No Intercessor: Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday October 4, 2020

Topic: No Intercessor                                    

Text: Isaiah 59:16 – 21                              

This passage is connected with the following chapters. It is generally thought to describe the coming of the Messiah, as the Avenger and Deliverer of His church. There was none to intercede with God to turn away His wrath; none to interpose for the support of justice and truth. Yet He engaged His own strength and righteousness for His people.

Isaiah 62:6 & 7, say, “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” This passage explains the importance of intercessors. Unfortunately, God sought for the intercessors but found none as we have in our bible reading for the day. Maybe that informed the decision in Isaiah 62:6 and 7.

There was no man to intercede for the course of truth and equity. Despite no intercessors, God saved His people for His own glory because by His righteousness He is bound to maintain the cause of truth.

Beloved, God has called us as watchmen not only to our immediate family alone but to the society where we live. How much are we interceding for them? As watchmen and watchwomen, how serious do we take this call God has placed on us? We should note that our call as Christians is not just to enjoy our relationship with God alone but to help others through preaching and intercession. We should not fail in intercession.

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus Christ taught us, He used plural form and not singular – Our father, forgive us, give us, etc. We should make it a priority to pray for salvation and deliverance of people because we are product of other people’s intercession too.

Food for Thought: When last did you intercede for sinners especially that person in your neighbourhood, office or business arena?

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 16

Prayer: Lord, lay the burden of intercession in my heart in Jesus name.

Intercessors, Lord’s prayer, Watchmen, Prayer, Jerusalem, Messiah, Devotion,

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday June 1, 2020   

Topic: Live Above Taunting         

Text: 1 Samuel 1:9 – 18                                 

Taunting can demoralize us for some time when we take it to heart but it should not deter us from living our lives and becoming what we dream of in life. The taunting from Peninnah made Hannah sad that she lost appetite but her husband consoled her and encouraged her to eat (1 Samuel 1:8). Thereafter, the taunting led her into prayer.

She went into prayers after she would have considered the taunting by asking, why should I be angry? Why will I fret over what Peninnah said? Does being angry bring any good to me? Instead of binding the burden upon myself, I had better easy off by praying and casting it upon the Lord. These motivated her into pray and thus she overcame the taunting from Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:10). Is there any lesson for us in the action Hannah took against Peninnah’s taunting? In the bitterness of her soul Hannah prayed and went ahead to back her request with a vow (1 Samuel 1:11). This may have challenged God to answer her speedily.

From the way Hannah treated the challenge and taunting from her mate there are lessons for us.

(1) We shouldn’t waste all our time that should be used for something meaningful in replying our critics and accusers. Rather we should use it to improve ourselves and thus put them to shame.

(2) The taunting and critics from our enemies should inspire us to draw closer to God the more. What Peninnah did made Hannah a prayer warrior. She had no time to reply her but she cast the problem to God because He is the one that solves all problem.

(3) We should occasionally make vows to back up our request as Hannah did.

(4) We should believe God for an answer after praying.

In this new month, as your set aside taunting from the enemies and undermine your critics to improve yourself, God will so bless you and surprise them in Jesus name. Have a fruitful and rewarding month!

Food for Thought: We are the ones that can make taunting relevant when we let it deny us living our lives as we ought to.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 1:10   

Prayer: Lord, let not the taunting against my life deny me from becoming what you want me to be in Jesus name.

Divine Consultation: Devotion for Monday May 25, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday May 25, 2020

Topic: Divine Consultation                              

Text: 1 Samuel 30:7 – 10                                 

David couldn’t go to the Tabernacle to ask the Lord for guidance because it was in Saul’s territory and he was in Ziklag which belongs to the Philistines. Therefore, he called for the ephod, the only Tabernacle-related object Abiathar had with him. In the presence of the priest and this priestly garment, he asked God for direction.

When David called for the ephod, he was really asking the priest to bring him the Urim and Thummim, which were kept in a pouch attached to the ephod. Only the high priest could carry and use the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 39:1 – 21). God usually answer us slowly and gradually but here He answered David speedily because any delay would amount to evil on the captives. Our God is so gracious that He considers even the degree of our necessities, and associates Himself to them by coming to our aid or answering our prayers.

God urged us in Psalm 50:15 saying, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." David called upon God and He answered him immediately. This shows that God is aware of all we pass through, the necessity of our needs and ever willing to help us if only we can call upon Him.

Are you in need today and have become so anxious about it? The bible enjoins us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all our cares and anxiety upon Him for He cares for us. Will you do that today? You will certainly have peace.

Food for Thought: Philippians 4:6

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 30:8

Prayer: Help my weakness O Lord, so that in time of trouble, I will confide in you and will not be in despair in Jesus name. 

Meditation: Be Focused on your Goals for 2019

TOPIC: BE FOCUSED ON YOUR 2019 GOALS

TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 – 27

Welcome to another period of 21 days of fasting and praying in preparation for 2019. We thank God for the past one week that we have been coming into His presence for prayers. Our theme for this year is Divine Restoration. It means that whatever restoration or achievement we are hoping for this year, can only come from God. But in believing and hoping for a restoration, we have a duty to perform. We are expected to be focused and not to be distracted by pleasures and worries of life. To receive divine restoration demands being consecrated and being dedicated to God’s course.

Paul talks about self-discipline in our text which is a great tool that will make someone focused on his or her goals in life. What are your goals for this year as a Christian? How are you working to achieve them? Paul asserts that we should see Christianity as a race in which only one person wins the prize which is perishable. Furthermore, he charged us to be the one person that will win the race. He gave example of himself; how he runs his race: “not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” His focus was on heaven; to please his Master, to do according to specifications and to win the ultimate prize which is being with his Master. All other things about life like food, clothing, house, etc., were secondary. This position of Paul confirms what Jesus Christ told us in Matthew 6:33.

Beloved, where is your focus in 2019? What are your prayer points for this 21 days programme? Are they frivolous things or the things that will improve your relationship with God and take you to heaven at last? Are your prayer points based on the will of God for you? Your prayer points should focus on things that will improve your life. God will take care of other things about you and your family but that does not mean that you should wait for God indoors to come and feed you. Remember that God gives food to the birds of the earth but He doesn’t throw it into their nest. 

For you to be focused, you have to set out your goals. These set goals and aims are what will determine your actions and propel you to perform. Your set goals as a Christian should be in two aspects – The spiritual and your vocation. This 21 days programme is not only meant to prepare us spiritually but to also prepare us for our vocations where we get our means of livelihood. Many Christians today are poor because they are not focused on how best to make a living. That Jesus taught us one day at a time does not mean that we should ignore basics of having a good life. You must be focused on your vocation, making every effort to become somebody in this life. Don’t just depend on your salary. Invest your time and money somewhere. Lay good foundation for yourself.

Some of us may argue that many things can distract us from being focused – family, work, business, etc. These things can only distract us when we do not have set goals and objectives. Setting your goals demands also that you state some ways you intend to accomplish them without which, it will be impossible to achieve because there must be distractions.

God expects us to live well here and make heaven at last. You must therefore be disciplined and have self-control over your thought; your actions and your words. It is proper at the beginning of the year like this to do a detox of your life to eliminate what distracts you and take away your joy, whether they are friends, your passions or your likes. Refuse to be distracted on achieving your goals this year. Press on and push yourself even to the extreme. I assure you that you will have reasons to smile at the end of the year.

I wish you a fruitful and rewarding year!

Tabugbo Uzoma

Devotion for Wednesday February 28, 2018

Topic: He Will Sustain Your Burden

Text: Psalm 55:16 – 23

David resolved to call upon God, being well assured that no one seeks Him in vain (Psalm 55:16). If we desire to have peace of mind, and that joy in the Holy Ghost which is a safeguard and support in times of trouble we should be regular and constant in prayer. That is the reason David prays morning, noon and evening. This is a challenge for us. How many times do we pray in a day? Having developed a relationship with God and having seen God’s faithfulness to His word, David encourages us to “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” To sustain our burden as used in Psalm 55:22 means that God will bear our burden and answer us accordingly. This is a glorious promise to anyone tempted and afflicted to run to God. If God has assured us of bearing our burdens (Matthew 11:28 – 30), why do you despair? Unfortunately, most of us despair over common things of life. We have entered into the New Covenant with God as Christians which guarantees salvation, peace, healing, deliverance among other blessings, but can’t assess these blessings because we have refused to lay our problems at the foot of the Cross of Calvary where our salvation, peace and others things were bought with the blood of Jesus. Are you ready to cast your burden on the Lord? Better do so for your own good.

Sing SS&S 319; Abu 249 – What a friend we have in Jesus

Food for Thought: Psalm 37:5              

Memory verse: 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer: Lord God, I bring before you this day the burden in my heart. Sustain them O Lord according to your promises in Jesus name. Amen.

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.

One Secret Of Abundance

Devotion for Friday October 27, 2017

Topic: One Secret Of Abundance

Text: James 4:1 – 3

Yesterday’s food for thought was James 4:1- 3, which speaks that we ask amiss and don’t get from God. James mentioned the reason for this in that verse as avarice. Charles Caleb Colton said that, “Avarice has ruined more souls that extravagance.” A greedy person is like a bottomless pit which never gets filled.  Such a fellow will exhaust all efforts to get satisfaction but can never be satisfied. The story of Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard is an example. Lust and greed are inseparable twins. It leads to covetousness and murder as James made us to understand. He reprehends them who are not ashamed to make God the minister and helper of their lust and pleasures, in asking for their wicked motives and uses.

We pray amiss and don’t have when our aims and ends are not right with God. In prayer, we must consider three things; 1) the object, 2) the manner and 3) the end. We must not only guard our affections, but secure our intentions; for prayers that want a good aim, do also want a good issue. What is you aim for the 7 days, 21 days or 40 days fasting and prayers? Is it aimed at expanding the kingdom of God or for worldly satisfactions in cars, husband, job, money, children, etc? If any of these or many others not mentioned here is your reason for the fasting and prayer, you are not getting it right or you may be asking for what God will give you that you will regret at the end. Remember the case of manna the Israelites had with God in the wilderness. Have you ever considered why God don’t answer all the prayers we say?

If we intend to pray and have what we ask for in abundance, then we should always consider our object, manner and end before praying. Certainly, God will answer you, and your joy will be full (John 16:24).

Food for Thought: “If your desires be endless, your cares and fears will be so too” – Thomas Fuller

Memory verse: James 4:2

Prayer: Re-order my motives in prayer O Lord, so I will not do things wrongly and end up without a reward in Jesus name. Amen.

Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Devotion for Thursday October 26, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Text: Romans 8:26 – 28

Holy Spirit is indispensable in the Christian life we live. A Christian life demand living in Spirit and it is obvious that man in the flesh cannot live well and please God if the spirit does not take over such life. Here in our text, Apostle Paul explains some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us in bearing our weaknesses.

1) By giving us strength to bear them

2) By exciting us to make efforts to overcome them

3) By ministering to us consolations, and truths, and views out our Christian privileges that enable us to endure our trials.

The reasons we do not know what to pray for may be for the following reasons:

1) That we do know what would really be the best for us.

2) We do not know want God will grant to us according to His will

3) We are, to a great extent ignorant of the character of God, the reason of His dealings with us and our real wants.

4) We are often in real, deep perplexity. We are encompassed with trials, exposed to temptations, feeble to diseases, and subject to calamities. These, put us in despair and changes our focus.

Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life? When we allow Holy Spirit to have full control over our lives, then we can pray well and get what we need. Allow Him into your life so He can reorder your priorities and needs.

Food for Thought: James 4:3

Memory verse: Romans 8:26

Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can do the impossible in my life and reorder my request always so I can gain your approval in Jesus name.

Request Sinners Often Make

Devotion for Monday September 11, 2017

Topic: Request Sinners Often Make

Text: Exodus 8:25 – 32

Unbelievers use these words often and again, “Pray for me.” Most times, they say it casually but it shows two basic truths. First and foremost, it shows that they know that the life they are living is not according to the will of God and needed mercy. Again, it shows that they have acknowledged that you are a child of God who can intercede on their behalf. King Jeroboam’s hand withered when he ordered the arrest of a man of God. Thereafter he said, “Please entreat the favour of the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand maybe restored to me” – 1 Kings 13:6b. The man of God did as requested and his hand was restored (1 Kings 13:6c).

Pharaoh hardened his heart by refusing to allow the Israelites to go and God dealt with him and his people. When he saw the outstretched arm of God, he asked Moses to intercede for him. This was similar to the case of Simon Magus, who, like Pharaoh, fearing the divine Judgement, begged for Peter’s prayers (Acts 8:24). Why will people deliberately sin and thereafter ask for prayers? If they actually know that what they are doing is evil, why do it? Can you give some reasons why people act that way?

Do you deliberately commit fornication, steal tell lies, etc., and thereafter you begin to ask for prayers or begin to pray? Repent now because the judgement of God is at hand. Don’t think that the grace of God is eternity. Remember how Pharaoh eventually died with his men inside the Red Sea. Therefore be warned.

Food for Thought: The knowledge of Divine Judgement coming upon all unrighteousness should make us live in awe of God.

Memory verse: Exodus 8:28

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to l need so that I will not deliberately sin against you.

Serve God Without Conditions

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

When I was praying in the Church early Wednesday morning before the Holy Communion Service, I said, “GOD, GRANT ME THE GRACE TO LIVE WELL SO THAT I WILL MAKE HEAVEN AT LAST.” Immediately God told me that “I AM SELFISH.” Before I could ask how, He said, “YOU SHOULD SERVE ME BECAUSE YOU LOVE AS I LOVE YOU AND DIED FOR YOU.” As I heard God speak to me, I didn’t argue. I changed my language of prayer asking God to forgive and help me to love Him as He loves me which should be my aim of serving Him.

I spent time to meditate on what God told me before I went to preach. How many of us actually serve God without attachment to our service? How many of us will be in the church today if God didn’t promise heaven? How many of us will serve God today if the assurance of protection is not there? How many of us will still serve God wish all these worldly distraction from the devil and his agents? How many of us will serve God just because He loves us and died for our sake before we even came to know Him? Just few people would have been in the church today if God didn’t promise us heaven!

Beloved in Christ, what is your aim of serving God? It will be sad to focus on what we stand to gain from serving God than serving Him because He loves us and died for us when we were yet sinners. God didn’t attach any condition to the love He has for us. He loves us unconditionally and still blesses us even when we still compromise and sin against Him. The love for God should be the first motivation factor in serving Him. Any other thing can follow later. When He chose to die for us, He didn’t have the doubt if people will accept His death or not. Today is enough history of what He did for us.

St Matthew warns us saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When we serve God and live out His righteousness, He will give us that heaven at last. We should not be carried away by the promises of God forgetting He who made the promise. Love God freely without attachments or sentiments and certainly He will grant you your heart desires.  

Tabugbo Uzoma

(Servant of God & Humanity) 

Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday May 11, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit, Our Intercessor

Text: Romans 8:26

Paul admonishes the Roman Christians on the imperative of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God; our desires are weak and our prayers are weak. This is absolute truth about our relationship with God. Though our weaknesses are many, yet the Holy Spirit helps us in so many ways. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary states that “The Spirit, as an enlightening Spirit, teaches us what to pray for; as a sanctifying Spirit, works and stirs up praying graces; as a comforting Spirit, silences our fears, and helps us over all discouragements. The Holy Spirit is the spring of all desires toward God, which are often more than words can utter.”

Do you have this Holy Spirit in you? If not, ask God for this special and wonderful gift today and sure, He will gladly give you (Lk. 11:13). Are you discouraged with your level of prayer? Are you short of words to address your needs before God? Know that the Holy Spirit is your Helper. He intercedes for you. Just rely on Him. When you are weak, come into His presence with praise and allow the Holy Spirit to say the rest.

Food for Thought: Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue.

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 26

Prayer: God, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can use my tongue whenever I pray 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. 

God’s Mercy Is Indispensable

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday April 7, 2017

Topic: God’s Mercy Is Indispensable  

Text: Psalm 6:1 – 2

When Moses demanded for God’s glory, He responded with the words in Exodus 33:19 which Paul quoted in Romans 9:15. Mercy in this context is compassion, kindness or forgiveness shown someone you have power over. It doesn’t come out of our strength or goodness rather it is a free gift that comes from God.

If there is anything we need as Christians, it is goodness and mercies of God. Those who know its importance say it as prayers every day. Mercy blots away our sins, protects, provides, guides and guards us. It is important we learn how to ask for God’s mercy any time we come into His presence. It is the best way to approach God. Think of it, when we are in transit, in prison, in exams, in office, at home, in hopeless situations, in need, in plenty, even in the church, etc, we need mercies of God.

If we hope to succeed we should understand the place of mercies of God in our lives. As a student, civil/public servant, business man/woman, military or Para-military personnel, husband, wife or whatever we do, do you plead for God’s mercy. All of us need it. Therefore we should retire ourselves to God because all things come from Him. Always cry to Him for mercy and out of His fountain of all good things He will spring it out for you.

Food for Thought: God’s mercy breaks every barrier and grants favours that we need.

Memory verse: Psalm 6 verse 2

Prayer: Grant, O Lord that your mercies will not depart from me and my family in Jesus name. 

Price Of Godliness (Loss Of Possessions)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday April 4, 2017

Topic: Price Of Godliness (Loss Of Possessions)

Text: Job 1:13 – 22       

Job 1:1 gives us a description of Job. He was a godly man; blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. For this reason, God made a hedge round him and all he had. This didn’t go down well with Satan who appeared in the presence of God to accuse Him for blessing Job. This conversation between God and Satan teaches us an important fact about God. He is aware of every attempt by Satan to bring suffering and difficulty upon us.

God knew Job and what Job can do. God vouched for him and when Satan was not satisfied, He permitted Satan to tempt Job but not to take his soul. The first series of attack was loss of his possessions including his children simply because God had blessed him and he was godly man; blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

While God may allow us to suffer for a reason beyond our understanding, He is always compassionate with us. Job had lost his possessions and family in this first of Satan’s tests, but he reacted rightly toward God by acknowledging God’s sovereign authority over everything God had given him. Satan lost this first round. Job passed the test and proved that people can love God for who He is, not for what He gives to them.

Have you taken time to analyze that problem you are going through; that loss of job, loss of your benefactor, loss of car, etc? It may be a test of your faith and commitment towards God. It may be that Satan wants to use it to distract you. Never give up. Loss of possessions shouldn’t distract our focus on God.

Food for Thought: Love and passion for possession can make us deny God if they are destroyed as a trial of our faith.

Memory verse: Job 1 verse 21

Prayer: Lord God, may I not love possessions more than you in Jesus name. 

Price of Godliness (Suffering)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday April 2, 2017

Topic: Price of Godliness (Suffering)

Text: 1 Peter 2:18 – 25

As Christians, we may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is the direct result of our own sins; some happens because of our foolishness; and some are the result of living in a fallen world. Another reason for suffering may be as a result of our willingness to live godly lives. Peter wrote here about suffering that comes as a result of doing good.

Jesus Christ never sinned, and yet He suffered so that we could be set free. He suffered because He allowed the will of God to take precedence. Peter had learned about suffering from Jesus. He knew that Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan intended to save us (Matthew 16:21–23; Luke 24:25–27, 44–47). He also knew that all who follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer (Mark 8:34–35). He learnt these truths from Jesus and passed them on to us.

In 1992, Christian Education Movement organised a crusade in Issele Uku for towns Aniocha North. As we were going from the crusade ground inside a lorry, a teenager threw a big stone into the lorry. As the stone was coming to land on a 6 months old baby, a brother saw it, blocked it, and redirected it, and it landed on my face. I had a cut above my eye and on my nose. We went back to Ajulu Clinic where the cut was stitched. This is one way we suffer to preach the gospel.

Missionaries trekked long distances, suffered attacks and rejections before the gospel came to us. Following Christ’s example to live for others may lead to suffering. We shouldn’t avoid it rather we should with patience, calmness, and confidence pass through it knowing that God is in control of our future.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:14 – 16

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2 verse 19

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace to endure suffering as I live for you.

He Will Accomplish It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 1, 2017

Topic: He Will Accomplish It           

Text: Philippians 1: 3 – 6   

Lamentation 3:22 says: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” God’s grace brought us to the level we are in today. Despite all we have accomplished so far in life, there are some other desires, dreams and goals we hope to accomplish even in this new month. The greatest of all is to live well and make heaven. This was the major prayer of Paul for the Philippians.

Albert Barnes Commentary on Philippians 1:6 says, “God abandons nothing that He undertakes. There are no unfinished worlds or systems; no half-made and forsaken works of His hands. There is no evidence in His works of creation of change of plan, or of having forsaken what He began from disgust, or disappointment, or want of power to complete them.” This was the assurance of Paul in telling us today that what God has started in our lives, He will accomplish them.

Beloved, be assured that there shall be nothing lacking on God's part to support you; to make you wise, holy, prosperous, happy and to bring you at last to His kingdom and glory. Believe God to accomplish your salvation. You will not miss heaven in Jesus name. Again, what are the goals you hope to accomplish this year? Is God in your plans for them? If so, then be assured that you will accomplish them. All you need is to lean on Him and you will see God working in your favour this month and beyond. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: Philippians 4:13

Memory verse: Philippians 1 verse 6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (EVS).

Prayer: Lord, accomplish every project you have started in my life especially the project of my salvation in Jesus name.

Don’t Be Intimidated

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday March 27, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be Intimidated

Text: Acts 4:23 – 31          

Sometimes we may exercise boldness and courage over issues but when we leave there, people may talk fear into us and discourage us. When Peter and John got back to the other disciples, they narrated what happened at the council. These disciples didn’t exercise any fear too. Rather they joined hands to pray for more utterance and boldness to preach the gospel. They never asked God to silence their enemies. They didn’t pray for their death neither did they ask God for protection against their threat and persecution. All they were after was how to preach the gospel. Is there any lesson for us in the reaction of the other Apostles and their prayers?

Their prayer was centred on the will of God to get the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth as their master charged them. The direction of their prayer and what they asked for are very important which we should take note of. Observe how they prayed. There was unity and they were of one mind (Acts 4:24). Nobody had ulterior motive. First, they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for His help. They did not ask God to remove the problem but to help them deal with it.

This is a model for us to follow when we pray. Those who query God about problems should understand that they can overcome problems and that will strengthen their faiths. God may choose to remove our problems, when we ask but we must recognize that often He will leave a problem but give us the strength and courage to deal with it.

Food for Thought: Psalm 2:1 – 4

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 24  

Prayer: Lord, grant that I will not be intimidated by threats of the enemies of the gospel in Jesus name. Amen

The Uniqueness Of Jesus

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 22, 2017

Topic: The Uniqueness Of Jesus

Text: Acts 4:5 – 12  

Sometimes, do you wonder why the Pharisees and Sadducees were always picking at Jesus and His disciples even when there are no obvious reasons for such? How can they quarrel with the disciples over the healing of a man born lame instead of being happy and returning the glory to God? The reason for this kind of behaviour is nothing but selfishness and envy or else what would have instigated such action? However, thanks to God for the boldness and authority of the disciples.

Peter used that opportunity to rebuke their hypocrisy, hatred and wickedness against Jesus Christ. He listed what made Jesus unique. Christ was the rejected stone which turned out to be the cornerstone. Peter asserted that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. All these things mention in Acts 4:10 – 12 by Peter made Christ unique.

There are two kinds of courage: reckless courage, knowing the danger, faces it without knowing the consequences and the fearless courage that knows the peril and yet is undaunted. Peter’s boldness is of the latter as he was bold to challenge these men. We should be bold to speak out for Jesus Christ not minding the consequences because of His uniqueness. He even charged us to risk our lives for Him (Matthew 10:39; 16:25). If Jesus Christ in His uniqueness died for us, what will be too much to offer Him? We should show the world the uniqueness of Jesus Christ by living His life. This will make the world to appreciate that He is unique indeed.

Food for Thought: 2 Timothy 2:5 – 6

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 12 - And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Prayer: Lord God, let the words of my mouth and the life I live show the world the uniqueness of Christ.

The Widow Of Zarephath

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday March 20, 2017

Topic: The Widow Of Zarephath

Text: 1 Kings 17:8 – 16

In mid-2016, I read in one of the Nigerian National dailies how a woman used her child as a surety to get food for her family in Osun State Nigeria because of hunger. In August 2016, I also read how a pregnant woman stole N300:00 (less than a dollar) to eat. She didn’t deny when arrested. These and many more are effects of hunger on Nigerians as at the time of writing especially the one caused by famine.

That makes it worse as was this case in Israel in time of this woman of Zarephath. Her faith in this time of crises was exemplary and worthy of emulation. This woman and Jezebel, wife of Ahab are from the same territory. She was not a Jewess. Zarephath is a Phoenician seaport on the Mediterranean between Tyre and Sidon, usually subject to Tyre. How come she had faith in God of Israel to believe Elijah? Is there any lesson for us about those who are not of the same faith with you?

How could this woman easily believe the words of Elijah as she was not an Israelite? Probably, she had heard so much about Elijah and the God of Israel. Or she had become a secret worshipper of God of Israel. Beloved, you might have heard so much about God or you might have read so much about Him in the scriptures. Do you believe His words or you still have doubts in His ability to heal, deliver and save you?  

This woman gave up what she termed her last meal before death to a total stranger. She acted like the widow who gave a mite. That was an uncommon faith. Her faith is a challenge for us. How many of us are willing to give out from our best or last food, clothes, car, etc? Most of us give out the over used clothes, remnant of our food, etc. We should learn to give the best. This woman was rewarded for such a faith. You will receive far more if you learn to give your best.

Action: As you go out today, ensure that you give your best in words and deed to those who need them.

Memory verse: 1 King 17 verse 15

Prayer: God, grant me the kind of faith in that woman of Zarephath in Jesus name. Amen.