Ignorance Hinders Blessing: Devotion for Thursday June 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday June 11, 2020

Topic: Ignorance Hinders Blessing                   

Text: 2 Kings 5:9 – 12                                    

Elisha knew Naaman to be a proud man, and he would let him know, that before the great God all men stand upon the same level. Every commandment from God is always aimed at testing the spirit in us. Most times the spirit in us is usually rebellious to the laws of God. Thus denying us the blessings that would have followed total obedience.

The best place to grow second income

Naaman, a great hero, was used to getting respect, and this time he didn’t get it and he was outraged when Elisha treated him like an ordinary person. This is usually expectations of those who are proud. They expect everybody to worship and honour them. As a proud man, he expected royal treatment. He was ignorant of the fact that God is no respecter of any person (Acts 10:34). Thus God’s instruction here was to humble him because a proud man has no place in God’s plan and purposes.

To wash in a great river would be one thing, but the Jordan was small and dirty. To wash in the Jordan, Naaman thought, was beneath a man of his position. But Naaman had to humble himself and obey Elisha’s commands in order to be healed.

Obedience to God begins with humility. We must believe that His way is better than our own. We may not always understand His ways of working, but by humbly obeying, we will receive His blessings. We must remember that; (1) God’s ways are the best,

(2) God wants our obedience more than anything else and

(3) God can use anything to accomplish His purposes.

Beloved, do not allow pride and ignorance to hinder your blessings. There is substitute to humility.

Food for Thought: Every commandment from God is always aimed at testing the spirit in us.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 5:12 

Prayer: Almighty God, heal me of any atom of proud spirit in me. Grant me spirit of humility and obedience to your commandments in Jesus name. 

Fools Reject Wisdom: Devotion for Thursday June 4, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday June 4, 2020

Topic: Fools Reject Wisdom                         

Text: Proverbs 1:7 – 9                                 

It is a fool that says there is no God and rejects wisdom. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to acquire wisdom. In this age of information technology, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord; to honour and respect God, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word.

Fools are persons who have no true wisdom, who follow their own devices, without regard to reason, or reverence for God. Anyone who truly wants to be wise must begin by devoting himself/herself to God's service and making His word the rule of his/her life.

5 Tactics to improve the reputation of your online business

Many reject wisdom directly and indirectly today. Some reject wisdom by their refusal to believe in God and study His word. Many reject wisdom when they refuse to heed to the teaching from the scriptures. It is important to remind ourselves about the essence of the scriptures and benefits derivable from them as in 2 Timothy 3:15 and 16.

As true Christians we should have implicit faith in God which should be the controlling principle for our understanding of the world, our attitudes, and our actions. Trust in God, He will make you truly wise.

Food for Thought: Psalm 53:1                               

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:7                                          

Prayer: God, help me not to reject wisdom by refusing to accept the truth in your word.

Obey Even When It Hurts: Devotion for Friday April 24, 20202

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday April 24, 2020

Topic: Obey Even When It Hurts                                 

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14

Abraham learnt many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. Some of them were when he was called out of Ur; when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises.

That was the reason God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (see Hebrews 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief agony. However Abraham obeyed, giving Isaac at his own hurt and God honoured his faith.

Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. In what ways might God be testing your faith? Are you willing to obey Him even when it will hurt you? Such obedience is what God requires from us – Obedience at all cost.  

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey God even when it hurts.

Memory verse: Hebrew 11:17 

Prayer: 1. God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

2. Pray for my wife and I as we mark our 20th Wedding Anniversary today, April 24.

Isaac Sowed

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Saturday January 5

Topic: Isaac Sowed

Text: Genesis 26:12 – 14                           

The instruction God gave Isaac in Genesis chapter 26 verses 2 and 3 was "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.” Isaac obeyed and stayed in Gerar (Genesis 26:6). He didn’t just stay, waiting for fulfillment of God’s promise. He sowed in the land where he was a stranger and God blessed him 100 times more than what he sowed. The blessing attracted envy of his landlords the Philistines (Genesis 26:7). They made Isaac go out of their country. Wisdom teaches us to give up our right, and to draw back from contentions. If we are wrongfully driven from one place, the Lord will make room for us in another. So it was in the case of Isaac. He left without contending with them and that attracted God’s favour the more. This should be a great lesson for us.

One thing we should understand in this text is that Isaac didn’t wait for God’s blessings as promised to start manifesting. He went ahead to do something for himself. It was what he was doing that God blessed and he prospered therein. God has promised to bless us in this New Year. But we still have a part to play in bringing the promises to fulfillment. When God provided manna, He kept them outside and not inside their tent. He could have sent them into their tents but not so because He wanted to teach them that they have a part to play in bringing their blessings to fulfillment. Again it was to test their obedience. Isaac obeyed God and stayed in Gerar when God blessed him and he prospered. How obedient are you to God’s instructions and how prepared are you to obey him this year and beyond?

Food for Thought: How prepared are you to obey God and sow seeds that will last for you?

Memory verse: Genesis 26 v 12

Prayer: Lord, teach me to sow seeds because without sowing my seeds, I will not reap.

Obey, Even When It Hurts

Devotion for Tuesday May 22, 2018

Topic: Obey, Even When It Hurts

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14    

Abraham, through the years, learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises. That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but he wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (see Hebrews 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However Abraham obeyed, giving his son at his own hurt and God honoured his faith. Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey, trusting God as we try to see what He is teaching us. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. Is God testing your faith? Then sing SS&S 642

Action: As you go out, be determined to obey God even if it will hurt you.

Memory verse: Genesis 22:9 

Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

There Are Rewards For Sin

Devotion for Tuesday April 3, 2018

Topic: There Are Rewards For Sin

Text: Romans 6:12 – 23

After the admonition to walk in newness of life by Paul as we read yesterday, he went further to speak about the just reward for sin. By just reward, he means that punishment which is right for a sinner who continues to live in sin. He started by saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (6:12). That was a conclusion of his exhortation in Romans 6:1 – 11. He gave this charge because of the consequences and reward for sin. Most people play with sin as if it has no consequence. If we are dead to sin, how can sin still control us? Christians ought to die to sin, but as long as they live in their mortal bodies, they will have the compulsion to sin. But it is expected that we should develop the willpower to no longer let it control us. Worthy of note is the question in Romans 6:15. Refusal to obey the law in pretence of being under grace and still living in sin is turning the grace of God into wantonness. We shouldn’t use our Christian liberty as an occasion to satisfy the desires of the flesh. This reward of sin is not just physical death; everyone dies physically, believers and nonbelievers alike. This refers to eternal separation from God in hell. This is the wage that a person receives for his or her rebellion against God. But instead of wages, those who believe receive a free gift from God, eternal life. Just as the laborer is worthy of his hire and feels it to be his due, so death is the due for sin, the wages the sinner has formed for himself. The good news is that God has offered us eternal life as a gift. Have you received yours?

Sing A&M 87; Abu 173

Food for Thought: Are you working for a wage or gift from God?

Memory verse: Romans 6:23

Prayer: God your gift for me is eternal life. Grant that I will not miss out in Jesus name.

Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Devotion for Friday March 23, 2018

Topic: Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14                

Moses took only 14 verses in this chapter to explain obedience which is a secret to abundance (blessings) life and used the remaining 54 verses of this chapter to speak about disobedience and its consequences (curses). Why did he spend so much time talking about disobedience? He did that because human nature is always inclined to sin and disobedience. 

Moses was emphatic that obedience is the very key (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2) to assessing the numerous blessing mentioned in Deuteronomy 28: 3 – 14. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. God requires them live righteously in their families and nation at large, and then by God’s providence all their outward concerns would prosper. This is God’s assurance of His blessing upon His people. Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after them, and shall be thrown into their laps by God’s special kindness because they are His people who obey His voice. 

Naturally, there is the tendency to bless those who obey us and this is same with God. How obedient are you to God’s commandments? Do you make light of them? Remember that just as the whole destiny of Israelites was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary, so it has been laid out for us. Make the right choice now. 

Sing SS&S 493; Abu 175

Food for Thought: Only he who believes is obedient and only he, who is obedient, believes.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 28:2

Prayer: God, I need the grace to obey your commandments which is a prerequisite for abundant blessing in Jesus name.

Excuses Don’t Move God

Devotion for Thursday March 15, 2018

Topic: Excuses Don’t Move God

Text: Exodus 3:7 – 15                                 

Don’t you just hate it when people make excuses? Most of us do. Excuses mean that somebody is trying to avoid responsibility, some job or task that rightly belongs to that person but which he or she considers too inconvenient to do. On the surface the excuse may look right, but closer examination can reveal major flaws in the argument just as we have in the case of Moses in today’s bible reading.

Moses made excuses because he felt inadequate for the job that God asked him to do (Exodus 3:10ff). It was natural for him to feel that way, because he was inadequate all by himself. But God wasn’t asking Moses to work alone. He offered other resources to help (God himself, Aaron, and the ability to do miracles). God often calls us to perform tasks that seem too difficult, but He doesn’t ask us to do them alone. God offers us His resources, just as He did to Moses.

We should not hide behind our inadequacies, as Moses did, but look beyond ourselves to God’s great available resources. Then we can allow him to empower our unique contributions. What has God asked you to do? What excuses are you using to avoid this responsibility and work? Obey God by stepping out in faith. He will give you the resources to do His work.

Sing SS&S 601

Food for Thought: Do you hide behind your inadequacies to give excuses on why you shouldn’t do what God is asking you to do?

Memory verse: Exodus 3:11

Prayer: My God, make my inadequacies adequate for your services in Jesus name. Amen.

Simple Requirements

Devotion for Saturday July 29, 2017

Topic: Simple Requirements

Text: Deuteronomy 10:12 – 18

God repeatedly told the Israelites the necessity of love that comes from the heart in their relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 4:29 and 6:5). He did not want His people to substitute their heartfelt love for Him with mere outward religious forms. Outward obedience and correct religious practices have validity and significance only if they are based on knowing Jesus Christ. It was necessary that they always obey God from a heart of sincere love and honour for Him. To the New Testament believers, faith and love from the heart are also essential in our relationship with God (John 21:15 and Colossians 3:4).

Here in our bible reading for the day, Moses gave a summary of what God expects from the Israelites. They are simple in form and easy to remember. The basics are;

1) That they should fear God (have reverence for Him)

2) That they should live according to His will

3) That they should love Him

4) That they should worship Him with all their hearts and souls.

5) That they should obey His commands.

These essential commands from God do not require money that they cannot afford. These same requirements are what God expects from us too. They are unchanging patterns of life that we should adapt to. The fear of God brings satisfaction, perfection and gives wisdom. To love God is to obey His commands (John 14:15). For all repentance and deliverance from sin ad transgression, God requires nothing but to turn to Him and begin to obey Him. If you are still living in sin, do that now and have your peace.

Food For Thought: Deuteronomy 6:5

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 10:12

Prayer: Lord, may I know what is required of me in my Christian race so that I may run according to your standard and rule and at the end win the prize in Jesus name.

How To Be Privy To God’s Secret

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday July 19, 2017

Topic: How To Be Privy To God’s Secret

Text: Genesis 18:17

Friends and loved ones share secrets. It takes people who have given themselves to each other to know the deep things about one another. You cannot meet someone for the first time and start telling the person about your life and some secrets about yourself. The intimacy would have grown or developed before you open up.

David and Jonathan son of Saul were two great friends (1 Samuel 18:1). Jonathan revealed his father’s plan to kill David to him (1 Samuel 19:2) because they were true friends.

Abraham found favour in the eyes of God and their friendship grew in lips and bounds. God spoke with him and always direct him on what to do. God didn’t want to hide anything from Abraham because he had endeared himself to Him for some reasons.

(1) Abraham had a covenant with God (Genesis 17:2)

(2) Abraham obeyed God and kept to the terms of the covenant (Hebrews 11:8)

(3) God saw the faithfulness of his heart

(4) God saw that Abraham would certainly pass on to his generations unborn the mysteries of God (Genesis 18:17)

God charged us in Jeremiah 33:3 to call to Him and He will reveal thing we do not know. God can reveal His secrets to s when we are in right relationship with Him. What is your relationship with God? Do you obey His words and faithfully walk with Him? To be privy of heaven’s decision and plans, you should befriend God, having constant fellowship with Him.

Food For Thought: Those who live in communion with God will always have insight into the present and future.

Memory verse: Genesis 18:17

Prayer: Lord God, draw me closer and closer to yourself daily and always reveal to me your will for my life in Jesus name.

Obeying God Courageously

Synopsis of My Sermon at Cathedral Church of St. Peter Asaba today 16th July, 2017

Topic: Obeying God Courageously           

Text: Act 5: 26 – 29

Food for Thought: A true disciple of Christ, in all things denies his own will, however pleasing, and does the will of God, however painful.

Introduction: Obedience is doing what God says not counting the cost or implications. It was Emmons in PowerBible Online that said, “Obedience to God is the most infallible evidence of sincere and supreme love for him.” We have so many passages in the scriptures of men and women that were courageous in obeying God. Abraham (Genesis 22:1 – 3), Daniel and 3 Hebrew friends, Mary, mother of Jesus and the Apostles as we have in Acts 5:17 – 32 as examples.

Development: In our text is a challenging story for Christians of today. Since I became a Christian, I have never seen Christians as fearful as what we have in this decade. I always wonder where we have kept Christ our Saviour. The Apostles were remanded in prison for preaching and doing miracles in the name of Jesus. But an angel of God opened the prison and brought them out with the command to go back and continue preaching. They obeyed God’s instruction through the angel and went back to preach. If it were you and I of this generation, we will not go back again. These Apostles knew there was danger in facing the Chief priest and Sadducees that crucified Jesus Christ. If they could arrest and crucified Jesus, their case would have been a small one but that didn’t deter them. We know how the story ended.

Ø  It takes faith to obey God courageously as we have in the case of these Apostles, Abraham, Daniel, etc. This implies that courageous obedience is the fruit of faith. If your faith is not strong you cannot obey God fully and courageously. An example of this is in payment of tithe. If you don’t have faith, you won’t believe that your salary will be enough for you and your family for the month.  

Ø  Courageous obedience goes with conflicts, trials and temptations. We know the case of Job that it was his resolve to obey God that made Satan to afflict him with sickness. We know what the resolve of Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego led to. What of Daniel, Jeremiah and others? That we have conflicts, temptations and trials going with courageous obedience doesn’t mean that we should be scare of obeying God.

Ø  Courageous obedience attracts God’s intervention and blessings. We saw it in the case of Abraham, Jeremiah, Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego, and the Apostles. In the case of Abraham, God said, "By myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son - blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Note also the aftermath of the deliverance of Daniel from Lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the burning furnace. God does not only intervene, He also blesses us when we obey Him courageously.    

Application: Beloved, obedience to God is a command. Seneca Snr says, “We are born subjects and to obey God is perfect liberty. He that does this shall be free, safe and happy.” You can only find peace and be at liberty when you courageously obey and serve God. It is also a way to reach our desired goals in life. Today, many people are living in fear and can notice that in their prayers which are targeted against the enemies instead of asking for the blessings of God. Look at the example of the apostles! They didn’t begin to bind the powers of Chief Priest and Sadducees rather they asked for more boldness to preach the gospel.

Conclusion: Fear is evidence of love for the things of the world while courageous obedience is an evidence of a crucified life. Have you been crucified with Christ? If yes, continue to live for him without counting the cost or implications. If not, know that you are in danger and needs repentance. Today, as you accept Jesus into your life as Lord and Saviour, He will grant you the courage to live for Him and to obey Him.  

Let us pray: Thank God for His word. If you are here and you haven’t made Jesus your Lord and Saviour, pray and ask God to forgive you, accept Him into your life and ask Him to grant you the grace to live for and obey Him courageously henceforth. If you have been obeying God, ask for grace to continue to obey Him.

NB: DEAR READER, IF YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND YOU ARE TOUCHED TO DO SO NOW, SAY THIS PRAYER:

Lord God, I come to you this day. I have been living in sin but your word has touched my heart. I repent of my sin. I acknowledge that I am responsible for my sinfulness. Have mercy upon me and forgive all my sins. Today, I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. Lord Jesus Christ, forgive my sins and blot out my name from the book of death and write my name in the life. Grant me the grace I need to live for you especially the grace to obey courageously. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

You can reach me for counseling and prayers on this place or write to me on morgantabu@yahoo.co.uk and I will arrange a chat with you. God bless you and have a great week.

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday July 13, 2017

Topic: A Delightful Land

Text: Malachi 3:9 -12

In our text is one of the blessings God has promised us when we honour Him with our tithes and offering (Malachi 3:9 – 12). Read through the passage and find out other blessings that go with tithing and offering. He assured that when Israel obey His word and honour Him with their tithes and offering, He would do great things amongst them which people would see and call their land delightsome.

What God promised was a peculiar blessing upon His people which would make their land a resemblance of Paradise, the garden of the Lord, Eden. When people begin to do what is expected, they will become delightsome. The period Malachi wrote this prophecy was a period of decay in the life of the Jews. They were actually waiting for the coming of the Messiah but not ready to comply with God’s demands hence, Malachi 3:1 – 3, 5 stated so. Is it similar to what we have today? Do a comparison of Malachi’s period and our present day society (Christianity).  

Beloved, has God made you a delight for people around you? Are there evidences of God’s delight in your affairs? Probably, you have not cared to obey God and live out His commandments.  That could be the reason why there are no evidences that God delights in you.

These are some of the things that will make God and people to delight in you: having the fear of God, wisdom from God, blessings of God, when you love peace, righteousness and charity. God can make you a delight only when you delight in Him also (Psalm 1:2, 37:4 and 119:92). When we honour God, He reciprocates. Begin to do that today.

Food for Thought: Total obedience to God brings blessings and makes us a delight

Memory verse: Malachi 3:12

Prayer: Lord, may I delight in you always so that you will bless me and make me a delight in the eyes of the world.

Honour For Parents

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 27, 2017

Topic: Honour For Parents

Text: Exodus 20:12

Happy Children day to all our children! Honouring our parents is very important commandment that no one should despise. The reason is simple; it is one of the prerequisites for long life; the only commandment with a promise attached to it (Ex. 20:12b & Eph. 6:2). Parents as used here do not mean our biological parents only but all elders and people authority in the society and the church. By honour, it means we should esteem them both inwardly and outwardly. It demands that we should also fear (Lev. 19:3) and reverence them (Heb. 12:9). Above all it demands obedience to their lawful commands (Eph. 6:1 – 3).

The command to obey parents places a demand on children to come when they call them; go where they send them, do what they bid them and never do what they forbid them. Honour also involves submission to their rebukes, instructions and corrections, endeavouring in everything to make their old age easy for them; maintaining them if they are in need of your support. From the above we can deduce that children as used here do not necessarily mean infants but as many as have parents.

Children are commanded to obey their parents (Deut. 5:16 & Eph. 6:2). However, parents should also be models and good examples for their children to emulate. Do you live well as a parent? Children, do you honour your parents? Know that the long life you will enjoy depends on how much you honour your parents. Happy children’s day celebrations!

Food for Thought: Colossians 3:20

Memory verse: Exodus 20 verse 12

Prayer: Lord, help me to honour my parents and all in authority as expected.

No More Debtors To The Flesh

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday May 7, 2017

Topic: No More Debtors To The Flesh

Text: Romans 8:10 – 15        

Debtor is noun form of debt. Debt is an obligation, duty, responsibility or commitment. Living in the flesh has never conferred upon us any real good, but always injury. Paul tells us that we are no longer under obligation to the flesh. The flesh or carnal nature in Christians died at repentance and thus we are no longer under obligation to obey its dictates (Rom. 6:11 – 12). His emphasis is that we are to refuse the drives and desires of our crucified sinful nature, to say no to worldly passions and ungodliness. The old, sinful nature may present its demands, based on our past, but we have no obligation to obey.

There are great privileges for us as Christians if only we will obey the dictates of the Spirit. As many as will walk according to the dictates of the spirit, will always see the great manifestation of God. Being debtors to the flesh encompasses depending on your strength, trusting humans and refusing to acknowledge God as indispensable and one you can’t do without. It will actually be suicidal to live in the flesh in this age where everything points to the end time. Always apply the words of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32: 8. Know that the enemies who may come to you are with arm of flesh and will all fail but our God can never fail us.

Food for Thought: Romans 8: 6

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 12

Prayer: Lord, help me to never to live in the flesh or obey its desires. 

Obey God Rather Than Men

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 25, 2017

Topic: Obey God Rather Than Men

Text: Acts 4:19 – 22     

One of the commands the disciples received from Christ at His ascension was to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The death and resurrection of Christ convinced them about the truth of the gospel which they should testify to people. As the council demanded that they should stop preaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and John did not waste time in rejecting any such ban on speaking in the name of Jesus, saying it is better to obey God rather than men.

What the response of the apostles means is that the members of the council are at odd with the will of God which is to obey Him rather than men. Thus they asked the council members to judge whether they should obey the council’s orders or God’s. Being with Jesus had actually transformed their lives because they lived with Him; witnessed His resurrection and experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. These had tremendous effect on them so they asserted that they cannot stop speaking about the things they have seen and heard. The response from the disciple was act of courage which can only come from someone filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are times we face such challenges. We may be tempted to yield to such challenge but here is an example for us to follow. Do not give in to such challenges because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. We should choose to obey God no matter what the threat will be. God was with the Apostles and He will be with you if you stand for Him. Obeying Him will bring blessings and peace rather than obeying men.

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey and please God in all things rather than men.

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 19

Prayer: Lord God, help me to obey and please you instead of men in Jesus name. Amen.

THE TRUE RELIGION: Devotion for Wednesday October 5, 2016

THE TRUE RELIGION: Devotion for Wednesday October 5, 2016

Text: James 1:26 – 27    Memory verse: James 1 v 27

In our text, James speaks of a relationship with God where He is allowed to direct the terms of our behaviour. To him, this is pure and lasting religion. James explains religion in terms of practical service and personal purity that is by its fruits. According to his explanation, true religion has two sides: first, that of love and mercy; secondly, that of purity from worldly defilement. Rituals done with reverence are not wrong; but if the person still refuses to obey God in daily life by living out his faith, his religion will not be accepted by God.

However, it is pertinent to note that pure and lasting religion is not perfect observance of rules and observances; instead, it is a spirit that pervades our hearts and lives (Leviticus 19:18 and Isaiah 1:16-17). Like Jesus, James explains religion in terms of a vital inner faith that acts itself out in daily life. Our conduct must be in keeping with our faith (1 Corinthians 5:8).

Worthy of note here is the fact that those with pure and lasting religion will refuse to let the world corrupt them. Are you one of those people who will not allow the world to corrupt you? To keep ourselves from being corrupted by the world, we need to commit ourselves to Christ’s ethical and moral standard, and system, not the world’s standard (Romans 12:2). We are not to adapt to the world’s value system like money, power, and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values. What is your position? Don’t allow your faith to be contaminated with values of money, power, pleasures, politics, etc.

Food for Thought: Have you allowed the world to corrupt you or you are still following Christ’s standard? 

Prayer: Lord God, grant that my religion will not be that of confession alone but of purity, love and mercy in Jesus name.

OBEY EVEN WHEN IT HURTS: Devotion for Wednesday April 20, 2016

OBEY EVEN WHEN IT HURTS: Devotion for Wednesday April 20, 2016              

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14    Memory verse: v 9                   

Abraham, through the years, learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises. That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (Heb 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However Abraham obeyed, even at his own hurt and God honoured his faith.

Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey, trusting God as we try to see what He teaches us. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. In what ways might God be testing your faith?

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey God even when it hurts. 

Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.