Do Not Procrastinate: Devotion for Tuesday July 7, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday July 7, 2020

Topic: Do Not Procrastinate             

Text: Joshua 1:10 – 15                           

In Romans 4:20, the bible recorded that Abraham did not waver or stagger at the promises of God. This means that he had no doubt about what God told him despite his physical condition and that of his wife (Romans 4:19).

In our bible reading today, Joshua said to the people immediately God had spoken to him, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess” (Joshua 1:11b). We honour the truth of God, when we stagger not or waver at the promise of God as Abraham did. The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren. When God, by his providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brethren.

“The certainty that God will bestow upon his people the blessings he has promised them, does not in the least lessen the necessity of their using all appointed means to obtain them” so says Family Bible Notes. God promised to take them into the Promised Land. They don’t have to procrastinate or sit in a place for the promise to be fulfilled. They have a part to play.

Likewise, God has made several promises to us. We shouldn’t procrastinate about them by waiting for “manna to fall from heaven.” Rather we should swing into action by playing our part in that promise made by God. Remember that God promised to feed the birds of the air but He does not throw their food into their nest.

Food for Thought: What will you do to ensure that God’s promises made to you will be fulfilled?

Memory verse: Joshua 1:11

Prayer: God remove from me every form of procrastination especially in heavenly matters in Jesus name.

You Will Return: Devotion for Saturday, June 4, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday July 4, 2020

Topic: You Will Return         

Text: Isaiah 10:20 – 23                          

God keeps to His words. All over the scripture, He fulfilled all His promises except when we fail to keep our own part of the covenant. He promises are like two sides of the coin, where He honours one side while the person to receive the promise honours the other side. When He told the Israelites, at the bank of Red Sea that the Egyptians they are seeing they will see no more. It was as if it is something very impossible to happen. But God was true to His word.

Here in our text for the day is the assurance that the remnant in exile will return to their Promised Land. Those who remained faithful to God despite the horrors of the invasion are called the remnant. Once Assyria’s army was destroyed, a small group of God’s people would stop relying on Assyria and start trusting God (Isaiah 10:20). This remnant would be but a fraction of Israel’s former population: see Ezra 2:64-65.

Have your life been battered by evil, sickness, sin, etc.? God is promising you that you will return to the position of good health, prosperity, progress, knowledge of God, etc.   

In spiritual terms, the key to being a part of the remnant was faith in Christ Jesus. These remnants are those that God will rapture to be with Him. Being a descendant of Abraham, living in the Promised Land, having trusted God at one time, none of these were good enough.

Beloved, are you relying on your Christian heritage, the fellowship you attend, the church you belong, the rituals of worship, or your past experience to qualify you for belonging to God’s family? These will not count. The key to being a true Christian is faith in Christ Jesus. Are you truly born again?  

Food for Thought: Will you be among those that will return to God when the rapture takes place?

Memory verse: Isaiah 10:21

Prayer: Lord God, always keep me ready for the kingdom till the day you will rapture your saints or till the day of my death

Unlock Your Hidden Treasure: Devotion for Wednesday March 4, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 4, 2020 

Topic: Unlock Your Hidden Treasure        

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9  

To every human being, there are deposits of treasures/gifts, which are waiting to be unlocked. These treasures or gifts can only become real and ours when we take some positive actions. Some of the ways to unlock our treasures are through revelation, challenges of life, reading of books, practices, etc.

I became an author through the revelation I received from reading of books from my mentor, Robin Sharma. Some of his books opened my eyes to the enormous gifts in me. Then I realised that I can do something. There are gifts/treasures and talents in you that are yet to manifest because you are not aware of them. I pray that God will reveal them to you.

Joshua had a task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. God told Joshua that he will succeed in the task on the condition that he incessantly meditates on the word of God. The way to be inspired and increase your courage is to meditate on the word of God daily and it should be for the purpose of understanding and obeying it. For Joshua to discover his ability in leadership, he must as a matter of priority, read and meditate on the word of God to unlock that treasure in him.

Some of us have the treasure of becoming inventors, great athletes, great evangelists, pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc., but fear have hindered us from attaining such greatness. God has an assurance for you in Joshua 1:9. Read and meditate on it.

Food for Thought: Fear is the greatest obstacle to attaining our greatness in life. 

Memory verse: Psalm 1:2

Prayer: Lord God, remove every fear in me that is an obstacle to the manifestation of the treasures hidden in me in Jesus name.

Be Strong and Courageous: Devotion for Friday January 3, 2020

Devotion for Friday January 3, 2020

                   

Topic: Be Strong and Courageous            

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 7                                           

Leadership demands courage because you are faced with numerous responsibilities. These responsibilities need wisdom and not only knowledge to handle. That is why you see a degree holder failing in leadership while a graduate of Secondary school performs better. It depends on the level of wisdom in that person which comes from God (Proverbs 2:6). Knowledge is only an added advantage in leadership and not the basic necessity.

Joshua had assumed the leadership of Israel and now has the mandate to lead them into the Promised Land (1:1, 2). God gave him all the assurances he needed and some strategies to lead well and prosper. He said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God’s law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law – The Bible.

If we intend to be successful in our endeavours this year, we should also follow God’s words for Joshua. You should be strong in faith and be courageous in following God and facing trials and temptation. You may not succeed by the world’s standards, but you will be a success in God’s eyes—and His opinion lasts forever. Follow God courageously and He will take you to your Promised Land.

Food for Thought: The highest and noblest courage is shown by the most faithful discharge of duty.  

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 29:9

Prayer: Lord God, make me strong and grant me the courage to faithfully follow your strategies for success this year in Jesus name.

Our God Keeps To His Words: Devotion for Monday August 12, 2019

Devotion for Monday August 12, 2019

Topic: Our God Keeps To His Words

Text: Joshua 21:45

The words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:56 confirm our topic for the today. God has never spoken and failed to do what He said. Joshua subscribed to the fact that all God said concerning possessing the Promised Land by Israel came to pass.

The inviolable truth of God’s promise and its fulfillment is what Christians should look up to even when it delays in coming to pass. If in anything, it has seemed to come short, we should be ready to take all the blame to ourselves. God does not speak always but when He utters a word, He abides by it.

What are His promises you have laid hold on, prayed about them and they have not come to pass? What are you currently passing through that has almost consumed you and you have started to doubt the promises of God and their fulfillment in your life?

Joshua testified that all God promised him and Israel came to pass. Solomon did same. All the promises He made to Paul also came to pass. I am assuring you, the user of this devotional today that God’s promises about your life and future will be fulfilled.

Congratulations in advance!

All will come to pass in your life in Jesus name. Just keep trusting and waiting for at the right time, it will be fulfilled.        

Food for Thought: “He who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in the performance of it” – Jean Jacques Rousseau

Memory verse: Joshua 21:45

Prayer: God, bring all your promises for me and my family to fulfillment in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Strong and Courageous

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Sunday January 20, 2019

Topic: Be Strong and Courageous

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9

In our bible reading for the day, God used the phrase “Be strong and of good courage,” 3 times in verses 6, 7 and 9. God used this phrase because that was the area of Joshua’s strength but he seems not to have understood that hence the emphasis from God on the phrase. God wanted Joshua to understand that He is with him and has empowered him to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, had severally proved that he was, yet needs these exhortations. The reason is that his work was great, difficult, and in a great measure new to him. Again he needed the exhortation because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially in comparison with Moses; and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for him.

Most times it is in the area of our strength that devil brings fear to intimidate us. Joshua knew that he has the charisma, character and ability to lead the people yet, he was reluctant and unwilling. In the days of Gideon, he was afraid of the people of Medians even when he had the power already; that made the angel of the Lord to urge him to go in that strength. What are the areas of your strength? Are you using them to its full potential or you are waiting for God to emphasis on them? Now is the opportunity you have to use it and to use it well. Do not procrastinate about it nor undermine the power God has bestowed upon you.

Food for Thought: Most times devil intimidates or tempts us based on our strength.

Memory verse: Joshua 1:9 

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to recognise my strength and use it for your glory in Jesus name. Amen.

Unlock Your Hidden Treasure

Devotion for Sunday June 3, 2018

Topic: Unlock Your Hidden Treasure        

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                                  

Every human being has hidden treasures waiting to be unlocked. They can only become real and useful to us when we take some actions. There are many ways to unlock our hidden treasures. Some of the ways are through revelation, challenges of life, reading of books and practices. I became an author through the revelation I received from reading of books from my mentor, Robin Sharma. Some of his books opened my eyes to the enormous gifts in me. Then I realised that I can do something with my life. Many of us today are yet to manifest our gifts because we are not aware of them. I pray that God will reveal them to you. You will not die without realising your gifts and using them for your generation in Jesus name.

Moses had a task of leading the people into the Promised Land but was denied the opportunity because of anger and disobedience. God saw the kind of obstinate and rebellious heart they displayed under Moses and assured Joshua that he will succeed in leading them into the Promised Land on the condition that he meditates on the word of God regularly. Joshua 1: 8b says, “For then” ... which means that the means of being inspired and to increase true courage, is daily attention to the principles and precepts of the Bible, so as to understand and obey them. For Joshua to discover his ability in leadership, he must as a matter of priority, read and meditate on the word of God to unlock that treasure in him.

Some of us have the treasure of becoming inventors, great athletes, great evangelists, pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc, but fear have hindered us from attaining such greatness. God has an assurance for you in Joshua 1:9. Shake off that fear, put on courage and certainly you will be at the top. See you there.

Sing the Hymn A&M 561; Abu 188

Food for Thought: Fear is the greatest obstacle to attaining our greatness in life. 

Memory verse: Joshua 1:8

Prayer: Lord God, remove every fear in me that is an obstacle to the manifestation of the gifts hidden in me in Jesus name. Amen

Move On To Actualize Your Dream

Devotion for Friday March 16, 2018

Topic: Move On To Actualize Your Dream

Text: Deuteronomy 1:1 – 8                 

The first part of Moses' farewell sermon to Israel begins with this chapter, and is continued to the latter end of the fourth chapter. Moses began his admonition (v5) by reminding them of God’s promises concerning Canaan (v 6 – 8). The people of Israel spent about a year on mount Horeb, the mountain that burned with fire (compare Hebrew 11:18). There God spoke to Moses that the people have stayed so much and should move on. They seem to be comfortable at that mountain but God told them to leave that comfort zone. No one can achieve much when he/she is in the comfort zone. You need to move out of your comfort zone to improve yourself, take more challenges and attain a new height.

Many of us are stagnant in our faith and spiritual lives. Some are comfortable being in the church without any commitment attached to it in terms of winning souls for Christ. Are you satisfied with what you are now? Are there no rooms for improvement in your life and career? If there are, then you should move on. Don’t sit in a place because of troubles of life that seem to have brought you to a standstill. It is time to move on. Are you mourning loss of a friend, a spouse, a parent, a benefactor or a child? It is time to move on. Dust yourself for there are better things ahead as there was Promised Land ahead of the Israelites. Sing A&M 331; Abu 109

Food for Thought: No one ever achieved much in a comfort zone.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 1:7

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me to move in life not minding the troubles and challenges that have come my way in Jesus name.

Always Do It As God Commanded

Devotion for Saturday September 23, 2017

Topic: Always Do It As God Commanded

Text: Numbers 20: 7 – 13

God’s instructions are meant to be carried out to the letters. Anything short from that instruction amounts to disobedience and there is nothing like partial obedience where God is. Saul disobeyed God by not destroying Amalek who were under curse (Exodus 17:8), and that led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:13 – 24).

God instructed Moses to 1) Take the rod, 2) Gather the whole Assembly to be witnesses of what was to be done, that by their own eyes, they might be convinced and made ashamed of their unbelief and 3) Speak to the rock which will do as it was bidden, to shame the people who had been so often spoken to, and would not hear or obey. God promised him that water will come out of the rock. Moses did numbers one and two but failed in number three. God was not happy with Moses but that act of disobedience denied him entry into the Promised Land.

Do you obey the word of God as instructed? God does not compromise His standard. You must do things as He commanded. We know that the best of men are defective, even in those virtues for which they are most distinguished just like Abraham, Moses, Job and others but that should not be a guarantee for us to willfully do things as they please us. We must be very careful never to miss the mark.

Food for Thought: Partial obedience equals absolute disobedience.

Memory verse: Numbers 20:11

Prayer: Lord God, make me wholly obedient to your word in Jesus name.

He Keeps To His Words

Devotion for Wednesday August 9, 2017

Topic: He Keeps To His Words

Text: Joshua 21:45

The words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:56 confirm our topic for the today. God has never spoken and failed to do what He said. Joshua subscribed to the fact that all God said concerning possessing the Promised Land by Israel came to pass. The inviolable truth of God’s promise and its fulfillment is what Christians should look up to even when it delays in coming to pass. If in anything, it has seemed to come short, we should be ready to take all the blame to ourselves. God does not speak always but when He utters a word, He abides by it.

What are His promises you have laid hold on and they have not come to pass? What are you currently passing through that has almost consumed you and you have started to doubt the promises of God and their fulfillment in your life? Joshua testified that all God promised him and Israel came to pass. Solomon did same. All the promises He made to Paul also came to pass. I am assuring you, the user of this devotional today that God’s promises about your life and future will be fulfilled. Congratulations in advance. All will come to pass in your life in Jesus name. Just keep trusting and waiting for at the right time, it will be fulfilled.         

Food for Thought: “He who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in the performance of it” – Jean Jacques Rousseau

Memory verse: Joshua 21:45

Prayer: God, bring all your promises for me and my family to fulfillment in Jesus name. Amen.

Mind Your Utterances

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 19, 2017

Topic: Mind Your Utterances

Text: Numbers 14:26 – 35

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31). Also see the warning in Matt 21:24. Provoking God is asking for trouble. It is like falling on a stone or the stone falling on someone. When you undermine the powers or mercies of God, He will show you that He is a consuming fire. He did it to Sodom and Gomorrah. He did it also to Goliath. On the contrary, God is full of mercies. He showed it to David and his descendants. May you not fall into the hands of living God rather may you enjoy His mercies in Jesus name.

God hates murmuring and complaining especially from people who have enjoyed His faithfulness. The Israelites tempted God, provoked Him and received rewards for their deeds. They condemned and ridiculed themselves and God honoured their word (Num. 14:28–34). This act of murmuring provoked God. It is a kind of indictment on God that He is not capable of protecting or leading them into the Promised Land. Again, by murmuring they try to shows that God’s words are not true. This was the reason God decided to honour their words of self-condemnation.

Have you enjoyed the mercies of God in form of healing, salvation, deliverance, protection, etc, and you are complaining or murmuring over immediate problem now, repent before the anger of God will come upon you. Beware of the kind of confession you make about your life; your marriage, your children, your job, your relationship, your dream, your spouse, etc. You can’t tell when you will use your negative confession to offend God and attract punishment.

Food for Thought: Beware of the confession you make about yourself.

Memory verse: Numbers 14 verse 29

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, never to murmur or complain against you no matter my present condition.

Requirements In The Promised Land

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday January 31, 2017

Topic: Requirements In The Promised Land

Text: Deuteronomy 8:5 – 9   

When you are making a trip to a foreign country, you will want to know some of the dos and don’ts in that country. This is to enable you conform to the standard expected of you when you get there. In some cases you may want to know the thing you will have in your luggage to avoid being embarrassed when you get there. Such requirements and tips are essential in having not only a smooth trip and entry but also a perfect stay in that country.

The requirements and tips on how to stay in the Promised Land are here exposed by Moses. He charged them to keep God’s commandments, walk in His ways and fear Him. This is pertinent because the land they were inheriting is a land blessed by God specifically for them.

As Christians, we are looking forward to a kingdom prepared for us. Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for us and He will come back to take us (Jn. 14:2 – 3). Living in that kingdom has some requirements. Some of them are; (1) you must be born again (Jn.3:3 – 6), you must be holy (Heb. 12:14), etc. How are you preparing for that Kingdom? The type of life you will live in that kingdom begins here on earth. If you are not living according to the commandments of God now, living in heaven will be difficult for you. Begin now to adapt to heavenly lifestyle.

Food for Thought: How prepared are you for the Kingdom of God?    

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 8 verse 6

Prayer: Equip me, O God; with everything necessary live in your kingdom in Jesus name. Amen.

The Bitter Experience

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 14, 2017

Topic: The Bitter Experience

Text: Ruth 1:3 – 5       

When God called the Israelites and brought them into the Promised Land, He discouraged friendly relations with the Moabites (Deut. 23:3-6) but probably not forbidden, since the Moabites lived outside the Promised Land. Marrying a Canaanite (and all those living within the borders of the Promised Land), however, was against God’s law (Deut. 7:1 – 4).

Moabites were not allowed to worship at the Tabernacle because they had not let the Israelites pass through their land during the Exodus from Egypt. Unfortunately, this was the land

Elimelech chose as his destination for succour in time of famine and it left bitter experience for Naomi who survived the succour in the land of Moab.

As God’s chosen nation, Israel should have set the standards of high moral living for the other nations. Ironically, it was Ruth, a Moabitess, whom God used as an example of genuine spiritual character. This shows just how bleak life had become in Israel during those days.

There are things that can bring bitter experience for us especially when we remove ourselves from the terms of covenant we have with our God. The major thing that can bring bitter experience to us is sin. Sin is disobedience to God’s law and command.

God had set boundaries for us where we must remain or else there will be consequences. We must remain within the confines of God’s grace to enjoy that grace. We will only remain within the confines of God’s grace when we live in obedience to His word and commandments. Remember what the bible says that, he that breaks the hedge, the snake will bite.

Naomi lived 10 years in Moab and had nothing to show for it except Ruth who was used by God to console her for the wrong decision of the husband. Have you taken wrong decisions and they are now hurting and hunting you? God is ready to heal the hurt and remove the hunt if only you can return to Him and ask for forgiveness of your disobedience and sins. The choice is all yours. Have a great day.

Food for Thought: Wrong decisions can affect you and your posterity. Always seek God’s leading in your decisions.

Memory verse: Ruth 1 verse 5 - ​ And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband (ESV).

Prayer: God, grant that I will not take decisions that will bring bitter experiences to my families in Jesus name.

YOU WILL CROSSOVER

Devotion for Saturday December 31, 2016

Topic: YOU WILL CROSSOVER                          

Text: Deuteronomy 9:1 – 6                            

The people of Anak were enormous people, some seven to nine feet tall. Goliath, probably a descendant of Anak, was over nine feet tall (1 Samuel 17:4–7). Unfortunately, these great men used their stature as a means of intimidation rather than for noble causes. Their appearance alone frightened the Israelite scouts (Numbers 13:28), and their bad reputation may have been the deciding factor that kept the Israelites out of the land 40 years earlier. Moses used all his persuasive power to convince his people that God could handle these bullies. He used the illustration of God as a devouring fire to motivate them because no giant can stand up against Him.

As this year rounds off today, many of us are apprehensive of what will happen in the New Year. The bills to pay and the uncertainties that lie ahead are like the people of Anak unto some of us. However, God is saying to us today that we will crossover to the New Year and posses all the good things He has packaged for us. Jesus gave us encouraging words in John 14:1, 27. You shouldn’t be fearful of what holds in the New Year neither should you be afraid of not seeing the New Year. God will remove ever obstacle on your way. See you in 2017. Happy New Year in advance!                      

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 11:22 – 24

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 9 verse 1

Prayer: Lord, thank you because my future is in your hands. Lead me into what you have purposed for me in Jesus name.

GOD OF EQUITY

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2016

Topic: GOD OF EQUITY                     

Text: Numbers 13:1 – 20        Memory verse: Numbers 13 verse 2  

One of the greatest problems confronting us in our nation Nigeria is the issue of justice and equity. This problem is not similar to Nigeria alone. From what I read, United States of America adopted Electoral College as part of the process in choosing a President to ensure equity. God who called the nation Israel knew that equity is one way to ensure peace and progress. Thus in our scriptural reading, he ensured all the tribes were represented among the spies that went to search out the Promised Land.

The command to go and search out the Promised Land was not God’s original plan. He would have had the people go immediately forward under His all- sufficient guidance (Deuteronomy 1:20, 21) but when the people proposed first to search the land, God was pleased to permit the plan, and to give directions respecting the manner of executing it (Deuteronomy 1:22–23). Moses decided to get valuable information before the people could enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13:17 – 20), and he took careful steps to get that information. God, being God of equity instructed that there should be equity in choosing the spies. When you are making decisions or assuming new responsibilities, remember these two important steps. Ask yourself what you need to know about the opportunity, and then obtain that knowledge. Common sense is a valuable aid in accomplishing God’s purposes.

From the instruction God gave, it show His fair dealing with us. He didn’t allow only few tribes to do the spying no matter their population. Every tribe was represented to ensure equity and fairness, and also balance judgment. This is the way He deals with all of us as Christians. He doesn’t favour some people because of their creed or race. This is a challenging example for our leaders in Nigeria with her peculiar nature of diverse tribes. There should not be any room to deny people their rights just because they are few in number. As leaders in various capacities; be it in the church, in government, in organizations, etc, we should not be selective in dealing with people rather we should maintain a fair playing ground for everyone to participate to avoid accusation that their rights are denied.

Food for Thought: God’s standard has remained same for every Christian no matter your creed or race.

Prayer: God, your standard remains the same for every believer. Grant me the grace to live by it and not to assume you will lower your standard in anyway.

ISRAELIS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE: Devotion for Saturday July 23, 2016

ISRAELIS ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE: Devotion for Saturday July 23, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 33:26 – 29             

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 33:29 - Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places."

This song of Moses declares that God is the refuge of the people of Israel, their only true security. This is one reason he said that the Israelis are privileged and special. There is none like the God of Israel. Thus there are no people like the Israel of God. This also applies to the New Israel or the Spiritual Israel which we belong to. Here are some of the peculiarities of the people of Israel.

1. They were always well seated and sheltered. Those who make God their habitation shall have all the comforts and benefits of a habitation in Him (Psalm 91:1). This is the understanding of the Psalmist hence his words in Psalm 91. This understanding is very necessary in our Christian race as we contend with principalities and powers.

2. Never were people so well supported and borne up. God stoops to be with His people at any time. His everlasting arms are underneath them, to keep the spirit from sinking, from fainting, and their faith from failing. Divine grace is sufficient for them. Just as He was with them in their journey to the Promised Land so He is with them even now. Otherwise how can we describe the survival of the nation of Israel amidst the Arab world who desires to eliminate them?

3. They were well commanded. Thus believers are more than conquerors over their spiritual enemies, through Christ that loved them. This was demonstrated when they came to the Promised Land. God gave them instructions and they followed which resulted in the walls of Jericho falling down. 

4. The people were well secured and protected. Israel shall dwell in safety alone.

5. Never were people so well provided for; so helped, so well armed, so well assured of victory over their enemies.

Is there any other thing that can make us more special than these? Absolutely nothing! Are you among these special people?    

Food for Thought: What more makes someone so special than these five points mentioned above?

Prayer: May God help us to seek and to set our affections on Him alone; that we may have our lot with Israel of God, in the realms of love and eternal happiness, and not  Israel's foes in the regions of darkness and despair.

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: Devotion for Saturday June 25, 2016 ]

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: Devotion for Saturday June 25, 2016 ]

  

Text: Joshua 1:10 – 15                           

Memory verse: v 11 - "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess”

In Rom. 4:20, the bible recorded that Abraham did not waver or stagger at he promises of God. This means that he had no doubt about what God told him despite his physical condition and that of his wife (Rom. 4:19). In our bible reading today, Joshua says to the people immediately God had spoken to him, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess” (1:11b).

We honour the truth of God, when we stagger not or waver at the promise of God as Abraham did. The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren. When God, by His providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brethren. Again, we God has blessed us, we should not neglect our brethren. We should be of help to them with what God has blessed us with.

“The certainty that God will bestow upon His people the blessings He has promised them, does not in the least lessen the necessity of their using all appointed means to obtain them” so says Family Bible Notes. God promised to take them into the Promised Land. They don’t have to procrastinate or sit in a place for the promise to be fulfilled. They have a part to play. Likewise, God has made several promises to us. We shouldn’t procrastinate about them by waiting for ‘manna to fall from heaven’ upon our laps which rarely happens. Rather we should swing into action by playing our part in that promise made by God. For example the promise to bless us depends on the effort we make. God blessed Isaac and made him prosperous when he sowed in Gerar. God promised to feed the birds of the air but He does not throw their food into their nest.

Food for Thought: What will you do to ensure that God’s promises made to you will be fulfilled?

Prayer: God, remove from every form of procrastination in me especially in heavenly matters in Jesus name.

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIS WORDS: Devotion for Friday June 24, 2016

  

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        

Memory verse: v 9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (New King James Version).

In our text, God used the phrase “Be strong and of good courage,” 3 times in verses 6, 7 and 9. God used this phrase repeatedly because that was the area He has endued Joshua but he seems not to have understood that. He wants Joshua to understand that He is with him and has empowered him to lead the Israelis into the Promised Land.

Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, had severally proved that he was, yet needs these exhortations. The reason is that his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new. Again he needed the exhortation because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses; and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect that the burden of ruling them would be too heavy for his shoulders.

God expected Joshua to make His law, his rule. He was charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. This is what is expected of us too in our Christian race wherein we face stiff challenges as Joshua faced. How much time do you spend in meditating on the word of God? We show the highest and noblest courage when we faithfully discharge our duties. There is no coward that makes it his great object to obey the known will of God.  

Most times it is in the area of our strength that devil brings fear to intimidate us. Joshua knew that he has the charisma, character and ability to lead the people yet, he was reluctant and unwilling. In the days of Gideon, he was afraid of the Midianites even when he has the power. It was the power in him that made the angel of the Lord to urge him to go in that strength. What are the areas of your strength? Are you using them to its full potential or you are waiting for God to emphasis on it?

Food for Thought: Most times devil intimidates or tempts us based on our strength.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognise my strength and use it for your glory. 

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

YOU WILL RETURN: Devotion for Wednesday June 22, 2016

Text: Isaiah 10:20 – 23        Memory verse: v 21

God keeps to His words. He fulfilled all His promises except when we fail to keep our own part of the covenant. When He told the Israelis, at the bank of Red Sea that the Egyptians they are seeing they will see no more. It was as if it is something very impossible to happen. But God was true to His word. 

Here is the assurance that the remnant will return to their Promised Land. Those who remained faithful to God despite the horrors of the invasion are called the remnant. Once Assyria’s army was destroyed, a small group of God’s people would stop relying on Assyria and start trusting God (10:20). This remnant would be but a fraction of Israel’s former population (Ezra 2:64-65). Have your life been battered by evil, sickness, sin, etc? God is promising you that you will return to the position of good health, prosperity, progress, knowledge of God, etc.   

In spiritual terms, the key to being a part of the remnant was faith in Christ Jesus. These remnants are those that will be raptured to be with the Lord. Being a descendant of Abraham, living in the Promised Land, having trusted God at one time, none of these were good enough. Are you relying on your Christian heritage, the rituals of worship, or past experience to qualify you for belonging to God’s family? The key to being a true Christian is faith in God.

Food for Thought: Will you be among those that will return to God when the rapture takes place?

Prayer: Lord God, keep me rapturable till the day of rapture or my death

UNLOCK YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE: Devotion for Friday March 4, 2016

UNLOCK YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE: Devotion for Friday March 4, 2016

Text: Joshua 1:1 – 9                        Memory verse: v 8

To every human being, there are deposits of treasures/gifts, which are waiting to be unlocked. These treasures or gifts can only become real and ours when we take some actions. There are many ways to unlock our hidden treasures. Majority of the ways are through revelation, challenges of life, reading of books, practices, etc. I became an author through the revelation I received from reading of books by my mentor, Robin Sharma. Some of his books opened my eyes to the enormous gifts in me and I realised that I can do something. Beloved, there are gifts/treasures and talents in you that are yet to manifest because you are not aware of them. I pray that God will reveal them to you. You will not die without realising that you have those gifts without using them for your generation in Jesus name.

Joshua had a task of leading the people into the Promised Land. He saw the kind of obstinate and rebellious heart they displayed under Moses. However, despite all these, God told him that he will succeed in leading them into the Promised Land on the condition that he incessantly meditates on the word of God. Josh 1:8b says, “For then ... (NKJV).” It means that “The grand means of inspiring and increasing true courage, is daily attention to the principles and precepts of the Bible, for the purpose of understanding and obeying them” as Family Bible Notes posited. For Joshua to discover his ability in leadership, he must as a matter of priority, read and meditate on the word of God to unlock that treasure in him. Some of us have the talent of becoming inventors, great athletes, great evangelists, pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc, but fear have hindered us from attaining such greatness. God has an assurance for you in 1:9.

Food for Thought: Fear is the greatest obstacle to attaining our greatness in life.  

Prayer: Lord God, remove every fear in me that is an obstacle to the manifestation of the treasures hidden in me in Jesus name.