Before God Will Reveal Himself: Devotion for Sunday August 30, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday August 30, 2020

Topic: Before God Will Reveal Himself      

Text: John 20:11 – 18                             

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb of Jesus, saw that it was empty and went to inform Peter and other disciples. They all came to the tomb, saw it as Mary reported and left. When they, Mary stayed back alone, still crying, still hoping that somehow she could discover where Jesus’ body had been taken to, but fearing the worst. It was that desire to get someone to speak to here that kept here there.

This moved God to send two angels to attend to her. Her motive was pure and undiluted unlike many in the church today who go there with wrong motives like mundane things. Her motive was to see the dead body of Christ. That was her bargain but God gave her more than a dead Jesus but a living Jesus. Hallelujah!         

Beloved, for God to reveal Himself to you, you must show a strong commitment to His course. You should have shown yourself as one who loves God without reservations. Seeing God does not come through a mere wish but through love for God, dedication to His course and unwavering commitment.

How much do you love God? Mary Magdalene showed her commitment to God by coming very early to the tomb, going to inform Peter and other disciples what she saw, and coming back again to the tomb. She sat there weeping in anticipation for news.

Do you take the pain to seek for God in things that bother you? Seek him sincerely and you shall find (Matthew 7:7).

Food for Thought: It takes good motives to attract God’s attention.

Memory Verse: John 20 v 11     

Prayer: As I seek you O Lord, grant me right motives that will attract you to reveal yourself to me in Jesus name.

Have You Tasted His Grace? Devotion for Sunday August 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday August 16, 2020

Topic: Have You Tasted His Grace?                     

Text: 1 Peter 2:1 – 3                                           

The worst thing a man can do to himself is to taste the grace, mercies and goodness of God, and still go back into sin or keep on living a compromising life. This is the basis of Peter’s admonition in our bible reading for the day. He urges us to lay aside (put away, get rid) of any attitude or hindrance that could threaten our love for one another in Christ. He listed several types of sin to be removed from our lives. The sins Peter listed here fight against love and cause dissension among believers.

1. Malicious behaviour means doing evil despite the good that has been received; the desire to harm other people. We should note that malice may be hidden behind good actions.

2. Deceit means deliberately tricking or misleading by lying (1 Peter 3:10).

3. Hypocrisy means that people say one thing but do another; playacting; presenting good motives that mask selfish desire.

4. Jealousy means desiring something possessed by someone else especially in spiritual gifts. This causes discontent and resentment as believers make unhealthy comparisons to one another. It also makes them unable to be thankful for the good that comes to others.

5. Backstabbing means destroying another’s good reputation by lies, gossip, rumor-spreading, etc. Malice often manifests itself through back- stabbing (slander).

These should not be part of our Christian lives. Get rid of them if indeed you are a Christian who is Heavenly conscious.

Food for Thought: Are you still living a compromising Christian life?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2 v 3

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to get rid of any attitude or hindrance that could threaten my love for fellow Christians and non-Christians.  

Made to Stumble: Devotion for Tuesday in Holy Week April 7, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday in Holy Week April 7, 2020

Topic: Made To Stumble                                     

Text: Matthew 26:31 – 46  

Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a spiritual fall. We all are prone to be over-confident some times. The reason for over confident is usually based on what John said in 1 John 4:4. But Satan is active, trying to lead us astray and sometimes God leaves us to ourselves, so as to humble us. This over-confidence is the reason Paul warns us in 1 Cor. 10:12. Jesus predicted that His disciples will desert Him (v31).

Peter as usual was quick to react that even though others were made to stumble he will not (Matthew 26v33). Self-confident indeed! Then Jesus told him how he will deny Him (Matthew 26v34). These revelations were to caution him and lead him into prayers but it didn’t do so. This is how some of us behave we God cautions us as a result of over confidence. Don’t think that you are too spiritual to backslide in faith. If Satan can tempt Jesus, know that he cannot spare you? You should be very vigilant and watchful.

All about e-commerce

Jesus expected His disciples to pray after the warning in Matthew 26 v 31 as He took them to Gethsemane but He was disappointed. The warning in Matthew 26 v 31 was meant to challenge them into serious prayers for themselves and their Master but it wasn’t so.

How do we take cautions especially from the scriptures? A young man received a caution concerning a sister who was out to seduce one of the brothers in the fellowship. The most senior brother amongst them took it lightly and eventually, he became the victim. Be careful and watchful!

Food for Thought: Don’t be over confident of your spirituality rather be watchful.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 10:12

Prayer: God may I not be over confident and neglect your warnings in Jesus name.

The Vulnerability of Man: Devotion for Friday August 16, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 16, 2019

Topic: The Vulnerability of Man

Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23

In our bible reading yesterday, we read how Jesus Christ praised Peter for a divine inspiration he expressed when he answered His question.

In today’s bible reading, Peter in his impetus and impulsive manner came up again but this time, it was no praise for him but rebuke. This shows the vulnerability of man. We do similar things at times by acting according to our emotions which result to problems. When God inspires us to act or react, it can never result to problem.

The word Satan means literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs, dreams or goals. It is applied to the devil because he opposes us as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8).

There is no evidence that the Lord Jesus applied this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or that he used

the term in anger. Rather, He meant that Peter was trying to hinder the redemption of mankind by giving Jesus the advice that opposes his mission on earth.

We should note that Satan uses our closest allies, family members or best friends to tempt us. When they give us such advice, we should be careful or they will make us to lose our salvation. Jesus accused Peter of not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.

Beloved in Christ, are you vulnerable beyond control? Are you only mindful about the things of the flesh that you undermine the things of the spirit? Ask God to help you overcome your vulnerability.

Food for Thought: “You cannot run away from your weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or you perish” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Memory verse: Matthew 16:23

Prayer: Lord God, help e to deal with my weaknesses before they deny me entry into heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

Divine Inspiration: Devotion for Thursday August 15, 2019

Devotion for Thursday August 15, 2019

Topic: Divine Inspiration

Text: Matthew 16:13 – 20

If we must make wise decisions that will please God and affect humanity, we have to rely on divine inspiration. Solomon showed such inspiration in the historic judgement between the two harlots claiming a child (1 Kings 3:16ff).

It takes walking with God to have divine inspiration. If you are living in sin and disobeying God and His word, you cannot be inspired divinely. Sin drives the spirit of God from us and denies us blessings of His fellowship.

Peter is impetuous and impulsive in character. He is always at the forefront when questions are asked or actions needed which shows his faith. Jesus had asked the disciples a question to know what they think of Him (Matthew 16:15). Peter’s reply, expressed his faith. His confession was an inspiration from God because by then, Jesus had not been transfigured where the voice confirmed that He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:1 – 6).

The confession of Peter is the Christian confession and the foundation of the church, into which all saints are built as living stones of the temple (Matthew 16:17 – 19).

Have you sincerely made this confession that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the confession upon which our baptismal creed was made. If we are to rightly apprehend divine truth and absolutely regard it, we should allow God to give us inspiration.

We can get inspiration as we study the scriptures, and from direct teaching of God on our minds. How often do you draw inspiration from God by studying your bible? See Joshua 1:8

Food for Thought: “There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory verse: Matthew 16:16

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding always as I study your word and inspire me to live out all I read in Jesus name. 

Improper Self-Confidence

Devotion for Tuesday In Holy Week March 27, 2018

Topic: Improper Self-Confidence  

Text: Matthew 26:31 – 46      

Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall off from the glory of God. We all are prone to be over-confident. The reason is what John said in 1 John 4:4. Satan is active, striving to lead us astray and sometimes God leaves us to ourselves, so as to humble us. This over-confidence is the reason Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12. Jesus predicted that His disciples will desert Him (Matthew 26:31). Peter as usual was quick to react that even though others were made to stumble but not him (Matthew 26:33). Self-confident indeed! Then Jesus told him how he will deny Him (Matthew 26:34). These revelations were to caution him and lead him into prayers but he didn’t do that because he was overconfident of himself. This is how some of us behave. Don’t think that you are too spiritual to backslide in faith. If Satan can tempt Jesus, who are you that he cannot tempt? Jesus expected His disciples to pray after the warning when He took them to Gethsemane but they didn’t pray. Rather they slept off. The warning was meant to challenge them into serious prayers for themselves and their Master but it wasn’t so. How seriously do we take cautions from the bible? We shouldn’t take cautions lightly rather we should be very careful and watchful.

Sing A&M 353; SS&S 844; Abu 201

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:12    

Memory verse: Matthew 26:31

Prayer: God, may I not be over confident and neglect your warning in Jesus name.

Be A True Servant

Devotion for Friday March 9, 2018                 

Topic: Be A True Servant

Text: 1 Peter 2:18 – 25                          

Servants in the period Peter wrote this epistle were generally slaves, and had heathen masters, who often used them cruelly; yet he directs them to be subject to the masters placed over them by Providence, with a fear to dishonour or offend God; not only to those pleased with reasonable service, but to those that were severe, and those angry without cause. This may seem a hard teaching but that is what God requires of us. It is said that two wrongs cannot make a right. The sinful misconduct of someone in a relationship, does not justify sinful behaviour of the other person. For this reason, a servant is bound to his duty, though the master may be sinfully froward and perverse. Virtually all Christians are servants to God and in some other places, servants to men. We owe it a duty to serve God diligently whether it is convenient for us or not. Again, we have masters where we work. They may be froward (difficult to deal with) and at times make life miserable for us. However, no matter how difficult they may be to us we owe it a duty to serve well because our service is not only to our earthly masters but also to our God in heaven. Paul also gave similar advice in Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9. How faithfully and effectively are you serving as a civil servant, public servants, apprentice, a maid, nanny or house help and shopkeeper or in your profession? God demands absolute obedience and nothing less.

Sing A&M 308; Abu 226

Food for Thought: Loyalty and perseverance even in the face of unjust treatment singles us out as true Christians.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:18 

Prayer: Lord God, make me a faithful and obedient servant in the place I work in Jesus name.

Be A True Citizen

Devotion for Thursday March 8, 2018

Topic: Be A True Citizen

Text: 1 Peter 2:13 – 17                          

For the sake of peaceful coexistence and unity, there is always the need to have a government. Can you imagine what our society will look like if we don’t have government at all whether traditional or civil? 

To show what Christianity is all about, Peter urges us to live well among others especially unbelievers by submitting ourselves to ordinances of men for God sake 1 Peter 2:13. He asserts that Christian conducts must be honest through a just and careful discharge of all relative duties. He maintains that having regard to those duties is the will of God and consequently the Christians’ duty which will silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. He charged us to endeavour, in all relations, to behave rightly, that we do not make our liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness or for the neglect of duty; but we must remember that we are servants of God. 

Therefore, it is our duty to show respect to all people (1 Peter 2:17). According to Family Bible Notes, “True religion teaches us to conduct with propriety in all conditions and relations of life, and to exercise those feelings towards others which we ought to wish others to exercise towards us.” The exhortation of Peter in verse 17 is fundamental to our living in harmony and having a clear conscience towards people. It embodies the summary of the law (compare Mark 12:30, 31; Romans 13:9). 

Our duties consist in reverencing kings, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of our taxes, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Are you truly doing these?

Sing A&M 295; Abu 205

Food for Thought: Civil power is of God and thus we have duties to constituted authorities.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:17

Prayer: God, make me a faithful and true citizen in Jesus name. Amen\

Devotion for Wednesday March 7, 2018

Topic: We Are Sojourners On Earth

Text: 1 Peter 2:11 – 12                           

Our behaviour as Christians matters so much for so many reasons. It is the bible some people may have the only opportunity to read. It shows the level of our Christianity and it can make or mar our Christianity too. For these reasons it is very important Christians should be mindful of their behaviour. Peter gives a reason why we ought to live holy, that is, because we are citizens of heaven and only sojourners here. Therefore, we ought to live not according to the laws of this world, which is most corrupt, but of the heavenly city, although we are strangers here. As Peter posited, lust can be habitual or actual. By habitual lust, it means an aversion to everything that is good, and a proneness to all evil. Actual lust are those conversant about sensual and fleshly objects. Holiness is a necessity for our seeing God and should not be compromised because the city we are hoping for doesn’t accommodate lustful souls. This admonition is very apt judging from the level of evil, vices, corruption of our time and the rate at which Christians fall off the faith presently. Behaviour is contagious and we are prone to easily copy evil more than good. Our conduct must be honest among Christians and also unbelievers (1 Peter 3:16). This is one way we can shine as light (Matthew 5:16 see Philippians 2:15). Our behaviour includes words of our mouth, thought of our hearts, our appearance and the way we react to people. Is your behaviour Christ-like?

Sing A&M 370; SS&S 252; Abu 150

Food for Thought: Philippians 2:14 – 15     

Memory verse:  1 Peter 2:12

Prayer: Lord, make my conduct conformable to yours in Jesus name.

God’s Special People

Devotion for Tuesday March 6, 2018

Topic: God’s Special People

Text: 1 Peter 2:7 – 10                             

Jesus Christ is indeed precious – highly valued or esteemed. Not only is Christ precious to the Father (1 Peter 2:4), He is also precious to Christians (1 Peter 2:7). Quoting from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 8:14), Peter explained that not only were the builders who rejected the stone humiliated but it later became the cornerstone; they also had stumbled and fallen over it. Stumble means tripping and falling, or it can mean taking offense at or rejecting something or someone.

1 Peter 2:9 contrasts our privilege and destiny with that of unbelievers (described in 1 Peter 2:8). We are a chosen people, a distinct group from the rest of the world, unified by the Holy Spirit. We are also a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation (Exodus 19:6). Being part of ‘priesthood’ is a high honour for us. This honour has made us special people of God who were nobody before now. Think of it, if not for Christianity, what would have been your condition today? Before the coming of Christ, Gentiles were rejected by God without any hope of mercy, but today, they are people of God because He has chosen them (1 Peter 2:9) and they have received His mercy.

‘Mercy’ means God’s compassionate treatment of us even though we deserve the full measure of His justice. On the other hand, it is God that can turn our situations for. He did it in life of Abraham, Jabez, David and others; He will do it for you. You have worth because of what Christ did, not because of what you did. Live your life to glorify Him.

Sing A&M 295; Abu 206

Food for Thought: Do you actually know your worth as a Christian?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:9

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making me somebody in your eyes no matter what the world thinks about me.

The Example From Matthew

Devotion for Wednesday January 31, 2018

Topic: The Example From Matthew

Text: Matthew 9:9 – 13

Yesterday, we read about the terms and conditions Jesus Christ gave to those who would be His disciples. Today, we have an example from Matthew who became one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Matthew was in a tax office when Jesus met him. He requested that Matthew should follow Him and immediately he left everything and followed Jesus. He didn’t wait to write a resignation letter. He didn’t wait to hand over, he left everything immediately as Peter and his fishermen colleagues did and followed Jesus. 

In the previous chapter of this gospel, Matthew 8:18 - 22, we have the story of a man desiring to follow Jesus. When Jesus mentioned the terms and conditions, he withdrew. Jesus told the second one to follow him and he gave excuses of going to bury his father. The two men were opposite of what we saw in Matthew. His action shows his love for God is far greater than his love for his job, family or any other worldly possessions. This is what God expects from us. Our love for Him must be greater that our love for our jobs, families or any other worldly possessions. 

Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ the way Peter, Matthew and other Apostles followed Him? What are the things hindering your commitments to God? The example Matthew gave to us is a challenging one. Take up that challenge and prove your love for God. Sing A&M 331; Abu 109

Food for Thought: Have you left all to follow Jesus?

Memory verse: Matthew 9:9

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord my God, to follow the example of Matthew in forsaking all to follow you in Jesus name. Amen. 

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Peter

Devotion for Friday January 12, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Peter

Text: Luke 5:1 – 11

Peter and his colleagues had toiled all night without anything to show for their efforts. Apparently, they were set to go home and rest because they were already washing their nets when Jesus appeared and requested to use their boat. Some people would have seen the request as adding to their frustration because it means they would stay longer. But Peter gave out his boat. He didn’t take time to consider the request. He acted promptly. 

Beloved, God is requesting to use that your property for the sake of the gospel. Will you oblige him? After using Peter’s boat, Jesus commanded them to go for a catch. Though Peter, as a professional fisherman tried to bring reason into the command, acted as commanded. The result was amazing and outstanding. It contradicted the laws and principles of fishing. For allowing Jesus use what he has, brought Peter into one on one with Jesus Christ the Saviour of mankind. That turned the story of Peter. 

Dear child of God, do you know that making what you have available for the Master’s use can change your life and destiny? Had Peter and his colleagues gone ahead to sell the fish, they would have made fortune out of the catch but they saw a far greater blessing in following Jesus Christ and thus they abandoned all and followed Him. That singular act and decision of Peter changed his life, story and also immortalized his name. Yours can be so if you will give your talent/gift for the Master’s use. Sing SS&S 798; Abu 239

Food for Thought: All we can hold in our cold dead hands is what we have given away. -Sanskrit Proverb

Memory verse: Luke 5:3

Prayer: Lord, as I give in charity and for the gospel what you have used in blessing me, may your blessings come upon me the more in Jesus name. Amen.

God Is Not Partial

Devotion for Tuesday November 28, 2017

Topic: God Is Not Partial

Text: Acts 10:34

Christ came into the world and died for humanity. His death is not for a specific tribe, nationality or sex and His love for humanity is universal (John 3:16). His love is not for the Jews alone but also for the Gentiles. This is what Peter meant by God not having favourite or being partial. God had told Cornelius to send for Peter from the house of Simon the Tarner in Joppa (Acts 10:3 – 6). He heeded God’s word and sent for some of his men to Joppa. God also spoke to Peter in a dream that he should not call anything He created unclean. God is never the author of confusion. He spoke to Cornelius and Peter on the same issue. Are you confused about the assignment God gave you and you are not sure of what God actually wants you to do? Are you confused about the choice to make concerning marriage, admission, etc? Ask God and He will speak to you and clear your doubts in Jesus name.

Our text for the day is part of Peter’s speech when he got to Cornelius’ house. God looks at man individually with no regard for national distinctions, physical characteristics or religious heritage (Deuteronomy 10:17; Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 3:25). This means that in every nation, He accepts those who fear Him which expresses Peter’s clear understanding of the universal application of Christ’s work on the Cross. God doesn’t discriminate on basis of race, economics or sex neither should any believer do so. What He does for Peter, He will do for Paul. What He expects from us is obedience. When we do that, He will meet us at the point of our needs. Have a great and fruitful day!

Food for Thought: For there is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11).

Memory verse: Romans 2:11

Prayer: Lord God, you have accepted me because you don’t discriminate. Help me to live my life so I will continue to enjoy your blessings in Jesus name.

When Amazing God Acts Amazingly

Devotion for Saturday November 14, 2017

Topic: When The Amazing God Acts Amazingly

Text: Act 12:1 – 17

When God intervenes in some precarious cases, it leaves us speechless, amazed, astonished and perplexed. Our text for the day speaks of amazing act of God in delivering Peter from the prison despite the guards and the gates. God sent his angel who came and struck him amidst soldiers and the chain with which they chained him to two soldiers fell off. The angel led him through first and second posts (gates) through the iron post heavily manned by armed soldiers but the gates all opened on their own accord (Acts 12:7 – 17). It was after they had passed through all the gates that Peter came to himself and realised that it was not a dream.

Meanwhile, prayers were being offered for him (Acts 12:5). When Peter arrived at the gate of the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, Rhoda didn’t open the gate out of joy when she saw that it was Peter knocking at the gate. Rather, she ran in to announce what she saw and she was accused of not being herself. They had regarded his rescue as so difficult and where hopeless. Yet they were praying for his release. This is how some of us behave. We keep praying without believing that God can give us what we are praying for.

Sometimes, it is difficult for us to believe the answer to our prayers, even when God said He is more ready to answer us. Yet when He does that which we had asked for, we will be astonished. This made the people praying to say that Rhoda was mad. We shouldn’t be overwhelmed and astonished when our petitions are granted, and when God manifests His power in His own way and time. That is a sign of little faith or faithlessness. We should grow to the level of believing God for His word. With God all things are possible. As we do not know what time God will act for us, we should be what we pray for because He will surely answer our sincere prayers (James 1:6 – 8).

Food for Thought: Matthew 11:24

Memory verse: Acts 12:15

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen my faith so that I will not doubt your ability to do what I ask for in prayer.

Hypocrisy Destroys The Church

Devotion for Saturday August 19, 2017

Topic: Hypocrisy Destroys The Church

Text: Galatians 2:11 – 18

Hypocrisy is a very dangerous character that can lead to betrayal, gossip, pretences, falsehood and many other evils. Anyone who is hypocritical can even kill. Hypocrites are deceivers and tempters (Mark 12:15). They are always deceptive in their words and actions. Beware of such people who are hypocrites in nature.

Paul, speaking in defence of Christians and circumcision gave instance of how Peter and some Jews played hypocrisy by refraining themselves from eating with the Gentiles when James sent some Jews from Jerusalem to Antioch. They separated from the converted Gentiles and acted to convince the Jews that they still believed the law to be of moral obligation. They followed Peter and disguised their sentiments. They knew that the Jewish ceremonial laws was done away by the gospel, and had practically acknowledged it by eating with the Gentiles, however, they were afraid to avow their true convictions. This was hypocrisy at the highest level and more worrisome is the fact that it came from Peter who was adjudged a leader of the church. This made Paul to challenge him (Galatians 2:14).

There are many ways people play hypocrisy in our present day Christianity. Some claim they are born again Christians but don’t trust God to protect and care for them. Thus they depend on other sources for their protection and providence. Some people are still living in obvious sins and deeply involved in church programmes and activities. They are hypocrites and in such cases, the spirit of God can hardly dwell in such a church where they claim to be worshipping. If you are not done with sin, why take a seat at the centre of church services and programmes? Why will a church leader see a member of his/her church living in obvious sin and keep mum? Such inaction destroys the church too. To enjoy the presence of God in our churches, we must do away with hypocrites.

Food for Thought: “Of all the things in the world that stink in the nostril of men, hypocrisy is the worst” – Charles Spurgeon.

Memory verse: Galatians 2:13

Prayer: God heal me of any spirit of hypocrisy in me through the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Vulnerability Of Man

Devotion for Sunday August 13, 2017

Topic: The Vulnerability Of Man

Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23

In our bible reading yesterday, we read how Jesus Christ praised Peter for a divine inspiration expressed when he answered His question. In today’s bible reading, Peter in his impetus and impulsive manner came up again but this time, it was no praise for him but rebuke. This shows the vulnerability of man. We do similar things at times by acting according to our emotions which result to problems. When God insprires us to act or react, it can never result to problem. The word Satan means literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs, dreams or goals. It is applied to the devil because he opposes us as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). There is no evidence that the Lord Jesus applied this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or that he used the term in anger. Rather, He meant that Peter was trying to hinder the redemption of mankind by giving Jesus the advice that opposes his mission on earth. We should note that Satan uses our closest allies, family members or best friends to tempt us. When they give us such advice, we should be careful or they will make us to lose our salvation. Jesus accused Peter of not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. Beloved in Christ, are you vulnerable beyond control? Are you only mindful about the things of the flesh that you undermine the things of the spirit? Ask God to help you overcome your vulnerability.

Food for Thought: “You cannot run away from your weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or you perish” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Memory verse: Matthew 16:23

Prayer: Lord God, help e to deal with my weaknesses before they deny me entry into heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

Divinely Inspired

Devotion for Saturday August 12, 2017

Topic: Divinely Inspired

Text: Matthew 16:13 – 20

If we must make wise decisions that will please God and affect humanity, we have to rely on divine inspiration. Solomon showed such inspiration in the historic judgement between the two harlots claiming a child (1 Kings 3:16ff). It takes walking with God to have divine inspiration. If you are living in sin and disobeying God and His word, you cannot be inspired divinely. Sin drives the spirit of God from us and denies us blessings of His fellowship.

Peter is impetuous and impulsive in character. He is always at the forefront when questions are asked or actions needed which shows his faith. Jesus had asked the disciples a question to know what they think of Him (Matthew 16:15). Peter’s reply, expressed his faith. His confession was an inspiration from God because by then, Jesus had not been transfigured where the voice confirmed that He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:1 – 6). The confession of Peter is the Christian confession and the foundation of the church, into which all saints are built as living stones of the temple (Matthew 16:17 – 19).

Have you sincerely made this confession that Jesus is the Son of God? It is the confession upon which our baptismal creed was made. It we are to rightly apprehend divine truth and absolutely regard it, we should allow God to give us inspiration. We can get inspiration as we study the scriptures, and from direct teaching of God on our minds. How often do you draw inspiration from God by studying your bible? See Joshua 1:8

Food for Thought: “There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Memory verse: Matthew 16:16

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding always as I study your word and inspire me to live out all I read in Jesus name. 

The Imperative Of Inward Beauty

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 17, 2017 

Topic: The Imperative Of  Inward Beauty

Text: 1 Peter 3:4

God created us in His image. The beauty we portray shows how awesome our God is. He made us beautiful and handsome for His glory but these days, I wonder if being beautiful is a crime. The way most people use their beauty in wrong ways is a cause for concern. Most people spend time and enormous resources trying to beautiful themselves. All these are good only if they are targeted at glorifying God (1 Peter 3:4b).

Here, Peter challenged us especially women whose concern is always what to wear, style to sow, style of hair do, etc, to ensure that we are also “beautiful inside in our hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious to God” – Living Bible. John Wesley Notes gives insight into why this is precious in the sight of God when he said that “A meek spirit gives no trouble willingly to any: a quiet spirit bears all wrongs without being troubled.” Meekness is one virtue that is expected of us as Christian.

Do you attach the kind of importance, time and resources you give to your outward beauty to inward beauty? Beautifying our heart is through constant meditation on the word of God. This helps us overcome temptations and trial (Psalm 119:11), and also accommodate the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 3:16). How beautiful is your heart? Have you corrupted yours with malice, anger, bitterness, evil thoughts etc? If so, repent today. Let the beauty of your heart matter most to you than your outward beauty. 

Food for Thought: The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express. –Bacon

Memory verse: 1 Peter 3 verse 4

Prayer: God, make me beautiful within and help me to maintain inner beauty than my outward beauty in Jesus name.

A Living Hope

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 22, 2017

Topic: A Living Hope 

Text: 1 Peter 1:3 – 5

The Christian's hope is a living principle, and sustains his spiritual life. Our hope is lived out. It is something that is live out for others to see. This hope gives life and looks for life as its object. We are now born again for a wonderful expectation of life to come but not of this world because we are pilgrims and foreigners here. This expectation we have is based on the assurance that God will keep His promise to raise us because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Christ has made necessary power available for our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). His resurrection makes us certain that we too will be raised from the dead.

This assurance is what makes our hope lively. It keeps us going, striving against all odds so as to gain that which God has promised us. What the resurrection of Christ has done for us is that it has inspired hope and grace in us. It has brought the conviction that we are going to be resurrected. The onus on us now is to live our lives with that inspired hope from the resurrection of Christ. It should make us to be heavenly conscious as we read yesterday. It should inspire a more strong faith in us that God is ever faithful to His promises. Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die.

We may be experiencing some negative things that are currently challenging our faiths. That notwithstanding, if we know our God, our hope will be renewed every day. We can achieve this by daily searching out God’s promises and laying hold of them as we pray. Don’t allow uncertainties of life deem your hope rather rekindle it daily basis. 

Food for Thought: Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die. Rekindle it on daily basis as we await the return of our Saviour.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 1 verse 3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to keep the hope of eternal life lively in me in Jesus name.

Have Faith In God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday (Holy Week) April 11, 2017

Topic: Have Faith In God 

Text: Mark 11:20 – 26

The next morning, Tuesday of the Holy week, Jesus and His disciples passed by the same fig tree they had passed the previous day (Mark 11:13-14). Jesus had cursed the tree, saying that no one would ever eat from it. By the next day, in the morning light, they could see that the tree had withered. The sight of the withered fig tree was a surprise to the disciples and Peter was quick to point that to Jesus. In response, Jesus charged them to have faith in God.

The response of Jesus could be interpreted to mean the coming judgment on spiritual laxity in Israel and they could only be safe if they had faith in God. Their faith should not rest in a kingdom they hoped Jesus would set up, in obeying the Jewish laws, or in their position as Jesus’ disciples. Their faith should rest in God alone. Jesus then taught them a lesson about answers to prayer. He explained that they could ask anything of God and receive an answer. Jesus’ point was that in their petitions to God they must believe and not doubt (not wavering in their confidence in God).

The kind of prayer Jesus meant was the prayer that the disciples would need to endlessly pray as they faced mountains of opposition to their gospel message in the years to come. Such prayer for the advancement of God’s Kingdom would always be answered positively at God’s own time. Daily, we are faced with challenges that seem mountainous. We should have unwavering confidence in God if we hope to overcome them.   

Food for Thought: Do you have the confidence in God and strong faith which is able to accomplish things that are most difficult?

Memory verse: Mark 11 verse 22

Prayer: Grant me the confidence in you, O God, so I can accomplish difficult things with ease.