Find Joy In One Another

Devotion for Thursday May 31, 2018

Topic: Find Joy In One Another

Text: John 3:22 – 36

Here in our text, John teaches us not to envy or resent one another’s gifts or blessings. Rather we should find joy in what others are blessed with or doing. There was a dispute between the Jews and John the Baptist’s disciples which may have centred on the relative worth of John’s baptism and that of Jesus Christ. However, John, being mindful of his office, not only puts a stop to their endeavours, but also takes occasion by that means to give testimony about Christ, that in him alone the Father has set forth everlasting life. He summed up his testimony saying, “Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled” – John 3:29b He was filled with joy that he has done his job as a forerunner of Jesus Christ and was very happy that Jesus had taken over. This act of John is a great challenge for present day Christians who are creating gulf instead of building bridges with interdenominational barriers between them. Today, there is so much competition among Christians. We envy and resent people’s gifts and hardly acknowledge the working of God in other people’s lives. This is one ploy of the devil to plant disunity and disharmony among Christians and many of us are undermining this plot of the devil. We should find joy in one another. We preach about heaven; a place for all believers yet we don’t see anything good in fellow Christians. One thing I know for sure is that, God is not making heaven for one denomination alone and again, many of us will be disappointed on the last day as the people that will make heaven are people who find joy in other people’s gifts and ministries. God help your church to understand this.

Sing The Church’s One Foundation A&M 225; Abu 81

Food for Thought: True brotherly love appreciates and supports gifts and ministry of other believers.

Memory verse: John 3:29b

Prayer: Almighty God, may I find joy in other people’s gifts and ministry in Jesus name.

Please pray for the production of My Daily Covenant with God and also pray for Tabugbo Morgan Uzoma as he celebrates his birthday today.

Two By Two Evangelism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday April 25, 2017

Topic: Two By Two Evangelism

Text: Luke 10:1

As Jesus was concluding His earthly ministry, He had the burden to reach more places. As He couldn’t reach all the places He wanted to visit within the stipulated time, He opted to send some of His disciples on mission to places He intended to visit.  Perhaps that will help to get the gospel to so many places. Of all the synoptic gospels only Luke recorded the fact that Jesus sent seventy disciples on this mission in addition to the one he sent twelve apostles. Their mission was evidently temporary in nature, unlike that of the Twelve.

These disciples sent on this mission were not unique in their qualifications. They were not better educated; not more capable, or of higher status than other followers of Jesus. The only thing that qualified them for this mission was that they had been equipped with Jesus’ power and their vision to reach all the people. Having followed Jesus for over a year, there had been tremendous influence on their lives by the ministry of Jesus. Thus they were easily chosen.

Many of us have been with Jesus for over 3 years which was the lifespan of His earthly ministry. We have received calls so many times to go on evangelism. How many of us have yielded to those calls. Jesus had set an example for us. Churches should emulate two by two evangelism. Having been with Jesus for some time now, you should be winning souls by now.  It is important to dedicate our skills to God’s Kingdom, but we must also be equipped with His power and have a clear vision of what He wants us to do.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you share the gospel with someone.

Memory verse: Luke 10 verse 1

Prayer: God grant me the spirit to always evangelize

in Jesus name.

Strength Perfected In Weakness

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 27, 2017          

Topic: Strength Perfected In Weakness                

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1 – 10

This bible passage shows that God can use us not minding our weaknesses. I have read of so many servants of God that died of one ailment or another. One of such men greatly used by God died few days ago, prompting me to wonder about the ways of God which is very much different from our ways. Some of the servants of God healed so many people with similar ailment that took their lives but they were never healed.

With all the exploits of Paul in the missionary works, who would have believed he did them with a burden of illness. When he even sought for healing, God told him that His grace is sufficient for him. Using weaknesses or ailment as an excuse in not serving God is not acceptable to Him. The grace was to enable Paul to bear the infirmities with patience. Christ’s gracious favour is what empowered Paul’s ministry, despite his own inadequacies and failures.

Although His request was not granted, Jesus assured him that he would continue to work through him in his weakness. Paul accepted that Jesus, in His divine wisdom, knew what was best for him. Paul would not boast in being healed, but he would boast about his weaknesses, for it was through his weaknesses that Christ could powerfully work through him.

One great lesson here for us is that God is the one who decides what we become in life and the best way to use us. Brethren, we should not be moved by our weaknesses, our not having job, infirmities, no child, no spouse, etc, as excuses because God can still use us even when we have our problems. He asked Abraham to pray for Abimelech to have a child when he had not gotten a child of his own. He did as God commanded him and God answered that prayer (Genesis 20:14–18). His grace is sufficient for us; let us keep trusting Him to use us as He wishes.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 11:30

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9b - Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Prayer: Lord God, grant that my boosting will only be on my infirmities for by your grace I am what I am today in Jesus name. Amen