Pull Down Walls: Devotion for Tuesday August 4, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday August 4, 2020

Topic: Pull Down Walls                                  

Text: Ephesians 2:14 – 22                              

Jesus Christ made peace between God and us by the sacrifice of Himself on the Cross of Calvary. In every sense, Christ is our Peace, the author, centre, and substance of our being at peace with God and of our union with the Jewish believers in one church.

In the process of dying for us, Christ has destroyed the barriers people build between themselves. Because these walls have been removed, we can have real unity with people who are not like us. This is true reconciliation.

Because of Christ’s death for our sins, we are all one (Ephesians 2:14); our hostility against each other has been put to death (Ephesians 2:16); we can all have access to the Father by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18); we are no longer strangers or foreigners to God (Ephesians 2:19); and we are all being built into a holy temple with Christ as our Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 21). What a privilege and honour!

The middle wall of separation alludes to the wall in the Jewish temple that separated the court of the Gentiles from the holy place occupied by the Jews. A Gentile who was caught going beyond this wall was killed (see Acts 21:28, 29).

Today most of us Christians are still building walls that Christ pulled down through segregation, despising others, feeling superior because we have one gift or another, etc. Can you mention some other ways we still build walls? Instead of building bridges to link one another, we are building wall and barriers. We should be like Christ in reconciling people to God (2 Corinthians 5:18) instead of sending them away with our quirk character and perceived spiritual birth.  

Food for Thought: In what ways are you building walls against fellow Christians and unbelievers?

Memory verse: Ephesians 2:14     

Prayer: Lord God, I repent of my actions which are barriers to people who want to repent and come to you.

Pursue Peace with all Men: Devotion for Tuesday January 14 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 14 2020

Topic: Pursue Peace with all Men                                           

Text: Hebrews 12:12 – 17

There are many things God expects from us as Christian. These expectations are His standard and should be strictly adhered to. Anything short of that expectation will definitely become a hindrance to our qualification for heaven not minding the level we professed Christianity. Two of the expectations; pursuing peace and holiness are in our bible reading for today. 

We are exhorted to strengthen one another because burden of affliction is apt to make the Christian's hands hang down, and his knees grow feeble, to dispirit him and discourage him. It is our duty to help fellow Christians when they are weak.

Again, we must try to live in peace with everyone. We should have peaceful relations as possible with our unbelieving neighbours and associates, as well as harmonious relationships within the church. In addition to seeking peace, Christians must also seek to live a holy life. 
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Holiness means devoted or consecrated to God’s service. In a practical way, our holiness means honouring God in how we treat others; friends, neighbours, spouse, children, even enemies and in how we run our businesses, finances, etc. Holiness causes the behaviour, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians to be different from unbelievers. 

Our holiness, provided for us by the death and resurrection of Christ, will allow us to see the Lord as He really is, when we go to be with Him forever. Do you desire to see God? Then you pursue peace and holiness.

Action: If there is anyone who has offended you or you have offended, go and make peace with the person today.

Memory verse: Romans 12:18

Prayer: Lord God, help me to live in peace and holiness in Jesus name.

You Alone Are God

Devotion for Saturday June 23, 2018

Sing Ancient & Modern (Revised) 372; Abu 8

Topic: You Alone Are God

Text: 2 Kings 19:14 – 19

There is no controversy as to who the God we serve is. No matter the idea people may express of what they feel or think about God of Israel, He remains the only God who should be worshipped and feared. Despite all conspiracies against the present day Israel, there is no nation that can be compared with Israel in terms of excellence, fruitfulness, breakthrough in science and agriculture. For this reason, no nation on earth has won Noble Price on Science more than Israel. The total Nobel Peace Prize won by Israel as at 2010 was 129. Amazing you will say!

Our God is God of war and He is able to do anything He purposes. Hezekiah knew this too well and in this prayer, he acknowledged that He alone is God who protects His name and His people. He noted that the nations Assyrians destroyed do not have Him that was why they succeeded. He called on God to arise and save Israel so the world will know that He alone is God. Proper understanding of our God can help us to appropriate to ourselves the benefits in the New Covenant we have with Him. Even in the Old Covenant days, Hezekiah knew what God of Israel can do hence he didn’t hesitate in going to Him. Beloved, we should know the God we serve. He is not a man. He is Omnipotent. He has full control over the whole earth and can turn situations into our favour.

What are the challenges of life you are going through this moment? God alone has control over those challenges and He will bring you out of them as you call on Him today.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 44:6

Memory verse: 2 Kings 19:15

Prayer: Grant me the understanding, O God, that you alone are God beside you there is no other god.

Christianity Breaks Barriers

Devotion for Tuesday August 15, 2017

Topic: Christianity Breaks Barriers

Text: John 4:4 – 15

The ancestors of the Samaritans were introduced into the land of Israel by the King of Assyria, after he had led the ten tribes into captivity (2 Kings 17:24 – 41). When the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon and began to rebuild their temple, the Samaritans asked for permission to build with them, and when this was refused, an enmity arose between the two people which never died out (Ezra 4:1 – 5; Nehemiah 2:10; 4:1 – 3).

There was no familiarity nor friendship between Jews and Samaritans before Jesus came into the world. However, this may not affect business as the disciples of Jesus Christ had gone to buy food in the town. This woman of Samaria knew that Jesus was a Jew. The antipathy between the Jews and Samaritans was so bitter that they will never want to ask any hospitable rite. The woman’s reply is not a refusal of the Jesus’ request anyway, but an expression of astonishment that a Jew should ask a favour of a Samaritan. However, Jesus had come to set example for us that Christianity should break barriers, build bridges and not walls.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:24; Luke 6:27 and 35). Jesus did not want to follow the status quo maintained by His people. He was distinct and that is what He expects from us. A Christian shouldn’t join his/her family to maintain enmity with another family. Do you use your Christianity to break barriers and mend fences? Do you seek for avenues to reconcile people in enmity? This is what Christianity is all about; making peace and reconciling people, and people with God (2 Corinthians 5:17 – 19 and Matthew 5:9).

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 5:18

Memory verse: John 4:9

Prayer: Lord God, make me an instrument of peace in my generation in Jesus name.

An Encouragement For Us

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 3, 2017 

Topic: An Encouragement For Us

Text: John 16:33

Jesus summarizes His teaching with an encouragement to His disciples by saying that they will enjoy peace through their union with Him because He would overcome the world by rising from the dead. The world and Satan are opposed to God and will definitely give Christians many trials and sorrows. But Jesus has defeated Satan, won the victory, and overcome the world. Jesus asserts that in the world His disciples will have problem but He also gave a remedy to the world’s problem which He says is peace in Him; the serenity of mind, a quiet and calm spirit within. This is the proffered solution to the troubles of the world. Jesus tied together themes from 14:27-29, 16:1-4, and 16:9-11.

With the words in John 16:33, He told His disciples to take courage because despite the inevitable resistance they would face, He would be with them. As the Father did not leave Him alone, so He will not abandon us to our struggles either. Christ's blood has purchased peace for us.

Many of us are currently facing diverse challenges which include sickness, imprisonment, marital problems, hunger, challenges from people of different faiths, etc. This was predicted long before now. All we can do is to have the assurance Jesus gave us in our text behind our minds. He will not forsake you. Allow the inner peace which comes from knowing that He is always there for us, fill your heart. That was what sustained me while I battled for life. God will do it for you too.

Food for Thought: I John 5:4

Memory verse: John 16 verse 33b

Prayer: Lord God, let your words of encouragement cheer me up in time of difficulties of life.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Devotion for Wednesday December 21, 2016

Topic: BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS  

Text: Matthew 5 verse 9                         

God is the author of peace and lover of concord. This informs His decision to come down to the earth to die for us. He desires us to live peaceful with one another. This made Jesus to speak peace to His disciples on many occasions. In John 14:27a, He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” He also urged us to speak peace to any home we are entering (Matthew 10:13). In John 20:21, Jesus commissioned His disciples with peace.

From the above, it is pertinent to note that peace is very vital in our daily lives. Jesus asserts that peacemaking is a character found in God and if anyone follows after that, it means such person is a child of God. When Christ came, He made peace with His blood on the cross and reconciled the enemies of God through His death (Ephesians 2:14–18). Our justification grants us peace and makes us peace makers through the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).

There is a connection between purity of heart and peacemaking. Here in our text is a challenge for us to love peace, and to labour after peace. We are to promote it amongst others; to become, not only peaceable, but peace-makers. How peaceable are you in your office, school, etc or as a boss, parent, and teacher in relation to your subordinates? It is only when we are peaceable (Hebrews 12:14) that we can truly be, peacemakers. Today, I challenge you to go out to that person that offended you or you offended to make peace. This may be your last opportunity. Don’t procrastinate about it.     

Food for Thought: Psalm 34:14

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 9

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

WHEN YOUR WAY PLEASES GOD

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2016

WHEN YOUR WAY PLEASES GOD            

Text: Proverbs 16:7                          

Have you ever wondered why people look up themselves on the mirror after dressing and want to go out? It is because we want people to like us and we can do anything possible to please them in order to win their approval. We wear make-up, perfume, good clothes and shoes, etc just to appeal to people. That is the extent we can go to get the approval of man. Unfortunately, the energy we channel towards trying to please men is not channeled towards pleasing God.

God requires us to channel all our energy and the resources at our disposal into pleasing Him for it is the only way to guarantee our peace with people including our enemies. How can we please the Lord? List some ways you can please the Lord in your study note for future references. Adam Clarke said something interesting about this our text. He asserts that “God is the guardian and defence of all that fear and love Him; and it is truly astonishing to see how wondrously God works in their behalf, raising them up friends, and turning their enemies into friends.” Isn’t this very interesting that God works in our favour and turning our enemies into our friends? This should make us to please Him the more with our lives, our time and our resources.  

Does it costs anything to please God and do you think you will lose in doing so?  Absolutely nothing and no loss! Rather, it comes with unspeakable blessings, which are uncommon. In 1 John 3:22, we have a reward for pleasing God. Again, Jesus Christ, our example said something challenging in John 8:29. Find out what He said in that bible passage. When any of our children do what is pleasing to us we can do anything for them. So it is with God. Remember the case of Herod who granted the desire of the daughter for dancing by beheading John the Baptist. If Herod can go to that level to please fellow human being, how much more God; who have heaven and earth at his disposal? Determine to please God from today and He will command love to flow from your enemies.

Food for Thought: Does it actually cost anything to please God? Think about it.

Memory verse: Proverbs 16 verse 7

Prayer: God, grant me the heart of obedience to your word so I can please you always in Jesus name.

AT PEACE WITH GOD: Devotion for Wednesday September 28, 2016

AT PEACE WITH GOD: Devotion for Wednesday September 28, 2016    

Text: Romans 5:1 – 5     Memory verse: Romans 5 verse 1

The word “therefore” is always a significant term in interpretation. It is usually used as a conjunction to link a previous thought or expression with the one following it. As Paul used it here, it indicates that what he is about to write is based upon that which he has previously written. With the word therefore, Paul indicates a conclusion based on his previous argument he posited in chapter four. In chapter four, Paul showed how sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, are justified by faith.

Here in chapter five, he begins to describe how having been made right in God’s sight by faith affects our relationship with Him. First, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Having peace with God means there is no more hostility between us and God, no sin blocking our relationship with him. More than that, a new relationship has been established, so we no longer dread the outcome of judgment but live under the protection established by God. Having peace is very essential in our walk with God as it will give us a clear conscience to approach God always and to live with hope of eternal life.

This explanation is very important because we need full assurance of forgiveness of sin in order to relate well with God. No wonder as a way of reassurance, he stated that there is no more condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Peace is what we receive first as mark of change in our relationship with God. It is also a direct consequence which will lead to a change in our relationship toward Him. God, on the one hand, has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ as Paul posited in 2 Corinthians 5:18. On the other hand, we, accepting His offer of reconciliation are now reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). Have you found peace that comes from knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? If not, use this opportunity to renounce Satan, repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Food for Thought: Have you found peace that comes from knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?

Prayer: Lord, grant me that inner peace that comes with salvation in Jesus name.

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

WHEN YOU WAY PLEASES GOD: Devotion for Saturday September 10, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:26 – 33                  Memory verse: Genesis 26:28 

Today’s bible passage confirms Proverbs 16:7 which says, “When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This was the case of Isaac in our bible reading of today. We have seen this happen in so many places. David who killed Philistine giant and champion Goliath was offered asylum by Achish one of the Philistines kings who would have seen the coming of David as an opportunity to avenge the death of their champion but it was not so as he openly and warmly welcomed David and his men. He didn’t stop at that, he also gave him the power to choice the place he will stay and David opted for Ziklag to go out of his daily sight.

The bible asserts that the kings' hearts are in the hands of God, which, when it pleases Him, turns their hearts to grant favour to His people. A good man will always be peaceful. That was the case of Isaac. He never insisted on avenging the unfair treatment he received from the Philistines. Rather, he chose to forgive them and to enter into a new relationship and friendship with them.

Our Christian faith teaches and expects us to be good and friendly neighbours with people in our neighbourhood. It always expects us to live peaceably with all men as we have in Hebrew 12:14. For what Isaac did in making forgiving and making peace, providence smiled upon him and God blessed his labours. This persuaded the people of Gerar to come to Isaac.

With Isaac’s enemies wanting to make a peace treaty, Isaac was quick to respond, turning the occasion into a celebration. We should be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with us. When God’s influence in our lives attracts people; even enemies, we must take the opportunity to reach out to them with God’s love. Insisting on wrongs done to us can never bring God’s blessing upon us. Those that God has blessed and favoured have enough reason to forgive those that hate them, since they cannot do them any real harm. Are you willing to forgive those who offended you?

Food for Thought: “Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one, makes you even with him; forgiving it sets you above him” -Nylic Review.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend and hurt me in Jesus name.

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:15 – 23          Memory verse: Genesis 26:16

God is ever faithful to the words He has spoken and He keeps them. He doesn’t make a promise without keeping to it. We have series of promises He made to His people which were fulfilled. Though some took a long time to come to pass, the long time in our eyes is not so with God.

He kept His promise to bless Isaac (Genesis 26:3) as Isaac was blessed (Genesis 26:13). The Bible stated that he started prospering until he became prosperous. The neighbouring Philistines grew jealous because everything Isaac did seemed to go right. The first step they took was to plug his wells and tried to get rid of him. By this they thought his blessings will cease. Being jealous is a very bad and it is a dividing force that can tear apart the closest friends. Life Application Notes says, “Jealousy forces you to separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place. When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune.”

The jealousy and envy of the Philistines against Isaac made him to relocate three times and on each occasion, he and his men dug new well. In the first two disputes that arose between Isaac and the Philistines, he moved on. He opted to avoid quarrel and troubles of the Philistines by moving to a more neutral ground. Here is a lesson and challenge for us Christians of this generation. Isaac moved on without challenging back for his rights which were denied him. He finally got to a place where there was room enough for him and the Philistines. Instead of Isaac resorting to start a huge conflict, he opted for give and take for the sake of peace between him and his landlords. We should be willing to forsake an important position or valuable possession to keep peace as those who bear the name of Christ.

Beloved, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your Landlord, your colleagues, your neighbours, etc, begins to envy you. Picking quarrels against them will be a mark of immaturity. With the blessing of God upon you, you are greater than them and will continue to excel above them. If someone is jealous of you, it means you have something he or she doesn’t have. Why then will you be offended? Know that the more they envy you, the more you will continue to prosper. It is my sincere desire that God will prosper you till you become prosperous in Jesus name. Amen        

Food for Thought: Exodus 1:9

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to know when to withdraw and when to stand and fight when people are against me.

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.

PURSUE PEACE: Devotion for Thursday January 14, 2016

PURSUE PEACE      Thursday January 14, 2016

Text: Hebrews 12:12 – 17      Memory verse: v 13

There are expectations from us as Christian in our lives here on earth. These expectations are God’s standard and should be strictly adhered to. Anything short of that expectation will definitely become a hindrance to our qualification for heaven not minding our profession of Christianity. Two expectations from us; pursuing peace and holiness are in our bible reading for today. We are exhorted to strengthen one another because burden of affliction is apt to make the Christian's hands hang down, and his knees grow feeble, to dispirit and discourage him. It is our duty to help fellow Christians when they are weak.

We must try to live in peace with everyone, especially with our unbelieving neighbours and associates, as well as in harmonious relationships within the church. In addition to seeking peace, Christians must also seek to live a holy life. Holiness means devoted or consecrated to God’s service. In a practical way, our holiness means honouring God in how we treat others; friends, neighbours, spouse, children, even enemies and in how we run our businesses, finances, etc. Holiness causes the behaviour, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians to be different from unbelievers. Our holiness, provided for us by the death and resurrection of Christ, will allow us to see the Lord as He really is, when we go to be with Him forever. Do you desire to see God? Then you pursue peace and holiness.

Action: If there is anyone who has offended you or you have offended, go and make peace with the person today.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to live in peace and holiness in Jesus name.

PEACE TO YOU: Devotion for Wednesday December 9, 2015

PEACE TO YOU    Wednesday December 9, 2015

Text: Luke 24:36 – 40        Memory verse: v 36

Peace to you is a form of salutation, and an expression of good-will. Jesus appeared among His disciples behind closed doors (John 20:19). Jesus could do this because His resurrection and glorification had altered His bodily form. In this new body he was able to transcend all physical barriers. His first words to the group of bewildered followers and disciples, all of whom had deserted Him in His time of greatest need, were: “Peace to you.” Though this was a standard Hebrew greeting, but here it was filled with greater meaning which is above normal greeting. Jesus brought a greeting of peace, and His presence also brought peace.

In the month of December like this, many people usually lose their peace because of so many commitments like payment of debts, yuletide celebrations, etc. Jesus is saying ‘Peace to you.’ You don’t have to lose your faith in God. He has a purpose for keeping you to this day. Allow Him to take care of your needs. Take the advice of Jesus in Matthew 6:33. Don’t be anxious but let the peace of God rule your heart (Philippians 4:16, 17).

Food for Thought: Colossians 3:15

Prayer: Lord, let not your peace eludes me for one day in Jesus name.

THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE: Devotion for Monday September 21, 2015

THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE   Monday September 21, 2015

Text: John 16:28 – 33a              Memory verse: v 33a

In our bible reading, Jesus plainly described His entire mission – He was incarnated (came from the Father), He was made a human being in order to secure the salvation of human beings (into the world), and He would be resurrected from death and ascend back to the glory from which He came (return to the Father). The disciples finally realized that Jesus had been speaking of His departure to the Father which led to John 16:29. Jesus’ repeated predictions of his imminent death, resurrection, and ascension (7:33; 10:11 – 18; 12:23 – 24, 30 – 36; 14:1 – 5, 15 - 31; 16:5 – 7) finally left their mark on the disciples. Now they were convinced that Jesus’ knowledge about future events marked Him unquestionably as the Son of God.

The disciples believed Jesus’ words because they were convinced that He knew everything. He even knew the questions on their minds before they asked them (16:19). Their belief was only a first step toward the enduring faith they would receive when the Holy Spirit came to live in them. Jesus said all these for them to have peace when they start happening. The essence of the Bible is to build our faith that we might have peace in this evil world. Therefore make the bible your best companion.

Food for Thought: John 14:27

Prayer: Lord, may your word be well rooted in me so that I will not be troubled by the problems of life in Jesus name.