TITHING (THE COVENANT TO RECEIVE MORE): Devotion for Sunday August 7, 2016

TITHING (THE COVENANT TO RECEIVE MORE): Devotion for Sunday August 7, 2016

Text: Malachi 3:10b – And try me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.                    

Memory verse: v 10b

Outside provision of food for the house of God (the storehouse as we read on Thursday), provision of food/assistance for the less privileged (as we read on Friday) and insurance (as we read on Saturday), another reason why we have to pay tithe is because it is a covenant to receive more from God. He specifically challenged us to try Him about tithe payment. What this implies is that God assures us that He cannot lie (Titus 1:2) nor fail to fulfill what He has said. This is a challenge for us to try God and see if He can fail.

A story was shared by a Pastor of how a man started business with N100, 000:00 (One hundred thousand naira only) and in five years, the business grew to N1trn (One trillion naira). When he was asked about the secret of his sudden transformation and large business empire, he said that since he stated the business, he has been paying 90% gain as his tithe instead of 10% requested by God. And for this, God enlarged his coast and his business became an empire.

The above story confirms our bible reading for today. The above story is not a fable or fiction. God is God of multiplication. He assured us of plenty and increase when we pay our tithe (Prov. 3:10). Family Bible Note opined that “The reason why they (God’s people) so often walk mournfully before Him for a long time and receive no answer, is, that they have, like Ananias and Sapphira, kept back part of the price.” When we meet God with our tithes, He meets us with blessings by giving us more. When we are faithful in doing so, God will be faithful in performing all that He has promised us. My beloved in Christ, please give this a consideration if you have not been doing it and see if God can lie.

Food for Thought: Are you willing to try God by being faithful in your tithe?

Prayer Point: Teach me, O God, to know that all I have are gifts from you and inspire me to use them rightly in Jesus name.

HE IS ALWAYS WITH US

HE IS ALWAYS WITH US         Monday August 24, 2015

Text: Psalm 23:1 – 6                Memory verse: v 4

This Psalm is expression of confidence in God's grace and care. The words of this Psalm are inspirations for us to always express our confidence in the care of our great Pastor, the Redeemer and Preserver of humanity. Here, a shepherd illustrates one who serves as a leader, companion, guide, and provider (Psalms 23:1). The shepherd uses the rod as a weapon of defense to drive off prey and the staff to lean upon as well as to guide straying sheep (Psalms 23:4). The confidence of the Psalmist is that with God, goodness and mercies will be our rear guard. Do you have such confidence?    

For us Christians the valley of the shadow of death will be illuminated with the presence and favor of God so that we can’t fear any evil. You may be facing though times of your life at this moment thinking God has forsaken you. However, be assured that He is always with you (Matthew 28:20).

Food for Thought: Do you have the assurance of His ever presence?

Prayer: Grant O Lord that your presence will always be with me. 

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT: Devotion for Thursday August 13, 2015

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT       Thursday August 13, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:43 – 46        Memory verse: v 45

Here, Jesus pointed out the need for constant vigilance. A homeowner cannot know when a burglar might come to break into his home, so he must stay alert. So it will be with the return of Christ. He will come when we least expected. In ancient times it was a common practice for masters to put one servant in charge of all the household business. The servant, described as faithful and sensible, parallels the disciples, who were given unprecedented responsibility by Jesus. Yet it also describes those appointed to positions of leadership in the church who should be found faithfully carrying out their duties when Jesus (the Master) returns. These servants will be given great rewards.

How vigilant are you as you expect the return of Christ? Jesus asks us to spend the time of waiting taking care of His people and doing His work here on earth, both within the church and outside it. This is the best way to prepare for Christ’s return. Will Jesus find you faithful in your call as a Pastor, Teacher, Civil Servant, Public Servant, Trader, Artisan, etc when He returns?

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 4:2

Prayer: God, help me to remain faithful and wise in my call in Jesus name

TO DECEIVE THE ELECT

TO DECEIVE THE ELECT              Sunday May 3, 2015

Text: Matthew 24:23 – 27            Memory verse: v 24

One thing that present day Christians should be asking from God on daily basis is the gift of discernment so that they will not be deceived. Proliferation of Churches had assumed an alarming rate that the trend has left many questions in the minds of people who know what Church is really meant to be. Many of these churches were formed by agents of Satan for ulterior motives. Their sole aim is to deceive people.

A man got missing but after many months, resurfaced and became a Pastor performing miracles for people. Miracle workers are common in most churches today with the aim of deceiving people and making them loose focus on Christ. This warning about the end time should make every serious minded Christian to be very cautious.

As a child of God, how do you assess who is genuine or not? Do you just believe whatever someone says is from God? God is not author of confusion and can never contradict Himself. He has given us all that we need to enable us stand (Ephesians 4:11 – 14; Hebrews 13:9). We should be deeply rooted in Christ (Colossians 1:23; 2:6, 7). The Bible urges us to test every spirit to know who is real or not (1 John 4:1).

Food for Thought: 1 John 4:1

Prayer: God, grant me discretionary spirit so that I will not be deceived.

THEY CROWDED HIM

THEY CROWDED HIM                                    Monday March 30, 2015

Text:  Luke 8:42                                                  Memory verse: v 42      

Out of compassion, Jesus went with Jairus to heal the daughter. On their way, people crowded Jesus which led to the miracle of healing the woman with the flow of blood (Luke 8:43). When Christ was going, the people thronged him, some out of curiosity to see him, others out of affection for Him. The crowd pressed together on Him; some to know Him, some to see what He will do, some to see if He can actually raise Jairus daughter. These were some of the reasons they crowded him. Those who came with faith were blessed.

Today, many people are crowding churches; some to see the Pastor, some because they were born into the church, some to see miracles and some because they want to hear God’s word and worship Him. Thronging churches because you need miracles is a wrong step towards knowing God. It is the word of God that brings miracle (Psalm 107:20). Beloved, what is your reason for attending that church programme? Is it because the Pastor performs miracle or you want to know God the more?

Food for thought: Do you come to Jesus out of curiosity or affection?

Prayer: God, grant that miracle will not be the reason that will make me run from church to church rather make my faith stronger in Jesus name.