Request Sinners Often Make: Devotion for Sunday August, 25, 2019

Devotion for Sunday August, 25, 2019

Topic: Request Sinners Often Make

Text: Exodus 8:25 – 32

Unbelievers use these words often and again, “Pray for me.” Most times, they say it casually but it shows two basic truths. First and foremost, it shows that they know that the life they are living is not according to the will of God and needed mercy. Again, it shows that they have acknowledged that you are a child of God who can intercede on their behalf.

King Jeroboam’s hand withered when he ordered the arrest of a man of God. Thereafter he said, “Please entreat the favour of the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand maybe restored to me” – 1 Kings 13:6b. The man of God did as requested and his hand was restored (1 Kings 13:6c). So of us present ministers will not even want that hand to be restored. However, we should realize that God is the person that fights our battle and vengeance belongs to Him alone.

Pharaoh hardened his heart by refusing to allow the Israelites to go and God dealt with him and his people. When he saw the outstretched arm of God, he asked Moses to intercede for him. This was similar to the case of Simon Magus, who, like Pharaoh, fearing the divine Judgement, begged for Peter’s prayers (Acts 8:24).

Take a look at this

Why will people deliberately sin and thereafter ask for prayers? If they actually know that what they are doing is evil, why do it? Can you give some reasons why people act that way? Write down your answers in your devotional notebook.

Do you deliberately commit fornication, steal tell lies, etc., and thereafter you begin to ask for prayers or begin to pray? Repent now because the judgement of God is at hand. Don’t think that the grace of God is eternity. Remember how Pharaoh eventually died with his men inside the Red Sea because of obstinacy. Therefore be warned!

Food for Thought: The knowledge of Divine Judgement coming upon all unrighteousness should make us live in awe of God.

Memory verse: Exodus 8:28

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to l need so that I will not deliberately sin against you.

Request Sinners Often Make

Devotion for Monday September 11, 2017

Topic: Request Sinners Often Make

Text: Exodus 8:25 – 32

Unbelievers use these words often and again, “Pray for me.” Most times, they say it casually but it shows two basic truths. First and foremost, it shows that they know that the life they are living is not according to the will of God and needed mercy. Again, it shows that they have acknowledged that you are a child of God who can intercede on their behalf. King Jeroboam’s hand withered when he ordered the arrest of a man of God. Thereafter he said, “Please entreat the favour of the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand maybe restored to me” – 1 Kings 13:6b. The man of God did as requested and his hand was restored (1 Kings 13:6c).

Pharaoh hardened his heart by refusing to allow the Israelites to go and God dealt with him and his people. When he saw the outstretched arm of God, he asked Moses to intercede for him. This was similar to the case of Simon Magus, who, like Pharaoh, fearing the divine Judgement, begged for Peter’s prayers (Acts 8:24). Why will people deliberately sin and thereafter ask for prayers? If they actually know that what they are doing is evil, why do it? Can you give some reasons why people act that way?

Do you deliberately commit fornication, steal tell lies, etc., and thereafter you begin to ask for prayers or begin to pray? Repent now because the judgement of God is at hand. Don’t think that the grace of God is eternity. Remember how Pharaoh eventually died with his men inside the Red Sea. Therefore be warned.

Food for Thought: The knowledge of Divine Judgement coming upon all unrighteousness should make us live in awe of God.

Memory verse: Exodus 8:28

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to l need so that I will not deliberately sin against you.

WHAT MAY I DO FOR YOU? Devotion for Saturday March 19, 2016

WHAT MAY I DO FOR YOU?      Saturday March 19, 2016 

          

Text: 2 Kings 2:9 – 12              Memory verse: v 9

Today’s topic is similar to that of Thursday but what led to the question here is different. Elijah was about to be taken away by God and his faithful servant and some other prophets knew about this. While other prophets were comfortable with their position Elisha who was a mere servant wanted to step into his master’s shoes. He was determined to get something from Elijah before God takes him away. It was his determination and persistence that made Elijah to ask the question that forms our text today.

There are lessons for us here. 1. When you have a need, be determined to find a solution to it in a godly way. Elisha was determined. All words of discouragement from Elijah and people did not deter him. He kept following. We should not be deterred by what people say. We should always keep our focus on God (Heb 12:2). 2. Elisha persisted and was focused. Most times after a session of prayers about our need, we give up. It ought not to be so. Jesus taught us about persistence in prayer in Lk. 18:1ff. We shouldn’t give up easily. Keep on trying; your miracle is in the next attempt. 3. What Elisha asked was in the will of God. He never asked for mansion, wealth or other worldly things rather he asked for what he will use to the glory of God and he got it at the end. Most times our request in our fasting and prayers are mundane things. When we ask from God what pleases Him, He will always grant our requests. 

  

Food for Thought: Elisha’s desire for a double portion of the spirit is not out of greed but that which will prepare him for usefulness and for glory of God.

Prayer: Grant to me, O Lord, everything that will be useful for me in serving you and humanity in Jesus name.

WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST? Devotion for Thursday March 17, 2016

WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST? Devotion for Thursday March 17, 2016

Text: Esther 5: 1 – 8    Memory verse: v 3

The story of Esther and Mordecai in this book teaches us that we can gain power and favour from fasting and prayers. Esther risked her life by coming before the king which was against the law. Her courageous act is a model for us to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can: (1) Count the cost. Esther realized her life was at stake. (2) Set priorities. She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. (3) Prepare. She gathered support and fasted. (4) Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly. She didn’t think too long about it, allowing the interlude to lessen her commitment to what she had to do. Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther’s inspiring example.

It was Esther’s courageous move that led to the question which is our topic for the day. The king noticed that something led Esther to risk her life and thus he raised the question and she demanded a dinner with the king and Haman. If God can grant Esther such favour before men how much more when He is involved (Matt 7:11)? Beloved, what is your request? Is it money for bills? Is it fruit of the womb? Is it a job? If you follow Esther’s model, God will certainly move in your favour.

Food for Thought: God issued us a blank cheque in Matt 7:7. How do you make good use of it?

Prayer: Make your request known to God bearing in mind Num 14:28 and Matt 7:7