God Satisfy the Longing Soul: Devotion for Saturday April 25, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL 

Devotion for Saturday April 25, 2020

Topic: God Satisfy the Longing Soul                       

Text: Psalm 107:1 – 9

Indeed, you will agree with me that 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 should be seen as act of appreciation to God we owe Him for His benefits towards us. There is no affliction no matter how grievous that 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 & 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, an example of Israelites in exile. They also typify anyone who has not found the satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Anyone who recognises 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) to as many as recognises Him as Lord and Saviour. Have you received His life-giving offer? He showed us what God desires us to thirst after (Matthew 5:6). He then warned 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 those things that will glorify His name.

Food for Thought: Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness

Memory verse: Psalm 34:10

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

The Mercies of God: Devotion for Sunday February 16, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday February 16, 2020

Topic: The Mercies of God   

Text: Psalm 103:8-14

The mercies of God have brought us into this new day. It is of God’s loving kindness and mercies that you and I are alive today. People died yesterday! Are you better than them? Think of the blessings you received in the past? Were they out of hard work? No! They came out of the mercies of God. He is forever gracious (Psalm 103:8). For this reason we should always appreciate this gesture on daily basis.

God has shown us much mercies and love in bring us into this new day because His mercies is from everlasting to everlasting. What will you use to reciprocate God’s mercies upon your life? To him much is given, much is expected! God expects to reap abundant righteousness from us (See Isaiah 5:1 – 7). God expected to reap righteousness from Israel but instead, they gave out oppression and evil. Thus they were punished for that. We should live fruitful life for that is what pleases God (John 14:4, 16).

In what ways are we expected to bear fruits for the Lord as mark of His love, mercies and kindness towards us? Faithfulness and obedience are marks of gratitude for mercies we have received from Him.

Action: Write down in your book 5 ways you can bear fruit for God

Memory verse: Psalm 86:15

Prayer: God help me to reciprocate your mercies towards me by bearing fruits of righteousness for you in Jesus name.

Righteousness Has Rewards

Devotion for Monday June 4, 2018

Sing SS&S 791; Abu 61

Topic: Righteousness Has Rewards 

Text: Proverbs 11:18 – 19 

In our text, we have reward for wickedness and righteousness. Wicked people do deceitful works. The works of the wicked work is like building houses upon the sand, which will deceive them when the storm comes. When the wicked is engaged in various acts of wickedness, it will seem as if it will ever remain the same, but Proverbs 11:19 have it that such person pursues evil to his death. Remember the case of Pharaoh and the Israelites. At the end, that same wickedness will cut his throat when it smiles upon him. He will finally say that sin deceived me, and by it slew me. However, it is not so with the righteous. The rewards of the righteous are many. People who live in righteousness lay up the best securities for themselves. He who sows righteousness, which is good, and continues in it, looking forward to heavenly reward shall surely have them (Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8 – 9; James 3:18). “As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death (Proverbs 11v19).” Righteousness can never disappoint us. Its rewards are numerous. Above all, it leads to life eternal which is the desire of every Christian. Psalm 1:1 – 6 gives us a clue into what the righteous man will gain here on earth and in the life to come. If you desire these rewards, then live righteously.

Action: Write down 10 rewards for righteousness in your notebook for future reference.

Memory verse: Proverbs 10:6 

Prayer: Lord, may I live my life in righteousness that I might receive its reward now and in eternity in Jesus name. Amen

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.

Stand Out From The Crowd

Devotion for Monday December 4, 2017

Topic: Stand Out From The Crowd

Text: Revelation 1:1 – 6

In this message God sent to the church at Sardis, He noted that despite the depraved nature of the city, there were still some who did not defile their garments. They stood out from the crowd. Ephesians 5:27 speak about the spotlessness of the Church when she shall be presented to Christ; while Revelation 19:18 also say that the “fine linen, clean and white are the righteousness of the saints,” in which it shall be arrayed for the “marriage supper.” The garment of Christian profession is white. At baptism, candidates are arrayed in white, the symbol of holiness and righteousness.

It gladdens the heart to know that even in a place so depraved and where religion had so much declined, there were few persons who had kept themselves free from the general contamination. In most cases, where error and sin prevail, there may be found a few who are worthy of the Divine commendation; a few who show that true religion may exist even when the mass are evil. Can such be said about you? They will be rewarded with a walk with Jesus. 

Do you compromise your faith and allow corruption just because it is in vogue or that is what people want? Are you standing for righteousness and people are making mockery of you as old fashion or old school? Don’t be disheartened; stand out from the crowd for God knows His people.

Food for Thought: There is always danger in mixed multitude

Memory verse: Revelation 1:4

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to stand out from the crowd and never to compromise my faith in this present generation in Jesus name. 

Our Righteousness Guards Us

Devotion for Friday November 24, 2017

Topic: Our Righteousness Guards Us

Text: Proverbs 13:6

There is no virtue without reward and there is no vice without punishment. Anything we do has its recompense whether good or bad. Righteousness is a sure guide as it helped Joseph in times of trials. It leads the soul unto blessedness but sin flatters men only to reward them with disappointment and ruin. There are two facts to note in our bible passage for the day.

1) God secures people who are righteous from ruin. Those who are righteous in their ways, honest in all their actions, adhering faithfully to the sacred rules of equity, and deal sincerely both with God and man, will be kept from the temptations of Satan by their integrity. Temptations shall not prevail over them neither will the reproaches of evil men, come upon them, to do them any real mischief (Psalm 25:21). Are you in this group who are living righteous and blameless life before God and man?

2) Sinners secure for themselves ruin. Those that are wicked, even their wickedness will overthrow them at last, as they are held in the cords of their wickedness in the meantime. They will be corrected and destroyed by their own wickedness. They shall bear the consequences of their wickedness (Proverbs 11:3, 5 – 6).

Piety benefits while sin injures. Are you living the life of evil and wickedness, dubious in your character? Repent now! There are consequences ahead of such life. It may seem good to you now but the end is what counts. It is better to avoid evil now than suffer the consequences later.

Food for Thought: Will the life you are living now secure you against evil?

Memory verse: Proverbs 13:6

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God, to live a righteous and blameless life that will secure me against ruin and evil in Jesus name.

It Shall Be Well With You

Devotion for Thursday August 17, 2017

Topic: It Shall Be Well With You 

Text: Isaiah 3:1 - 11

At times there is the need for re-assurance from God in the course of our heavenly race. Most people used by God in the scriptures at one time or the other cried out to God for re-assurance. When Jesus Christ was in agony and pain on the Cross of Calvary, He cried out (Mathew 25:46). David also did it as we can see in Psalm 22:1. Paul did as we have in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Have you asked God for re-assurance once? Share your experience if you are studying as a group.

This encouragement to the righteous was aimed at making them to trust Him, and for sinners to repent and return to Him. This is so because it was time for the Lord to show His might (Isaiah 3:1 – 9). It is an assurance to the godly that God will defend them in the midst of these troubles. “It shall be well with the righteous,” is in all ramifications of life; prosperity, adversity, sickness, health, death, judgement, and through eternity. In every case, occurrence and circumstances, the righteous shall eat of the fruit of his labours.

Beloved in Christ, I bring you re-assurance again that despite the problems of sickness, delayed conception, getting a spouse; a job, admission, any many other human needs we might be facing at this moment, God is saying today that your righteous life is not in vain (Hebrews 6:10). There is a reward for you and you will certainly eat the fruits of your labours and righteousness. Read Psalm 1:1 – 3

Food for Thought: Ecclesiastics 8:12

Memory verse: Isaiah 3:10

Prayer: Lord God, as I follow your ways in righteousness, grant that it shall be well with me in all I do in Jesus name.

BLESSING IN ARDENT DESIRE TO DO RIGHT

DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 18, 2016

Topic: BLESSING IN ARDENT DESIRE TO DO RIGHT    

Text: Matthew 5:6               Memory verse: Matthew 5:6

Righteousness as we have it here denotes that spiritual and entire conformity to the laws of God. To hunger and thirst here means to have an ardent desire to conform to the laws of God. As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, Jesus, by using these words here, plainly mean those whose deepest cravings are to live in a right relationship with God. Jesus Christ wants us to understand that to hunger and thirst after righteousness is to apprehend its worth, to desire it, and to be restless in endeavours to posses it, as people usually do when they are haggard as a result of hunger.

Hunger and thirsty are what we experience daily. The use here implies that our desire for righteousness should be on daily basis. No one satisfies hunger and thirst once and for all. Therefore, we cannot claim righteousness once and for all. When we take a proper look at the first four of the beatitudes, they centre on personal relationship with God in terms of salvation and righteousness while the remainders show us how to relate with people accordingly. Do you have this kind of hunger and thirst? Our desires of spiritual blessings especially for righteousness must be sincere and earnest.

Food for Thought: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart desire and I long to worship thee. Chorus: You alone are my strength, my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield; you alone are my heart desire, and I long to worship Thee (Song). 

Prayer: Almighty God, satisfy my hunger and thirst after spiritual blessings. 

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.

God’s Love For The Unfaithful: Devotion for Wednesday October 12, 2016

God’s Love For The Unfaithful: Devotion for Wednesday October 12, 2016

Text: Hosea 2:13 – 23         Memory verse: Hosea 2 verse 19

In the book of Isaiah chapter five, we have God’s lamentation of unfruitfulness of His vineyard, Israel. The nation of Israel is not only unfruitful but also unfaithful to God. The unfaithfulness of Israel to God is the central message of the book of Hosea. The book of Hosea is a love story, which is true, real and tragic, used to describe Israel and God. It tells of God’s love for His people and their response to Him.

In our text for today’s bible reading, is a marriage engagement from God to His loved one Israel. He had shown them righteousness, justice, unfailing love and compassion, not minding her unfaithfulness. Unfortunately, the Israelis failed God in all ramifications. They were easily enticed by the ungodly lifestyle of their neighbours who worship idols especially Baal. This action attracted God’s anger (Ezek. 15:8). The attraction to the worship of Baal started before they settled in the Promised Land. You can recall how Aaron made the golden calf in the wilderness to reflect the gods some other nations worship. Idolatry had been a long time problem with the nation Israel.    

Ironically, all efforts made by God to draw them back seem fruitless. However, He was not willing to let His chosen ones go like that hence this message from Hosea. Today, many of us have been unfaithful to God in many areas of our lives and relationship with Him. Don’t just jump to conclusion that you are not. Rather, search your conscience and find out the areas you have been unfaithful and repent of them. Remember what 1 Jn. 1:8 says. God’s decision here is a challenge for us Christians who will not want to forgive our enemies. Do we show compassion to those who are unfaithful to us? We should be considerate and compassionate on all who ‘offend’ us and love them. We are called to be like God (1 John 3:1 & 2). God forgives us not by our own merit but by His grace (Romans 5:8 & Galatians 2:5). Are you will to accept that forgiveness He is offering you today?

Food for Thought: How faithful are you to God as required in the New Covenant with Him?

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father, help me to be faithful always to you in all things in Jesus name.

MAINTAIN YOUR INTEGRITY: Devotion for Saturday September 24, 2016

MAINTAIN YOUR INTEGRITY: Devotion for Saturday September 24, 2016
Text: Job 27:1 – 6                  Memory verse: v 5
It was David that said in the book of Psalm that he knows his sins and his sins are ever before him. If we say that we don’t know whether we are righteous or not we are only trying to deceive ourselves. You can’t be a sinner without knowing that you are a sinner. We can only pretend that we are not but deep down in our hearts we know what we are. However, in the case of righteousness, we can claim based on what we know of ourselves but it is God who has the final say about us. His verdict is what counts at the end.
Job's friends who came to see him provoked him to speak, and he proceeded in a grave and useful manner to defend his integrity. That was as much as he knows himself. He was specific here about his integrity. By not putting away his integrity, Job means that, as he was conscious of having led an upright life, and of being still determined to do so despite the affliction he was going through which the friends claimed came from God as a punishment for his sins. Plainly, Job asserted that he will never acknowledge the justice of the accusations which his friends brought against him. The consciousness of our integrity will give us confidence in God and support us under any kind of trial. This was the basis of strength and peace Job enjoyed during the trial period.
In the midst of all the accusations, Job was able to declare that his conscience was clear. Only God’s forgiveness and the determination to live right before God can bring a clear conscience. Have you received that forgiveness from God which brings clear conscience? Job had to bring his record to bear as he was being accused of having sinned against God. Just like Job did, we can’t claim sinless lives, but we can claim forgiven lives. When we confess our sins to God, He forgives us. Then we can live with clear consciences (1 Jn. 1:9). Maintaining your integrity as a Christian in time of trials shows that you bear the fruit of the Spirit – Self control (Galatians 5:23). Do you maintain your integrity in times of trials; no food, when you are alone, when you are engaged and not wedded, when you don’t have money in your house and you come across money somewhere? Job is a challenge for us.
Food for Thought: “Subtlety may deceive you; integrity never will” – Oliver Cromwell.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to develop the virtue of integrity in me.

JUSTICE IS TURNED BACK: Devotion for Thursday August 25, 2016

JUSTICE IS TURNED BACK: Devotion for Thursday August 25, 2016

Text: Isaiah 59:9 – 15             Memory verse: Isaiah 59:14

According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If we shut our eyes against the light of Divine truth, it is just with God to hide from our eyes the things that belong to our peace.” No wonder the bible says that “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). A situation where the sins of those who profess themselves God's people, are worse than the sins of others who are termed unbelievers is very unfortunate.

Here, the prophet Isaiah decries the sad state where justice and righteousness are absent in the courts of law (Zechariah 8:16), and in social matters in general. All over the scriptures, God is always against injustice. He upholds justices and righteousness and He expects nothing less from us. But sad to say that He got the least from His people and was displeased about it. If you were in God’s shoes will you be pleased seeing injustice pervade all affairs of life?  

What can we say of our present day religious and political leaders? Are they upholding justice? What of our judges and magistrates? Have they not turned back justice by declaring the guilty, innocent and the innocent, guilty? Compare Amos 5:12; 6:12. Is this the same in your country?

Beloved, God is never happy when we pervert justice. It is a wicked and sinful person that does so (Proverbs 7:23). When we witness in any case, we should also not testify to pervert justice (Exodus 23:2). Let the fear of God be in our hearts in every witness we bear or case we judge. If this be our guiding principle, it will make our society and the world at large a peaceful place to live in.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 16:19

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord, to always stand for justice no matter the circumstances in Jesus name.

REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: Devotion for Monday February 29, 2016

REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: Devotion for Monday February 29, 2016

Text: Proverbs 11:18 – 19            Memory verse: v 18

The wicked works a deceitful work. His wicked work is like building for himself a house upon the sand, which will deceive him when the storm comes. When the wicked is engaged in various acts of wickedness, it will seem as if it will ever remain same. Unfortunately, it is never so. At the end, that same wickedness will cut his throat when it smiles upon him. He will finally say that sin deceived me, and by it slew me. However, it is not so with the righteous. The rewards of the righteous are many. People who live in righteousness lay up the best securities for themselves. He who sows righteousness, which is good, and continues in it, looking forward to heavenly reward shall surely have them (Hosea 10:12; Galatians 6:8–9; James 3:18).

“As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death – Proverbs11:19.” Righteousness can never disappoint us. Its rewards are numerous. Above all it leads to life eternal which is the desire of every Christian. Ps 1:1–6 gives us a clue into what the righteous man will gain here on earth and in the life to come. Do you desire these rewards? Then live righteously.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 10:6

Prayer: Lord, may I live my life in righteousness that I might receive its reward now and in eternity in Jesus name.      

WHO HAS BLESSED US: Devotion for Thursday October 1, 2015

WHO HAS BLESSED US       Thursday October 1, 2015

Text: Ephesians 1:3 – 6          Memory verse: v 3

We wish Nigerians at home and in Diaspora a Happy Independence Celebrations. Indeed we are a blessed people even before the nation Nigeria came into being just as our bible reading says. Spiritual and heavenly blessings are the best blessings; with which we cannot be miserable, and without which we cannot but be so. This was the design of God for us as Paul tells the Ephesians before the foundation of the world, that they should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in consequence of their election in Christ. This was the condition for their continuous blessings from God.

Unfortunately it is not so with us. Thus our conditions are worse than that of the wicked because we have sold ourselves to the devil. We now suffer amidst plenty and the blessings of God have been hijacked by very few sons of Ishmael. That we are blessed is not in doubt. We should therefore return to God is true repentance as that is the only way to retrieve the blessings that have been hijacked. Remember that we should be the praise of God’s glory in this Land (1:11, 12). Let us rise again and make Nigeria great.

Food for Thought: Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).

Prayer: Heal our land, O Lord and make us great again in Jesus name.