When God Chastises Us: Devotion for Wednesday July 30, 2019

Devotion for Wednesday July 30, 2019

Topic: When God Chastises Us

Text: Job 5:17 – Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

The Greek word ‘paidedeia’ was translated chastening meaning disciplinary correction. There are blessings in God’s chastening us. This sentence looks paradoxical but that is the truth some may not accept but there are benefits from God’s chastening.

God turns His heart towards us when He corrects us but His heart turns from the wicked when He punishes them. His corrections are not sent to take away our comforts but to take away our corruptions.

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Again, corrections are not manifestations of wrath, but an evidence of His love. If God reproves a person and same responds rightly, then God will deliver that individual from all adversity and trouble.

The chastening of God is a sign that we are God’s children and an assurance of God’s love and concern for us (Hebrews 12:6 – 8).

Our happiness as Christians does not consist in our outward comforts; in riches, in health, in honour, in civil liberty or human relationship. Rather, our happiness consists in our relationship with God and in union with Jesus Christ.

God chastises us so that we might not be finally condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31 – 32) and that we might share His Holiness, living sanctified lives without which we will never see the Lord (Hebrews 12:10 – 11, 14). How do you respond to God’s chastening?

Food for Thought: Absolute trust in God sustains us in trials and in due time, it secures certain, full and eternal deliverance.

Memory verse: Hebrews 12:6 - For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives.

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to look out for the benefits in chastening me and not minding its pain, discomfort and inconveniences.

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Judgement Awaits Us

Devotion for Sunday November 26, 2017

Topic: Judgement Awaits Us

Text: Ecclesiastics 12:13 – 14

What we do here on earth is going on record and we will account for them on the Judgement Day. This judgement will be on every work and secret thing we did. God shall bring every secret thing into judgement, not just outward and visible actions, but even inward and secret thoughts. We can do this (give account of our lives) with joy if we have done well. For us to give our account before God with joy, we must have these behind our minds that

1)  A day of judgement awaits us

2) Every soul of man shall stand before God

3) God the infinitely wise, heart-searching will be the judge.

4) He will bring to light every secret thing that has been done since the creation, by all men; whether forgotten or registered; whether done in the secret or in the public.

5) All the works of the godly and the wicked shall be judged. This Day of Judgement is very important because it will determine where we will spend our eternity. Jesus confirmed that to those who did well, theirs will be in the bliss of the kingdom of God while sinners and all who refused to repent will have their portion of everlasting punishment in the Lake of fire (Matthew 25:46). However, to those who repent and believe in Christ, His blood will be a covering and this covering is all we need. Do you have that covering on you for the judgement day?

Food for Thought: What type of account will you give to God about your life here on earth? Will it be enough to take you to heaven?

Memory verse: Romans 14:12

Prayer: God, grant that I will be conscious of the impending judgement and thus apply my heart unto righteousness in Jesus name.

The Unchangeable God

Devotion for Sunday July 30, 2017

Topic: The Unchangeable God

Text: Malachi 3:1 – 6

What led God to say He us unchanging (Malachi 3:6)? It was the impending judgement which He had vowed to bring upon the Israel (Malachi 3:5). Malachi proved that God is just. He discussed the fact that the people of Israel were unjust in the way they robbed God of what rightly belong to Him. That was the reason for these social abuses in Malachi 3:5.

The people who committed them had no fear of the Lord. They thought that God was like themselves, that He would close His eyes to their sins and wouldn’t judge them for breaking His laws (see Psalm 50:21). God was not happy the way His people, Israel had cynically twisted His truth. He would punish those who insisted that because God was silent, He approved of their actions or at least would never punish them. God would also punish those who professed a counterfeit faith while acting sinfully (Malachi 3:5). When God says a thing, He performs it to the letter. He told His people that He will not change His decision to punish them for their crimes.

There are some ways we undermine the basic truth about our Christian faith and commit all manner of sins. Some of us feel that God understands and would forgive if they repent after committing those sins. It doesn’t work like that. The grace of God may not be sufficient for you. On the other hand, because our God is unchangeable, He can still meet you at the point of your need no matter how long it has persisted. Trust Him to do it for you as you wholehearted trust and believe Him.

Food for thought: Lamentation 3:22

Memory Verse: Malachi 3:6

Prayer: May I not undermine you, O Lord my God because what you have determined to do, no one can stop you.

NO MORE DISASTER

DEVOTION FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016

Topic: NO MORE DISASTER                         

Text: Zephaniah 3:14 – 20               

Zephaniah was prophesying here about the future of Jerusalem and the day of hope in Zephaniah 3:8–end. Any true prophet as God’s oracle is bound to speak the truth and give the message as God gave it without sentiment, bias or prejudice. Unfortunately, such preaching is lacking in so many pulpits today. The reasons may not be far from these. (1) Some preach to save their job (2) Some preach so as not to offend their members who are wealthy (3) Some preach to please their boss and many more.

In the case of Zephaniah, it was different. He presented the message from God as he received it. He did as God commanded him; thundering certain judgments and horrible punishment for all who would defy the Lord (Zephaniah 1:1ff). However, in our text is a message of hope when God will take away punishment and turn back enemies so there will be no more harm on His people. This message was a relief to the Israelites. After God had done these, He will dwell with them. The prophet called on the Israelites to sing in Zephaniah 3 verse 14 for some reasons. You can find the reasons in Zephaniah 3:8–end.

After the promises of taking away sin, follow promises of taking away trouble. It teaches us that when the cause is removed, the effect will cease. Most times, disaster comes upon us when we follow our own will or do things without first seeking the face of God. However, God is promising here that those things we did in ignorance, He will overlook and take away our disaster. Are you suffering because of sin or not taking time to seek the face of God? God says He will take away that punishment and turn back your enemies. He will rescue and be with you as He has promised, so you will not see any disaster again.   

Food for Thought: Isaiah 10:27

Memory verse: Zephaniah 3 verse 15

Prayer: Take away, O Lord, the causes and effect of sin in my life and family in Jesus name.