She Gave Out Her Best: Devotion for Monday in Holy Week April 6, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday in Holy Week April 6, 2020

Topic: She Gave Out Her Best                               

Text: Mark 14:1 – 9

It takes someone who knows the value of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the Cross of Calvary to give freely and willingly. Jesus first poured out Himself for mankind. He did that without reservations. He did it voluntarily and no one pressured Him into doing it. It was a willingly offering of Himself (John 10:15, 17; 15:13 & Romans 5:7, 8). Most people who are faithful in their tithe and offering are people who have received the touch of God.

Jesus Christ commended this woman's pious attention to the notice of believers in all ages. Those who honour Christ He will honour (1 Samuel 2:30). Jesus reprimanded the disciples, but comforted Mary. The expensive ointment poured on Jesus was a good thing to do for Him; a beautiful, acceptable, appealing act of love and sacrifice and Jesus declared it to be so. Her act was a public declaration of her faith in Him as Messiah.

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Christ poured out His soul unto death for us, and is there anything too precious to give Him? Do we give Him the precious ointment of our best affections? We should love Him with all our hearts. At times, it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed but we should remember that charity to the poor will not excuse us from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ words were valuable lessons to Judas and the disciples that devotion to Christ is worth more than money. How devoted are you to God?

Food for Thought: What can you offer to God that is equal to salvation He gave you?

Memory verse: Mark 14:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you to the extent of offering you the best thing I have in Jesus name.

Submit To God’s Will

Devotion for Friday June 1, 2018

Topic: Submit To God’s Will

Text: Luke 1:26 – 38 

There are many reasons why Mary would have rejected the message from Angel Gabriel. The shame as a result of being pregnant out of wedlock, the consequences it will have on her faith, her family and her fiancé. To some people they will choose to avoid such honour rather than bearing the shame like most of us who deny our faith in the face of adversities and temptations. Mary knew she will be ridiculed but like Moses, she chose to suffer affliction of shame, abandonment by friends and loved ones, and reproach, instead of going against the will of God. When Mary said the words in Luke 1:38, she didn’t know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve Him, and she willingly obeyed. 

Don’t wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems disastrous. It will never lead to regret at the end. Please stop battling with God on the need to submit to His will. You cannot battle with your maker. God is saying submit now before it will be too late. 

I knew how I battled with God before resigning from teaching and to start full time church work. It was a real battle in 1995 that lasted months. I thank God I took the right decision at the end and today, I am better off. If not I wouldn’t be alive today. Beloved, submit to God’s will in everything you will do this month and you will never regret doing so. This hymn was the hymn God gave me in 1995 and I want you to share it with me – A&M 357, Abu 193

Food for Thought: Expression of resignation to the will of God, and of faith in His promise is essential in gaining God’s approval and blessings.

Memory verse: Luke 1:38

Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith in you so that I will always resign to your will for me in all situations in Jesus name. Amen

Whatever He Says To You, Do It

Devotion for Wednesday May 30, 2018

Topic: Whatever He Says To You, Do It

Text: John 2:1 – 11

It is evident from John 2:4 that Jesus’ mother did not understand what He had said as a harsh reproof and repulse, but as an indication of His willingness at the proper time to provide wine, hence her statement in John 2:5. From our bible passage, it shows that Mary had known the power in Jesus and His willingness to solve people’s problems which led her to speak to the servants. There are some lessons for us in this text. 1) There is a time for everything on earth. Jesus didn’t act immediately the mother made the request but waited for the appropriate time. This shows that there is time for God to answer us. He may not answer us immediately we make our request but obviously, He will answer. 2) What Jesus says to us is what we should do so as to attract His blessings upon our lives. We find it so difficult to do God’s bidding most times. Unfortunately, obedience to God’s word no matter how difficult or painful it may be is the way to test our faithfulness and love for God. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments” – John 14:15. Until we do that, we cannot claim that we love God. 3) We should not question God’s instructions to us. The servants didn’t question Mary’s or Jesus’ instructions. They obeyed to the letter and that produced the miracle. Can you imagine the instruction of Jesus telling the servants to take water they just poured into the jar and serve as wine? Yet they didn’t question but acted and there was a miracle. As we obey God without questioning, we will be reaping our miracles.

Sing A&M 202; Abu 202

Food for Thought: “Let the ground of all religious actions be obedience; examine not why it is commanded, but observe it because it is commanded. True obedience neither procrastinates nor questions. -Quarles

Memory verse: John 2:5

Prayer: Lord God, grant me an obedient spirit in all you command me to do in Jesus name.

Give Jesus Christ The Best

Devotion for Monday In Holy Week March 26, 2018

Topic: Give Jesus Christ The Best             

Text: Mark 14:1 – 9                    

It takes someone who knows the value of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity on the Cross of Calvary to give Him something freely and willingly. For example, most people who are faithful in their tithe and offering are people who have received the touch of God. Jesus first poured out Himself for mankind without reservations. It was a willingly offer made to save mankind (John 10:15, 17; 15:13 & Romans 5:7, 8). Mary had come to know Jesus Christ which made her to use a very costly oil to anoint Him. Jesus commended her pious offer to the notice of believers in all ages. Just that one offering immortalized her name. Jesus Christ will always honour those who honour Him (1 Samuel 2:30). He reprimanded the disciples, but comforted Mary. The expensive ointment poured on Jesus was a beautiful, acceptable, appealing act of love and sacrifice. Her act was a public declaration of her faith in Him as Messiah. Christ poured out His soul unto death for us, and shall we think anything too precious for Him? Do we give Him the precious ointment of our best affections by loving Him with all our hearts? At times, it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed but we should remember that charity to the poor will not excuse us from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ words were valuable lessons to Judas and the disciples that devotion to Christ is worth more than money. How devoted are you to God?

Let us sing from SS&S 621, Abu 35

Food for Thought: What can you offer to God that is equal to salvation He gave you?

Memory verse: Mark 14:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you to the extent of offering you the best thing I have in Jesus name.

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Mary

Devotion for Saturday January 13, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Mary

Text: Matthew 26:6 – 13

Matthew and Mark didn’t mention the name of this woman that anointed Jesus. It was John that mentioned her name as Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany (John 11:1 – 2). She had a precious oil of great value at home and decided to anoint Jesus with it before His crucifixion and death. Many people who witnessed it including his disciples were indignant about it. They queried the rationale behind such a ‘waste.’ Even if the oil was sold and money given to the poor, what would have the buyer used the oil for? However, Jesus Christ was quick to rebuke them saying that what Mary did was good for the reasons he advanced in Matthew 26:10 – 12. He also quickly added that Mary’s act will become a memorial of her and her name will be mentioned wherever the gospel would be preached. 

Beloved in Christ, what would have made Mary to become a household name if not for utilizing her gift to serve God? Your story and destiny can still change if you can use what you have to serve God this year. Yours may be your time, strength/power, money, wealth or any other thing with which God has blessed you. As you use any of your gifts or talents in the service of God and humanity, you will certainly be making a memorial for yourself. It will change your destiny and bring you before men. Sing A&M 357; Abu 193

Food for Thought: Using our gifts/talents for the service of God and humanity is the best way to appreciate the giver of the gifts/talents.

Memory verse: Matthew 26:7

Prayer: Lord God, help me to appreciate you, the source of my gifts through serving you and humanity in Jesus name. Amen.

No Mighty Works There

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday January 25, 2017

Topic: No Mighty Works There

Text: Matthew 13:53 – 58     

The people of Jesus’ hometown had known Him since He was a child and were acquainted with his family. They saw him grew up, go to places with His mother, Mary. They saw him with Joseph in his carpentry workshop. They were too familiar with Him to have believed where he got the powers He was displaying. They could not bring themselves to believe in His message.

Jesus Christ came to them as a prophet, who challenged them to respond to unpopular spiritual truth. Jesus was almost thirty years old before He began His public teaching ministry, and He was not trained as a rabbi. For the years before that, He had been at home, learning carpentry from his father, Joseph. These made them wonder how He could so much do the things He did without formal training.

They did not listen to the timeless message He was preaching because they could not see beyond the man. Their familiarity with Jesus blinded them to the spirit in Him. Jesus did few miracles there “because of their unbelief.”

Unbelief blinds people to the truth and robs them of hope of salvation and deliverance. Over familiarity is the problem with so many Christians today. Because they can preach and teach the word of God, they find it had to submit to other teachers of the gospel too. At conferences and seminars, you will see them loitering about when the message is going on just because they are preachers also. Most times we don’t belief what other preachers can offer. Such spirit is pure manifestation of pride. This is a way Satan robs us the blessings of God in the church activities and programmes.

How does your faith measure up? Do you believe God to do that thing bothering you? If you can’t see God’s work, perhaps it is because of your unbelief. Today, believe, ask God for a mighty work in your life, and expect Him to act. Look unto God with the eyes of faith and you will certainly see Him working in your favour.

Food for Thought: Familiarity breeds contempt

Memory verse: Matthew 13 verse 58 - And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Prayer: God, help me not to be too familiar with you that I despise your words and lose my miracles in Jesus name, Amen.

A SAVIOUR FOR THE WORLD

Devotion for Sunday December 25, 2016

Topic: A SAVIOUR FOR THE WORLD             

Text: Matthew 1:18 – 25                  

Angel Gabriel had visited Mary with the information that she will conceive to bear a child. Now Joseph having discovered Mary‘s pregnancy was faced with a difficult choice of either marrying her or sending her away. Although he knew that taking Mary as his wife could be humiliating, Joseph chose to obey the angel’s command to marry her. His action revealed four qualities in him we should admire: (1) righteousness (Matthew 1:19), (2) discretion and sensitivity, (3) responsiveness to God (Matthew 1:24), and (4) self-discipline (Matthew 1:25). Jesus was born to save and deliver people from the pollution, power, guilt, condemnation, and punishment of sin. The angel said “He will save His people from their sins," meaning that His Messiahship is spiritual and not physical.  

As we celebrate Christmas, we should reflect on why we are celebrating. Is that your sins have been forgiven and you have received salvation? Jesus means ‘the Lord saves.’ He was born to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in our lives. Only Jesus can do it and that is why He is the Saviour of the world from the power and penalty of sin. It is not enough to eat, drink, give gifts and make merry in the name of Christmas when you are not sure of your salvation. Are you saved?  Think much about this. Happy Christmas!

Food for Thought: Is Jesus Christ your Saviour?

Memory verse: Matthew 1 verse 21

Prayer: Almighty God, I thank you for sending your Son as my Saviour. Grant that the blessings of His birth will never elude me.

BE SUBMISSIVE TO GOD’S WILL: Devotion for Saturday April 30, 2016

BE SUBMISSIVE TO GOD’S WILL     Saturday April 30, 2016

Text: Luke 1:26 – 38                  Memory verse: v 38

There are many reasons why Mary would have rejected the message from Angel Gabriel. The shame as a result of being pregnant out of wedlock, consequences it will have on her faith, her family and her fiancé. To some people they will choose to avoid such honour rather than bear such shame like most of us who deny our faith in the face of adversities. Mary knew she will be ridiculed but like Moses, she chose to suffer affliction of shame, reproach, etc, instead of going against the will of God. When Mary said the words of 1:38, she didn’t know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve Him, and she willingly obeyed. Don’t wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems disastrous.

There is someone reading this devotion today that is battling with God on the need to submit to His will. You cannot battle with your Maker. God is saying submit now before it will be too late. I knew how I battled with God to resign from teaching and to start fulltime church work. It was a real battle in 1995 that lasted months. I thank God I took the right decision. If not I wouldn’t be alive today. Beloved, submit to God’s will and you will never regret doing so.

Food for Thought: Resignation to the will of God and of faith in His promise is essential in gaining God’s approval and blessings.    

Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith in you so that I will always resign to your will for me in all situations in Jesus name.

SHE DID HER BEST: Devotion for Monday March 21, 2016

SHE DID HER BEST: Devotion for Monday in Holy Week March 21, 2016

Text: Mark 14:1 – 9   Memory verse: v 8

It takes someone who knows the value of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the Cross of Calvary to give freely and willingly. Jesus first poured out Himself for mankind. He did that without reservations. It was a willingly offer (Jn. 10:15, 17; 15:13 & Rom. 5:7, 8). Most people who are faithful in their tithe and offering are people who have received the touch of God.

Jesus commended this woman's pious attention to the notice of believers in all ages. Those who honour Christ he will honour (1 Sam 2:30). Jesus reprimanded the disciples, but comforted Mary. The expensive ointment poured on Jesus was a good thing to do for him; a beautiful, acceptable, appealing act of love and sacrifice and Jesus declared it to be so. Her act was a public declaration of her faith in Him as Messiah.

Christ poured out His soul unto death for us, and shall we think anything too precious for Him? Do we give Him the precious ointment of our best affections? We should love Him with all our hearts. At times, it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed but we should remember that charity to the poor will not excuse us from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ words were valuable lessons to Judas and the disciples that devotion to Christ is worth more than money. How devoted are you to God?

Food for Thought: What can you offer to God that is equal to salvation He gave you?

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you to the extent of offering you the best thing I have in Jesus name.         

IT BROUGHT BLESSINGS TO HIS HOUSE: Devotion for Monday August 3, 2015

IT BROUGHT BLESSINGS TO HIS HOUSE

Text: 1 Chronicles 13:14                          Memory verse: v 14

One would have expected Obed-Edom to refuse housing the Ark of Covenant after the unfortunate incident that took Uzza’s life but he could not disobey the King’s order. The order from a king is always obeyed whether it is convenient or not. He accepted it in good faith. His action was like the submission of Mary to God's message through Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:38). Obed-Edom may also have warned his family about the Ark of Covenant, which made the entire family to enjoy God's blessings and peace within the period that Ark was there. It is the duty of Husbands and Fathers to teach their families obedience and reverence to God and all that belongs to Him.  The reverence Obed-Edom and his family had on the Ark of Covenant brought blessings to them. God blessed him and all he had because of the Ark which stayed there for just 3 months.

Sometimes we focus only on the blessings God gives us, while forgetting that when we sin, God punishes us (Hebrews 10:31). At other times, however, we concentrate so much on judgment that we miss His blessings. Don’t fall into a one-sided view of God. Along with God’s blessings comes the responsibility to live up to his demands for fairness, honesty, and justice. Let this be your watchword this day, this month and always in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Do you reverence Holy Things of God?

Prayer: Grant me the wisdom to do things that will bring blessings to me.