Don’t Despise Wisdom: Devotion for Sunday July 12, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday July 12, 2020

Topic: Don’t Despise Wisdom 

Text: Proverbs 1:20 – 33                                 

Solomon, having showed how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here declares how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God. Jesus Christ himself is Wisdom. Three sorts of persons are here called by Him: 1. Simple ones (Proverbs 1:22). These are sinners, who take everything for granted. They are fond of their simple notions of good and evil, their simple prejudices against the ways of God, and flatter themselves in their wickedness.

2. Scorners (Proverbs 1:22). These are the proud, jovial people that make a jest of everything. They are also scoffers at religion that run down everything sacred and serious.  

3. Fools (Proverbs 1:22). Those are the worst of fools that hate to be taught, and have a rooted dislike to serious godliness. These are the people Solomon said wisdom is calling on to come.

Wisdom reproves three kinds of men, the foolish or simple who err out of ignorance, the mockers who cannot stand to be taught, and the fools who are drowned in worldly lusts and hate the knowledge of godliness. Do you belong to any of these groups? How much do crave for wisdom which is Christ?

We gain wisdom as we read and meditate daily on God’s word, as we hear preaching of the gospel, etc. Those who despise wisdom live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will come. Do you still despise wisdom? Hearken diligently, and obey the Lord Jesus, that you may enjoy peace of conscience and confidence in God; be free from evil, in life, in death, and forever.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 22:28

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:31

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I not despise wisdom rather help me to always hearken to the voice of wisdom in Jesus name.

A Wise Father’s Exhortation: Devotion for Saturday July 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday July 11, 2020

Topic: A Wise Father’s Exhortation                

Text: Proverbs 1:10 – 19                                

The wicked are zealous in seducing others into the paths of their wickedness; they love to have company in their sin and crime. Nevertheless, they have so much the more to answer for (Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13). This should make young people to be very cautious. However, their zeal in seducing people to join them is what Christian should think of. If they could put in such zeal in luring people into evil, why can’t Christian put much more zeal in luring sinners out of evil?

"Do not consent" here is all encompassing; do not say as they say nor do as they do. You shouldn’t have any fellowship with them (2 Corinthians 6:14). Their idea of acquiring wealth is very different from God’s ideal. Their desire is to steal and even kill to acquire wealth. This confirms what Jesus said about Satan in John 10:10. It is absurd to think that it is a pleasure for someone to destroy another. It is not a pleasure rather a quick ticket to hell fire. 

Those who choose the wicked as their companions will definitely become like them in character and end. This advice is the best a father can offer to the son. Unfortunately these days, most parents don’t even care to know how their children acquired the wealth they are flashing about in the society. Some parents will even advice their children to do things immoral. Some parents pay for their children to cheat in exams. Some parents encourage their children into immoral relationship with opposite sex.

Dear Christian parents, what advice do you give to your children? Let the advice of Solomon here be a challenge for us.   

Food for Thought: What kind of advice do you give to your children?

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:10

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to always give wise counsel to my children and word in Jesus name.

Train Yourself in the Ways of Wisdom: Devotion for Wednesday June 3, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday June 3, 2020

Topic: Train Yourself in the Ways of Wisdom       

Text: Proverbs 1:1 – 6                          

This book of Proverbs according to Max Lucado “is a book for weekdays (Monday – Saturday). It treats the importance of wisdom, piety towards God, instructions and moral discipline; understanding wise and prudent counsels. It states too that wisdom is to be shown in the conduct of our lives, which consist in righteousness with regard to other creatures.”

We have in our text, is the essence of this book, Proverbs. Living Bible stated in verses 2 and 3 that Solomon wrote Proverbs to teach his people how to live, how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did. If people take heed to wisdom, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion which are indispensable in our present age.

How can someone be trained in the ways of wisdom? This training comes from the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), sticking to moral instructions from parents and elderly ones in our neighbourhood. We can only fear of the Lord when we know Him and His expectations from us. It takes a heart that has the fear of God to abstain from evil. This fear comes when we hide God’s words and commandments in our hearts (Psalm 119:11).

Beloved, do you train yourself in the ways of wisdom by meditating on God’s word (Proverbs 2:6)? This is very important if we want to live well and please God with our lives. Constant meditation on the word of God will grant us the needed wisdom to live righteously in our present age.     

Food for Thought: Proverbs 2:6 – 9     

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:3         

Prayer: Lord, train me in the ways of wisdom as I meditate daily on your word.

Train Yourself in Wisdom

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Thursday January 17, 2019

Topic: Train Yourself In Wisdom

Text: Proverbs 1:1 – 6  

The book of Proverbs according to Max Lucado is a book for weekdays (Monday – Saturday) because it treats the importance of wisdom, piety towards God, instructions and moral discipline; understanding wise and prudent counsels. It states too that wisdom is to be shown in the conduct of our lives, which consist in righteousness with regard to other creatures.

What we have in our text, is the essence of this book, Proverbs. Living Bible stated in verses 2 and 3 that Solomon wrote Proverbs to teach “his people how to live, how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did.” If people take heed to wisdom, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion which are indispensable in our present age. How can someone be trained in the ways of wisdom? This training comes from the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), sticking to moral instructions from parents and elderly ones in our neighbourhood. We can only fear of the Lord when we know Him and His expectations from us. It takes a heart that has the fear of God to abstain from evil. This fear comes when we hide God’s words and commandments in our hearts (Psalm 119:11).

How much do you train yourself in the ways of wisdom by meditating on God’s word (Proverbs 2:6)? This will grant us the needed wisdom to live righteously in our present age.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 2:6 – 9

Memory verse: Proverbs 1 v 3 

Prayer: Lord, train me in the ways of wisdom as I meditate daily on your word.

Hoarding Attracts Curses

Devotion for Monday January 8, 2018

Topic: Hoarding Attracts Curses

Proverbs 11:26

Part of our scriptural reading yesterday says, “And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty” – Proverbs 11:24b.  Our text today expatiates on that. Hoarding as we have in our text can mean two things – hoarding goods in anticipation of price increase or one who is a miser that cannot give out what he or she has. The earlier meaning is very common in our country. We have witnessed it among petroleum marketers and other traders especially those that sell food stuffs. Their aim is to make much gain but the bible says that they are under curse. People will curse them and blessing will be upon those that sell. Do our Christian brothers and sisters who create artificial scarcity through hoarding read this passage of the scripture? If they do and still continue to partake in evil, I wonder their kind of Christianity. On the other hand, when you hoard your seed, talent, gifts and wealth, the person is invariably incurring curse upon himself or herself. We know that extortion is sin but the worst extortionist is he who takes advantage of a public calamity to fill his own coffers at the expense of the poor. This should not be seen among Christians. So many Petrol stations lock up on Sundays but check their dispensing meter on Monday morning. They have adjusted it to make gains yet they were in the church the previous day. Beloved, avoid the curse of men and heaven by doing what is right. Sing A&M 184

Food for Thought: Do you hoard your wares for sale; your gifts, your talents and wealth? Repent to avoid curses.

Memory verse: Proverbs 11:26

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not hoard my wares for sale, gifts, talents and wealth in Jesus name. Amen.

A Great Understanding

Devotion for Thursday November 23, 2017

Topic: A Great Understanding

Text: Proverbs 14:29

The greatest gift to ask from God is discretion or wisdom. With wisdom, one can achieve so many things in life; it can make you rich, save you from danger; it gives you understanding, protects you against the enemies, guide you in path of righteousness, etc. There are principally two things we should note in this text.

1) Meekness is part of wisdom. Someone who is meek rightly understands and controls himself; his duties and interests, the infirmities of human nature, and the society. Someone who is patient is really to be counted as intelligent; one that learns of Christ in everything, who is Himself (Christ) wisdom.

2) Unbridled passion is proclamation of foolishness. He that has hasty of spirit, whose heart is tinder to every spark of provocation, always thinks to magnify himself and make those around stand in awe of him, whereas really he exalts his own folly. He makes his folly known to all through his foolish and hasty acts and words. Such person lacks understanding.

This exhortation of James in James 1:19 should be our yardstick for measuring one who is wise and truly a child of God. How wise are you? How do you control your anger? An understanding fellow shows wisdom and one who lacks wisdom acts foolishly.

Food for Thought: James 1:19 – 20

Memory verse: James 1:19

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to moderate what I see with my eyes and how I react to them.

The Lord Will Repay You

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday January 21, 2017

Topic: The Lord Will Repay You

Text: Ruth 2:11 – 13           

Boaz opened up and acknowledged that he has heard all the works of love shown Naomi since the death of her (Ruth’s) husband and have come to a people whom she did not know before. For this reason he prayed for her as we have in 2:13. Boaz also stated that God of Israel is a refuge to all who come to Him. God rewards affection and love we show our elderly people.

This prayer of Boaz is regarded by some theologians as the key to understanding the purpose of this book; that is to show the sovereignty of God in His relationship with His people. ‘Wings’ symbolizes divine protection (Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 61:4; 91:4). Boaz also recognizes that Ruth’s actions can only mean that she has come to have faith in the God of Israel which confirmed her words in 1:16. All our labours of love are never in vain.

According to Middleton in Quotations, PowerBible CD stated that, “Charity is never lost: it may meet with ingratitude, or be of no service to those on whom it was bestowed, yet it ever does a work of beauty and grace upon the heart of the giver.” Again, “Charity sees the need not the cause” as German proverbs says. We should help people not minding the reward. Definitely, the reward will come at God’s time.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 6:10

Memory verse: Ruth 2 verse 12

Prayer: Lord, remember all my labours of love and reward me accordingly.

GAINS FROM HEAVENLY WISDOM: Devotion for Sunday October 16, 2016

GAINS FROM HEAVENLY WISDOM: Devotion for Sunday October 16, 2016

Text: Proverbs 2 verses 1 – 9   Memory verse: Proverbs 2 verse 6

God created us in His image and expects us to imitate Him through Jesus Christ who is His perfect image. Again, He expects us to depend on Him as our maker just as we read yesterday. In our bible reading for the day, Solomon spoke again as a wise teacher, describing the benefits of pursuing heavenly wisdom. He laid out the concept that God is the ultimate source of wisdom (Proverbs 2:6). True wisdom is God-given, not merely the result of human effort or ability (1 Kings 3:9–12; Jas 1:5). Obviously, there is no doubt about it that wisdom comes from God. Knowledge can come through human effort but wisdom is heavenly. This is the reason behind some acclaimed learned men and women who misbehaves despite their knowledge.

The core of the teaching from Solomon here is that if we truly give ourselves to the knowledge of God without hypocrisy, we will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the true knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5) which will result in gaining heavenly wisdom. Gaining this true knowledge that leads to wisdom comes from concerted and consistent efforts (Proverbs 2:4) in seeking from God because it comes from Him. This wisdom will shield those who walk uprightly. With it, God will guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of His saints. It will lead to proper understanding, righteousness, justice and equity. How are you striving to acquire this heavenly wisdom?   

Beloved in Christ, it is pertinent to note here that there is difference between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Heavenly wisdom brings out heart knowledge that transforms us physically and spiritually, while worldly wisdom is mere head knowledge that criticizes everything spiritual. As it takes concerted and consistent effort to gain wisdom from God and one of the ways is through meditation of God’s word, how are you doing that? How serious do you take the word of God? Remember God’s counsel to Joshua (Joshua 1:8). Don’t just read to know what the bible says rather read to gain knowledge and wisdom that will transform your life and make you a worthy candidate for the Kingdom of God.  

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 17:18 and 19

Prayer: O Lord my God, as I seek heavenly wisdom through constant and consistent study of your word, grant it to me in Jesus name. Amen. 

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016 

Text: Proverbs 1:20 – 33         

Memory verse: v 31 – Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

Solomon, having showed how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here, declares how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God. Christ himself is Wisdom. Three sorts of persons are here called by Him:

1. Simple ones (1:22). These are sinners, who take everything for granted. They are fond of their simple notions of good and evil, their simple prejudices against the ways of God, and flatter themselves in their wickedness. They never take things seriously. People who are too familiar with the word or things of God that they no longer see any need for repentance are also in this category. Solomon says they need wisdom.      

2. Scorners (1:22). These are the proud, jovial people that make a jest of everything. They are also scoffers at religion that run down everything sacred and serious. They usually criticize those who serve God or people who come to preach to them. 

3. Fools (1:22). Those are the worst of fools that hate to be taught, and have a rooted dislike to serious godliness. These are the people Solomon said wisdom is calling on to come.

Wisdom reproves these three kinds of men, the foolish or simple who err out of ignorance, the mockers who cannot stand to be taught, and the fools who are drowned in worldly lusts and hate the knowledge of godliness. Do you belong to any of these groups? How much do crave for wisdom? We gain wisdom as we read and meditate daily on God’s word, as we hear preaching of the gospel, etc. Despisers of wisdom live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will certainly come. They are not perturbed by any preaching. They comfort themselves in their sin. Hearken diligently, and obey the Lord Jesus, that you may enjoy peace of conscience and confidence in God; be free from evil, in life, in death, and forever.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 22:17 & 18 – Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I not despise wisdom rather help me to always hearken to the voice of wisdom in Jesus name.

BE TRAINED IN THE WAYS OF WISDOM: Devotion for Tuesday May 24, 2016

BE TRAINED IN THE WAYS OF WISDOM: Devotion for Tuesday May 24, 2016

Text: Proverbs 1:1 – 6    Memory verse: v 3

This book of Proverbs according to Max Lucado is a book for weekdays (Monday – Saturday). It treats the importance of wisdom, piety towards God, instructions and moral discipline; understanding wise and prudent counsels. It states too that wisdom is to be shown in the conduct of our lives, which consist in righteousness with regard to other creatures. What we have in our text, is the essence of this book, Proverbs. Living Bible stated in verses 2 and 3 that Solomon wrote Proverbs “To teach his people how to live, how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did.” If people take heed to wisdom, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion which are indispensable in our present age.

How can someone be trained in the ways of wisdom? This training comes from the fear of the Lord (1:7), sticking to moral instructions from parents and elderly ones in our neighbourhood. We can only fear the Lord when we know Him and His expectations from us. It takes a heart that has the fear of God to abstain from evil. This fear comes when we hide God’s words and commandments in our hearts (Ps 119:11). How much do you train yourself in the ways of wisdom by meditating on God’s word (Prov. 2:6)? This will grant us the needed wisdom to live righteously in our present age.      

Food for Thought: Proverbs 2:6 – 9

Prayer: Lord, train me in the ways of wisdom as I meditate daily on your word.

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.

THE CONCERN OF THE RIGHTEOUS

THE CONCERN OF THE RIGHTEOUS           Wednesday April 22, 2015

Text: Proverbs 30:7 – 9                                        Memory verse v 8

Here is the concern of Agur (30:1), who wants to live righteously. His prayers and purposes in life are here expressed (30:7, 8). His desire was to live outside falsehood and lies because God hates falsehood (Psalm 119:118; Jeremiah13:25). He also desired neither riches nor poverty. He wanted an average and moderate life.

Having too much money can be dangerous, but so can having too little. Being poor, in fact, can be hazardous to spiritual as well as physical health. On the other hand, being rich is not the answer. Jesus warned that rich people have trouble getting into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 19:23, 24). Therefore like Paul, we can learn how to live whether we have little or plenty (Philippians 4:12), but neither poverty nor riches is the best.

What is your concern as a Christian in respect of living a life that pleases God? The most desirable outward condition is that of a moderate competency; free from the temptations of wealth and of poverty. Daily bread keeps us properly trusting in the continuity of God’s benevolence (Exodus 16:4; Matthew 6:11). This prayer of Agur and our Lord’s Prayer has some similarities. If we are removed from vanity and lies; if we are interested in the pardoning love of Christ, and have him for our portion; if we walk with God, then we shall have all we can ask or think, as to spiritual things.

Food for Thoughts: Agur prayed for a middle state, that he might be kept at a distance from temptations. What kind of prayer do you say?

Prayer: Lord, keep me at a distance from temptations of riches and poverty in Jesus name, Amen.

WISDOM IS INVALUABLE

WISDOM IS INVALUABLE            Saturday April 18, 2015

Text: Proverbs 3:13 – 18              Memory verse: v 13

I once read somewhere that, men who have ideas rule the world. These ‘ideas’ is wisdom. When Mark Zuckerberg conceived the idea of Facebook and invited some of his friends, only two people agreed to join him. Today, Facebook is a household name launched on February 4, 2004. Mark will be 31 by May this year.

When Tim Berner Lee invented the idea of internet, he never knew the enormous relieve and effect it will have in the world. Today most places use internet. Time will fail us to talk about Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia, Evans Williams of Blogger, Nikolas Zennstrom and co of Skype, Shiva Ayyadural of email, David Filo and Jerry Yang of Yahoo, Jack Dorsey and Dick Costello of Twitter, etc. All these people rule the world because of the idea (wisdom) they have. Their wisdom is invaluable in our world today.

Here, Solomon says that anybody who finds wisdom is happy because it gives such person an edge over others. That is what distinguished these people mentioned above and others. No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity should be considered. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer.

Do you seek for wisdom above all other earthly treasures? One great source of acquiring wisdom is through reading the word of God. Unfortunately some can’t even buy good bible for themselves. How often do you read the scriptures? Meditating regularly on it brings wisdom.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 8:32 – 35.

Prayer: God, grant me wisdom that will help me to live well here on earth and make heaven at last in Jesus name.