Sanctification and Its Effect: Devotion for Friday September 4, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday September 4, 2020

Topic: Sanctification and Its Effect           

Text: Ezekiel 36: 25 - 38                           

God promised to restore Israel not only physically but spiritually. To accomplish this, He promised to give them a new heart for following Him and put His Spirit within them (Ezekiel 11:19 – 20; Psalms 51:7 – 11) aimed at transforming them and empowering them to do His will. This is the effect of sanctification of His people.

God said his people should be ashamed of their sins (Ezekiel 36:31). The people had become so callous that they had lost all sensitivity to sin. First they had to “remember” their sins; be ashamed of them, and finally repent of them (James 4:8 – 9). If we examine our lives, we may find that we, too, have lost our sensitivity to certain sins. To regain our sensitivity to sin we must recognize our sin for what it is, be sorry for displeasing God, and ask for His forgiveness.

You may have been living in sin and highly polluted. God offers you a fresh start today. You can have your sins washed away, receive a new heart for God, and have His Spirit within you, if you accept His promise. This will be the beginning of a life of righteousness; a life that hearkens to God's law, trembling at His threats, moulded to comply with His whole will. Why try to patch up your old life when you can have a new one?   

Food for Thought: Is your heart right with God?

Memory verse: Ezekiel 36 v 26

Prayer: God, grant me the heart that obeys your law and comply with your will in Jesus name. 

Extraordinary Love: Devotion for Tuesday August 25, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday August 25, 2020

Topic: Extraordinary Love               

Text: Luke 15:11 – 32                    

The parable of the prodigal son shows what is expected of us in repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to Him. It fully sets forth the riches of gospel of grace – the extraordinary love of God.

This young man took a decision to go back to the father and acted on it. “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” – Luke 15:20b.

The father immediately restored this destitute and humbled young man as his son. “This represents the readiness with which God receives returning sinners. To be saved, men must not only resolve, but they must return to God; taking all the blame and shame of their departure to themselves, and ascribing righteousness to Him, they must surrender all their interests for time and eternity to his care, guidance, and disposal” as Family Bible Note opined. 

The sheep was lost because it may have foolishly wandered away (Luke 15:4); the coin was lost through no fault of its own (Luke 15:8); and the son left out of selfishness (Luke 15:12). God’s great love reaches out and finds sinners no matter why or how they got lost.

Beloved, have you ever wondered why God has showed so much love to you despite your weaknesses? What steps do you take or should you take to reciprocate this extraordinary love of God for you? It will be great injustice if we neglect and fail to appreciate the love of God for us.

Food for Thought: Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4

Memory verse: Luke 15 v 24

Prayer: God, may I never fail to reciprocate your love for me. Help me to serve you out of love and gratitude for loving me despite my sins.  

When They Remembered God: Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday June 16, 2020

Topic: When They Remembered God

Text: Judges 6:7 – 10                                    

The best thing to do in time of distress or when we are suffering due to our sins is to remember that God is ever willing to welcome us back to Himself and to forgive us like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11 - end.

The people of Israel remembered God, cried to Him for a deliverer, and He sent them a prophet to teach them. This shows the importance of the word of God in our salvation, deliverance and healing. When God furnishes a land with faithful ministers, it is a token that He has mercy in store for it. He charges them with rebellion against the Lord; he intends to bring them to repentance.

Repentance is real when the sinfulness of sin, as disobedience to God, is chiefly lamented. The only hope of deliverance from sin and its consequences is in the Lord; and when people have this understanding, and cry unto Him, He sends help for Christ's sake.

Beloved, what are you suffering at this moment? Are you sick, in prison, indebted, etc.? Whether it may be that came as a result of your sin or not, the best option you have now is to remember God and go to Him. You can’t heal yourself or deliver yourself from bondage. God is the only one that can help us.

Some people query God for abandoning them at the mercies of the devil but are you sure you were not the one that abandoned God? We should know that God is ever willing to help us but most times it is our sins that forms barrier against God whose righteousness forbids sin (Isaiah 59:1 – 2).

Food for Thought: Psalm 60:1 – 3 (Living Bible)

Memory verse: Judges 6:7

Prayer: Cause me never to forget you O Lord so I will not suffer the consequences of forsaking you in Jesus name.

Accept God’s Pardon Now: Devotion for Monday March 2, 2020

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Devotion for Monday March 2, 2020

Topic: Accept God’s Pardon Now                             

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28

Amnesty is pardon or prosecution free period. The period we are alive here on earth is the period of Amnesty; it is a period God will not prosecute us for our sins.

In our text, God showed the real condition between Him and Israel; they have not cared to call upon him (v22), neither did they offer sacrifices to him (v23, 24). Despite all these, God out of His abundant mercies opted to grant them amnesty and forgive them (v25). This is an encouragement for us to repent, because there is forgiveness with God now. When God forgives, He forgets.          

God’s amnesty is still there for us till death. Have you accepted the offer or you have rejected it? Now is the time you have to decide because the moment you give up ghost, there will be no more amnesty for you. God’s pardon for us ends at death. Once you die without accepting it, you will face persecution and judgement of God.

As we don’t hold our future neither do we know when we shall die, it is expedient that we decide now on what to do for your good and that is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Accept Him now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: “He that promised pardon on our repentance has not promised life till we repent” – Francis Quarles.

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:25

Prayer: God, help me to accept your amnesty now before it will be too late.

Refreshing Dew: Devotion for Saturday February 29, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday February 29, 2020

Topic: Refreshing Dew                       

Text: Hosea 14:4 – 7

This chapter of the book Hosea has a call to repentance and the unprecedented blessings that will follow if Israel obeys the call. A survey of this chapter has it that Hosea 14:1 – 3 is the call while verse 4ff is the response God will give when they repent. There are some lessons for us in this chapter.

a)       There is the need to acknowledge our sins (1 John 1:8 – 10, Psalm 51:1 -12). Lenten season should be used to assess our spiritual life and relationship with God and humanity. It takes humility and honesty to recognize and admit our weakness because it is difficult for some people to admit and acknowledge their shortcomings and faults. This is largely due to self in Man. If it is so with you, repent and ask God to help you out.

b)       There are blessings when we confess our sins (Hosea 4:4 – 9; Proverbs 28:13 & 1 John 1:9). One of those blessings of repentance is in our text for the day. God assures that He will be a refreshing dew to Israel when they turn from their evil and return to Him. Refreshing gives new strength. When you repent, God will renew you and bestow great blessings upon you.    

Food for Thought: Repentance is a guarantee of refreshing dew from God upon us.

Memory verse: Job 29:19

Prayer: God, grant me the spirit of humility and honesty to always admit my weaknesses and fault and also repent of them in Jesus name.

Don’t Postpone Your Salvation

Devotion for Saturday June 9, 2018

Sing SS&S 1165; Abu 263

Topic: Don’t Postpone Your Salvation

Text: Matthew 8:18 – 22

The scribe mentioned in Matthew 8:19 was too hasty in promising to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Unfortunately many resolutions for Christ like this are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration and its consequences. They eventually come to nothing at the end. His resolve seems to have been from a worldly, covetous principle; but Christ had not a place to lay His head on, and if he follows him, he must not expect anything better than what Christ had. The other person volunteered to follow Christ only after he had buried the father, Jesus requested that he shouldn’t postpone his salvation. Delay in doing the will of God is as bad on the one hand, as hastiness in resolving is on the other. He asked for leave to attend his father to his grave, and then he would be at Christ's service. This seemed reasonable, yet it was not right. He had not true zeal for the work. This is how some people keep postponing their salvation. I will repent after New Year. I will repent after graduation, etc. Why postpone your salvation. The Bible warns us that now is the time of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). A young man went to a crusade with his girlfriend. After hearing the word of God, had wanted to give his life to Christ but his girlfriend stood against that decision. They left the crusade ground and as they were crossing the road, a vehicle knocked down the man and he died on the spot. He could no longer repent again. Beloved, don’t postpone your salvation. Repent now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: Have you actually repented? If not, do it right now.

Memory verse: Matthew 8:21

Prayer: O Lord, may I not postpone any act that will make me part of your kingdom at the end of my life here on earth in Jesus name. Amen

Devotion for Saturday June 2, 2018

Topic: God’s Pardon For Sinners

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28                           

Another word for pardon is amnesty which literally means prosecution free period for an offender. Our memory verse is similar to what we have in Isaiah 1:18. For it to be repeated by Isaiah, it shows how serious God is about it. In our bible passage, God showed the real condition between Him and Israel; they have not cared to call upon him (Isaiah 43:22), neither did they offer sacrifices to Him (Isaiah 43:23, 24). Despite all these, God out of His abundant mercies opted to grant them pardon and forgive them (Isaiah 43:25). God has extended this same pardon to us. This is an encouragement for us to repent, because there is forgiveness with God. God’s pardon for us is still there till date and till death. Just like the case of Boko Haram that rejected the amnesty offered by the Federal government which led the President and Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed forces to order full onslaught against them so will God unleash His anger on those who refuse to accept His pardon now. Have you accepted the offer from God or you have rejected it Now is the time you have to decide. The pardon God offers us ends at death. Once you die without accepting it, you will face persecution and judgment of God. Decide now on what to do for your own good. Sing SS&S 379; Abu 258

Food for Thought: “He that promised pardon on our repentance has not promised life till we repent” – Francis Quarles.

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:25

Prayer: God, help me to accept your pardon and forgiveness before it will be too late.

A Voice Crying In The Wilderness

Devotion for Monday August 14, 2017

Topic: A Voice Crying In The Wilderness

Text: Isaiah 40:3 – 8

Preparation matters so much in everything we do and hope to be successful therein; be it our personal businesses and endeavours or in the things of God. When we prepare ourselves before embarking on any project, it helps to avoid lapses, makes us more efficient and productive. This chapter of Isaiah is titled ‘Comfort for my people.’ It speaks about the set time to favour Zion which demands that the people of God must be prepared through repentance and faith. Our text is a call for preparation for what the Lord will do in Zion (Isaiah 40:4 and 5).

The way of the Lord is prepared through:

1) Repentance from sin; that was what John the Baptist preached to all Judah and Jerusalem (Matthew 3:1 – 6) and thereby made ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17).

2) Confidence in the word of the Lord and not in any creature. The mouth of the Lord has spoken it; the voice as this further to cry he that has ears to hear let him hears it. The word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8, compare 1 Peter 1:25).

How are you preparing for the return of Jesus Christ? If there is a revival programme or crusade, how do you prepare for it? A prepared heart will always meet God’s blessings in any personal or church programme, crusade or revival services. Have you repented? Remember the warning of John the Baptist when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to him in Matthew 3:7 – 12. Do not be complacent that you were born into the church or you can read and preach the bible. It is better to search yourself today and start preparing now before it will be too late. Jesus Christ is coming very soon.

Food for thought: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” – Alexander Graham Bell.

Memory verse: Mark 1:3  

Prayer: Help me O Lord, my God to prepare the way for you to meet me always and for your return in Jesus name.

Hate Evil

Devotion for Friday August 4, 2017

Topic: Hate Evil

Text: Amos 5:12 – 15

Paul gave an admonition that all Christians should take to heart in his letter to the Romans which says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). This is similar to the admonition Amos gave to the Israelites in our bible reading for the day. There are people who love to do evil and they are never at peace till they have done one. They abuse privileges and rights of not only themselves but of others around them. We know the story of Ahab and the wife Jezebel (1 Kings 16:30 -33). They did all manner of evil just because they were in leadership position. Do you behave like them? Repent today!

Amos charged the Israelites to hate evil and an evidence to prove their repentance. By that Amos said they should avoid what ruins them, and cleave to what helps them. As a proof they had taken the advice of Amos, he encouraged them to purity the seats of justice; and then expect God to be gracious to them. This was the crux of Prophet Amos’ message here. This message is very important to our present generation where people have Bible on one hand and gun to kill, steal and kidnap on the other hand. What are the evidences of your repentance? Do you have the name that you are alive but in reality you are dead? Christians should hate sin and not to take pleasure in it. Read Micah 3:11; 7:2 – 4 and Isaiah 1:23. Do you belong to any of these groups mentioned in these passages? It is time to repent and return to the Lord before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: Psalm 97:10

Memory verse: Amos 5:3

Prayer: God make me hate evil with all my heart and help me to cling to righteousness in everything I do in Jesus name.

Knowing God’s Will

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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.  

WHEN WE SHOW TRUE REPENTANCE: Devotion for Saturday November 26, 2016

WHEN WE SHOW TRUE REPENTANCE: Devotion for Saturday November 26, 2016

Text: 2 Kings 22:14 – 20               Memory verse: v19

When we read the word of God and it pricks our heart, we should repent and ask God what we should do. This was the case when Peter preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37). If there is any place to weep, it should be in the presence of God for He alone is the one that can help us and not Man. Man may sympathize but can never give you the needed help because he doesn’t have right over his affairs. Have you wept before man and failed to receive what you asked for? Never mind, with Jesus, it is a different case. He knows the necessities of our hearts, when we cry to Him; He saves us (Ps. 34:18). Josiah heard the word of God and it grieved his heart (compare Judges 10:15, 16). Godly sorrow leads to repentance (2 Cor. 7:10). How do you react when you hear the word of God? Does it prick your heart (Acts 2:37 & 7:54)?

Unfortunately, we are in a time where the word of God doesn’t touch the heart of many. The preachers are no longer preaching the raw and undiluted word of God. They preach what the congregation wants to hear. This is the reason we see people clapping hands when the word of God is coming forth instead of mourning for their sins. Most of us in this generation have hearts and consciences that have are dead.    

As a leader in the home, office, church, company, etc, how do you react to advice or correction? Does the action of Josiah challenge you? No matter how hardened our hearts may be, it must prick us when we hear the undiluted word of God (Heb 4:12). As you go to God with broken and contrite heart, He will hear and avert that evil He intended (Ps. 51:7). Josiah’s repentance saved him from dying in the war. Though he was wounded in war according to the warnings of the book but he didn’t die there. It would have been worse if not that he repented. 

Food for Thought: Mourning and weeping makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.

Prayer: Lord, grant me true repentance as I hear your voice so I will not die in this battle for eternal life in Jesus name.

THE POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD: Devotion for Friday November 25, 2016

THE POWER IN THE WORD OF GOD: Devotion for Friday November 25, 2016

Text: 2 Kings 22:11 – 13          Memory verse: 2 Kings 22 verse 11

King Josiah sent message through Shaphan the scribe to Hilkiah the high priest. Shaphan returned words to the king about the book of the Law Hilkiah found (2 Kings 22:8). Shaphan read it to the hearing of the king (2 Kings 22:10). On hearing the words of God written in the book of the Law, Josiah knew that he and his people were in danger of God’s wrath, condemnation and judgment. He tore his clothes on account of the judgments denounced in the law against the people; and to which they were exposed to on account of their idolatry (2 Kings 22:13).

He sent people to inquire of the Lord for him, and for his people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against them, because their fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according to all that, which is written concerning them.

The word of God King Josiah heard started burning in him because he opened his heart to receive it. He didn’t give halfhearted attention to it as some of us do. These words that moved King Josiah unto godly repentance may not move some other persons to even blink an eye. This shows that the effect of the world of God on us depends on how we pay attention to it and how we accept it. If we accept the word of God wholeheartedly, it will yield abundant result of righteousness and fruitfulness for us. 

The word of God is quick and powerful (Heb. 4:12). When we read it with open heart to hear from God, take instruction and gain wisdom, it will surely prick our heart if we have been living in sin. The word of God, whether of law or grace, whether of promise or threatening, imparts to it, His own divine power. It lays open every heart, and detects all hypocrisy and unbelief. This is what the word did in heart of Josiah. Are you living a life of unbelief, hypocrisy and sin? You should yield your heart to God, allowing him to reveal your sin and thereafter repent of them. Are you ready to do that?

Food for Thought: Jeremiah 23:29

Prayer: Lord, empower your word as I read it so that it will bring out in me godly sorrow which brings repentance in Jesus name.

AT PEACE WITH GOD: Devotion for Wednesday September 28, 2016

AT PEACE WITH GOD: Devotion for Wednesday September 28, 2016    

Text: Romans 5:1 – 5     Memory verse: Romans 5 verse 1

The word “therefore” is always a significant term in interpretation. It is usually used as a conjunction to link a previous thought or expression with the one following it. As Paul used it here, it indicates that what he is about to write is based upon that which he has previously written. With the word therefore, Paul indicates a conclusion based on his previous argument he posited in chapter four. In chapter four, Paul showed how sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, are justified by faith.

Here in chapter five, he begins to describe how having been made right in God’s sight by faith affects our relationship with Him. First, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Having peace with God means there is no more hostility between us and God, no sin blocking our relationship with him. More than that, a new relationship has been established, so we no longer dread the outcome of judgment but live under the protection established by God. Having peace is very essential in our walk with God as it will give us a clear conscience to approach God always and to live with hope of eternal life.

This explanation is very important because we need full assurance of forgiveness of sin in order to relate well with God. No wonder as a way of reassurance, he stated that there is no more condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Peace is what we receive first as mark of change in our relationship with God. It is also a direct consequence which will lead to a change in our relationship toward Him. God, on the one hand, has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ as Paul posited in 2 Corinthians 5:18. On the other hand, we, accepting His offer of reconciliation are now reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). Have you found peace that comes from knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? If not, use this opportunity to renounce Satan, repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour.

Food for Thought: Have you found peace that comes from knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?

Prayer: Lord, grant me that inner peace that comes with salvation in Jesus name.

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

KEY TO BROTHERLY RELATIONSHIP: Devotion for Friday June 17, 2016

Text: Luke 17:1 – 3      Memory verse: v 3

Here Jesus teaches us that giving of offences is a great sin which we should avoid and carefully watch against. The expression ‘offences’ is a translation of a Greek term which means ‘stumbling blocks.’ The term originally referred to the trigger that springs a trap; then the word came to refer to anything that causes one to sin. Jesus emphatically warns that these stumbling blocks are sure to occur. Nonetheless, He pronounced a woe upon those that place these offences which cause people to sin. He suggests that death by drowning would be preferable rather than to offend one of these little ones. Do you place offences on people’s way by the words of your mouth; by your dressing and appearance, by your reactions, by your quest for wealth, by your pride and arrogance, and by your immoral life? Repent today before God’s anger will visit you.

Nevertheless, God expects us to forgive one another for us to maintain and sustain brotherly love among us. Why did Jesus say so? Because we can be tempted to revenge against people who puts stumbling blocks on our ways. We should understand that vengeance is of the Lord (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). Jesus stresses forgiveness which precedes rebuke and repentance. You shouldn’t expect people to forgive you when you are not willing to repent. We should note that to fall often into the same offence against our brother is a great aggravation of our offences. Therefore, beware because when it is repeated, it means it is deliberate.

Food for Thought: Forgiving multiplication of offences is demonstration of God’s like temper in us.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the heart to forgive those who offend me no matter the number of times they do it in Jesus name.

GOD RESCUES US: Devotion for Friday April 22, 2016

GOD RESCUES US: Devotion for Friday April 22, 2016

Text: Psalm 107:10 – 16    Memory verse: v 13

Never undermine what God can do. Sin has so much consequences and the bible says that the soul that sins shall die. Our text started with the level of affliction meted out on the Israelites (107:10, 12) because they sinned against God (107:11). In most cases sin is the major cause of troubles and problems of life we pass through. Most times God allows some of these afflictions to come upon us so we can redress our steps and seek His face in repentance. This was the case as they sought the Lord in their trouble and he heard them and delivered them out of their troubles.

Most times we don’t turn to God when we run into trouble. We try so many avenues for solution before we remember that God is there for us. God speedily answered His people when they repent. It took a long time before the Israelites cried to God, but He was not long before He saved. They had sought for help everywhere else before they came to Him, but when they did address themselves to Him, they were welcomed at once. This is the God we serve. Remember the story of the Prodigal Son. Beloved, are you in trouble? Call upon God. Let not your sin pose as a barrier because He is ever willing to forgive you. Call upon Him today and don’t delay.       

Food for Thought: Psalm 50:15

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from all troubles of life I am passing through in Jesus name.  

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 14:1 – 11         Memory verse: v 3  

God knows the intents of our hearts in whatever we do, which most of us are unaware of or undermine. That is why most things we think that matter are not so with God and vice versa. These elderly people who came to Ezekiel have not actually repented of their sins before coming to God. With one hand they held on to sin and were using the other hand to inquire of God. God cannot be mocked. Their offence is that they have made idols in their hearts which can never take the place of God. God says He is a jealous God. He doesn’t want to share our hearts with idols. Thus He instructed them to repent (14:6) so as to avoid the consequences that might follow (14:8–11).

Idols in the heart according to our bible reading are things that made them to stumble and fall into sin. Beloved, what are the idols that can occupy our hearts and make us stumble? Can you mention five of those idols in hearts of people? Admittedly, most Christians have set up idols of money/wealth, hatred, anger, pride, lust, etc, which easily lead them into sin. God doesn’t take pleasure in the outward form of worship when it is connected with a wicked heart and life. He cannot be deceived by those who come to inquire of Him, and He will not allow Himself to be mocked by people who claim to be serving God and idols at the same time. If they love iniquity and secretly practise it, He will answer them in wrath, and not in mercy. Therefore be warned and don’t be a victim.

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

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

          

GOD'S AMNESTY: Devotion for Wednesday March 2, 2016

GOD’S AMNESTY       Wednesday March 2, 2016

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28      Memory verse: v 25

Amnesty is pardon or prosecution free period. I picked this topic when there was the debate in Nigeria whether to offer Boko Haram members amnesty or not. Our memory verse is similar to what we have in Isa. 1:18. For it to be repeated by Isaiah, shows how serious God is about it. In our text, God showed the real condition between Him and Israel; they have not cared to call upon Him (43:22), neither did they offer sacrifices to him (43:23, 24). Despite all these, God, out of His abundant mercies opted to grant them amnesty and forgive them (43:25). This encourages us to repent because there is forgiveness with God, and it shows that divine mercy is free. When God forgives, He forgets.           

God’s amnesty is still there for us till death. It was when Boko Haram rejected the amnesty offered by the Federal government that the President and Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed forces ordered full onslaught against them. God’s amnesty is still on. Have you accepted the offer or you have rejected it the way Boko Haram did? Now is the time to decide. The amnesty ends at death. Once you die without accepting it, you will face prosecution and judgment of God. Decide now on what to do for your own good.

Food for Thought: “He that promised pardon on our repentance has not promised life till we repent” – Francis Quarles.

Prayer: God, help me to accept your amnesty now before it will be too late.  

NO LOSS IN REPENTANCE: Devotion for Sunday February 21, 2016

NO LOSS IN REPENTANCE            Sunday February 21, 2016

Text: Luke 18:28 – 30                     Memory verse: v 30

Most times, people assume that those who surrender their lives to Christ are at a loss because they will no longer ‘enjoin’ the things of the world. This is a wrong notion. There is no loss in repentance. It was this notion that led Peter to ask Jesus what becomes their fate as His followers (18:28). The response of Jesus is in 18:29 and 30. Jesus noted that those who had left all and followed Him, should be no losers; that is, in this world they shall receive manifold blessings;  says  an hundred-fold (Mk 10:30). Job lost all in order to prove his faithfulness in serving God unto Satan and at the end, God restored all he lost while he was still alive (Job 42:10) and I know that his faith will certainly take him to heaven. Is there any lesson for us here in this story of Job?

Beloved, our God is faithful. 1Thess. 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” For this reason, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). People may have been taunting you concerning your faith in Christ Jesus and calling you names. Don’t mind them. There is a reward for you. The greatest reward we look forward to is the eternal life in heavenly bliss. Are you looking forward to that city? Don’t allow the distractions of the world to keep you out of it.

Food for Thought: There is no loss for the sake of the gospel that is greater than the love God has for us.

Prayer: Lord God, as I have left all to follow you, may I not lose my reward in Jesus name.             

 

TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD: Devotion for Saturday February 13, 2016

TURN FROM SIN AND TURN TO GOD   Saturday February 13, 2016 

Text: Matthew 4:17       Memory verse: v 17

Living Bible translates this verse thus: “From then Jesus began to preach, ‘Turn from sin, and turn to God, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.’” Turn from sin and turn to God is simple explanation of the word repent. Repentance is very necessary if we hope to make the kingdom of God because another word for it is born again. This was the beginning of public ministry of Jesus. He started His ministry by first presenting the word of God, calling on people to turn away from their sins and turn back to God who made them in His image. Here is a model for us preachers of the gospel. The message of Jesus was same with that of John the Baptist (Matt 3:2).

Becoming a follower of Christ begins with repentance, turning away from our self-centeredness and self-control lives. The next step is to turn the right way, to Christ. Turning to Christ is one basic sign that we have repented and become His real followers. In this message of Christ, we can see that being part of God’s kingdom begins with repentance for past sins. Again, Jesus posited here that the reign of grace was at hand; and that nothing but an obstinate perseverance in sin and impenitence can keep any soul out of it; and that now is the accepted time to enter in. Have you turned from sin and to God? Note that without true repentance, you can’t enter into God’s kingdom. Now is the reign of grace. Don’t abuse it.

Food for Thought: Have you really turned from your sins to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, I repent of my sins. Keep me safe for your kingdom.

FAITH AND JUSTIFICATION: Devotion for Saturday January 10, 2016

FAITH AND JUSTIFICATION          Saturday January 9 2016

Text: Acts 13:38 – 41       Memory verse: v 39

Anyone who repents from sin always has the concern of justification. Such person will want to be sure of acquittal from all guilt, and accepted as righteous in God's sight. Here, Paul assures his listeners that it is only through Jesus Christ we can obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. There are two things we have to note in our text. 1. That through Christ, who died and rose again, is forgiveness of sins preached unto them. 2. It is only through Christ that those who believe in Him are justified from all things; from all the guilt and stain of sin, from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

Presently, many people still see justification as through personal efforts. It is not so! If we believe in Jesus as the Messiah; accept Him and His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary by faith, He will do for us what the law could never do; justify us before God. It is by Jesus Christ we obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. Paul ended with a warning (13:40, 41). We should take this warning to heart because though they were meant to come upon impenitent sinners, they are designed to awaken us to beware lest it come upon us too. Have you accepted Jesus and His justification? 

Food for Thought: Our justification is based on the work of Christ at the Cross of Calvary. 

Prayer: Lord, as you have justified me, help me to remain same in Jesus name.