They Tested Him: Devotion for Tuesday August 13, 2019

Devotion for Tuesday August 13, 2019

Topic: They Tested Him

Text: Matthew 16:1 – 4

The sect of Pharisees and Sadducee were opposed to each other in principles and in conduct; yet they joined forces against Christ. They had to put aside all their differences because they wanted to test Jesus.

This is how funny the devil and his agents can be!

They desired a sign of their own choice, despising the signs of healing the sick, and those that brought succour and comfort to the less privileged (Luke 4:18 & 19). They sought for something else to satisfy their curiosity by feigning a desire for evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but their real desire was to see Jesus make the attempt to work miracle and fail, that they might betray and ruin Him.

It is hypocrisy, when we slight the signs of what God have ordained by seeking for signs of our own devise. However, Jesus knowing their persons countered them (Matthew 16:2 – 4).

Many people by their thought and actions are testing God. Many are still in the church on the condition that God will have to answer them and if He doesn’t answer them at a particular time, they will stop serving Him.

Some people have given God conditions that if He does not do what they desire, they will drop their bibles and stop going to church.

Some people test God by getting involved in things that got them entangled and thereafter, they started crying, “God why?’

Beloved in Christ, do you test God? Israelites tested Him and paid dearly for it (Psalm 95:9 – 11; Numbers 14:1 – 24). Don’t try it again.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:9

Memory verse: Matthew 16:1

Prayer: O Lord and my God, grant me the grace that I will not tempt by my words and actions which I will thereafter pay dearly for them.

To Fulfill The Law

Devotion for Sunday January 13, 2019

Topic: To Fulfill The Law

Text: Matthew 5:17 – 20

A proverbial saying of the Igbos has it that “the rat does not fall from the roof of the house. Something is pursuing it.” For Jesus to stand and make the assertion in our text today shows that He has been accused of breaking the law. The four gospels of the scripture have records of these accusations. Unfortunately, these accusations are unfounded. Some were just ways aimed to trap Jesus and misinterpretation of the law (See Matthew 12:1 – 12).

Jesus actually came to fulfill the law hence He subjected Himself to it by dying for the sake of the sin of the world which He took upon Himself (Ezekiel 18:4). Christ did not come to bring any new way of righteousness and salvation into the world, but indeed to fulfil that which was shadowed by the Law; by delivering men through grace from the curse of the Law. He also came to teach the true use of obedience and to engrave in our hearts the power for obedience.

Jesus had to make this fact straight not just for the Pharisees but for us, the present day readers and Christians because He is our model and we should emulate Him (Ephesians 5:1). We should follow His example and that is the best way to please God and serve Him as expected. How obediently are you applying the grace of God?

Food for Thought: Romans 3:31

Memory verse: Matthew 5:17

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, grant me the grace to follow the example of Christ in obedience to the law in Jesus name 

They Tested Him

Devotion for Thursday August 10, 2017

Topic: They Tested Him

Text: Matthew 16:1 – 4

The sect of Pharisees and Sadducees were opposed to each other in principles and in conduct; yet they joined forces against Christ. They had to put aside all their differences because they wanted to test Jesus. This is how funny the devil and his agents can be. They desired a sign of their own choice, despising the signs of healing the sick, and those that brought succour and comfort to the less privileged (Luke 4:18 & 19). They sought for something else to satisfy their curiosity by feigning a desire for evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but their real desire was to see Jesus make the attempt to work miracle and fail, that they might betray and ruin Him. It is hypocrisy, when we slight the signs of what God have ordained by seeking for signs of our own devise. However, Jesus knowing their persons countered them (Matthew 16:2 – 4).

Many people by their thought and actions are testing God. Many are still in the church on the condition that God will have to answer them and if He doesn’t answer them at a particular time, they will stop serving Him. Some have given God conditions that if He does not do what they desire, they will drop their bibles and stop going to church. Some test God by getting involved in things that got them entangled and thereafter, they started crying, “God why?’ Beloved, do you test God? Israelites tested Him and paid dearly for it (Psalm 95:9 – 11; Numbers 14:1 – 24). Don’t try it again.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 10:9

Memory verse: Matthew 16:1

Prayer: O Lord and my God, grant me the grace that I will not tempt by my words and actions which I will thereafter pay dearly for them.

Do You Believe He Can Do It?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 10, 2017

Topic: Do You Believe He Can Do It?

Text: Matthew 9:27 – 34

Jesus did everything for a purpose. He didn’t respond immediately to the blind men’s pleas because He wanted to test their resolve and patience in order to find out if they had faith. Such test is necessary because it is not everyone who says he wants help really believes God can help him. The confession of many people ends on their lips.

Jesus may have waited and questioned these men to emphasize and increase their faith. When we think that God is too slow in answering your prayers, consider that He might be testing you to ascertain the level of your faith as He did with these blind men. Do you believe that God can help you? If you really want God to help you, you should trust and obey Him.

A dumb and demon possessed was brought to him. After casting out the demon, the dumb man was able to speak. The crowd marvelled at that miracle confessing that they had never seen anything like that. But the Pharisees, saw something entirely different by accusing Jesus of casting out demons with the power of demons.

The Pharisees are always angry with any good thing Jesus did. Some Christians do same too. We shouldn’t be angry when God is using others. Rather, it should be an opportunity to praise God. What the Pharisees did was aimed at poisoning the minds of those who received the miracles for the purpose of preventing the people from receiving him as the Messiah. Such should not be part of our Christian life. We should always appreciate the good people do whether they belong to our party, church, religion, faith, etc or not. Let the glory always return to God. Have a great weekend.   

Food for Thought: Do you believe that Jesus Christ is able to solve that problem?

Memory verse: Matthew 9 verse 28 - When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”

Prayer: Lord God, I believe that you are able to solve all the problems confronting me in Jesus name. Amen.

GOD’S MESSENGER: Devotion for Wednesday August 3, 2016

GOD’S MESSENGER: Devotion for Wednesday August 3, 2016

Text: Malachi 3:1 - 6              Memory verse: v 3

The first words of this chapter seem an answer to the scoffers of those days. It may not be unconnected with the last verse of chapter two. Here is a prophecy of the appearing of John the Baptist. He is Christ's harbinger or forerunner. He shall prepare the way before Him, by calling men to repentance. The “messenger” (Malachi 3:1) was identified by Jesus as John the Baptist (Matt 11:10, 14), who served as Christ’s forerunner, inviting people to repent and believe in Him. The work of the messenger here was to preach the gospel. John fulfilled his calling with simply message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt 3:2)!" His diligence and commitment to his call won him many disciples and moved the most hardened set of people then; the Pharisees and Sadducees to come for his baptism (Matt 3:7).

Today, we are God’s messengers and forerunners of second coming of Christ. We have been mandated to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mk 16:15–18). Christ has also empowered us to do this. How are you preaching the gospel? Do you fear faces? John the Baptist didn’t fear faces. He rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees. He rebuked Herod. He was fearless. What is your excuse for not preaching the gospel? Remember, we will give account of how we used our gifts and talent God has bestowed on us.

Action: Write down 3 ways you can disseminate the gospel to people.  

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to be a committed messenger of the gospel in Jesus name.  

THE REASON HE CAME: Devotion for Friday November 13, 2015

THE REASON HE CAME       Friday November 13, 2015

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10    Memory verse: v 2

In this Luke 15, Jesus gave 3 parables to illustrate why He came into this world and to make us understand that salvation was available to even them, the Pharisees (15:7, 10, 32). It may seem foolish for the shepherd to leave 99 sheep to go search for just one. But the shepherd knew that the 99 would be safe in the sheepfold, whereas the lost sheep was in danger. Because each sheep was of high value, the shepherd knew that it was worthwhile to search carefully for the lost one.

God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of His children is found and brought into the Kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus’ love and concern for the lost.  Jesus came to save us. Are you among the saved?

Food for Thought: John 10:10

Prayer: God make me an instrument to save souls, which was the reason you came into this world.

NO VACUUM IN MAN: Devotion for Sunday October 25, 2015

NO VACUUM IN MAN          Sunday October 25, 2015

Text: Matthew 12:38 – 45       Memory verse: v 44

Jesus used the parable here to show that the Pharisees, by rejecting the gospel and refusing to believe in Christ, were in a seven-fold worse condition than if they have never heard the gospel. For rejecting Christ and His grace, Satan had got a seven-fold stronger possession of them now than before. The lesson for us here is that it is evident that human body doesn’t accommodate vacuum. It is either you have the spirit of God in you or that of Satan. Satan is restless and unquiet spirit. When cast out, has no content or satisfaction, till he returns into a filthy heart, where he delights to be as the swine in miry places. We should be mindful of what comes into our heart (Proverbs 4:23) because accommodating sins will make it a fertile ground for Satan to dwell.            

We need to be rooted in the word of God because by the preaching of the gospel, Satan may seem to go out of persons, and they become sober and civilized (compare Matthew 13:5, 6, 20, 21); yet Satan will still return. When he finds it vacant, he will possess the soul and the last end may be worse than the beginning. Therefore, do not create vacuum for the devil. Allow the word of God to take root in your life so that devil will not have reason to come back again.

Food for Thought: Matthew 13:20, 21.

Prayer: God, occupy everywhere in my life so that Satan will not have any dwelling place

LEST A WORST THING HAPPENS: Devotion for Tuesday September 29, 2015

LEST A WORST THING HAPPENS   Tuesday September 29, 2015

Text: John 5:10 – 16                             Memory verse: v 14

Oral traditions advanced by the Pharisees forbade carrying certain things on the Sabbath (5:10). While Jesus associated the man’s sickness with sin, the story of Job illustrates that this is not always the case (5:14). Jesus was criticized by the Jews on two counts: (1) healing on the Sabbath and (2) claiming equality with God (5:18). 

Jesus revealed that His Father worked on the Sabbath and so Jesus would work as well (5:17). This shows the true meaning of Sabbath—not inactivity but activity to restore and redeem. Jesus identified Himself with the divine worker, and through His work He revealed the nature of God (1:18).

Jesus knew that sin was responsible for the man’s illness and warned him so as to avert re-occurrence. This warning is good for us concerning toying with sin and the devil. We must be careful not to fall back to sin because we may not have the opportunity to repent again (Hebrews 6:4 – 6).

Food for Thought: Hebrews 10:29

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace never to go back to sin again in Jesus name.  

JESUS HEALED THEM: Devotion for Sunday September 27, 2015

JESUS HEALED THEM              Sunday September 27, 2015

Text: Matthew 12:14 – 21     Memory verse: v 15

The Pharisees agreed to find some accusation against Jesus that He might be condemned to death. Aware of their plans, as His time was not come, He retired from that place. Despite His withdrawal, many people still followed Him and He healed them. He didn’t cast away people following due to the plans of the Pharisees. He still went ahead to do the work for which He came into this world. Jesus also warned them not to say who He was. Jesus did not want people coming to Him for the wrong reasons.

We shouldn’t be deterred by oppositions in doing what will benefit humanity and glorify God. Of a truth, we will have opposition in the world but that should not be enough reason to stay the work of God. Are you sick, believe God for a miracle. He will also heal you as you go to Him by faith.

Food for Thought: Mark 1:41

Prayer: Lord, heal me of every physical and spiritual problem in Jesus name.

CAN STONE TAKE YOUR POSITION?

CAN STONE TAKE YOUR POSITION?        Friday July 24, 2015

Text: Luke 19:37 – 40         Memory verse: v 40

When I gave my life to Christ, singing became part of my daily life and I still remember how one of my siblings asked me if someone who is Born Again hardly closes his mouth. God desire our praise because it is evidence of our appreciation and gratitude to Him. David used it to win God’s heart. Again that is what is expected of us when we get to heaven. The Pharisees thought that the crowd’s words were sacrilegious and blasphemous. They asked Jesus to keep His people quiet, but Jesus said that if the people were quiet, the stones would burst into cheers (see Habakkuk 2:11).

Beloved, do you praise God or do you want the stone (a non living thing) not created in the image of God to take your position and start praising God? The character and works of Christ give the most abundant and powerful reasons for praising Him. Are you really doing that? As you go out today, keep praising Him and see the wonders of praise.

Food for Thought: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).

Prayer: O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise (Psalm 51:15).

THE IMPENDING WRATH OF GOD

THE IMPENDING WRATH       Saturday June 20, 2015

Text: Matthew 3:7 – 12             Memory verse: v 7

John was gladly baptizing many repentant people who came to him, confessing their sins and desiring to live for God. However, when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees, he burst out in anger at the hypocrisy of these religious leaders. The Pharisees separated themselves from anything non-Jewish and carefully followed both the Old Testament laws and the oral traditions handed down through the centuries. The Sadducees on the other hand believed the Pentateuch alone (Genesis—Deuteronomy) to be God’s word.

John denounced and criticized the Pharisees for being legalistic and hypocritical, for following the letter of the law while ignoring its true intent. He had criticized the Sadducees for using religion to advance their political position. He obviously doubted the genuineness of their desire to be baptized, that was why he made the statement in 3:7. Brood of vipers (Jesus also used this term – 12:34; 23:33), conveys how dangerous and cunning they were.

Do you know that there is an impending wrath on sinners? How prepared are you to avoid it? Now is the time because tomorrow may be too late. Repent of your sins now and accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Food for Thought: Romans 5:9

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not be caught up in the web of your wrath that will be revealed against the ungodly in Jesus name.

THEY PRAISED GOD

THEY PRAISED GOD           Monday May 18, 2015

Text: Luke 2:15 – 20              Memory verse: v 20

When Jesus was born, some shepherds were among the first people that got the good news of His birth. One would have expected the news to have gone to the Chief Priest or the Pharisees but God chose simple men who will value His birth (Luke 2:8 – 15). They did not make argument with the angel. The message prompted them to leave their sheep and went down to Bethlehem. They came and saw (2:16) just as the angel had told them (2:17). They were indeed privileged to have seen all these. They saw the act as the grace of God. As they were returning to care for their flocks, they glorified God for what He had shown them, and for the blessedness which they felt.

There is always joy when a child is born into any home. However, the birth of Jesus was a special case and the joy and emotion expressed by these simple hearts were not just because a child was born, rather because they have seen the Messiah that has been spoken of, and also the privilege of being among the first set to do so. Do you praise God when he gives you a rare privilege? How do you react when you are privileged to hear the truth – frown at the messenger or you take it seriously? The honour these shepherd had, came out of their obedience. Obedience is the best proof of our love for God.

Food for Thought: We can only be privileged to God’s goodness when we obey his instructions and commandments.

Prayer: Grant me the heart of obedience to your word O Lord which is the major source of blessings.