God Satisfies The Longing Soul

Devotion for Wednesday May 23, 2018

Topic: God Satisfies The Longing Soul

Text: Psalm 107:1 – 9 

Those the Lord has redeemed and those that have benefitted from God’s benevolence should speak out and tell the world about God’s goodness (Psalm 107: 1 and 2). Indeed, God has done so much for us, and we have so much for which to thank Him (see Psalms 103:1 – 5). He wants us to tell everyone all that He has done. These verses are not so much a mandate to witness but as act of appreciation to God. There is no affliction no matter how grievous our God cannot deliver us from. Thus the Psalmist exhorts us who are delivered to be mindful of so great a benefit (Psalm 107: 5 and 6). As for thirst, He gives satisfaction, so for hunger He supplies filling. Lost, hungry, thirsty, and exhausted as used in our text, are wanderers, example of Israelites in exile. They also typify anyone who has not found the satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Anyone who recognizes he or she is lost can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy these needs. Jesus is the way (John 14:6), the bread from heaven (John 6:33, 35), the living water (John 4:10-14), and the giver of rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Have you received His life-giving offers? Jesus charged us on what to thirst after (Matthew 5:6). He then encouraged us in Matthew 6:33 and 34 to seek righteousness and all other things will be added unto us. What are the things you hunger and thirst after? God will satisfy your hunger and thirst especially if it is that which focuses on the spiritual; for that is what God delights in doing for us. 

Sing A&M 314; Abu 194

Food for Thought: Psalm 34:10        

Memory verse: Psalm 107:9

Prayer: God, satisfy my longing soul for your righteousness in Jesus name.

There Is Always A Reward For Righteousness

Devotion for Sunday March 18, 2018

Topic: There Is Always A Reward For Righteousness      

Text: Psalm 1:1 – 3  

When parents are happy with their children for obeying and carrying out instructions they reward them sometimes. In like manner God is always happy when we obey His commands and He blesses us. When He told Abraham to go and sacrifice his son Isaac and he obeyed, the response of God is in Genesis 22:15 – 18. We have in this psalm a reward for doing what God wants us to do. The theme of this psalm is the permanent prosperity and happiness of the righteous, and the certain destruction of the wicked. The reward for doing what God wants is being blessed which the Psalmist likened to a tree planted by the riverside. The key to doing what God wants is to know what He wants and such knowledge come through meditating on His word constantly. If we so desire to be blessed by God, we must have regard for His word, as the rule of our actions, and the spring of our comforts; and have it in our thoughts night and day. The righteous man takes counsel from God. This is very important for all that desire to please God. How do you take the word of God? What amount of time do you give to reading, study and meditation on it? That is the key to the breakthrough you desire always. 

Sing A&M 305; Abu 221

Food for Thought: The frequency and earnestness in meditating on God’s word is what ensures our growth and bring blessings upon us

Memory verse: Psalm 1:3

Prayer: Help me O Lord to earnestly and frequently meditate on your word to guarantee my blessings in Jesus name.

God Hates Wickedness

Devotion for Friday March 2, 2018

Topic: God Hates Wickedness

Text: Psalm 45:6 – 9                      

God hates wickedness and He punishes anyone who practices it. The bible has the stories of how God vexed His anger on people who perpetuated wickedness. The Psalmist didn’t restrain his adoration of Almighty God, expressing what His Kingdom and throne are made of. Scepter means royal authority or staff used as royal emblem. The emblem of our God is justice and righteousness. This is because it is His nature as He is just and righteous. For this reason, He hates wickedness (See Psalm 5:5; 33:5). There are some people who desire to practice wickedness. They love it so much that if they have not made trouble with people, they will not be happy. Wickedness comes in form of oppression, abuse of all kinds, willfully committing sin, luring people into evil, telling lies, betrayal and many others. Christians should not practice or tolerate wickedness. Psalm 97:10 admonishes us to hate wickedness as our God does. People who have no love find it easier to practice wickedness (See 1 John 2:11; 3:15). Are you nursing any form of hatred for someone? Better repent of it now before devil will lead you into wicked act. Learn to love people unconditionally because that is the best way to overcome wickedness.

Sing SS&S 587; Abu 205

Food for Thought: When you love people unconditionally, it will be easier to overlook their faults and shortcomings.

Memory verse: Psalm 45:7  

Prayer:  God, make me a lover of righteousness and a hater of wickedness as you do in Jesus name. Amen.

God’s Mercy Is Indispensable

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday April 7, 2017

Topic: God’s Mercy Is Indispensable  

Text: Psalm 6:1 – 2

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

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

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

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

Memory verse: Psalm 6 verse 2

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

Hand Them Over To Him

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL
Devotion for Saturday March 11, 2017
Topic: Hand Them Over To Him
Text: Psalm 55:22
The Psalmist advised us in Psalm 37:5 saying, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.” This counsel is very necessary because life is full of challenges. Someone once asked me, if there is any life void of worries. I believe that there is no one who doesn’t worry. The difference is that a true Christian hand over his/her problems to God and leaves everything in His hands while unbelievers will carry the burden on themselves.
We don’t have to undermine this counsel because of our own, we cannot do anything meaningful. It is a way to have peace in the midst of all uncertainties of life. Again, challenges of life are so many that they can easily overwhelm us except for the grace of God. Above all, God is the one that has all the wisdom that can help us live victoriously. The best way to ease yourself of anxiety is to lay your load upon God. Dependence on God keeps our souls in peace. God wants us to give our burdens to Him, but often we continue to bear them even when we say we trust in Him. Trust the same strength that sustains you to carry your cares also.
What is that burden of your heart now? Is it food to eat this morning? Is it money to transport you to office or children to school? Hand them and all other problems to God. Jesus advised us also on this matter in Matthew 6:25 – 34. When we worry, it means we don’t trust God. Don’t insult God by undermining His ability to provide for us.
Food for Thought: Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Memory verse: 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you (ESV).
Prayer: Lord, help me to remove worry out of my life by handing over every need to you.    

Trust Him At All Times

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday March 2, 2017  

Topic: Trust Him At All Times

Text: Psalm 62:8 – 12

When we have enjoyed the grace of God, we will find it easy to invite others to enjoy same with us. If you have not known and enjoy fellowshipping with God, it will be extremely hard for you to tell others about such fellowship. This was the case of the Psalmist here. He had tested the goodness and faithfulness of God which gave him the impulsion to give the counsel in Psalm 62:8. The counsel is that we should trust God wholeheartedly. 

What the Psalmist meant here is that we must trust God at all times, not to trust ourselves at sometimes or in any creature but in Him only. We should trust in Him to guide us when in doubt, to protect us when in danger, to supply for us when in want, and to strengthen us for every good word and work.

This counsel is the best we can get from anywhere. The reason is simple. God is Almighty; He owns everything and can do all things we desire. Then, if He can do all we want and can provide for us, why can’t we trust in Him as we do in small things as well as in big things? Why is it that we are easily despaired? We need to understand God we serve so well so as to begin to trust Him. If we don’t know Him enough just as the Psalmist did, we will continue to doubt Him as John the Baptist did when he was in prison. When we know God so well, we can trust Him. You can only trust what you know. Therefore, know him well by studying His words always.

Food for Thought: Psalm 18:2

Memory verse: Psalm 62 verse 8 - Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Prayer: Strengthen my faith, O Lord, my God, so I can trust you in all times no matter the situation or circumstance in Jesus name. Amen.

Knowing God’s Will

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday February 26, 2017

Topic: Knowing God’s Will

Text: Psalm 51:1 – 6

The author of this psalm is King David as generally accepted. Commentators and analysts say he wrote it after Nathan the prophet had come to rebuke him for his crime and evil against the family of Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1ff). This assertion that David wrote it after Nathan had visited him has the backing from the fact that the psalm is a prayer of repentance and with David as the author; it must be the case involving Bathsheba and Uriah.     

One of the things that endeared David to God is his honesty and love for God. What God demands from us is not merely outward virtue, but inward purity. What this implies is that God demands reality, sincerity, true holiness and heart fidelity. He doesn’t care for our pretence of purity; he looks to the mind, heart, and soul (1 Chronicles 28:9).

What David posited here is that it takes a repentant heart to know the will of God. He was of the opinion that our dealing with God should be more of the heart, mind and soul. It should not be that of physical alone but more of spiritual as God is a spirit (John 4:24). To him, it is only when our minds are pure and sincere that God can come in to instruct and grant us the wisdom needed to live well. Have you actually repented? If not, you can never know the will and your actions will always be contrary to what pleases God. 

It takes God’s act to cleanse our hearts to make them pure (see Ezek. 11:19; 36:26). Sin is contrary to God’s will but when our hearts are clean and pure, we will begin to live according to the will of God. How pure is your heart? Do you desire to know God’s will for you? Then allow God to remove the impure and corrupt heart and to give you the heart of flesh. You should also learn how to guard your heart diligently to ward off impure thoughts. Your ability to moderate your thought will help you to live well for God. 

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 36:25 – 27

Memory verse: Psalm 51 verse 6 – Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden parts you will make me know wisdom (NKJV).

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me in Jesus name. Amen.  

In Times like This, Look Up to God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday February 1, 2017          

Topic: In Times like This, Look Up to God           

Text: Psalm 121 (Living Bible)  

Our world of today especially the Nigerian case has so many challenges like high cost of living, irregular payment of salaries, poor power supply, fuel scarcity (as at the time I was writing), threat against Christianity, etc. These have placed so many people in a strait especially those who want to live righteously. 

Here the Psalmist started with a question: Shall I go to the mountain gods for help? In order words, do I go to where I ought not to go or do what is not right to get help? He also gave the answer as ‘No!’ He said so because he knew God and what He can do. He also knew that the righteous can never beg for food (Psalm 37:25). God holds the affairs of this universe. He has the best plan for our tomorrow. His thought far supercedes ours. His plan is to give us an expected end. Hunger, hardship, persecution, lack, etc. cannot stop God’s plan for us. 

In this new month, I urge you to look up to God to sustain you and your family. The month of January may have been a month of stress and strait. Never mind, God has already planned for you. Look up to Him. He called you and will perfect all that concerns you. We wish you a lovely month of February 2017. 

Food for Thought: Looking up to God for help is a mark which distinguishes the true believer from all other men.

Memory verse: Psalm 121 verse 2

Prayer: God, may I rely on you in every situation and not on man.       

GOD LOVES THE RIGHTEOUS

DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2016

Topic: GOD LOVES THE RIGHTEOUS 

Text: Psalm 146:5 – 10                      

God created us in His image (Genesis 1:28) and one of the characteristics or nature of God is righteousness. We that He created in His image ought to have that nature or characteristics in us. For this reason God love the righteous man because he has His nature.

The bible says that the righteous man lives by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Our bible passage for the day says that, “God loves the righteous”. Why is it, that God loves the righteous? God loves the righteous because they please Him (Hebrews 11:6). The gospel message states that righteousness is determined by faith and not by law. The Old Testament speaks of the law which the New Testament speaks on grace that comes through our faith in Christ Jesus.

Here are some qualities that distinguish a righteous man. Use them to assess yourself to know if you are one the righteous or not.

a) Total faith in God (Psalm 31:14) – A righteous man has total and implicit faith in God. He is not moved by situation or circumstances.

b) Bears fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22 & 23) – This is another nature or a righteous man. He bears fruits that glorify God.  

c) His actions are guided by faith (Habakkuk. 2:4)

d) He fears God and respects man (Matthew 10:28)

e) He obeys the word of God (Acts 5:29). You can add more to this. 

Note the concern God has for those who are down with burden. Are you down in your spiritual life, academics, business, marriage, career, etc? God has promised to lift you up and He will do it. For those who are righteous and are enjoying the love of God, take this advice. As someone who enjoys the inestimable privilege of His love, you should always endeavor to magnify His name with enthusiastic delight. One good area in Church’s worship where we can serve God well and magnify His name is in the choir. You must never be absent from the choir. You must never pause from His praise whose infinite love has made you what you are. Do you make out time praise God? Praises is what we can offer Him.

Food for Thought: Jesus is our burden bearer (1 Peter 5:7).

Memory verse: Psalm 146 verse 8

Prayer Points: God, help me to please you through a righteous living.

YOU WON’T LACK ANYTHING GOOD

DEVOTION FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Topic: YOU WON’T LACK ANYTHING GOOD

Text: Psalm 34:1 – 10                        

There are some promises in the bible that we ought not to take or interpret literally. One of those promises is the topic of our devotion for the day – You Won’t Lack Anything Good. If we are to take it the way it is written, it means that Christians won’t lack anything good at all. But that is not the promise of God. Let us look at this Psalm 34: 1 – 10 and see why David posited that Christians won’t lack anything good. 

One of the things we are expected to do when we get to heaven is to praise God. Thus, it will not be out of place if we start now to praise Him all the time. This is the view of the Psalmist (Psalm 34:1) because of what the Lord has done for him. His boasting will be in the Lord (Psalm 34:2) as he is so confident about God because he sought Him and found Him (Psalm 34:4). God never said to anyone, “Seek ye me in vain – Isaiah 45:19 (compare Jeremiah 29:13). The good things David had received from God made him to call on us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). One of the results of trusting in the Lord is that they shall not lack any good thing.

God knows our needs, both physical and spiritual. Lack of any good thing is not a blanket promise that all we need, we will get because there are some Christians, who, daily face unbearable poverty but inwardly are nourished enough to live for God. What the Psalmist meant is that God is enough for us. He is all that we need and when we have Him, all other needs of this life become secondary. That is the reason behind Matt 6:33. When you think you have a need, ask yourself some questions; (a) Is it really a need? (b) Is it good for me? (c) Is it the best time for me to have it? (d) Can I maintain it if it is given to me? Even though your answer is all in the affirmative, God may not give you all so you will learn to trust Him and depend on Him.

Food for Thought: “God's providence is in favour of those that keep His laws and against those that break them” – Beecher

Memory verse: Psalm 34 verse 10

Prayer: God, grant me the understanding that you are enough for me.

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED: Devotion for Friday September 30, 2016

TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED: Devotion for Friday September 30, 2016

Text: Psalm 121:1 – 8          Memory verse: Psalm 121 verse 5

In the new covenant, there are so many provisions for us in the area of providence, protection, guidance, favour, grace, etc. Some of the provisions in the new covenant which all sincere Christians carry about as tag include a decree ‘Out of Bound’, ‘Touch not my Anointed’ and ‘Do my prophet no harm’. This is one of the good aspects carried over from the old covenant. God who made this statement is ever faithful and can do whatsoever He says. As God is faithful to His word, it holds therefore that the best thing we can do for ourselves is to key into the conditions of this promise.

This Psalm says God is All-powerful (Psalm 121:7a) and watches over us (Psalm 121:7a, 8 - compare Matthew 19:26 & Psalm 41:2). The true and sincere Christians have the Almighty God as their friend and keeper. Not only is He their friend and keeper, He is ever present to help them in trouble, support them in temptation, guide them through perplexity, and defend them from all attacks of the enemies. Why should you be afraid, O child of God? If you have the knowledge that God is your friend and keeper, you should always be fearless and bold because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

Brethren, it is the will of God to protect us and keep us for His glory and eternity. For this reason, He announced His redemption plan for humanity immediately after the fall of man. If He was not willing to protect us, He would have left us at the mercy of the devil. The story of the Israelis from Abraham till they settled in the Promised Land should encourage us

When God grants us His protection, we are safe in the midst of the greatest dangers. This special protection is not same as the general protection He gives all people. This is a covenanted protection. Have you entered into the new covenant? If not, do so now. See Mk 16:17, 18 & Psalm 34:15. Our God does not fail.

Food for Thought: Are you under God’s decree – Touch not my anointed?

Prayer: Lord, may I remain under your cover and protection in Jesus name. 

HAND THEM OVER: Devotion for Friday January 22, 2016

HAND THEM OVER              Friday January 22, 2016

Text: Psalm 55:16 – 23        Memory verse: v 22

In Matt 7:7 and 8, Jesus told us to ask, seek and find, and it shall be given to us. He did not restrict our asking to certain number of times rather He enjoins us to ask as many times as we can (Lk. 18:1). The Psalmist enjoins us to do same (55:22) because he has been doing it and have always received answers from God. Here he testifies and gave God all the glory for redeeming him. He was emphatic about seeking the face of God because he has the assurance that God will sustain us. The reason God will answer us is because He does not permit the righteous to slip or fall. Lack of basic necessities can make us slip off the faith. This shows the mercies and loving kindness of God upon us.

God wants us to give our burdens to Him (Ps 37:5, 24; Matt 6:25; Lk 12:22; 1 Pet 5:7). Unfortunately, we often continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in Him. If we believe in God, we should hand over our cares, worries, needs, anxieties, apprehensions, burden, etc to Him. Why will you continue to bear the burden you don’t even have solution to? Daily we trust God to wake us up and He does that. We should also trust the same strength that sustains us to carry our cares also. God is waiting for you. Believe Him as you go out today that He will surprise you.

Food for Thought: Dependence on God will keep the soul in peace.

Prayer: God, I bring my burden (mention it) to you for I know you care for me.

Will He cast us off forever? Devotion for Saturday November 28, 2015

WILL HE CAST US OFF FOREVER?        Saturday November 28, 2015

Text: Psalm 77:1 – 10            Memory verse: v 7

Asaph, the author of this psalm, cried out to God for courage during a time of deep distress. His source of distress (77:4) was his doubt (77:7 - 9). When God seems to have withdrawn from us, we must seek Him till we find Him. In the day of his trouble, Asaph didn’t seek for something else but God, and His favour and grace. In his distress, he asked the question in 77:7. He asked, will the Lord utterly and finally reject those who are his own?

Many ask this question when they are in distress. They also doubt God’s love, lose faith and focus on Him. However, this psalm should be a source of encouragement for us. As Asaph expressed his requests to God, his focus changed from thinking of himself to worshiping God: “You are the God of miracles and wonders!” (77:14). It was only after he put aside his doubts about God’s holiness and care for him (77:13 – 14) did he eliminate his distress (77:20). As we pray, God shifts our focus from ourselves to Him.

Food for Thought: Do you think God has forsaken you? Take a retrospect.

Prayer: Lord, may I not doubt your love and care for me in Jesus name.

GOD SEES US: Devotion for Sunday November 22, 2015

GOD SEES US                Sunday November 22, 2015

Text:  Psalm 33:12 – 22    Memory verse: v 13

Yesterday, we read the exhortation of Moses telling Israelites that they were fortunate to have the Almighty as their God.  The opening verse of our bible reading today confirms it. This portion of this Psalm exhorts us to praise God because of His various attributes which includes knowledge of everything about us. God’s power extends from the greatness of the universe to the control of the chaotic sea, beyond the movements of men and nations to the shaping of individual human hearts (Proverbs 21:1).

That God, who will judge us at the end of our lives here on earth, knows and sees all about us should make us live within the confine of His laws. Because He sees us, we cannot hide anything from Him. Therefore as you go out today, have it behind your mind that God will sees everything you will do whether good or bad. Be wise in your decisions, behaviours and reactions. Don’t betray the trust God have reposed on you as His child. Have a great day in the presence of God.

Food for Thought: God is Omniscience

Prayer: Help me O Lord, to walk within the confine of your laws as I cannot hide from you.

A SOURCE OF DIVINE BLESSING: Devotion for Tuesday October 20, 2015

A SOURCE OF DIVINE BLESSINGS           Tuesday October 20, 2015

Text: Psalm 1:1 – 3                               Memory verse: v 1

The original word for blessed is plural and we learn that the word ‘blessed’ is multiplicity of the blessings which shall rest upon the man, whom God has justified, and the perfection and greatness of the blessedness he shall enjoy. A blessed man is described in the negative way Psalm 1:1 and positive way in Psalm 1:2. He takes wise counsel, and walks in the laws of his God. His footsteps are ordered by the word of God, and he does not keep company of sinners. He avoids scorners. He sees the word of God as source of blessings and a sure guarantee to success (Joshua 1:8). He meditates on the word of God diligently and constantly.

God told Joshua the secret of success in Joshua 1:7, 8. He was emphatic about meditation on the word of God. It is God’s word that grants us our miracles. Word of God opens doors of blessings for us. You need to key into this secret David mentioned in our text by diligent and constant meditation of the word of God. Avoid the ungodly and scoffers and have nothing to do with them and you will begin to reap the favour of God with attendant blessings      

Food for Thought: “Supreme devotion to God is the way not only of duty, but of safety, prosperity, and happiness” Family Bible Notes.

Prayer: Lord, help me to apply this secret of divine blessings into my life.

OUR PRESENT HELP: Devotion for Wednesday September 23, 2015

OUR PRESENT HELP       Wednesday September 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 46:1 – 5          Memory verse: v 1

This Psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God; in His power and providence, and His gracious ever presence with His Church even when faced with troubles. God is our place of absolute security and safety from ills of any kind (Psalms 2:12). His strength is the confidence and source of strength for believers (Psalm 18:2). He is reliable in difficult circumstances. The presence and favour of God are at all times the security, support, and comfort of his people (46:5).

Do you see God as your refuge and strength; always near you (Deuteronomy 4:7)? He is and will continue to be our help because all other helps are disappointment. According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.” We should understand that our God is ever present in our trouble. He will always help us. Therefore, keep trusting Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 4:7

Prayer: Almighty God, make me conscious that you are my present help.

PRECIOUS THOUGHT: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2015

PRECIOUS THOUGHT       Friday September 18, 2015

Text: Psalm 139:17 – 24         Memory verse: v 17

God's counsels concerning us and our welfare are deep, such as cannot be known (Jeremiah 29:11). We cannot count how many mercies we have received from him. However, if we can, it will help to keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long. David asserts that he is no accomplice with traitors. He disowned them and does not harbour a trace of fellowship with them. He appealed to God that He should search him, and search him thoroughly to know if there are lies or evil in him.

Can you boldly invite God to search you? This is a challenge for us. David knew that the thoughts God had for him, were precious. This made him to keep trusting God. What are the thoughts of God for you? Good knowledge of them will help you to acknowledge the mercies of God in your life.

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Father, work out your plans for me for yours is the best for me    

BEAUTIFICATION: Devotion for Wednesday September 16, 2015

BEAUTIFICATION       Wednesday September 16, 2015

Text: Psalm 149:1 – 5      Memory verse: v 4

This Psalm speaks about joy for all the people of God. As God shows us mercies we should praise Him for them. Being accepted by God is a source of great joy for us. God adorns the humble with salvation from their enemies. The Lord takes pleasure in His people; they should rejoice in Him. Salvation is here compared to a beauteous robe (Isaiah 61:10).

The meek, who are conscious of their own weakness and unworthiness, and quietly commit their cause to God, always find that salvation of which the proud and self-sufficient that rely on themselves are sure to fail. Have God beautified your life with His salvation? If not for the salvation of God, what do you think your life will look like now? Allow God into your life today.

Food for Thought: Psalm 61:3

Prayer: Lord, turn my mourning into joy and beautify me to glorify you.  

THEY MADE MOCKERY OF ME Sunday August 30, 2015

THEY MADE MOCKERY OF ME      Sunday August 30, 2015

Text: Psalm 22:7, 8                         Memory verse: v 7, 8

On Thursday, we saw how the Psalmist complained bitterly. Here we have more of his compliant about mockery. This Psalm alludes to Christ and all He suffered in the hands of Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers. The conduct of the Jews towards our Lord, when He hung upon the cross was here prophesied. But our scriptural reading is also true of the insults which David suffered from Shimei and others during the rebellion of Absalom. Whichever it may be, there is obvious fact that the righteous is always mocked by unbelievers.

A man asked for a lady’s hand in marriage but the lady chose to obey God. She had delayed conception and when the man saw her, he made mockery of her that nothing has happened after 10 years of marriage. But today, the lady is a proud mother of twins. This is God! Are people making mockery of your present situations and predicaments? Never mind them. Your God will arise for your sake in Jesus name. We look forward to your testimony.

Food for Thought: Mockery can challenge us into action (1 Samuel 1:1 – 11).  

Prayer: By your mercies O Lord, turn every mockery against me to blessing

LOOK UPON MY AFFLICTION: Devotion for Friday August 28, 2015

LOOK UPON MY AFFLICTION           Friday August 28, 2015

Text: Psalm 25:15 – 22                       Memory verse: v 18

The Psalmist expresses dependence on God and desire toward Him. It is good to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. Though guilty before God which he acknowledged (v 18), yet, as to his enemies, he had the testimony of conscience that he had done them no wrong. For this reason he asked God to look upon his affliction and act accordingly.

Do life’s problems always seem to go from bad to worse for you? God is the only one who can reverse this downward spiral. He can take our problems and turn them into glorious victories. We should cry to God as David did. When we are willing to do that, God can turn the worst into something wonderful. The next step is yours. God has already made His offer.

Action: Go to God in fasting and prayers, crying concerning that affliction.

Prayer: Lord, look upon my affliction and act on my behalf for your name sake