Faith That Works: Devotion for Sunday June 28, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday June 28, 2020

Topic: Faith That Works                                          

Text: Luke 17:5 – 10                                    

This request in Luke 17:5 was motivated by the difficulty of avoiding and forgiving “offences.” Jesus tells His disciples, that if they have the smallest degree of true faith; lively, operative faith, it will enable them to perform this difficult duty of forgiving injuries, and all other duties, with as much facility and ease as a miraculous faith would enable them to remove mountains and transplant trees.

When we obey Jesus’ instructions, we have only done our duties and should regard it as a privilege. We shouldn’t expect thanks, for we were only doing what we were supposed to do. Jesus used the example of a slave who renders service and does not expect to be thanked to explain what is required of us in carrying out our responsibilities as Christians.

Obedience is not something extra done for God; it is the duty of anyone who desires to be Christ’s follower. We must lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. How deep is your faith in Christ Jesus? It is not how big your faith is but how deep to counter deep problems of life.

With these words, Jesus was not rendering service as meaningless or useless, nor was He doing away with rewards. He was attacking unwarranted self-esteem and spiritual pride; perhaps such as many of the religious leaders were exhibiting at that time, or what the disciples themselves might be tempted to fall into as they would seek to serve God when their faith has been increased.

Christians should focus their eyes on God with their goal only to serve and please Him. They don’t work for recognition or rewards or even for God to praise them for their hard work. Don’t allow self-esteem and pride for what God is using you to do in your generation enter into your head.

Food for Thought: No obstacle can withstand a confiding faith in God.

Memory verse: Luke 17:6                                                                                    

Prayer: Grant me a strong faith to believe every word that comes from your mouth, O Lord my God.

Ignorance Hinders Blessing: Devotion for Thursday June 11, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday June 11, 2020

Topic: Ignorance Hinders Blessing                   

Text: 2 Kings 5:9 – 12                                    

Elisha knew Naaman to be a proud man, and he would let him know, that before the great God all men stand upon the same level. Every commandment from God is always aimed at testing the spirit in us. Most times the spirit in us is usually rebellious to the laws of God. Thus denying us the blessings that would have followed total obedience.

The best place to grow second income

Naaman, a great hero, was used to getting respect, and this time he didn’t get it and he was outraged when Elisha treated him like an ordinary person. This is usually expectations of those who are proud. They expect everybody to worship and honour them. As a proud man, he expected royal treatment. He was ignorant of the fact that God is no respecter of any person (Acts 10:34). Thus God’s instruction here was to humble him because a proud man has no place in God’s plan and purposes.

To wash in a great river would be one thing, but the Jordan was small and dirty. To wash in the Jordan, Naaman thought, was beneath a man of his position. But Naaman had to humble himself and obey Elisha’s commands in order to be healed.

Obedience to God begins with humility. We must believe that His way is better than our own. We may not always understand His ways of working, but by humbly obeying, we will receive His blessings. We must remember that; (1) God’s ways are the best,

(2) God wants our obedience more than anything else and

(3) God can use anything to accomplish His purposes.

Beloved, do not allow pride and ignorance to hinder your blessings. There is substitute to humility.

Food for Thought: Every commandment from God is always aimed at testing the spirit in us.

Memory verse: 2 Kings 5:12 

Prayer: Almighty God, heal me of any atom of proud spirit in me. Grant me spirit of humility and obedience to your commandments in Jesus name. 

It Is A Gift: Devotion for Saturday May 2, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday May 2, 2020

Topic: It Is A Gift                                                      

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13                     

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, are the result of the free and rich grace of God bestowed on us. If really we understand that we are what we are today just because of the grace God has bestowed on us, we shouldn’t have any reason to be proud or brag about our achievements.

Paul made it clear that the difference between us Christians in terms talents, etc. depends on the gift we have received from God. Here in our text, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they (the Corinthians) could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. We should understand that no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received—all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything.

The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God.

Beloved, whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think you are deserve or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Ephesians 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and you should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to you. 

Food for Thought: John 3:27

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:7

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name. 

NB:
I have added this message from my Youtube channel. The topic is Uselessness to Usefulness. Watch it and leave your comment. Just click on this topic Uselessness To Usefulness

ARROGANCE OF UNBELIEVERS: Devotion for Monday April 27, 2020

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Devotion for Monday April 27, 2020

Topic: ARROGANCE OF UNBELIEVERS               

Text: 2 Kings 18:26 – 37                           

A proud and arrogant man has no place in God’s plan. God hates pride and arrogance (James 4:6 & 1 Peter 5:5). When God sees any atom of pride in you, He will not use you for anything; He will not answer your prayers rather His grace will depart and your fall will be mighty. Remember the story of Haman against Mordecai. As Christians, we should as a matter of priority remove pride and arrogance from our lives if we intend to please God and enjoy His benevolence.

From our text, we saw the arrogance and pride of Rabshakeh an officer sent by Sennacherib king of Assyria to Hezekiah. We can see from 2 Kings 18 verse 17, that Rabshakeh is an office and not name of a person. Their speaker spoke arrogantly because they don’t know the God of Israel. He compared God of Israel to gods of other land that cannot deliver. After all the display of pride and arrogance, Hezekiah’s men didn’t utter a word. No wonder people say that silence is the best answer to a fool.

In chapter 19, we saw how God discomfited and chased them away. WHO CAN BATTLE WITH THE LORD? This is how unbelievers boast and send threats against believers but at last God will always put them to shame. Are people threatening because they feel they are greater than you? Your God of Israel will disgrace them.

Food for Thought: Who can battle with the Lord?

Memory verse: 2 Kings 18:29 

Prayer: Remove arrogance and pride from me O Lord because no one can battle with you.

Pride Goes Before A Fall: Devotion for Friday March 27, 2020

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Devotion for Friday March 27, 2020

Topic: Pride Goes Before A Fall                                   

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14

Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. The worst thing that can happen to a man/woman is having a bad friend and spouse. When your spouse/friends are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem.

Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife, Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (v13). This was pleasing to Haman (v14). Unfortunately, it backfired on him.

Haman’s family members and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death.

Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life because pride is what has killed most people.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Proverbs 29:23.

Memory verse: Matthew 23:12

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.  

Do You Have Idols In Your Heart? Devotion for Thursday March 19, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday March 19, 2020

Topic: Do You Have Idols In Your Heart?                                             

Text: Ezekiel 14:1 – 11 

Most of us undermine the fact that God knows the intents of our hearts in whatever we do. These elderly people who came to Ezekiel have not actually repented of their sins before coming to God. With one hand they held on to sin and were using the other hand to inquire of God. You cannot mock God because He is a Spirit.

The offence of these men that came for inquiry is that they have made idols in their hearts which can never take the place of God. He is a jealous God. He doesn’t share our hearts with idols. Hence He instructed them to repent (v6) so as to avoid the consequences that might follow (v 8 – 11). Idols in the heart according to our bible reading are things that made them to stumble and fall into sin.

Beloved, what are the idols that can occupy our hearts and make us stumble? Can you mention five of those idols in hearts of people? Admittedly, most Christians have set up idols of money/wealth, hatred, anger, pride, lust, etc., which easily lead them into sin. God doesn’t take pleasure in the outward form of worship when it is connected with a wicked heart and life.

Again, He cannot be deceived by those who come to inquire of Him, and He will not allow them to mock Him when they are also serving idols. If they love iniquity and secretly practice it, He will answer them in wrath, and not in mercy. Therefore be warned so that similar thing will not come upon you.

Action: Write down things that can become idols in your heart.

Memory verse: Ezekiel 20:3

Prayer: Deliver me O Lord my God from every idol in my heart so that my worship will be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

Don’t Advertise Yourself: Devotion for Sunday August 18, 2019

Devotion for Sunday August 18, 2019

Topic: Don’t Advertise Yourself

Text: John 4:16 – 26

Some people are fond of telling others who they are by their words and actions. They will always want people to acknowledge them by introducing themselves even though the occasion does not demand or warrant such. This is common attitude of the Pharisees.

Such attitude is opposed to God, no wonder Jesus always rebuke them (Luke 11:39 – 44). Are you one of those who would always introduce yourself to people so as to be recognised? Know that unwarranted self introduction is an act of pride.

Jesus met this woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well and as their discussion ensued, the woman made the statement in John 4:19. She perceived that Jesus is a prophet from His manner and His knowledge of her of her history.

The word “prophet” here denotes one who knew her heart and life, and who must therefore have come from God. Every word that Jesus had uttered excited her to wonder more and more, and when He lifted the curtain off her life, she was convinced at once of Jesus superhuman knowledge. Jesus didn’t tell her He is a prophet rather it was through His word, the woman came to understand.

How do you present yourself to others? Do you allow people to discern that you are a child of God by your actions and words or you go about to announce and advertise that you are a child of God, a prophet, a demon bulldozer and in many other ways? Allow people to know you by the fruit you bear (see also Matthew 7:16 & 20)

Food for thought: “Those that are truly desirous to be owned and accepted by God will likewise desire not to be taken notice of nor applauded by men.” - Henry     

Memory Verse: John 4:19

Prayer: Grant me the spirit of humility, O Lord, that people will know me by the fruit I bear

Be A Faithful Steward

Devotion for Monday July 30, 2018

Sing A&M 304; Abu 233 – Fight the good fight with all thy might

Topic: Be A Faithful Steward

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 6

Our bible reading for the day as Paul presented it was prompted by evaluation of humans by the Corinthians. Although the term ‘servants’ (1 Corinthians 4:1) denotes subordination, “stewards” (1 Corinthians 4:2) emphasizes privilege and responsibility. The call to leadership is a call to a pure and trustworthy character (1 Corinthians 4:2).

The Corinthians acted as if they were the judges at the last day, but they had judged much too early (1 Corinthians 4:5 - “before the Lord returns”). Their judgments of Christians were not for edification, but to put a final tag of good or bad, in or out, on the ones they judged. It was a non-ministry judgment that had its source in pride. This is very common even among present day Christians.

According to Family Bible Notes, “Fidelity to God and to the souls of men, in rightly dispensing the truths of the gospel, and in enforcing them by a uniformly holy and consistent example, is required of all ministers of Christ.” This is the emphasis of Paul in verse 2. “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare, poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well’” so says Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.

It is appropriate to evaluate our calls as servants of whatever category we may be. How faithful are you in your job? Do you do it well as Martin Luther Jnr. suggested? We should remember that our call is to be faithful first to God and then to our employer. May God, grant us that grace in Jesus name. Sing A&M 304; Abu 233

Food for Thought: The supreme quality required in a steward is fidelity to his trust.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Prayer: Lord God, help me never to betray the trust you have reposed on me.

Pride Goes Before A Fall

Devotion for Monday June 18, 2018

Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Topic: Pride Goes Before A Fall

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14

One obvious truth is that self-admiring and self-flattering end in self-deceit. The worst thing that can happen to someone is to have a bad friend and spouse. When your spouse/friends are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem. Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen alone. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. I pray that your presence will cause problem for your enemies and when they see you or hear your name, peace will elude them in Jesus name. Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (Esther 5:13). This was pleasing to Haman (Esther 5:14). According to Family Bible Note, “The measures which men take for the destruction of others often prove the means of their own; and while they glory in anticipated victory, they sink into irretrievable ruin.” This was the case of Haman. Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he was, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high, as they wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death. Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Proverbs 29:23.

Memory verse: Esther 5:12

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.

Pride And Its Effect

Devotion for Friday February 23, 2018

Topic: Pride And Its Effect

Text: Isaiah 10: 5 – 19

The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his own will. Most tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. The plan of God was to correct His people for their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to Him; but that wasn’t Sennacherib's plan. His desire was to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. He boasted of the great things he has done to other nations (Isaiah 10:8 – 11), by his own policy and power. He did not know that it was God who made him what he was, and puts the staff into his hand (Isaiah 10:5). If he had consulted Nebuchadnezzar, he wouldn’t have been so pompous. His pomposity provoked God’s anger (Isaiah 10:12 – 15). 

Matthew Henry opined that “For a tool to boast or to strive against Him that formed it, would not be more out of the way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah.” God’s verdict on King of Assyria was that He shall strip him and all his princes, of their wealth, and might, and glory; and destroy his numerous armies as fire destroys things which are thrown into it (Isaiah 10:16). That was the effect of pride on Sennacherib. 

Beloved, do you boast of the talent, wisdom, power or position God has given to you? Do you look down on others because you feel you are better than them? Think twice! God is God of justice. He exalts and brings down (Psalm 75:7; Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:14). 

Sing A&M 194; Abu 177.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 29:23                

Memory verse: Isaiah 10:12

Prayer: 1. My Father in heaven, may I not exalt myself because of where you have placed me or the talent you have given to me. 2. Grant me the spirit of humility and appreciation for what you have made me in Jesus name. Amen      

Put Away Pride To Excel

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 10, 2017

Topic: Put Away Pride To Excel

Text: John 19:1 – 6

Nothing good comes so easy and if we must gain anything meaningful and good, we must make extra effort, deny ourselves some pleasures, inconvenience ourselves and do some other sorts of things that many even be termed degrading to achieve what we desire or to attain our goals in life.

Zaccahaeus was a chief tax collector and a very rich man. He wanted to see Jesus to know what He is like; probably he had heard so much about Him. Unfortunately, he was of small stature. Seeing Jesus is something very few men desire. Can we say that faith or fancy made Zaccahaeus to climb the Sycamore tree to see Jesus? Some believe it was not faith but fancy that made him climb the Sycamore tree, to see Jesus. If that is accepted, his curiosity gave occasion to the belief of his heart. It is good to come near the place where Christ is, no matter the principles that bring us there because He is the source of everything good we desire in this life.

Zaccahaeus shelved aside position, fame, pride, wealth and the result was salvation. What extra effort can you make to receive salvation, healing, deliverance, blessings, etc? Is it to pray more, remove pride, study the word of God the more, attend church programme regularly, fast the more, etc. Think about it. Basketball legend Larry Bird says, “Push yourself again and again. Don’t five an inch until the final buzzer sounds.” Beloved, make extra effort and put away pride because son that miracle will unfold for you.

Food for Thought: “There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying” – Francis Ball

Memory verse: Luke 19 verse 3

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O lord my God to put aside pride in order to achieve my life’s dream in Jesus name.   

ARE YOU AT EASE?

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2016

Topic: ARE YOU AT EASE?                

Text: Amos 6:1 – 7

In the book Revelation, one problem with the church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot. What led them into being lukewarm was the wealth they enjoyed (Revelation 3:17). This made God to rebuke them (Revelation 3:19), warning them to repent (See full story in Revelation 3:14 – 22). That story is very similar to our text for the day. Our bible reading centres on dangers of luxury and false security.

Usually, times of continued worldly prosperity and alliance with political leadership are full of danger to the cause of Christianity. There is always the tendency to bring into the church luxury, pride, vain show, and indifference to God's service, with all the gross sins that naturally follow in their train. Thus the professors of godliness dishonour Christ before the world, lose their power over men's consciences, and make it necessary that God should purify His church by His judgments.” This was the reason why Amos denounced those that are at ease in Zion. The people in question are men and women who have so much confidence in their wealth and their connections. This attitude is dangerous and God condemns it whole and entire (see Psalm 146:3 & Isaiah 31:3).

It was on this basis that Family Bible Notes admonished that “The numerous examples on record of great and often very sudden changes from a state of ease and comfort to one of deep affliction, ought to be a solemn warning to us of the present day not to abuse the great prosperity which God is bestowing upon us, lest He cause our sun also to go down at noon, and darken our land in the clear day, as he did with ancient Israel (Amos 8:9).” Do you trust your riches and now complacent on the things of God? Do you belong to the group that feels all is well because you have money and can get whatever you want at beck and call? Know that God is the owner of whatever you have and He is the only one that can connect us and not man. Trust God and not your riches for wealth are deceptive.

Food for Thought: Do you abuse the great prosperity God has bestowed on you?

Memory verse: Amos 6 verse 1

Prayer: God, remove every spirit of complacency in me in respect of serving you and help me not to be at ease because of my wealth in Jesus name.

EFFECTS OF WISDOM: Devotion for Monday October 17, 2016

EFFECTS OF WISDOM: Devotion for Monday October 17, 2016                 

Text: Proverbs 2:10 – 22    Memory verse: Proverbs 2 verses 10 and 11

Yesterday we read gains from heavenly wisdom. We saw that wisdom is divine and God gives it to those who consistently and concertedly seek for it. Because of its great value, not everyone is ready to pay the price to acquire wisdom. Today’s bible reading highlights more of what we stand to the gain from heavenly wisdom.

Heavenly wisdom will deliver one from the ways of evil men (Proverbs 2:10–15). This implies that with wisdom, someone can know the best way to approach or handle evil men. Such person cannot be enticed into doing evil with them. Wisdom will enable him to know when to flee from their cunning and deceitful ways. Wisdom is very important in a time like this when people are so much evil minded and wicked.

Any Christian, who is truly wise, should be very careful to avoid all evil company and evil practices which can lure us out of our Christian faith. When wisdom has control over our lives, then, it not only fills our heads, but enters into our hearts, and will protect, and preserve, both against corruptions within us and temptations without.

Secondly, it will deliver men from adulterous women (2:16–19). The adulteress is referred to as a wayward woman in that she is outside the circle of a man’s proper relationships (Proverbs 2:16). When we have wisdom in our hearts, it will guard us against improper relationship.

Two of the most difficult sins man finds exceedingly hard to resist are pride and sexual immorality. Both are seductive. In combination, their appeal is deadly and can destroy someone overnight. We need heavenly wisdom to overcome them. In fact, Solomon’s opinion is that only by relying on God’s strength can we overcome them. Pride appeals to the empty head; sexual enticement to the empty heart. We should be extremely careful about what we take to heart. It is only by looking up to God, that we can fill our heads with His wisdom and our hearts with His love. Remember that you have a destination and a reward waiting for you. Therefore always ask God for wisdom and strength to resist these temptations.

Food for Thought: “The only effectual safeguard from the ways of sin and ruin is the knowledge and fear of God” – Family Bible Notes

Prayer: Heavenly Father, sow and nurture your knowledge and fear in my heart in Jesus name.

Sermon Note on The Christian Virtue of Humility

THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE OF HUMILITY     Text: Matthew 18:1 – 4; 1 Peter 5:5 – 7

Introduction: Humility is modest or unassuming in attitude and behaviour. It is feeling or showing respect and deference to other people. In Bible Online, Sockman posited that “True humility is intelligent self-respect that keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us mindful of the nobility God meant us to have. Yet it makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.” Humility is what will tell the world about our Christianity outside love.  

Development: The disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question may have arisen from the prediction Jesus gave in Matt. 17:22, 23. To answer their question, Jesus called a small child over to him. The disciples had become preoccupied with the organization of an earthly kingdom and were seeking positions of advantage. Jesus used a child to help His self-centred disciples get the point. The disciples needed to become as little children. Jesus wanted them to change their attitude toward greatness.

They were to have servant attitudes (diaconate spirit), not being “childish” (arguing over petty issues) but “childlike,” with humble and sincere hearts. God’s people are called to humility and unconcern for social status. Unfortunately, that has become one of the greatest problems of the church today. People want to prefix something to their name. The desperate one will pay huge sums of money to the church so they will be made knights or Ezinne. Some, on their own will begin to prefix Evang. Some have even made themselves Pastors and Apostles.

Those who persist in pride and “ladder climbing” for the sake of status in this world will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. By contrast, those who, in humility, realize their need of a Saviour, accept Him, and move into the world to serve, not only enter the Kingdom but will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. True humility means to deny oneself, to accept a position of servant hood, and to completely follow the Master. This informs the admonition of Peter on church relationship in 1 Peter 5:5 – 7. He noted that all the believers had a responsibility in the congregation to serve each other in humility. Humility means being able to put others’ needs and desires ahead of one’s own (see Philippians 2:3-4).  

Application: Today, our world in general and the church in particular are in dire need of this Christian virtue of humility. We need men/women who will serve without asking for a price. The Church needs people who will carry the virtue of humility to their offices, neighbourhood, business premises, schools, etc. Humility should be seen in our actions, reactions, responses, word, etc. We should be humble enough to accept our mistakes, confess our sins and repent of them. It takes a humble heart to repent of sins.

Conclusion: Have you ever thought of what the Church of God would look like if all of us had developed the kind of servant hood or diaconate spirit found in Christ (Philippians 2:3 – 11)? The virtue of humility will help us to crucify self, put on compassionate spirit and live out the life of Christ. It will make us less worldly and more heavenly. Just like our collect for the day, we should ask God to humble us in every aspect of our lives for that is what the world will see in us and acknowledge that we are indeed Christ-like.

Let us pray

EFFECT OF PRIDE: Devotion for Tuesday June 21, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10: 5 – 19       Memory verse: v 12

The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his own will. Most tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. The plan of God was to correct His people for their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to Himself; but that wasn’t Sennacherib's plan. He designs to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Assyrian, boasts what great things he has done to other nations (10:8–11), by his own policy and power. He did not know that it was God who made him what he is, and puts the staff into his hand (10:5). How I wished he consulted Nebuchadnezzar. He wouldn’t have been so pompous.

This provoked God’s anger (10:12–15). Matthew Henry opined that “For a tool to boast or to strive against Him that formed it, would not be more out of the way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah.” God’s verdict on King of Assyria was that He shall strip him and all his princes, of their wealth, and might, and glory; and destroy his numerous armies as fire destroys things which are thrown into it (10:16). That was the effect of pride on Sennacherib. Do you boast of the talent, wisdom, power or position God has given to you? Do you look down on others because you feel you are better than them? Think twice! God is God of justice. He exalts and brings down (Ps 75:7; Matt 23:12; Lk 18:14).

Food for Thought: Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour, 

Prayer: 1. My Father in heaven, may I not exalt myself because of where you have placed me or the talent you have deposited in me. 2. Grant me the spirit of humility and appreciation for what you have made me.

IT IS A GIFT: Devotion for Monday May 2, 2016

IT IS A GIFT: Devotion for Monday May 2, 2016         

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:7 – 13     Memory verse: v 7

Any sensible Christian has no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is the result of the free and rich grace of God. We shouldn’t be proud, if really we’ve understood that we are what we are just because of the grace God has bestowed on us. Paul made it clear that the difference between us Christians in terms of talents, etc depends on the gift we have received from God. Here, Paul asked the rhetorical questions so they could see the silliness of their prideful positions against one another. We should understand that no one is better than anyone else. Everything we have; all we’ve accomplished and every gift we’ve received—all came from God. No one has any right to boast about anything.

The problem of looking down on others stems from pride, arrogance and ignorance. Pride because you have some gifts others have. Arrogance because you thought it is by your own strength and ignorance because you don’t know that all you have are gifts from God. Beloved, whatever we are or have as at today, are all gifts from God – life, talent, wealth, good job, etc. Do not think you deserve or worked harder for it. Just like salvation (Eph. 2:8 & 9), it is a gift from God and you should be humble enough to appreciate this and not to pride yourself about what was given to you.  

Food for Thought: John 3:27

Prayer: God, may I not forget that what I am and have, are gifts from you. Help me to use them judiciously to your praise and glory in Jesus name.  

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL: Devotion for Friday March 18, 2016

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL:  Devotion for Friday March 18, 2016         

Text: Esther 5:9 – 14         Memory verse: v 12

Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. The worst thing that can happen to someone is keeping a bad friend and spouse. When you have a spouse or friends that are God-fearing and truthful, you can hardly run into problem. Haman came home rejoicing for the honour of being invited to a dinner with the king and queen. However, to him, his joy was not complete with Mordecai being at the king’s gate. I pray that your presence will cause problem for your enemies in Jesus name.

Thus Haman sought the consent of his wife, Zeresh and friends. They suggested gallows to hang Mordecai after seeking for permission from the king (5:13). This was pleasing to Haman (5:14). According to Family Bible Note, “The measures which men take for the destruction of others often prove the means of their own; and while they glory in anticipated victory, they sink into irretrievable ruin.” This was the case of Haman. Please make time to read the chapter six.

Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death. Pride leads to destruction. It was pride that destroyed Belshazzar. Beware how you live your life because “There is nothing into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride. And yet there is no vice that is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture” according Charles Spurgeon.

Food for Thought: “A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honour” – Prov. 29:23.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me humble spirit and remove every spirit of pride in me which leads to destruction.   

SUFFICIENT GRACE: Devotion for Saturday December 19, 2015

SUFFICIENT GRACE     Saturday December 19, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:6 – 10     Memory verse: v 9

The apostle, Paul, gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. 

God often brings this good out of evil that the reproaches of our enemies might help to hide pride in us. If God loves us, He will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This is true of great men of God. They usually have one thorn or the other on them in order to humble them. Most of us who have these thorns on our flesh think that God was undoing us but it is a way to helping us to live well and within the ambit of His grace. Have you been complaining about that thorn on your flesh? Know that it will not stop God from using you. The grace of God is still there for you. Live your life, for God is not angry that there is thorn on your flesh.

Food for Thought: God appoints our weaknesses to humble us.

Prayer: God grant me the grace that is sufficient for my weaknesses.

EFFECT OF PRIDE : Devotion for Saturday August 22, 2015

EFFECT OF PRIDE        Saturday August 22, 2015

Text Daniel 5:17 – 23           Memory verse: v 20

The king offered Daniel gifts and great power if he would explain the writing, but Daniel turned him down. Daniel was not motivated by material rewards. His entire life had been characterized by doing right. His act was not disrespect. Doing right should be our first priority, not gaining power or rewards. Are you disposed to doing right or gaining rewards and power? Note that desire for power can be destructive.

Belshazzar knew Babylonian history, and so he knew how God had humbled Nebuchadnezzar. Nevertheless Belshazzar’s feast was open defiance to God’s authority as he took the sacred cups from God’s Temple and drank from them. No one who understands that God is the Creator of the universe should be foolish enough to challenge him. Pride led him into it and he paid for it. Do you defile God? Be warned because our God is a Jealous God.

Food for Thought: Pride and humility doesn’t dwell together.

Prayer: Father, heal me of any form of pride and grant me humble spirit.

BEFORE DESTRUCTION COMES

BEFORE DESTRUCTION COMES   Saturday July 4, 2015

Text: Proverbs 18:12                 Memory verse: v 12

No one is destroyed without a cause. Samson was tamed when he exposed the secrets of his power. Before Nebuchadnezzar was driven into the bush, he was proud and never acknowledged who made him. Time will fail us to mention Herod, Belshazzar, etc. The spirit that manifested in them was enough evidence to show what their end will be. A man's spirit is a sure indication of the lot that awaits him: if he is humble, he will reap honor; if he is haughty, he will reap ruin.

Beloved, pride is the presage of ruin, and ruin will at last be the punishment of pride. In the same way, humility is the presage of honour and prepares men for it, and honour shall at length be the reward of humility (Proverbs 15:33). We manifest pride through words of our mouth, action, dressing, etc. Mention other ways. Pride goes before destruction. We should be mindful of how we live so that we will not ignorantly be proud rather we should show humility in everything for that will bring us honour at the end (Philippians 2:5 – 11).

Food for Thought: Is it possible to know when you manifest pride?

Prayer: Lord, remove every atom of pride in me and grant me the spirit of humility in Jesus name.