No Intercessor: Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

Topic: No Intercessor                                    

Text: Isaiah 59:16 – 21                              

This passage is connected with the following chapters. It is generally thought to describe the coming of the Messiah, as the Avenger and Deliverer of His church. There was none to intercede with God to turn away His wrath; none to interpose for the support of justice and truth. Yet He engaged His own strength and righteousness for His people.

Isaiah 62:6 & 7, say, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” This passage explains the importance of intercessors. Unfortunately, God sought for the intercessors but found none as we have in our bible reading for the day. Maybe that informed the decision in Isaiah 62:6 and 7.

There was no man to intercede for the course of truth and equity. Despite no intercessors, God saved His people for His own glory because by His righteousness He is bound to maintain the cause of truth.

Beloved, God has called us as watchmen not only to our immediate family alone but to the society where we live. How much are we interceding for them? As watchmen and watchwomen, how serious do we take this call God has placed on us? We should note that our call as Christians is not just to enjoy our relationship with God alone but to help others through preaching and intercession. We should not fail in intercession.

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus Christ taught us, He used plural form and not singular – Our father, forgive us, give us, etc. We should make it a priority to pray for salvation and deliverance of people because we are product of other people’s intercession too.

Food for Thought: When last did you intercede for sinners especially that person in your neighbourhood, office or business arena?

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 16

Prayer: Lord, lay the burden of intercession in my heart in Jesus name.

Intercessors, Lord’s prayer, Watchmen, Prayer, Jerusalem, Messiah, Devotion,

Trust God Always: Devotion for Wednesday February 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 5, 2020

Topic: Trust God Always

Text: Psalm 62:8 – 12 

There are times we falter in faith despite the level of our knowledge of God and spirituality. It happened to Abraham when he hearkened to the voice of his wife by going into her maid. It also happened to John the Baptist while he was in prison. He sent message to confirm from Jesus Christ if He was the Messiah or not (Matthew 11:2 – 6) despite revealing to his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:29 – 36).

This has happened to some other men and women of God as we have it all over the scriptures. I have personally tagged myself useless but God said I am not and I will still be useful. This devotion is one of the things God directed me to start writing after that encounter.    

Life usually presents its curves, bumps and pot holes on our life’s journeys. All these are aimed at slowing us down and at times we begin to doubt God and His faithfulness.

In our scriptural reading of the day, the Psalmist who had experienced God’s faithfulness urges us to trust God for some reasons. He is our refuge (62:8), all power belongs to Him (62:11) and He is merciful (62:12). Thus we should trust God to guide us when in doubt, to protect us when in danger, to supply our needs when in want, to strengthen us for every good word and work. We should trust when we can see, as well as when we are utterly in the dark.

As you go out today, trust God to provide for you according to your needs. Trust him to bring more customers to your business and to grant you favour as you go for that contract and business opportunities. The Lord, be with you!

Food for thought: Proverbs 3:5, 6

Memory verse: Psalm 62:8

Prayer: Lord, grant me stronger faith to trust you always as I go through curves of life 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.

Do You Believe He Can Do It?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 10, 2017

Topic: Do You Believe He Can Do It?

Text: Matthew 9:27 – 34

Jesus did everything for a purpose. He didn’t respond immediately to the blind men’s pleas because He wanted to test their resolve and patience in order to find out if they had faith. Such test is necessary because it is not everyone who says he wants help really believes God can help him. The confession of many people ends on their lips.

Jesus may have waited and questioned these men to emphasize and increase their faith. When we think that God is too slow in answering your prayers, consider that He might be testing you to ascertain the level of your faith as He did with these blind men. Do you believe that God can help you? If you really want God to help you, you should trust and obey Him.

A dumb and demon possessed was brought to him. After casting out the demon, the dumb man was able to speak. The crowd marvelled at that miracle confessing that they had never seen anything like that. But the Pharisees, saw something entirely different by accusing Jesus of casting out demons with the power of demons.

The Pharisees are always angry with any good thing Jesus did. Some Christians do same too. We shouldn’t be angry when God is using others. Rather, it should be an opportunity to praise God. What the Pharisees did was aimed at poisoning the minds of those who received the miracles for the purpose of preventing the people from receiving him as the Messiah. Such should not be part of our Christian life. We should always appreciate the good people do whether they belong to our party, church, religion, faith, etc or not. Let the glory always return to God. Have a great weekend.   

Food for Thought: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is able to solve that problem?

Memory verse: Matthew 9 verse 28 - When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”

Prayer: Lord God, I believe that you are able to solve all the problems confronting me in Jesus name. Amen.

REVEALING CHRIST TO THE WORLD: Devotion for Thursday October 6, 2016

REVEALING CHRIST TO THE WORLD: Devotion for Thursday October 6, 2016

Text: John 1:29 – 34        Memory verse: John 1 verse 31

If we, Christians truly appreciate what Christ has done for us, there is no limit to the extent which we can reveal Him to the world. What Christ had done for and is still doing for us are enough for us to shout to the hearing of the world about them on daily basis. Unfortunately, we are too quiet about Christ and all He does for us daily.

When Jesus Christ was commissioning the disciples on the day of Ascension, He solemnly charged them and we the present day disciples (Christians) by extension to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8); to tell the world all we know about Him and all He has done to save humanity. That is the only thing we can do to justify our redemption from the powers of sin, the world and the devil. John saw Jesus coming to him, and pointed Him out as the Lamb of God. His preaching centred on repentance, yet he told his followers that they were to look to Jesus only for the pardon of their sins. John’s purpose for baptizing people was to reveal Jesus to Israel. In other words, the baptism he organised for people was a prelude to the manifestation of Christ to Israel.

Just as John the Baptist had the mandate to reveal Christ to Israelis, so we have been mandated to reveal Christ to our own Jerusalem and to the uttermost part of this world. We can do this through the life of Christ manifesting in us and through the word of God we preach to people. John was a great example to Israel that was the reason they kept asking if he was the Messiah. On our part we should reveal Christ to the world by living out His life in us. This is one of the best ways to reveal Him.

Action: As you go forth into the world today, let the life of Christ be seen in you.

Prayer: God, use me to reveal Jesus to the world through my words and action. 

GOD HAS ALTERNATIVE PLANS: Devotion for Tuesday August 23, 2016

GOD HAS ALTERNATIVE PLANS: Devotion for Tuesday August 23, 2016

Text: Isaiah 63:1 – 6               Memory verse: v 5

Isaiah 63 verse 5 is a clear warning for us not to think that we worth anything special in the eyes of God especially when He is using us. Being used by God is not a right but a privilege that should humble us because He can even raise stones to do our work. We should rather be up and doing because He has alternative plans. He can push us aside when we misbehave to use others. We know the case of Eli’s family, King Saul, etc.

Here, the prophet Isaiah, in a vision, saw the Messiah returning in triumph after the conquest of His enemies, of whom Edom was a type. In that vision, he saw Christ as travelling, not wearied by the combat, but, in the greatness of His strength, prepared to overcome every opposing power. Christ declares that He had been treading the wine-press of the wrath of God, (see Rev. 14:19; 19:13) and by His own power (Isaiah 63:3), without any human help, He had defeated His stubborn opposers (Isaiah 63:4), for the day of vengeance was determined on, being the appointed season for rescuing His people.

When Jesus Christ appeared on this earth for the first time, it was in apparent weakness, to pour out His precious blood on the Cross of Calvary as atonement for our sins. However, He in due time He will appear in the greatness of His strength to judge the living and the dead. How prepared are we for that day when He will appear in His strength? Again let us remember that He sought for help but none came. So He resorted to His second plan to redeem His people. 

This shows that there are things God want us to do for Him. What He desires me to do may not be what He wants you to do. It all depends where we find ourselves. We shouldn’t disappoint God to make Him resort to His alternative plan. Don’t ever think that without you the work of God will not go on. He will raise a man in your stead. Therefore be wise.

Food for Thought: Will God resort to alternative plan in your stead?

Prayer: Lord God, may I not be a disappointment to you that will make you resort to alternative plan in Jesus name.

WEEP NOT: Devotion for Monday August 22, 2016

WEEP NOT: Devotion for Monday August 22, 2016

Text: Revelation 5 verses 1 – 5         

Memory verse: Revelation 5 verse 5

John the beloved saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, a scroll sealed with seven seals. This represented the secret purposes of God about to be revealed which no one could know except God, and those to whom He should reveal them. John wept because he knew that the unopened scroll would mean that the closing scene of history could not begin; thus, evil would continue unabated on the earth, and there would be no future for God’s people. However, one of the elders (Revelation 4 verses 4 and 10) told John not to weep any longer, because someone was worthy to open the scroll; the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, has proved Himself worthy by living a perfect life of obedience and total submission to the will of God by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of the world. Rising from the dead, He demonstrated His power and authority over evil and death. Only Christ conquered sin, death, hell, and Satan. So He is the only one that can open the scroll and break its seven seals, setting in motion the forces that will bring about the final destruction of all evil. Until the seals are broken and content of the scroll revealed, evil and death would not be destroyed. This means that evil and death will continue to dominate over man. This was the reason why Apostle John the beloved wept.

This story should be a source of consolation for us when we are faced with challenges and we weep because we feel there is no way out. We should remember that Jesus Christ has conquered and He alone is the one who can save us from all problems of life. Beloved, weep no more because of that problem, sickness, etc. There is hope because Christ has prevailed.

Food for Thought: Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. No matter the circumstances you pass through, have the hope and consolation that it is not forever. Deliverance, rescue, healing, favour and salvation will certainly come your way.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for conquering sin, death, Satan and hell, and you are able to solve my problems. Remember me at the point of my needs.

FAITH AND JUSTIFICATION: Devotion for Saturday January 10, 2016

FAITH AND JUSTIFICATION          Saturday January 9 2016

Text: Acts 13:38 – 41       Memory verse: v 39

Anyone who repents from sin always has the concern of justification. Such person will want to be sure of acquittal from all guilt, and accepted as righteous in God's sight. Here, Paul assures his listeners that it is only through Jesus Christ we can obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. There are two things we have to note in our text. 1. That through Christ, who died and rose again, is forgiveness of sins preached unto them. 2. It is only through Christ that those who believe in Him are justified from all things; from all the guilt and stain of sin, from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

Presently, many people still see justification as through personal efforts. It is not so! If we believe in Jesus as the Messiah; accept Him and His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary by faith, He will do for us what the law could never do; justify us before God. It is by Jesus Christ we obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. Paul ended with a warning (13:40, 41). We should take this warning to heart because though they were meant to come upon impenitent sinners, they are designed to awaken us to beware lest it come upon us too. Have you accepted Jesus and His justification? 

Food for Thought: Our justification is based on the work of Christ at the Cross of Calvary. 

Prayer: Lord, as you have justified me, help me to remain same in Jesus name.  

IF ANY IS THIRSTY: Devotion for Wednesday December 30, 2015

IF ANY IS THIRSTY    Wednesday December 30, 2015                   

Text: John 7:37 – 44       Memory verse: v 37

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews drew water from Pool of Siloam and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and forever happy, let him allow Christ to rule over him. Thirst here means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. Many believed Him to be Messiah due to His teaching while some others didn’t believe. This is usual even till date when the gospel is preached.

The Spirit dwelling and working in believers is like a fountain of living, running water, out of which plenty streams flow, cooling and cleansing as water. All of us may not have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit but for His more common and more valuable influences we can ask and God will gladly grant to us. Are you willing to ask God today?

Food for Thought: How thirsty are you for spiritual blessing?

Prayer: Lord, make me thirsty for spiritual blessings in Jesus name.

I DO NOT CHANGE: Devotion for Friday December 18, 2015

I DO NOT CHANGE         Friday December 18, 2015

Text: Malachi 3:1 – 6     Memory verse: v 6

Here is a prophecy about the coming of Christ and His forbearer John the Baptist who shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The Messiah had been long called, ‘He that should come,’ and now shortly He will come. God was tired of the way the people had cynically twisted His truths and He resolved to punish those who insisted that because God was silent, He approved of their actions or at least would never punish them. He would also punish those who professed a counterfeit faith while acting sinfully (see 3:5). God affirmed that what He has resolved to do will happen because He is the God that cannot change (3:1).

Our God does not change. Whatever He utters happens as He said it. Do you take God’s word for granted or you twist His truth or think that Jesus is not coming back again? Know that God doesn’t change. Again, has God made any promise to you and it you feel time is running out on you? He doesn’t change and those promises will happen at His own time. Keep believing.

Food for Thought: God’s word is God and doesn’t change

Prayer: God let all you have said about me happen as you have said them.

OUR MOTIVES, MATTERS: Devotion for Sunday October 18, 2015

OUR MOTIVES, MATTERS   Sunday October 18, 2015

Text: John 6:22 – 27                 Memory verse: v 26

Christianity does not forbid us regarding our own happiness, or seeking it in any proper way; but when this is the only or the prevailing motive for serving God, it is evident that we have never yet sought God aright. Here, Jesus reveals to the multitude that came to Him the true motives which persuaded them to seek Him which were miracles. Therefore, to seek Him because they had seen them, and were convinced by them that He was the Messiah, would have been proper; but to follow Him simply because their wants were supplied was mere selfishness of a gross kind.

Most people by their actions are aiming at the loaves and fishes, and not at the honour of God and the good of His kingdom; and if this is the main motive of your entering the church, you cannot be a good Christian. What is your desire in attending that crusade or revival service? Is it to become a better Christian or just because of miracle? Many run from church to church in search of miracles; healing, deliverance, fruit of the womb, etc. Note what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33. Seek God first and he will give you other things.

Food for Thought: Do you seek Jesus as provider of your spiritual or physical needs? 

Prayer: Help me Lord, to make your kingdom my first priority, Matt 6:33.

HE FINDS HIS BROTHER

HE FINDS HIS BROTHER         Friday June 12, 2015

Text: John 1:37 – 42                     Memory verse: v 41

There is great joy when one encounters the Messiah. The Samaritan woman after her encounter with Him, called out to friends and neighbours to come and see the All Knowing God (John 4:4 – 26, 28 – 29). Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and immediately went to tell his brother, Simon, about him. There was no question in Andrew’s mind that Jesus was the Messiah. Not only did he tell his brother, but he was also eager to introduce others to Jesus (see John 6:8, 9; 12:22). 

Do you know that there is power in witnessing about the goodness of God in our lives? As Christians we cannot keep to ourselves our knowledge of the Messiah because that is one powerful weapon against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6: 15; Rev 12:11). Witnessing about Christ strengthens the faith of the believers and encourages the weaker ones among us.

If the trumpet sounds today or in whatever way God calls you to give account of your life as a Christian, will He say to you “Well done my faithful servant” or will He find you wanting because you were ashamed to tell others how good and pleasant it is to have found Christ? The greatest thing we can do for God is to tell others about His love for us wherein He sent His son to die for our sins (3:16). Start today by talking to someone you will meet. 

Food for Thought: Must I go and empty handed; must I meet my Saviour so?

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to tell others that I have found you and never to be ashamed of doing so in Jesus name.