FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 1:1 – 10      

Memory verse: v 10 - So I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.

The true account of Saul’s death is in 1 Sam. 31:3, 4. The young man from Amalek was evidently lying. Probably he had come upon Saul’s dead body and thought David would reward the person who had killed his rival. This was enough evidence to show that he was a favour seeker. The man pretended to be the one who had killed Saul and he brought along Saul’s insignia of royalty for proof. This messenger presents himself to David in the posture of a mourner for the deceased prince and a subject to the succeeding one. He came with his clothes rent, and made obeisance to David, pleasing himself with the fancy that he had the honour to be the first that did him homage as his sovereign. Unfortunately, David immediately judged him from the words of his mouth and sentenced him to death (1 Sam. 1:13–15). This is an eye opener for those who take delight to run others down as they seek favour of their superior.

Most times, the courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin (remember the story of Haman how he tried to kill all the Jews just because of Mordecai). This is how most people run down colleagues in offices, neighbourhood, etc, because they want favour from their boss or someone in leadership position. Have you experience the act of these favour seekers? Share your experience. What shall it profit you when you betray people in a bid to secure the goods of this world or a position in office? Why tell lies because you want to gain the praise of the people or your boss? Christians should speak the truth always and not to tell lies against people in a bid to secure a position or gain favour. It boomerangs!

Food for Thought: The courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin.

Prayer:  Help me, O Lord, never to betray others because I am seeking for favour. 

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016 

Text: Proverbs 1:20 – 33         

Memory verse: v 31 – Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

Solomon, having showed how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here, declares how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God. Christ himself is Wisdom. Three sorts of persons are here called by Him:

1. Simple ones (1:22). These are sinners, who take everything for granted. They are fond of their simple notions of good and evil, their simple prejudices against the ways of God, and flatter themselves in their wickedness. They never take things seriously. People who are too familiar with the word or things of God that they no longer see any need for repentance are also in this category. Solomon says they need wisdom.      

2. Scorners (1:22). These are the proud, jovial people that make a jest of everything. They are also scoffers at religion that run down everything sacred and serious. They usually criticize those who serve God or people who come to preach to them. 

3. Fools (1:22). Those are the worst of fools that hate to be taught, and have a rooted dislike to serious godliness. These are the people Solomon said wisdom is calling on to come.

Wisdom reproves these three kinds of men, the foolish or simple who err out of ignorance, the mockers who cannot stand to be taught, and the fools who are drowned in worldly lusts and hate the knowledge of godliness. Do you belong to any of these groups? How much do crave for wisdom? We gain wisdom as we read and meditate daily on God’s word, as we hear preaching of the gospel, etc. Despisers of wisdom live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will certainly come. They are not perturbed by any preaching. They comfort themselves in their sin. Hearken diligently, and obey the Lord Jesus, that you may enjoy peace of conscience and confidence in God; be free from evil, in life, in death, and forever.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 22:17 & 18 – Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I not despise wisdom rather help me to always hearken to the voice of wisdom in Jesus name.

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

  

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        

Memory verse: v 9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (New King James Version).

In our text, God used the phrase “Be strong and of good courage,” 3 times in verses 6, 7 and 9. God used this phrase repeatedly because that was the area He has endued Joshua but he seems not to have understood that. He wants Joshua to understand that He is with him and has empowered him to lead the Israelis into the Promised Land.

Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, had severally proved that he was, yet needs these exhortations. The reason is that his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new. Again he needed the exhortation because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses; and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect that the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for his shoulders.

God expected Joshua to make His law, his rule. He was charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. This is what is expected of us too in our Christian race wherein we face stiff challenges as Joshua faced. How much time do you spend in meditating on the word of God? We show the highest and noblest courage when we faithfully discharge our duties. There is no coward that makes it his great object to obey the known will of God.  

Most times it is in the area of our strength that devil brings fear to intimidate us. Joshua knew that he has the charisma, character and ability to lead the people yet, he was reluctant and unwilling. In the days of Gideon, he was afraid of the Midianites even when he has the power. It was the power in him that made the angel of the Lord to urge him to go in that strength. What are the areas of your strength? Are you using them to its full potential or you are waiting for God to emphasis on it?

Food for Thought: Most times devil intimidates or tempts us based on our strength.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognise my strength and use it for your glory. 

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:20 – 23        Memory verse: v 21

God keeps to His words. He fulfilled all His promises except when we fail to keep our own part of the covenant. When He told the Israelis, at the bank of Red Sea that the Egyptians they are seeing they will see no more. It was as if it is something very impossible to happen. But God was true to His word. 

Here is the assurance that the remnant will return to their Promised Land. Those who remained faithful to God despite the horrors of the invasion are called the remnant. Once Assyria’s army was destroyed, a small group of God’s people would stop relying on Assyria and start trusting God (10:20). This remnant would be but a fraction of Israel’s former population (Ezra 2:64-65). Have your life been battered by evil, sickness, sin, etc? God is promising you that you will return to the position of good health, prosperity, progress, knowledge of God, etc.   

In spiritual terms, the key to being a part of the remnant was faith in Christ Jesus. These remnants are those that will be raptured to be with the Lord. Being a descendant of Abraham, living in the Promised Land, having trusted God at one time, none of these were good enough. Are you relying on your Christian heritage, the rituals of worship, or past experience to qualify you for belonging to God’s family? The key to being a true Christian is faith in God.

Food for Thought: Will you be among those that will return to God when the rapture takes place?

Prayer: Lord God, keep me rapturable till the day of rapture or my death

EFFECT OF PRIDE: Devotion for Tuesday June 21, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10: 5 – 19       Memory verse: v 12

The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his own will. Most tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. The plan of God was to correct His people for their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to Himself; but that wasn’t Sennacherib's plan. He designs to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Assyrian, boasts what great things he has done to other nations (10:8–11), by his own policy and power. He did not know that it was God who made him what he is, and puts the staff into his hand (10:5). How I wished he consulted Nebuchadnezzar. He wouldn’t have been so pompous.

This provoked God’s anger (10:12–15). Matthew Henry opined that “For a tool to boast or to strive against Him that formed it, would not be more out of the way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah.” God’s verdict on King of Assyria was that He shall strip him and all his princes, of their wealth, and might, and glory; and destroy his numerous armies as fire destroys things which are thrown into it (10:16). That was the effect of pride on Sennacherib. Do you boast of the talent, wisdom, power or position God has given to you? Do you look down on others because you feel you are better than them? Think twice! God is God of justice. He exalts and brings down (Ps 75:7; Matt 23:12; Lk 18:14).

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

Prayer: 1. My Father in heaven, may I not exalt myself because of where you have placed me or the talent you have deposited in me. 2. Grant me the spirit of humility and appreciation for what you have made me.

UNRIGHTEOUS DECREES: Devotion for Monday June 20, 2016

UNRIGHTEOUS DECREES: Devotion for Monday June 20, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:1 – 4     Memory Verse: v 1

Our text today is a continuation of Isaiah Chapter 9. If you actually want to understand this text well, then start reading from Chapter 9. Isaiah indicts wicked oppressors. They are charged, with making wicked laws and edicts: They decree unrighteous decrees, contrary to natural equity and the law of God and what mischief they prescribe, those under them write it, enroll it, and put it into the formality of a law. It is bad to hurt someone, but it is worse to do it with design and deliberation. 

Again, they were charged with perverting justice in the execution of the laws that were made. No people had statutes and judgments to righteous as they had, and yet corrupt judges found ways to turn aside the needy from judgment, to hinder them from coming at their right and recovering what was their due, because they were needy and poor, and such as they could get nothing by nor expect any bribes from. The third charge against these oppressors is that they were enriching themselves by oppressing those that lay at their mercy, whom they ought to have protected.

Can we find any of these accusations similar in our present day society? You, in leadership position, do you make Draconian laws targeted at the poor, needy, widows, etc? Draco is an Athenian legislator who made harsh laws. If you make harsh laws, you are like the lawyers berated by Jesus Christ in Lk 11:46 (compare Matt. 23:1–4). Repent today because the Day of Judgment is coming when you cannot escape the anger of God.

Food for Thought: Leaders should protect the rights of the less privileged ones and the poor, and not to abuse them.

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace that in any leadership position I find myself, I will not make laws that will infringe on the rights of the poor and less privileged.

FAITH THAT WORKS: Devotion for Saturday June 18, 2016

FAITH THAT WORKS: Devotion for Saturday June 18, 2016

         

Text: Luke 17:5 – 10     Memory verse: v 6

This request in 17:5 was motivated by the difficulty of avoiding and forgiving “offences.” Jesus tells His disciples, that if they have the smallest degree of true faith; lively, operative faith, it will enable them to perform this difficult duty of forgiving injuries, and all other duties, with much ease as a miraculous faith would enable them to remove mountains and transplant trees. When we obey Jesus’ instructions, we have only done our duties and should regard it as a privilege. We shouldn’t expect thanks, for we were only doing what we were supposed to do. Jesus used the example of a slave who renders service and does not expect to be thanked. Obedience is not something extra done for God; it is the duty of anyone who desires to be Christ’s follower. We must lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. How deep is your faith in Christ Jesus? It is not how big but how deep to counter deep problems of life.

With these words, Jesus was not rendering service as meaningless or useless, nor was He doing away with rewards. He was attacking unwarranted self-esteem and spiritual pride; perhaps such as many of the religious leaders were exhibiting, or what the disciples themselves might be tempted to fall into as they would seek to serve God when their faith has been increased. Christians should focus their eyes on God with their goal only to serve and please Him. They don’t work for recognition or rewards or even for God to praise them for their hard work. Don’t allow self esteem and pride for what God is using you to do in your generation enter into your head.

Food for Thought: No obstacle can withstand a confiding faith in God.

Prayer: Grant me a strong faith to believe every word that comes from your mouth, O Lord my God.

ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE: Devotion for Thursday June 16, 2016

ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE: Devotion for Thursday June 16, 2016

  

Text: Leviticus 1:10 – 17              Memory verse: v 10

Those who could not offer a bullock, were to bring a sheep or a goat; and those who were not able to do that, were accepted of God, if they brought a turtle-dove, or a pigeon. Those creatures were chosen for sacrifices which were mild, and gentle, and harmless; to show the innocence and meekness that were in Christ and that should be in Christians. God, in His law and in His gospel, as well as in His providence, considers the poor. The underlining principle is that the animal brought for sacrifice must not be blemish.

These are some characteristics of an acceptable sacrifice

1. The animal to be offered must be without blemish. 2. The owner must offer it of his own free will. What is done in religion, so as to please God, must be done out of love. Christ willingly offered Himself for us. 3. It must be offered at the door of the tabernacle, where the brazen altar of burnt-offerings stood, which sanctified the gift: he must offer it at the door, as one unworthy to enter, and acknowledging that a sinner can have no communion with God, but by sacrifice. It was on this premise Apostle Paul gave the injunction in Rom. 12:1 that we should “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The sacrifice we can make today is not that of animals but of service which are acceptable to God. It must be motivated by love and not by desire for reward or recompense.

Food for Thought: What does living sacrifice implies?

Prayer: Lord God, may my sacrifices be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016

THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016

Text: Leviticus 1:1 – 9               Memory verse: v 4

God made it clear from the time of creation that sin separates people from Him, and that those who sin deserve to die. But because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), God, filled with love and mercy, designed sacrifice as a way to seek forgiveness and to restore a relationship with Him. He instructed people to shed blood by killing animals as sacrifices for sin. That’s why when God taught His people to worship Him; He placed great emphasis on sacrifices (1:2). Sacrifices were God’s Old Testament way for people to ask forgiveness for their sins.

There are two purposes for animal sacrifice: (1) the animal representatively took the sinner’s place and paid the penalty for sin; and (2) the animal’s death represented one life given so that another life could be saved. This was a shadow of what Jesus would do on the cross and now have done. It was effective in teaching and guiding the people and bringing them back to God. In New Testament times, however, Christ’s death became the last sacrifice needed. He took the punishment once and for all for those who trust in Him. Animal sacrifice is no longer required. Now, all people can be freed from the penalty of sin by turning away from their sin, trusting in Jesus, and accepting the forgiveness He offers. Have you turned away from your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Note that modern day sacrifice in terms of tithe, offering, financial support towards God’s work are not enough to save us. See Psalm 51:16, 17.

Food for Thought: Hosea 6:6

Prayer: Help me Lord God to yield my life totally to you instead of depending on sacrifices which cannot win your love.

THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST: Devotion for Tuesday June 14, 2016

     

Text: Galatians 5:24 – 26             Memory verse: v 24

The fruit of the Holy Spirit exemplifies us as Christians. Any professing Christian who doesn’t possess these virtues is mere compromiser and should not be taken seriously. How can a Christian lack love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? If any of these is lacking in your life, then you have either backslidden or you have been compromising. Those who have these are those who actually and really belong to Christ (5:24). Those who are Christ’s have crucified their flesh when they became Christians (Rom 6:3, 4), and it is done continuously (Rom 6:6) so that the Holy Spirit will be able to produce in them the fruits just listed (5:22, 23). It is by faith in Christ that a man becomes dead to a sinful life and rises to a new life of fellowship with Christ (Col. 3:3).

Brethren, if our inner life be in the Spirit; that is, received from the Spirit, sustained by Him, and conformed to Him in character then we should also walk in that Spirit (5:25). Our outward life also should be in the Spirit; in other words, let it be conformed to Christ in character, so that our inward principles and outward conduct shall be in harmony with each other. This, in Paul’s opinion is what it means to belong to Christ. Is your inward and outward life in harmony with that of Christ? Think about it.

Food for Thought: Do you truly belong to Christ in your character?

Prayer: Lord, help me to conform to the image of Christ in my inward and outward character in Jesus name.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: Devotion for Monday June 13, 2016

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: Devotion for Monday June 13, 2016     

Text: Galatians 5:22 – 23      Memory verse: v 22, 23 

The fruit of the Spirit is that which He produces in those who follow His guidance. It is the natural growth and result of the Spirit working in a Christian’s life. The Spirit produces these virtues or character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s controlled life; we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. 

Here, Paul spoke of the works of the flesh as many; but the fruit of the Spirit (9 of them) is spoken of as one, many works, but one fruit. There is such a connection and link of graces, “That although they are distinct in their natures, yet are they inseparable in their subject, pull one link of a chain, and you pull all; so he that has any one spiritual grace in reality, or at least in eminence, cannot be utterly destitute of any other; for where the Holy Spirit is, there cannot be a total defect of any holy grace” so says William Burkett. Is this so in your life as a Christian?

If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow and be seen in us, we must join our lives to His (John 15:4-5). We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law, to love God and our neighbours. Do you have these virtues and qualities in you? If your fruit is seen in some as against some, then there is a problem in your spiritual life. Ask God to help you to bear the fruit of Holy Spirit as expected.

Food for Thought: A society where all people act out these 9 virtues would not need any law again.

Prayer: Lord, help me to bear these fruit of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

MANIFESTING IN THE FLESH: Devotion for Sunday June 12, 2016

MANIFESTING IN THE FLESH: Devotion for Sunday June 12, 2016

Text: Galatians 5:19 – 21    Memory verse: v 19, 20

We all have evil desires, and we can’t ignore them. Pretences can’t help. In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we must deal with them decisively by crucifying them (5:24). These desires include obvious sins, such as sexual immorality and demonic activities. They also include less obvious sins, such as hostility, jealousy, and selfish ambition. Those who ignore such sins or refuse to deal with them reveal that they have not received the gift of the Spirit that leads to a transformed life. Are you one of the people that ignore these sins when they manifest in your life?  

Our fallen human nature (called flesh) betrays itself by the works which a man does. These demonstrate that he is not living under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Paul enumerated seventeen sins, while he listed only nine fruits of the Spirit. Neither list is exhaustive, but both are representative. The Galatia Christians had come out of a pagan background where sensual sins were not only tolerated but encouraged by the pagan priests and rituals. Thus Paul had to deal with this issue in this way so that they will understand the requirements of true Christianity. A life in the flesh will betray and disgrace you. Therefore, beware! Mortify that flesh now.

Food for Thought: Living in the flesh is a way of betraying your Christian faith. 

Prayer: Help me, my Lord and my God, to crucify flesh so that your Spirit will take full control of my life in Jesus name.

GIVE NO ROOM FOR THE FLESH: Devotion for Saturday June 11, 2016

GIVE NO ROOM FOR THE FLESH: Devotion for Saturday June 11, 2016

Text: Galatians 5:16 – 18     Memory verse: v 16

To prevent the afore-mentioned evils in 5:15, Paul exhorted the Galatians to walk in the Spirit, that is, according to the guidance, direction, and influence of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges the great weakness of the Godly, because they are but in part regenerated. His exhortation was a reminder that they are endued with the Spirit of God, who has delivered them from the slavery of sin, and so from the Law, so that they should not give themselves to lusts any more. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God’s Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings. Paul’s emphasis was that they should live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit who will help them control their selfish desires.

Beloved, what Paul is says here is that we should no longer give room to the fleshly desires and lust but rather we should be filled with the Holy Spirit and the word of God. Giving room for the flesh emanates from emptiness and having wrong desires. Walking in our text means living. When we live in the Holy Spirit, we won’t be doing what our sinful nature craves. When we become Christians, our sinful nature still exists. But God asks us to place our sinful nature under the control of the Holy Spirit so that He can transform it. Are you still under the influence of the flesh? Prayerfully place them under the control of the Holy Spirit and He will transform you.

Food for Thought: Romans 13:14

Prayer: God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, crucify the power of flesh and lust in me in Jesus name.

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS: Devotion for Friday June 10, 2016

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS: Devotion for Friday June 10, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 36:25 – 38   Memory verse: v 27

Water is an emblem of the cleansing our impure souls from sin as God promised in 36:25. But no water can do more than take away the filth of the flesh. Water seems in general the sacramental (baptism) sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost in the Old Testament; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of Christ as we have in the New Testament. The beginning of all true reformation is the inward cleansing of the soul by God's Spirit. His power alone can change the heart of stone to flesh. When this is done, men will render willing obedience to all God's statutes and judgments. This act of cleansing with water is the sign or beginning of new life in Christ Jesus as we have in the New Testament.

Have you actually received the sprinkling of this water? If you haven’t received it, you can hardly live a fruitful Christian life. In our bible text, God stated the benefits of having the spiritual cleansing in 36:27–33. List them out. The aftermath of these promises is that God will make His presence and power so manifest in the life of His people, that their enemies shall be compelled to see and acknowledge that He is with them, as their Almighty Friend and Helper. It is my prayer that God will do something in your life this season that will make people around you to say it is good to serve God.

Food for Thought: Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Prayer: Lord God, wash me with the cleansing power in the blood of Jesus that I might have new life in Christ Jesus, Amen

FOR MY NAME SAKE: Devotion for Thursday June 9, 2016

FOR MY NAME SAKE: Devotion for Thursday June 9, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 35:21 – 24         Memory verse: v 22 

When God visits and revives his people after a season of declension, they should remember that He does this, not for their sake, but for the glory of His own name. They deserved only evil at God’s hand. He showed mercy upon them, because He will magnify Himself in their salvation. This is typical nature of God. Paul wrote in Rom 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did that for His own glory not that we actually deserved it. We have not repented when He died for us just like the Israelis did not repent but God chose to bring them back from exile for His name sake.     

There are so many things we do as Christians that we do not even deserve any mercy. There are so many prayers we say and God answers not because we are worthy or righteous to receive answers but because God just want to honour His name. An example is in Num. 20:7–12. God answered Moses by letting water out of the rock to honour His name but that action was offensive against God (Num 20:12). Jesus warned that God will reject some who will come with the claim that they did miracles in His name because they were workers of iniquity (Lk. 13:25 – 28). Therefore, do not boast that God answers you and you perform miracles. Heed the warning in 1 Cor. 10:12.

Food for Thought: Psalm 106:8

Prayer: Lord God, I ask for your grace to remain under your will so that I will not lose my salvation in Jesus name.

THINGS THAT PROVOKE GOD : Devotion for Wednesday June 8, 2016

THINGS THAT PROVOKE GOD : Devotion for Wednesday June 8, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 36:16 – 20                           Memory verse: v 17

One characteristics or nature of God is that He doesn’t punish or restore us without telling us our wrongs. Most cases He sets before us the wrong and its consequences, and the right and its blessings (Lev. 24 and Deut. 28). The scripture has the story of how God spoke about the impending danger on the house of Eli but they did not heed the warning (1 Sam. 2:27–34). Here God told Ezekiel what made Him to drive away the Israelis from their land into exile. This was God’s reason: “When the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds; to me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman in her customary impurity.” These actions of the Israelis were contrary to the covenant they made with God in Sinai when they came out of Egypt. They chose their ways rather than that of God. This was the thing that provoked God’s anger.

Beloved, by virtue of our new birth as Christians, we entered into a new covenant with God. In that New Covenant Jesus Christ commands us to believe in Him and keep His commandment. It was for this reason He gave us the New Commandment that we should love one another as He loved us. Do we keep the commandments as required of us? Do we love one another as He loved us? Failure means that we have chosen our own way as against the ways of God as the Israelis did. By that action, we have severed ourselves from God’s kingdom. Is that your wish and desire?

Food for Thought: Obedience to God is required from us if we hope to have a place in His kingdom

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need, O Lord, to always do things according to your will and not mine in Jesus name.

WHY SUFFER IF GOD IS WITH US: Devotion for Tuesday June 7, 2016

WHY SUFFER IF GOD IS WITH US: Devotion for Tuesday June 7, 2016

Text: Judges 6:11 – 18                  Memory verse:  v 13

Most Christians believe that they can’t suffer if God is with them. But this is not the true case. God was with Joseph even in the prison (Gen 39:23). He was there in the prison with Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25ff). The presence of these men in prison turned out to glorify God and grant them favour as in the case of Joseph. This is what we should understand that suffering, temptation and trials are never signs that God has forgotten us or He is no more with us. When we have this understanding, it will help us to weather all storms of life in faith and optimism that our God will bring us out of them at last.

Gideon queried the angel of the Lord when the angel greeted him saying, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour (6:12b)!" The reaction of Gideon to this greeting did not come from distrust, but from weakness of faith. No man in this life can have a perfect faith because we falter most times: yet the children of God have a enough faith, by which they are justified. This is how most of us react when we hear some preaching about God’s faithfulness while we are suffering from lack, sickness, bondage of Satan, etc. We easily rebuff the message that God cannot be with us and the devil is dealing mercilessly with us. Beloved, remember that God is not unmindful of what we suffer (Ps. 111:5).

Food for Thought: Why do you complain? Did God promise us life free from suffering?

Prayer: Lord, grant me proper understanding of your will for me so that I will not complain over things I pass through in life.

WHEN THEY REMEMBERED GOD: Devotion for Monday June 6, 2016

WHEN THEY REMEMBERED GOD: Devotion for Monday June 6, 2016

Text: Judges 6:7 – 10                    Memory verse: v 7

The best thing to do in time of distress or when we are suffering due to our sins is to remember that God is ever willing to welcome us back to Himself and to forgive us like the Prodigal Son. They remembered God, cried to Him for a deliverer, and He sent them a prophet to teach them. This shows the importance of the word of God in our salvation, deliverance and healing. When God furnishes a land with faithful ministers, it is a token that He has mercy in store for it. He charges them with rebellion against the Lord; he intends to bring them to repentance. Repentance is real when we lament our disobedience and sin. The only hope of deliverance from sin and its consequences is in the Lord; and when people have this understanding, and cry unto Him, He sends help for Christ's sake.

Beloved, are you suffering at this moment? Are you sick, in prison, indebted, etc? Whether it is as a result of your sin or not, the best option you have now is to remember God and go to Him. You can’t heal yourself or deliver yourself from bondage. God is the only one that can help us. Some people query God for abandoning them at the mercies of the devil but are they sure they were not the ones that abandoned God? We should know that God is ever willing to help us but most times it is our sins that forms barrier against God whose righteousness forbids sin (Isa. 59:1 – 2).

Food for Thought: Psalm 60:1 – 3 (The Living Bible)

Prayer: Cause me never to forget you, O Lord, so I will not suffer the consequences of forsaking you in Jesus name.

CONSEQUENCES OF IDOL WORSHIP: Devotion for Sunday June 5, 2016

CONSEQUENCES OF IDOL WORSHIP: Devotion for Sunday June 5, 2016

Text: Judges 6:6     Memory verse: v 6

The situation in the land of Israel at this time was embarrassing. It was the result of their disobedience and sin of Idol worship which God warned them earlier. Sin has it grievous consequences. When the Israelis went out to war against Ai, they were humiliated (Josh.7:1–5). We also know how the Israelis were humiliated in the days of Eli when the Ark of Covenant was seized by the Philistines and God had to fight for Himself (1 Sam. 4:1–11). Sin stays the hand of God from fighting our battles; it stays the hand of God protecting us, from providing for us and from answering our prayers. The land of Israel was impoverished because of the siege from their surrounding neighbours. I can imagine the level of kwashiorkor in that land then.

Beloved, don’t undermine the consequences of sin especially idol worship. God detests idol worship and has vowed to punish people who are involved in it even to the fourth generation. Many of us indulge in willful sin thinking we have time to repent. We should not forget Ananias and Sapphira. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31) because He is a consuming fire. He devours without mercy. It is now we can enjoy His mercy. Therefore, let us not abuse the privilege we have.

Food for Thought: Those that forsake the true God wander endlessly after false ones.

Prayer: God, may I not forsake you and start wandering after idols.

CONSEQUENCES OF GREED: Devotion for Friday June 3, 2016

CONSEQUENCES OF GREED: Devotion for Friday June 3, 2016

Text: 2 Kings 5:20 – 27                  Memory verse: v 27

Naaman didn’t make the mistake of going back to Syria after his miraculous healing. He went back to Elisha as a mark of gratitude for what God of Israel had done for him. He came to offer Elisha his gifts instead of offering them to God. Elisha refused because it will amount to taking the glory of God. Most pastors would gladly hijack such offers and corner them for their personal use. They will easily quote 1 Tim 5:18. While Elisha was rejecting those offers from Naaman, Gehazi, his servant, out of greed, was lusting after those gifts. Thus he went after Naaman to ask for some of those gifts his master rejected. He even went ahead to tell lies in the name of his master. This made it double offence (5:22). Naaman gave him more than he requested for (5:23).

Gehazi never knew that his sins will find him out. Most times when we commit sin and tell lies about them, we easily forget that the Holy Spirit is here with us and can reveal anything we do because He sees us and all we do. Elisha opened his mouth; spoke the word of God and Gehazi became leprous as was Naaman. Compare this to Acts 5:1–5. Greed has grievous consequences. This story is a warning for those who are greedy, priests and their servants. Don’t have an eye on what God has rejected. Be contented with what God has given to you to avoid had I known at the end. What do you think would have been the reaction of Naaman if he hears this story? Your guess is as good as mine. Have a great day.             

Food for Thought: Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction” – Erich Fromm. 

Prayer: God, deliver me from any form of greed in my life in Jesus name.