’s family when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, He can still do it (Genesis 19:1ff. See Genesis 7:1ff). On the other hand, there is nothing too hard for God to do in terms of protecting, providing, guiding and saving us. He can command all flesh and other creatures to work in your favour. What are the things you believe God to provide for you? Just know that he is the God of all flesh and can cause someone to arise on your behalf. Just keep trusting and obeying God.

Food for thought: Is there anything God cannot do for us?

Memory verse: Jeremiah 32 verse 27

Prayer: God, work out your will in my life to glorify your name in Jesus name.

Do You Desire Favour?

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Devotion for Monday June 12, 2017

Topic: Do You Desire Favour?

Text: Proverbs 11:27

Many people don’t know how to court God’s favour. Living Bible translated this verse thus: “If you search for good you find God’s favour; if you search for evil, you find His curse.” Searching for good is one of the ways to court God’s favour. Doing good to people especially the down trodden and less privileged ones are ways to procure God’s favour. Matthew Henry Commentary puts it thus: “Those that are industrious to do good in the world get themselves beloved both with God and man: He that rises early to that which is good, that seeks opportunities of serving his friends and relieving the poor, and lays out himself therein, procures favour.”

This is challenging for us in this era of greed and selfishness; where people are so concerned about self than for anything else. People who do good to others always have God's loving kindness surrounding them. The opposite of these is for men that seek evil. They are preparing ruin for themselves, who specialize in doing evil. It shall come upon them; when they will be paid in their own coin (see Esther 7:9 and 10).

Do you earnestly seek to do evil or good? They are many who do evil indirectly like Balak who called Balaam to assist him. Cain did his own openly by killing Abel and judgment came upon him. Evil hunts even after many years (Gen. 50:15). It pays to be kind and to be good to others.

Food for Thought: Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, help to make earth happy like the heaven above – Carney

Memory verse: Psalm 7:16

Prayer: God, remove evil from my heart and life. Grant me the spirit of kindness and grace to be kind to people in Jesus name, Amen.

Signs Of True Christianity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 23, 2017

Topic: Signs Of True Christianity                                   

Text: Colossians 3:12 – 17                                                                             

When the early followers of Christ exhibited some characters in Antioch, they were easily called Christians – Christ-like (Acts 11:26). Christian should be known by their character. No wonder Jesus challenged us to shine as light and live as salt (Matt. 5:13 – 16). He also urged us to love one another (Jn. 14:34 & 35).

Here, Paul urged us to put on virtues that will single us out as God’s elect; virtues that speak for us as true believers. How many virtues did he mention in this text? God’s elect here means chosen, set apart, sanctified or consecrated. Christians are requested to put on these virtues; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, etc, as the regalia with which we should be known. As God’s elect we should manifest spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love towards Christians and non-Christians.

Sadly, this is not so among us. We love only those we know; contrary to what the Bible says. What do you exhibit as mark of your Christianity? Do you show tender mercies as a Christian? Are you kind, humble, meek, showing longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you? Are you among the people who wear long garment, carry the biggest bible or attend all church programmes to be noticed when you are a wolf in your neighbourhood? How do you treat people when they offend you? Do you show longsuffering when offended? Search yourself and repent before it will be late. Show your Christianity by exhibiting true virtues everywhere you go.

Food for Thought: Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal or eloquence.

Memory verse: Colossians 3 verse 12

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to develop true character of a Christian.

The Power Of Unity

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday March 28, 2017

Topic: The Power Of Unity

Text: Acts 4:32 – 37

Unity is indispensable among Christians if they hope to achieve the mandate given by Christ to make disciples of all nations. This is so because no single Christian has all that is needed to build the body of Christ. All of us have diverse gifts that should be coordinated to build the church of God. Unity is possible where there is love.

The disciples were in one accord because they love one another. They were able to share possessions and property as a result of the unity brought by the Holy Spirit working in and through them. What they shared were offered voluntarily; they were basically things needed and giving up what one has for the good of other believers was not a membership requirement in order to be a part of the church. The spiritual unity and generosity of these early believers attracted others to them.

The way the disciples lived and shared things together in unity is an example for present day church but it may not be possible to do it exactly the way it was done by the early church. The organizational structure they used was not a command in the bible, but there are vital principles we can adopt to make our present day church more united and efficient in the task of discipleship.

What can you say about your church in terms of unity? Some Christians today are so selfish and self-centred that they find it hard to associate with others. This lack of oneness and unity is the reason why we find it hard to progress in our churches. If we can emulate the early church’s unity, we will certainly see unprecedented growth in our churches.

Food for thought: The best way to strengthen our faith and unity is to meet regularly for prayer, bible studies and worship.

Memory verse: Acts 2:44

Prayer: Lord God, unite your church and make Christians to live in one accord as it was in the early church.