GOD LOVES THE RIGHTEOUS

DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2016

Topic: GOD LOVES THE RIGHTEOUS 

Text: Psalm 146:5 – 10                      

God created us in His image (Genesis 1:28) and one of the characteristics or nature of God is righteousness. We that He created in His image ought to have that nature or characteristics in us. For this reason God love the righteous man because he has His nature.

The bible says that the righteous man lives by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Our bible passage for the day says that, “God loves the righteous”. Why is it, that God loves the righteous? God loves the righteous because they please Him (Hebrews 11:6). The gospel message states that righteousness is determined by faith and not by law. The Old Testament speaks of the law which the New Testament speaks on grace that comes through our faith in Christ Jesus.

Here are some qualities that distinguish a righteous man. Use them to assess yourself to know if you are one the righteous or not.

a) Total faith in God (Psalm 31:14) – A righteous man has total and implicit faith in God. He is not moved by situation or circumstances.

b) Bears fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22 & 23) – This is another nature or a righteous man. He bears fruits that glorify God.  

c) His actions are guided by faith (Habakkuk. 2:4)

d) He fears God and respects man (Matthew 10:28)

e) He obeys the word of God (Acts 5:29). You can add more to this. 

Note the concern God has for those who are down with burden. Are you down in your spiritual life, academics, business, marriage, career, etc? God has promised to lift you up and He will do it. For those who are righteous and are enjoying the love of God, take this advice. As someone who enjoys the inestimable privilege of His love, you should always endeavor to magnify His name with enthusiastic delight. One good area in Church’s worship where we can serve God well and magnify His name is in the choir. You must never be absent from the choir. You must never pause from His praise whose infinite love has made you what you are. Do you make out time praise God? Praises is what we can offer Him.

Food for Thought: Jesus is our burden bearer (1 Peter 5:7).

Memory verse: Psalm 146 verse 8

Prayer Points: God, help me to please you through a righteous living.

FOR MY NAME SAKE: Devotion for Thursday June 9, 2016

FOR MY NAME SAKE: Devotion for Thursday June 9, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 35:21 – 24         Memory verse: v 22 

When God visits and revives his people after a season of declension, they should remember that He does this, not for their sake, but for the glory of His own name. They deserved only evil at God’s hand. He showed mercy upon them, because He will magnify Himself in their salvation. This is typical nature of God. Paul wrote in Rom 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did that for His own glory not that we actually deserved it. We have not repented when He died for us just like the Israelis did not repent but God chose to bring them back from exile for His name sake.     

There are so many things we do as Christians that we do not even deserve any mercy. There are so many prayers we say and God answers not because we are worthy or righteous to receive answers but because God just want to honour His name. An example is in Num. 20:7–12. God answered Moses by letting water out of the rock to honour His name but that action was offensive against God (Num 20:12). Jesus warned that God will reject some who will come with the claim that they did miracles in His name because they were workers of iniquity (Lk. 13:25 – 28). Therefore, do not boast that God answers you and you perform miracles. Heed the warning in 1 Cor. 10:12.

Food for Thought: Psalm 106:8

Prayer: Lord God, I ask for your grace to remain under your will so that I will not lose my salvation in Jesus name.