Mysteries about Life: Devotion for Friday August 14, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday August 14, 2020

Topic: Mysteries about Life                                    

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:4 – 11                  

In our bible reading for today, Solomon cautions that we shouldn’t to seek redress neither in a hasty manner nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will find that yielding pacifies great offences (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

He also posited that men are not preferred according to their merit (Ecclesiastes 10:5 – 7). These verses show that life is full of mysteries. The error (Ecclesiastes 10:5) consists in exalting the mean and unworthy into offices. Do we have such in our present day political, religious and traditional offices?

Family Bible Notes noted that “The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people. Whether it proceeds from their rulers, or, as in the case of free governments, from themselves, the result will be corruption, misrule, and misery.” This quotation is very true of our present day society especially in our clime.

Naturally, riding on horses belongs to the princes and not servants. When it is the opposite, it becomes a mystery. We have seen these things happen. One easily recalls the case of Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai was a war captive and mere gateman while Haman was a very high profiled personal assistant or adviser to the king. It was God who humbled Haman. Who would have believed that Haman would ever guide Mordecai on top of a horse?

The lesson for us here is that no condition is permanent in life. Life is full of mysteries and challenges. Therefore, do not boast about your present position/situation. We should know and note that wisdom is profitable in all things. The challenges, dangers and difficulties of life are many; but with wisdom we shall overcome.         

Foods for Thought: No condition is permanent in life. Therefore be humble wherever you may find yourself.

Memory verse: Ecclesiastes 10 v 7

Prayer: God, grant me understanding that life is full of mysteries and that there is no condition that is permanent.

Pride Goes Before A Fall: Devotion for Friday March 27, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 27, 2020

Topic: Pride Goes Before A Fall                                   

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14

Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. The worst thing that can happen to a man/woman is having a bad friend and spouse. When your spouse/friends are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem.

Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife, Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (v13). This was pleasing to Haman (v14). Unfortunately, it backfired on him.

Haman’s family members and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death.

Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life because pride is what has killed most people.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Proverbs 29:23.

Memory verse: Matthew 23:12

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.  

Our Deeds Are Never Forgotten

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Saturday January 12 2019

Topic: Our Deeds Are Never Forgotten

Text: Esther 6:1 – 11

I have once shared a story how a man came to show gratitude for what my dad did for him when he was in Primary School. This was after over 45 years. That singular effect has strengthened my belief that labours of love are never wasted. The recipient may not be the one to payback but certainly God will use someone to pay us back. Therefore, we should not give up in our labours of love. When we receive one form of kindness or another, we don’t forget easily. We may not go to show gratitude as this man did for my dad, but we will always remember and will continue to ask for God’s blessings upon them.

Mordecai revealed the planned assassination being muted against the king by some disgruntle people in his service - Bigthana and Teresh, and that was how the king’s life was saved. There was no immediate recognition and honour bestowed on Mordecai and he didn’t reveal the secret because he actually wanted honour. If that was his reason, he would have resigned when he was not recognised. He did it on humanitarian basis. However, at the right time when the honour will be useful, God remembered him.

The king could not sleep and he requested for “the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king” –Esther 6:1. Such a request is a rare thing to make when someone cannot sleep. He would have requested of a soothing music - a serenade but it was not so. Eventually, Mordecai was honoured and in a big way. His enemy at that time was mandated to carry out the honour on him. Your enemies will honour you this season in Jesus name.

The ground of our acts of charity should not be for recognition. We should do things to please God. As a civil/public servant or whatever profession you are into, let your actions be guided by desire to serve and please God. Let it not be based on gratification. At the right time, the best gratification will come from God and no man can stand against it.

Food for Thought: “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” -Cicero

Memory verse: Esther 6:2

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to serve you and humanity willingly and may my gratification come from you in Jesus name.

Unbeliever's Arrogance

Devotion for Wednesday June 20, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 432

Topic: Unbelievers’ Arrogance

Text: 2 Kings 18:26 – 37

A proud and arrogant man has no place in God’s plan. God hates pride and arrogance (James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5). When God sees any atom of pride in you, He will not use you for anything; He will not answer your prayers, His grace will depart from you and your fall will be mighty. Remember the story of Haman against Mordecai. As Christians, we should as a matter of priority remove pride and arrogance from our lives if we intend to please God and enjoy His benevolence. From our text, we saw the arrogance and pride of Rabshakeh an officer sent by Sennacherib king of Assyria to Hezekiah. We can see from 2 Kings 18:17, that Rabshakeh is an office and not name of a person. Their speaker spoke arrogantly because they don’t know the God of Israel. He compared God of Israel to gods of other land that cannot deliver. After all the display of pride and arrogance, Hezekiah’s men didn’t utter a word. No wonder people say that “silence is the best answer to a fool.” In chapter 19, we saw how God discomfited and chased them away. WHO CAN BATTLE WITH THE LORD? This is how unbelievers boast and send threats against believers but at last God will always put them to shame. Are people threatening you because they feel they are greater than you? Your God of Israel will disgrace them. Hold your peace and see the salvation of God.

Food for Thought: Who can battle with the Lord?

Memory verse: 2 Kings 18:29

Prayer: Remove arrogance and pride from me O Lord because no one can battle with you.

Pride Goes Before A Fall

Devotion for Monday June 18, 2018

Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Topic: Pride Goes Before A Fall

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14

One obvious truth is that self-admiring and self-flattering end in self-deceit. The worst thing that can happen to someone is to have a bad friend and spouse. When your spouse/friends are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem. Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen alone. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. I pray that your presence will cause problem for your enemies and when they see you or hear your name, peace will elude them in Jesus name. Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (Esther 5:13). This was pleasing to Haman (Esther 5:14). According to Family Bible Note, “The measures which men take for the destruction of others often prove the means of their own; and while they glory in anticipated victory, they sink into irretrievable ruin.” This was the case of Haman. Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he was, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high, as they wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death. Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Proverbs 29:23.

Memory verse: Esther 5:12

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.

What Do You Wish?

Devotion for Sunday June 17, 2018

Sing A&M 319; Abu 247.

Topic: What Do You Wish?

Text: Esther 5: 1 – 8 

The story of Esther and Mordecai teaches us that we can gain power and favour from fasting and prayers when our lives are pleasing to God. Esther risked her life by coming before the king which was against the law. Her courageous act is a model for us to follow, in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can (1) calculate the cost: Esther realized her life was at stake. (2) Set priorities: She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. (3) Prepare: She gathered support and fasted. (4) Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly: She didn’t think too long about it, allowing the interlude to lessen her commitment to what she had to do. Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther’s inspiring example. It was Esther’s courageous move that led to the question which is our topic for the day. The king noticed that something led Esther to risk her life and thus he raised the question and she demanded a dinner with the king and Haman. If God can grant Esther such favour before men how much more when He is involved (Matthew 7:11)? Beloved, what is your wish? Is it money for rents and bills? Is it fruit of the womb? Is it a job? If you follow Esther’s model, God will certainly move in your favour (Luke 18:1ff).

Food for Thought: How do you make good use of the blank cheque God issued to us in Matthew 7:7?

Memory verse: Esther 5:3

Prayer: Make your request known to God bearing in mind Numbers 14:28 and Matthew 7:7 

MYSTERIES ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016

MYSTERIES ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:4 – 11          

Memory verse: Ecclesiastes 10:7 - I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.

Solomon cautions that we shouldn’t to seek redress neither in a hasty manner nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will find that yielding pacifies great offences (10:4). He also posited that men are not preferred according to their merit (10:5–7). These verses show that life is full of mysteries. The error (10:5) consists in exalting the mean and unworthy into offices. Do we have such in our present day political, religious and traditional offices?

Family Bible Notes noted that “The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people. Whether it proceeds from their rulers, or, as in the case of free governments, from themselves, the result will be corruption, misrule, and misery.” This opinion of Family Bible Notes is the bane of most countries in Africa where majority of those holding political offices could be termed square pegs in round holes. For this reason, they stay in offices for a stipulated time without anything meaningful to show for their tenure.   

Naturally, riding on horses belongs to the princes and not servants. When it is the opposite, it becomes a mystery. We have seen these things happen. One easily recalls the case of Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai was a war captive and mere gateman while Haman was a very high profiled personal assistant or adviser to the king. In fact, he was the highest officer in the kingdom after the king. It was God who humbled Haman to guide Mordecai on the king’s horse round the city. Who would have believed that Haman would ever guide Mordecai on top of a horse? The lesson for us here is that no condition is permanent in life. Life is full of mysteries and challenges. Therefore, do not boast about your present position. We should note that wisdom is profitable in all things. The dangers and difficulties of life are many; but with wisdom we shall overcome.          

Foods for Thought: The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people.

Prayer: God, may I not boast or abuse the opportunity I have today.

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL: Devotion for Friday March 18, 2016

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL:  Devotion for Friday March 18, 2016         

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14         Memory verse: v 12

Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. The worst thing that can happen to someone is keeping a bad friend and spouse. When you have a spouse or friends that are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem. Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. I pray that your presence will cause problem for your enemies in Jesus name.

Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife, Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (5:13). This was pleasing to Haman (5:14). According to Family Bible Note, “The measures which men take for the destruction of others often prove the means of their own; and while they glory in anticipated victory, they sink into irretrievable ruin.” This was the case of Haman. Please make time to read the chapter six.

Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death. Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life because “There is nothing into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride. And yet there is no vice that is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture” according Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Prov. 29:23.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.   

WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST? Devotion for Thursday March 17, 2016

WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST? Devotion for Thursday March 17, 2016

Text: Esther 5: 1 – 8    Memory verse: v 3

The story of Esther and Mordecai in this book teaches us that we can gain power and favour from fasting and prayers. Esther risked her life by coming before the king which was against the law. Her courageous act is a model for us to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can: (1) Count the cost. Esther realized her life was at stake. (2) Set priorities. She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. (3) Prepare. She gathered support and fasted. (4) Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly. She didn’t think too long about it, allowing the interlude to lessen her commitment to what she had to do. Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther’s inspiring example.

It was Esther’s courageous move that led to the question which is our topic for the day. The king noticed that something led Esther to risk her life and thus he raised the question and she demanded a dinner with the king and Haman. If God can grant Esther such favour before men how much more when He is involved (Matt 7:11)? Beloved, what is your request? Is it money for bills? Is it fruit of the womb? Is it a job? If you follow Esther’s model, God will certainly move in your favour.

Food for Thought: God issued us a blank cheque in Matt 7:7. How do you make good use of it?

Prayer: Make your request known to God bearing in mind Num 14:28 and Matt 7:7                

A PATRIOT INDEED: Devotion for Tuesday December 29, 2015

A PATRIOT INDEED      Tuesday December 29, 2015

Text: Esther 10:1 – 6         Memory verse: v 3

Mordecai was truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth, but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good. Mordecai was indeed a patriot who sought for the welfare of his people at all times and as he had the opportunity.

We are not required to do what is not in our power because God doesn’t require us to do so but there are those we should emulate as recorded in the Bible. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says “If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be active according to the ability and opportunities He gives us, in promoting His glory and the best interests of men. If our faith be genuine, it will work by love.” How much do you seek for the welfare of fellow Christian and your pastors? Mordecai has proved himself. What about you? You have opportunity to do something today.

Food for Thought: Any challenge for you in the life of Mordecai

Prayer: Lord, give us men and women like Mordecai in our political offices.