They Drove Away Justice: Devotion for Saturday October 3, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

Topic: They Drove Away Justice

Text: Isaiah 59:9 – 15                                

According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If we shut our eyes against the light of Divine truth, it is just with God to hide from our eyes the things that belong to our peace.” No wonder the bible says that “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). A situation where the sins of those who profess themselves as God's people, are worse than the sins of others is very unfortunate.

Here in our bible reading for the day, the Prophet Isaiah decries the sad state of the nation where justice and righteousness are absent in the courts of law (Zechariah 8:16), and in social matters in general. All over the scriptures, God is always against injustice. He upholds justices and righteousness and He expects nothing less from us. But sad to say that He got the least from His people and was displeased about it.

What can we say of our present day religious and political leaders in this generation especially in our nation, Nigeria? Are they upholding justice? What of our judges? Have they not turned back justice by declaring the guilty, innocent and the innocent, guilty? Compare Amos 5:12 and 6:12.

Beloved, God is never happy when we pervert justice. It is a wicked and sinful person that does so (Proverbs 7:23). When we witness in any case, we should also not testify to pervert justice (Exodus 23:2). That should be the mark of true Christianity we confess.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 16:19

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 14

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord to always stand for justice no matter the circumstances in Jesus name.

Ways Temptations Come To Us: Devotion for Thursday April 23, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 23, 2020

Topic: Ways Temptations Come To Us                         

Text: James 1:13 – 15

According to Matthew Henry, “Those who lay the blame of sin, either upon their constitution, or upon their condition in the world, or pretend they cannot keep from sinning, wrong God as if He were the author of sin.” Whenever God brings trials on our way, His aim is always to draw out the graces He has bestowed on us.

James shows us here that the origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts and not God or even Satan. Thus we can stop sin from onset by resisting the things that leads to sin (James 1:14) or we will be charged with all the evils that follow. If the bible says that the consequences of sin is death (Romans 6:23a) and God is not pleased with the death of sinners (Lamentation 3:33; Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11), how can He tempt us into sinning which will lead to our death?

Most times we easily blame the devil for every sin we commit but James 1:14 underscores the opposite of our usual claim that devil is author of our sins. We are therefore to look for the cause of every sin, inside us, not out of ourselves. Even the enticements of the devil cannot hurt except we yield to them.

Everyone has desires arising from his own passions, tempers, habits, and ways of life. Do your ways of life entice you into sin? Remember any Christian without self-control is not a true child of God.  

Food for Thought: Proverbs 4:23

Memory verse: James 1:14

Prayer: My God, grant me the grace to moderate my desires never to be enticed by things that will lead me into sin in Jesus name.

Strive to be like Christ: Devotion for Tuesday January 21, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 21, 2020

Topic: Strive to be like Christ                             

Text: Philippians 1:27 – 30

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says, “Those who profess the gospel of Christ should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises.” The word translated conduct (New King James Version) or conversation (King James Version) denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. Our call as Christians places much demand on us. Paul charged the Philippians to ensure that their practices correspond with their profession. 

William Burkett asserts that “The gospel is a gospel of truth and faithfulness, of sincerity and plainness, so our conversation should be sincere and upright, without deceit or fraud; as the gospel is a gospel of peace, so a Christian conversation is a quiet, calm, and peaceable conversation.” Therefore, we should be men of peace, peace-makers, peace preservers, lovers of peace, and living for peace.

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As Christians, we should reflect humility, understanding, gentleness, patience, peacefulness, strength, endurance, and gratitude to God in every aspect of our lives on earth. This was what Christ exhibited and set them out for us as standard to follow. Early disciples followed and maintained that standard which gave them the name Christians (Acts 11:26). What can be said of your conduct? Are you Christ-like?

Food for Thought: The Scriptures give four names to Christians;-Saints, for their holiness; Believers, for their faith; Brethren, for their love; Disciples for their knowledge. - Andrew Fuller. Do you have these names?

Memory verse: Colossians 1:10

Prayer: God, as I study at your feet daily, make me Christ-like in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday May 11, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor

Text: Romans 8:26

Paul admonishes the Roman Christians on the imperative of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God; our desires are weak and our prayers are weak. This is absolute truth about our relationship with God. Though our weaknesses are many, yet the Holy Spirit helps us in so many ways. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary states that “The Spirit, as an enlightening Spirit, teaches us what to pray for; as a sanctifying Spirit, works and stirs up praying graces; as a comforting Spirit, silences our fears, and helps us over all discouragements. The Holy Spirit is the spring of all desires toward God, which are often more than words can utter.”

Do you have this Holy Spirit in you? If not, ask God for this special and wonderful gift today and sure, He will gladly give you (Lk. 11:13). Are you discouraged with your level of prayer? Are you short of words to address your needs before God? Know that the Holy Spirit is your Helper. He intercedes for you. Just rely on Him. When you are weak, come into His presence with praise and allow the Holy Spirit to say the rest.

Food for Thought: Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue.

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 26

Prayer: God, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can use my tongue whenever I pray in Jesus name.

WAYS TEMPTATIONS COME d: Devotion for Tuesday April 19, 2016

WAYS TEMPTATIONS COME: Devotion for Tuesday April 19, 2016

Text: James 1:13 – 15     Memory verse: v 14

According to Matthew Henry, “Those who lay the blame of sin, either upon their constitution, or upon their condition in the world, or pretend they cannot keep from sinning, wrong God as if He were the author of sin.” Whenever God brings trials on our way, His aim is always to draw out the graces He has bestowed on us. James shows us here that the origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts. Thus we can stop sin from onset by resisting the things that lead to sin (1:14) or we will be charged with all the evils that follow. If the bible says that the consequences of sin is death (Rom 6:23a) and God is not pleased with the death of sinners (Lam 3:33; Ezek 18:23; 33:11), how can He tempt us into sinning which will lead to our death?

Most times we easily blame the devil for every sin we commit but Jas 1:14 underscores the opposite of our usual claim that devil is author of our sins. We are therefore to look for the cause of every sin, inside us, not out of ourselves. Even the enticements of the devil cannot hurt except we yield to them. Everyone has desires arising from his own constitution, tempers, habits, and ways of life. Do your ways of life entice you into sin? Remember any Christian without self control is not a true child of God.   

Food for Thought: Proverbs 4:23

Prayer: My God and my Father, grant me the grace to moderate my desires never to be enticed by things that will lead me into sin in Jesus name.

ARE YOU CHRIST-LIKE? Devotion for Thursday January 21, 2016

ARE YOU CHRIST-LIKE?      Thursday January 21, 2016

Text: Philippians 1:27 – 30      Memory verse: v 27

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says, “Those who profess the gospel of Christ should live as those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises.” The word translated conduct (New King James Version) or conversation (King James Version) denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. Our call as Christians places much demand on us. Paul charged the Philippians to ensure that their practices correspond with their profession. 

William Burkett asserts that “The gospel is a gospel of truth and faithfulness, of sincerity and plainness, so our conversation should be sincere and upright, without deceit or fraud; as the gospel is a gospel of peace, so a Christian conversation is a quiet, calm, and peaceable conversation.” Therefore, we should be men of peace, peace-makers, peace preservers, lovers of peace, and living in peace.

As Christians, we should reflect humility, understanding, gentleness, patience, peacefulness, strength, endurance, and gratitude to God in every aspect of our lives here on earth. This was what Christ exhibited and set them out for us as standard to follow. Early disciples were Christ-like and that gave them the name Christians (Acts 11:26). What can be said of your conduct? Are you Christ-like?

Food for Thought: The Scriptures give four names to Christians;-Saints, for their holiness; Believers, for their faith; Brethren, for their love; Disciples for their knowledge. - Andrew Fuller. Do you have these names?

Prayer: God, as I study at your feet daily, make me Christ-like in Jesus name.

THE POWER OF WISDOM: Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2015

THE POWER OF WISDOM            Saturday September 5, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 18:12 – 16           Memory verse: v 15

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says, “For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations!” We should imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Are there no sinful omissions, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conducts towards those who oppose us? Opposition and perverseness in others are no excuse to wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to our call and duties.

This is a great challenge for us. David behaved wisely which attracted love from the people and Saul was afraid of him. We should learn to behave wisely in all situations. This is the only way to shame our detractors and even win some of them for Christ.

Food for Thought: Wise behaviour makes enemies afraid of you. 

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom to behave well when faced with challenges and oppositions in Jesus name

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DELIBERATE WRONGS

DELIBERATE WRONGS   Wednesday July 15, 2015

Text: Psalm 19:7 – 14           Memory verse: v 13

Matthew Henry stated that, “The Holy Scripture is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun; to recover man out of his fallen state, there is need of the word of God” (v 7 – 11). Indeed the law of God is perfect. The word translated law (Psalm 19:7) literally means all that teaches us true religion. God's word warns the wicked not to go on in his wicked way, and warns the righteous not to turn from his good way. There is a reward, not only after keeping, but in keeping God's commandments (v 11 – 14).  

However, the Psalmist pointed out something that could make him fail in the law (v 13) – deliberate wrongs (presumptuous sins). This earnest and humble prayer of the Psalmist (v 13) teaches us that we may fall into the worst of sins unless we are restrained by God’s grace, and therefore we must watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. As you go forth into the world today, ask for God’s grace so as to avoid all forms of evil and sins in Jesus name.

Action: Take some steps that can save you from deliberate sins or wrongs

Prayer: Use Psalm 19:13 and 14

WHY SIT HERE UNTIL WE DIE?

WHY SIT HERE UNTIL WE DIE?    Saturday July 11, 2015

Text: 2 Kings 7:3 – 11          Memory verse: v 3 

God can, when He pleases, make the stoutest heart to tremble; and as for those who will not fear Him, He can make them fear at the shaking of a leaf. This was the case here (7:6, 7). God ordered it, that the lepers came as soon as the Syrians had fled. They made the statement in our topic which led to their decision to take step of faith that resulted to their miracle. Their consciences told them that mischief would befall them, if they took care of themselves only. 

Matthew Henry says, “Natural humanity and fear of punishment are powerful checks on the selfishness of the ungodly. These feelings tend to preserve order and kindness in the world; but they who have found the unsearchable riches of Christ, will not long delay to report the good tidings to others.” A true Christian will share his earthly good things with others without reservations (Acts 2:44, 45).

Most people are stagnant and will never want to make a move to change their situation. If these men had not moved, they would have died of hunger. The story here is similar to that of Prodigal Son. Beloved will you remain in your present state, waiting in vain? Jesus is the only help we have. Embrace Him.

Food for Thought: Is your position today, the best you can attain?

Prayer: Lift me up O Lord from dungeon of hopelessness in Jesus name.

WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD

   

WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD             Tuesday March 24, 2015

Text: Acts 10:38                                               Memory verse: v 38

Jesus was anointed to enable Him fulfill His call (Hebrews 1:9). He was not anointed just to answer names rather to use it for the service of God and humanity. God had asked Cornelius to send for Peter who will tell him more about Christianity. In the course of his explanation, Peter made the statement about Jesus’ character of going about doing good. This was predicted in Isaiah 35:5, 6. Matthew Henry says, “They knew what a benefactor He was to that nation, both to the souls and the bodies of men; how He made it His business to do good to all, and never did hurt to any. He was not idle, but still doing; not selfish, but doing good; did not confine Himself to one place, nor wait till people came to Him to seek His help, but went to them, went about from place to place, and wherever He came He was doing good.” What a challenge for us in this present generation of Christians.

Jesus has set an example of untiring industry in serving God and our generation; for we came into the world that we might do all the good we can in it; and therein, abide as Christ did. I read from Robin Sharma how his father taught him to show acts of kindness to someone every day. According to him, failure means punishment by doing some domestic work in the evening. Do you do good to others or known for doing good?  

Food for Thought: Every moment is the right one to be kind to others

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to do good always as much as I can.