Walk In Newness of Life: Devotion for Monday April 13, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL     

Devotion for Monday April 13, 2020

Topic: Walk In Newness of Life                               

Text: Romans 6:1 – 11

Yesterday was Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from death which gave us hope of eternal life. Paul talks about new creation in our bible reading for today (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). The newness of life starts at repentance. It is expected that believers must die to sin, and live to God (6:1, 2). Dying to sin is likened to death of Christ and living to God is likened to the resurrection of Christ.

Our baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being as it were buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Those who believe in Christ are baptized into him and baptized into his death; in other words, they are baptized to become one with Christ Jesus. As Christ died, we have die to our old, sinful lifestyle, and a new life begins. Is that true about you?

If we believe that our old, sinful lives are dead and buried, we will have a powerful motive to resist sin. We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus (see also Galatians 3:27; Colossians 3:1-4).

Are you still under the influence of old life? Is sin still having upper hand in your life? Then you are not walking in newness of life.

Food for Thought: Our death with Christ to sin implies our resurrection with Christ to God, which is to us a new life of holiness. Is that true about you?

Memory verse: Galatians 6:15

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in newness of life as one who has resurrected with Christ through my baptism.

Jesus Christ Has Risen: Devotion for Easter Day April 12, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Easter Day Sunday April 12, 2020

Text: Jesus Christ Has Risen!                      

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10

Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We thank God for such a privilege. Mary Magdalene and her colleagues came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body (Luke 24:1) but the met an empty tomb.

The angel who announced the good news of the Resurrection to the women gave them four messages:

(1) Don’t be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb.

(2) He isn’t here. Jesus is no more among the dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people.

(3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the Resurrection.

Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity and that is why many people especially in my clime will defy stay at home to go and worship. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel today is simple; Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life.

One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you “telling” others about this good news? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mark 8:38).    

Food for Thought: If Jesus didn’t resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Memory verse: Matthew 26:32

Prayer: O Lord my God, may I never be ashamed of telling people about you. 

A site your Boss will not want to visit

He Revitalizes Our Mortal Body

Devotion for Wednesday April 4, 2018

Topic: He Revitalizes Our Mortal Body

Text: Romans 8:10 – 17

If the Holy Spirit be in us, invariably Christ is in us. He dwells in the heart of believers by faith. Christ’s Spirit lives within our human spirits. The presence of Christ in us will automatically make our bodies to resist and reject sin (Romans 8:10). Any Christian who receives the grace and Spirit of Christ, and continues to live under its influence a life of obedience to the Divine will, shall have a resurrection to eternal life (Romans 8:11).

The point Paul made here is that we are promised the physical resurrection of our bodies into eternal life. The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to us. So there is wonderful hope even for our prone-to-decay bodies. In another dimension, the presence of Holy Spirit resuscitates our physical bodies too and makes it alive. When the Spirit of God dwells in you, Satan and sickness will not have upper hand in your body.

Are you sick in the body and desire healing from God? Then you need to invite the Spirit of God into your life. You can start with praises for God dwells in the praises of His people. His presence will bring life to that withered hand and crippled legs in Jesus name.

Though you may be sick but as you are reading this devotion, God is saying to you, give me chance to come in now and you will see the difference. Give Him the opportunity to come into your life and revitalize everything that is dead.

Sing SS&S 89; Abu 253

Food for Thought: Life comes from the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 37:10)

Memory verse: Romans 8:11

Prayer: Release upon me O Lord, your Spirit to revive my dying body again in Jesus name.

Jesus Has Risen From The Dead

Devotion for Sunday (Easter Day) April 1, 2018

Topic: Jesus Has Risen From The Dead

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10

Happy Easter to you! Today is Easter when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Severally, He foretold about this day (Matthew 12:40; 17:9, 23) outside the prediction of the prophets. Mary Magdalene and her colleagues came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:1) but they met an empty tomb. The message from the angel who announced the good news of the resurrection to the women centred on four areas: (1) Do not be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb that Jesus is alive and not in the grave. (2) He is not here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people. (3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the resurrection. It is also our responsibility to spread the great and good news about Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel is simple; Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you “telling” others about this good news? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mark 8:38).

Sing SS&S 152; Abu 50   

Food for Thought: If Jesus did not resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Memory verse: Matthew 28:7

Prayer: Lord God, may I never be ashamed of telling people about you.

Yes My Redeemer Lives

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday July 14, 2017

Topic: Yes My Redeemer Lives

Text: Job 19:25

If we ever hope to reap from God’s goodness and mercies, we must have a good knowledge of Him. Here in our text is Job’s creed or confession of faith - his belief in God the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and the principles of natural religion, had often professed. Job believed in a living Redeemer and looked for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Job made his confession of faith in steadfastness of his belief in God.

What do you confess in times of trouble? Do not forget that what you confess matters a lot because life and death are in the power of tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Even when you are questioned about what you confess, don’t stop saying it. It will produce result for you, so long as it is the promise of God.

Jesus Christ our near kinsman has redeemed us after our heavenly inheritance was mortgaged by sin. He has paid our debt, satisfied God’s justice for sin, and so has taken off the mortgage and made a new settlement of our inheritance. Jesus Christ is our living Redeemer. Though He died on the Cross, He rose again. Although Job had lost all his wealth and friends, he was not separated from Christ. He trusted God and spoke prophetically about the Redeemer and resurrection.

In that your sickbed, that problem or trouble, what is your relationship with Christ? Do you still see Him as your Redeemer? Do you serve God only when things are good and you back out on Him when trouble comes your way? What is your take about Jesus? Is He your Redeemer?

Food for Thought: Strong confidence in God supports the soul in the deepest afflictions and causes it to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Memory verse: Job 19:25

Prayer: Lord, even when the world turns against me, help me to understand that you are there for me as my living Redeemer.       

A Living Hope

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday April 22, 2017

Topic: A Living Hope 

Text: 1 Peter 1:3 – 5

The Christian's hope is a living principle, and sustains his spiritual life. Our hope is lived out. It is something that is live out for others to see. This hope gives life and looks for life as its object. We are now born again for a wonderful expectation of life to come but not of this world because we are pilgrims and foreigners here. This expectation we have is based on the assurance that God will keep His promise to raise us because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Christ has made necessary power available for our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). His resurrection makes us certain that we too will be raised from the dead.

This assurance is what makes our hope lively. It keeps us going, striving against all odds so as to gain that which God has promised us. What the resurrection of Christ has done for us is that it has inspired hope and grace in us. It has brought the conviction that we are going to be resurrected. The onus on us now is to live our lives with that inspired hope from the resurrection of Christ. It should make us to be heavenly conscious as we read yesterday. It should inspire a more strong faith in us that God is ever faithful to His promises. Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die.

We may be experiencing some negative things that are currently challenging our faiths. That notwithstanding, if we know our God, our hope will be renewed every day. We can achieve this by daily searching out God’s promises and laying hold of them as we pray. Don’t allow uncertainties of life deem your hope rather rekindle it daily basis. 

Food for Thought: Our hope for eternal life promised us shouldn’t die. Rekindle it on daily basis as we await the return of our Saviour.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 1 verse 3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to keep the hope of eternal life lively in me in Jesus name.

Reckon Yourselves To Be Dead

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday April 20, 2017

Topic: Reckon Yourselves To Be Dead

Text: Romans 6:8 – 11

Yesterday, we saw that one of the implications of our baptism is that we are to die to sin and be alive unto righteousness. Apostle Paul therefore, advised the Romans and we the present readers by extension that we should reckon ourselves to be dead to sin. A dead man is in a state of numbness and inactivity. The body does not do anything and thus is not prone to sin. Such state of numbness makes it impossible to commit sin because in that state it is emotionless without feelings.

What this means is that we should regard our old sinful nature as dead and unresponsive to sin. If you strike a match and place it on a dead body, he will not feel the heat because the body is in numbness state. By considering ourselves dead to sin, Paul wants us to be like Christ in  dying to sin and living to God; living a new life of holiness devoted to God's glory, in imitating Christ's resurrection-life.

As people who are now identified with Christ, we should distant ourselves from the kind of life we were used to before we repented. We should no longer want to pursue our old plans, desires, and goals. Those desires must be put to death (Col. 3:5, 6). We should begin to live for the glory of God. This will be a battle between the flesh and the spirit. However, if you are willing and obedient, God will grant you the enabling grace through the power of the Holy Spirit who will help you become all that Christ wants you to be. Your salvation should produce “A change not of state and condition only, but of character and conduct. It leads a person to live not unto himself, but unto Him who died for him and rose again” as posited Family Bible Notes. Is it so in your life?  

Food for Thought: What positive change can be seen in your conduct and character as a Christian?

Memory verse: Romans 6:2 – Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

Prayer: Lord God, help me to mortify my body so I can die to sin in Jesus name.

Christ Died For Our Sins

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday April 17, 2017

Topic: Christ Died For Our Sins

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 11

Our bible reading today can be likened to our statement of faith (The creed) because it contains the summary of what Jesus did to save humanity. Apostle Paul had to write this to allay the fears and doubts in the mind of some Corinthians because some people were teaching that Jesus didn’t rise from the dead. He stated that many people saw Jesus after His resurrection at different occasions. He listed some of them to include Peter; the 12 disciples; over 500 disciples (some who were still alive at the time he wrote this epistle); James (the half-brother of Jesus) and finally Paul himself.

The centre of Paul’s message here is that Jesus died for our sins. This should be a source of joy for us above every other thing we can think of in this life. If we understand the consequences of sin and its burden, we will appreciate that ultimate sacrifice of Jesus every day of our lives. That Jesus resurrected is a historical fact.

We should not be discouraged when people doubt or deny Christ’s resurrection. Rather we should be filled with hope because a day will come when all of us shall see the proof on His return. However, on the interim, we should always be grateful to God for sending Jesus Christ to die for us. Have you accepted that ultimate sacrifice by making Him your Lord and Saviour? A time will come it will be too late. Come to the Saviour today and make no delay.

Food for Thought: As Christ died for our sins, how best can we appreciate this kind gesture of God towards us?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15 verse 3

Prayer: Lord God, help me to appreciate your love for me in dying for my sins.

Who Will Roll Away The Stone?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Easter Sunday April 16, 2017

Topic: Who Will Roll Away The Stone?

Text: Mark 16:1 – 8

Yesterday we saw how the Chief priest and Pharisees obtained permission and secured the tomb of Jesus in a bid to stopping Him from resurrecting. Our bible reading confirms that the tomb was indeed secured. These women came to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His dead body as was the custom. On their way they remembered that the tomb had been secured with a big stone which they cannot pull away. God, whose plan overrules that of man had pulled away the stone and the anointing they were planning couldn’t hold because Jesus was not in the tomb again. Sometimes when we meet with opposition as we plan to honour God, we shouldn’t be discouraged because He will certainly remove all obstacles on the way. God removed the stone to teach us that when He purposes, nothing whatsoever can stop His purpose from fulfilling.

Today, we are celebrating the effects of that stone which God rolled away. One of them is the resurrection of Christ. His resurrection brought hope for us that all our problem of sin, sickness, lack, etc have been rolled away and new things are beginning to manifest for us in Jesus name. You may have been wondering who will roll away that your problem. Never mind, the God you serve, in His infinite mercies will roll them away. As the women went back with joy that Jesus had resurrected, so you will from this day sing songs of joy and victory of what God will resurrect in your life, family, business, marriage, etc. Happy Easter!           

Food for Thought: What would been our Christian faith, if Christ did not resurrect from the dead?

Memory verse: Mark 16 verse 3

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead which has brought us hopes of victory over death and certainty of eternal life. Amen.

Can Man Stop God’s Plan?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Easter Eve Saturday April 15, 2017

Topic: Can Man Stop God’s Plan?

Text: Matthew 27:62 – 66 

The answer to the question that formed our topic for the day is emphatically NO. It is not possible that a creature will thwart or overturn the plan of his or her Creator. God intended that Man should disperse and live all over the earth but they chose to build the Tower of Babel. He changed their language and out of frustration, they dispersed.

God’s plan of salvation for man includes the death and resurrection of Christ. After His burial, the Chief priest and the Pharisees came to Pilate to secure the tomb of Jesus Christ so that His disciples will not come and remove His body and claim He has resurrected. They were permitted to do so and “They went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.” Unfortunately, they were disappointed (Matthew 28:1 – 7).

Beloved, God is assuring you today that all His plans and purposes for your life will be fulfilled. His intension is to give you an expected end, though not necessarily the things of this world. So when the things of this world are not manifesting for you, it does not mean that God hates you. All He wants is to take you to a place of eternal bliss not a place of temporal bliss. Perhaps some people are thinking that they will sit upon God’s blessings in your marriage; your office, your children, your work, your business, your health, etc. God will disappoint them by lifting them off from those blessings. Then the blessings will begin to manifest for you in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: There is no amount of gang up and manipulations of the enemies that can frustrate God’s plan for us.

Memory verse: Matthew 27 verse 66

Prayer: Heavenly Father, frustrate every plan to block my salvation and blessing from manifesting in Jesus name. Amen.

The Hour Has Come

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday (Holy Week) April 12, 2017

Topic: The Hour Has Come

Text: John 12:20 – 28

Beloved, what is your desire as a Christian? Is it to see Jesus and be part of His glory at the end of your life here on earth? This was the desire of these Greek who came to the disciples. When Philip and Andrew came and told Jesus, He made a startling revelation about His impending death. He painted a picture of the necessary sacrifice He was about to make. He asserts that unless a grain of wheat is planted in the soil, it will not become a blade of wheat producing many more seeds.

Jesus had to die to pay the penalty for our sin, and to show His power over death. His resurrection proves He has eternal life and can give it to us. The words of Jesus in John 12:26 suggest an answer to the inquiry of the Greeks or a charge He left with them. Jesus was troubled as He announced that the hour had come for His betrayal, crucifixion and death, and eventual resurrection. He prayed that God the Father should save Him but handed over everything to the will of God.

Here, Jesus threw a challenge to us. When we are suffering and going through problems of life, how do we take it? From the death and resurrection of Christ, it is obvious that most times we have to go through some problems of life for the glory of God to be revealed in us. My life was a clear testimony about this. Jesus requested God to glorify His name and a voice answered Him. We should always submit to God‘s will so He can glorify Himself in all we do.

Food for Thought: John 17:1

Memory verse: John 12 verse 23

Prayer: God, glorify yourself and perfect your will in my life in Jesus name. Amen.

Price of Godliness (Imprisonment 2)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 31, 2017                

Topic: Price of Godliness (Imprisonment 2)

Text: Act 4:1 – 4

When you have a message from God and preach it raw as received, there is every tendency it will hurt some people and puncture their ego. I have incurred the wrath of many people because of my messages. I thank God that so far, they have not arrested or sent me to prison. The Sadducees don’t believe in resurrection and for the disciples to be preaching that Jesus resurrected was not acceptable to them. They instigated the arrest of the Peter and John.

These men (Apostles Peter and John) had spoken to the people during the afternoon prayer time. The Sadducees moved in quickly to investigate. They were understandably disturbed with what the Apostles were saying because they were refuting one of their fundamental beliefs and thus threatening their authority as religious teachers. Because of their unlimited power over the Temple grounds, they were able to arrest Peter and John for no other reason than teaching what contradicts their beliefs.

Preaching the gospel can offend some people because of their tie with the devil and it can even lead to imprisonment. Though it is not always that preaching can lead to problem but we run risks in trying to win others to Christ. The risks may include attack of the enemies of the cross, rejection, persecution, imprisonment, denial of rights and privileges. Whatever risk we may face, we should note that people of God in the past suffered same and we should be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. Whatever the risks, realize that nothing done for God is ever wasted. You will surely receive your reward.

Food for Thought: You can bind and imprison a preacher but you cannot bind or imprison his message.

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 3

Prayer: Lord, grant utterance to your people to enable them preach no matter the risk and consequences in Jesus name. Amen.

WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE: Devotion for Monday March 28, 2016

WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE: Devotion for Monday March 28, 2016

Text: Romans 6:1 – 11      Memory verse: v 4

Yesterday was Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from death which gave us hope for eternal life. This is the reason Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17).” That new creation is the life that he talks about here in our bible reading for today. The newness of life starts at repentance. It is expected that believers must die to sin, and live to God (6:1, 2). Dying to sin is likened to death of Christ and living to God is likened to the resurrection of Christ. Our baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being as it were buried with all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Those who believe in Christ are baptized into Him and baptized into His death; in other words, they are baptized to become one with Christ Jesus. As he died, we die to our old, sinful lifestyle, and a new life begins.

If we believe that our old, sinful lives are dead and buried, we have a powerful motive to resist sin. We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus (Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:1-4). Are you still under the influence of old life? Is sin still having upper hand in your life? Then you are not walking in newness of life and resurrection power hasn’t affected you.

Food for Thought: Our death with Christ to sin implies our resurrection with Christ to God, which is to us a new life of holiness. Is that true about you?

Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in newness of life as one who has resurrected with Christ through my baptism.       

HE IS RISEN: Devotion for Easter Day Sunday March 27, 2016

HE IS RISEN: Devotion for Easter Day Sunday March 27, 2016

Text: Matthew 28:1 – 10     Memory verse: v 7

Beloved, Happy Easter! Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Severally, He foretold about this day (Matt. 12:40; 17:9, 23) outside the prediction of the prophets. Mary Magdalene and her colleague came to the tomb with the mind to anoint the body (Lk. 24:1) but they met empty tomb.

The angel who announced the good news of the Resurrection to the women gave them four messages: (1) don’t be afraid. The reality of the resurrection brings joy, not fear. When you are afraid, remember the empty tomb. (2) He isn’t here. Jesus is not dead and is not to be looked for among the dead. He is alive, with His people. (3) Come, see. The women could check the evidence themselves. The tomb was empty then, and it is empty today. The resurrection is a historical fact. (4) Go quickly and tell. They were to spread the joy of the Resurrection. We, too, are to spread the great news about Jesus’ resurrection.

Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity. If Christ didn’t rise from death, there wouldn’t have been any gospel today. Our gospel is simple; Jesus died for our sins, rose and will come again; so if we believe in Him, we will have eternal life. One of the messages the angel gave was go quickly and tell them. This was also the injunction Jesus gave as He resurrected. How far are you telling others about this Good News? If we are not doing that, it means that we are ashamed of Him and He will deny us at the end (Mk. 8:38).     

Food for Thought: If Jesus didn’t resurrect, what would have been our position today?

Prayer: May I never be ashamed of telling people about you, O Lord.

TILL MY CHANGE COMES: Devotion for Saturday September 26, 2015

TILL MY CHANGE COMES                   Saturday September 26, 2015

Text: Job 14:7 – 15                               Memory verse: v 14

At times when a tree is cut down, it shoots come forth, and grow up again as a newly planted tree. However, when man is cut off by death, he is forever removed from his place in this world. The life of man may fitly be compared to the waters of a land flood, which spread far, but soon dry up. All Job's expressions here show his belief in the great doctrine of the resurrection. Therefore in all his trouble, he choose to patiently wait 'till that change comes, which will put a period to his calamities.

There is an expiry date for all problems and calamities of life. I don’t know what you are passing through now. You have to wait on God for a change. He is the one that can turn your situations around. A change will certainly come for you. Do not lose heart. God is still there on the throne.

Food for Thought: No condition is permanent on earth.

Prayer: God, change my case because this condition is not everlasting.