A Just Reward For Sin: Devotion for Tuesday April 14, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday April 14, 2020

Topic: A Just Reward For Sin                                        

Text: Romans 6:12 – 23

After the admonition to walk in newness of life by Paul as we read yesterday, he went further to speak about the just reward for sin. He started by saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (6:12). That was a conclusion of his exhortation in Romans 6:1 – 11. He gave this charge because of the consequences and reward for sin.

Most people play with sin as if it has no consequence. If we are dead to sin, how can sin still control us? True Christians have died to sin, but as long as they live in their mortal bodies, they will have the compulsion to sin. But only because they have died to sin that they will have the power to hinder it from controlling them. It is worthy to note the question in Romans 6:15.

This result of sin is not just physical death; everyone dies physically, believers and nonbelievers alike. This death refers to eternal separation from God. This is the wage that a person receives for his or her rebellion against God. But instead of wages, those who believe receive a free gift from God, eternal life. Which reward are you expecting to receive?

Just as the labourer is worthy of his hire and feels it to be his due, so death is the due for sin, the wages the sinner has formed for himself. The good news is that God has offered us eternal life as a gift. Have you received yours?

Food for Thought: Are you working for wage or gift?

Memory verse: Romans 6:23

Prayer: God your gift for me is eternal life. Grant that I will not miss out in Jesus name.

What is Ecommergy? Find the answer as you click on this.

Topic: Deviants From The Truth

Devotion for Sunday May 20, 2018

Topic: Deviants From The Truth

Text: Romans 1: 19 – 32   

In the context of our devotion, deviants are people who deviate from the truth. Yesterday, we read the warning of Jesus Christ concerning false prophets. An Egyptian Professor some time ago posited that Jews lied about their history. That there was never a time they lived in Egypt. These are attempts by people to change the truth. Paul asserts that no one has excuse for not believing God. This is his argument here because God has revealed what He is like in and through His creation (Romans 1:19ff). Unfortunately, many have deviated from the truth about God and creation while some others have refused to accept Him, choosing to worship the creature instead of the Creator (Romans 1:22 – 25). For this reason God has given up on them (Romans 1:26) and will not spare them at judgment. Deviants from the truth are rampant in our days. They have given up the worship of God to worshipping of Pastors, General Overseers, Bishops, Archbishops, Priests, etc. They do this by accepting what these people say as standard instead of what the Bible say. Recently, I read how a pastor asked the female members not to put on underwear as they come to church so that it will be easier for the Holy Spirit to enter into them. Abomination you will say! I don’t blame them as much as those who give ear to them. Can you mention some other acts of deviants from the truth? Do you belong to these deviants – the gay people, modern idol worshippers in the church and compromisers or are you one of their supporters (Romans 1:32)? Repent now before it will be too late. God, forgive our foolish ways as we sing from A&M 184

Food for Thought: God cannot trade His glory with any creature

Memory verse: Romans 1:25

Prayer: God, help me not to deviate from the faith I received from you.

Don’t Be A Slave Of Sin

Devotion for Saturday March 10, 2018

Topic: Don’t Be A Slave Of Sin

Text: Romans 6:1 – 6                           

Holiness is a necessity in the life of Christians as Paul expresses in our Bible reading. He shows that justification and holiness are inseparable. He posted series of questions in Romans 6:1 – 3) stressing that Christians should abhor the thought of continuing in sin. In view of the foregoing truths (Romans 5) and especially the fact that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, shall we then continue to live in sin, that grace may the more abound? He also gave the answer as NO! Paul exhorts that as Christians who have received the sacrament of baptism, should walk in newness of life so as to be united with Christ in His resurrection (Romans 6:4 – 5). Baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Christians should know this fact that our old nature of sin has been crucified and what is crucified is dead. The reason for crucifying the old nature is to deliver us from being slaves of sin. It is one thing to sin, and another thing to serve sin: To serve sin is to yield willing obedience; to indulge ourselves in any presumptuous act or course of sin. It is prevalent of sin that destroys the sinner. Being in the flesh makes us to continue in sin and that displeases God. Are you still living in sin and serving it? The whole body of sin, whatever is not according to the holy law of God, must be done away with. Thus, we will no more be slaves of sin, but live to God, and find joy in His service.

Sing A&M 349; Abu 170

Food for Thought: Being a slave of sin makes our baptism irrelevant.

Memory verse: Romans 6:6

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a crucified life so I will no longer be a slave to sin.

We Are Joint Heirs With Christ

Devotion for Saturday February 3, 2018

Topic: We Are Joint Heirs With Christ

Text: Romans 8:17 – 25                                    

Behold what manner of love God has bestowed on us (1 John 3:1)! Our God breaks protocols when He wants to bless someone He loves. He can change the course of nature to ensure He blesses someone or fulfills His wills for us. When Balaam couldn’t see reasons with Him, He used his donkey to speak to him (Numbers 22:22 – 28). He parted the Red Sea for Israel to walk through but when the Egyptians tried it, they sank. These supernatural acts are what make God the Almighty. Paul stated in our text that Christians are all first born and heirs of the Almighty God. Naturally, only first born is the heir in the family. Others are never seen as heirs. In earthly inheritances, only the first-born are heirs; but the church is a church of first-born, for they are all heirs. Heaven is an inheritance that all the saints are heirs to. They do not come to it as purchasers by any merit or procurement of their own; but as heirs, purely by the act of God; for God makes Christians heirs. The saints are heirs though in this world they are heirs under age (Galatians 4:1 – 2). However, there is a clause attached to the status of being heir to the heavenly Kingdom and that is the condition that we suffer with Him (Romans 8:17). Paul further stated that what God has in stock for us should make us to be expectant of the time we will be glorified (Romans 8:18 – 25). Are you working towards that time? Make it a priority.

Sing A&M 330; Abu 112

Food for Thought: Galatians 4:7

Memory verse: Romans 8:17

Prayer: God, as you have made me heir, don’t allow me to abuse this honour on me in Jesus name. Amen

Don’t Copy World’s Standard

Devotion for Wednesday November 22, 2017

Topic: Don’t Copy World’s Standard

Text: Roman 12:1 – 2

Our world of today lacks genius. What we have today are pirated works. People are no longer genuine in production of anything especially in this part of the world. Everyone toes the same way of doing thing even in the church. No one wants to be original. These have robbed us of growth and self-actualization. When we find ourselves in the midst of other people, there is always the tendency to copy what they do and we easily forget that “Evil company corrupts good habits” – 1 Corinthians 15:33. On the other hand, good company also model good habits. This informs Paul’s words in our bible reading for today. He urged the Roman Christians no to conform to the standard of this world; to its sinful spirit, maxims, principles and practices of this world.

On the contrary, Christians should walk singularly and not after the world’s guise. Do you copy unnecessary behaviour, dressings, character, speech, etc., because it is in vogue? Who brought it in vogue – God, man or Satan? Think of the present day style of fashion and dressing. Most of them are ungodly. We should be led by the Spirit as Christians and not by what is in vogue. We should also learn to do things according to the will of God and not the propelling of self. This is a challenge if we hope to make heaven.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 5:17

Memory verse: 1 John 2:15

Prayer: Lord God, help me not to conform to the word’s standard as you renew me through your word.

What Is Acceptable To God

Devotion for Wednesday November 1, 2017

Topic: What Is Acceptable To God

Text: Romans 12:1

It is not everything we do that God approves and accepts. He accepted the sacrifice of Abel and showed disdain to that of Cain. Also He does not accept the act of not entirely depending on Him (Isaiah 31:1). God does not accept sacrifice that is not holy or anything not pleasing to Him. In this our text for the day, Paul exhorts us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. This means that we should dedicate and devote our souls and bodies to the service of God and His glory. Christians should offer up their lives unto God as a whole burnt offering. This must be voluntary as you are expected to do it (present yourself). It must be a living sacrifice; a holy sacrifice, a reasonable sacrifice, otherwise God will not accept it.

Have you offered yourself as a sacrifice that is acceptable to God? Your commitment should be reasonable and not offensive to God. A life that has been sacrificed to God as a living, holy and reasonable sacrifice is seen in its dependence of God for direction and instruction in everything. The person lives according to detects of God. Christians shouldn’t invent services, or make trials, or seek persecutions or provoke opposition so as to be seen as serving and suffering for Christ’s sake. They should do just what God requires of them, and that will be acceptable to Him.

When what we do is acceptable to God that will be the greatest recompense we can get because not everybody will have the privilege to serve God. If He approves what we do, what men think of us doesn’t matter. Therefore, to please Him should be our highest aim in this new month and we will certainly reap the benefits. Happy New Month!

Food for Thought: God’s priority and what He accepts matters. Is this your guiding principle in this heavenly race?

Memory verse: Romans 12:1

Prayer: Grant me, O Lord, the understanding of what you accept so that I can make them my priority in this heavenly race in Jesus name Amen.

Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Devotion for Thursday October 26, 2017

Topic: Holy Spirit Reorders Our Prayers

Text: Romans 8:26 – 28

Holy Spirit is indispensable in the Christian life we live. A Christian life demand living in Spirit and it is obvious that man in the flesh cannot live well and please God if the spirit does not take over such life. Here in our text, Apostle Paul explains some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us in bearing our weaknesses.

1) By giving us strength to bear them

2) By exciting us to make efforts to overcome them

3) By ministering to us consolations, and truths, and views out our Christian privileges that enable us to endure our trials.

The reasons we do not know what to pray for may be for the following reasons:

1) That we do know what would really be the best for us.

2) We do not know want God will grant to us according to His will

3) We are, to a great extent ignorant of the character of God, the reason of His dealings with us and our real wants.

4) We are often in real, deep perplexity. We are encompassed with trials, exposed to temptations, feeble to diseases, and subject to calamities. These, put us in despair and changes our focus.

Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life? When we allow Holy Spirit to have full control over our lives, then we can pray well and get what we need. Allow Him into your life so He can reorder your priorities and needs.

Food for Thought: James 4:3

Memory verse: Romans 8:26

Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so He can do the impossible in my life and reorder my request always so I can gain your approval in Jesus name.

Don’t Misuse The Grace Of God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday June 6, 2017                      

Topic: Don’t Misuse The Grace Of God                               

Text: Romans 6:1 – 3

God grants us grace at different levels and variations. The grace He has given me may not be the same with yours. Continuing in sin after you have repented is an abuse of God’s grace. When the grace will disappear, you will pay dearly for it as Samson did. God is of a purer eyes not to behold our sins (Habakkuk 1:13) and does not live in sin either (Ephesians 4:30) because the moment we offend Him, He leaves. When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we provoke God (1 Corinthians 10:22) and it will attract unbearable consequences.

What Paul is saying in our text is that believers (Christians) must die to sin and live to God (Romans 6:1 and 2). He explained further in Rom 6:3–10, that this act of living in holiness is necessary because of our baptism and union with Christ. He shows that the connection between justification and holiness are inseparable. Anyone united with Christ should live as Christ did. The attitude of deciding ahead of time to take advantage of God by sinning shows that the person does not understand the seriousness of sin. That God forgives us does not make sin less serious; allowing His Son to die for our sins shows how dreadful sin is.

Genuine and true Christians died to sin at their baptism and therefore should not live in sin again. It is a well-known fact that we can never be dead and alive at the same time. Only those who are foolish and deceivers can say they are dead unto sin while they are still living in it. Remember you cannot serve two masters.

Food for Thought: By virtue of our baptism, we ought to have died to sin. Are you truly dead to sin?

Memory verse: Romans 6:15

Prayer: God, make me dead to sin and never to abuse your grace I enjoy.

No More Debtors To The Flesh

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday May 7, 2017

Topic: No More Debtors To The Flesh

Text: Romans 8:10 – 15        

Debtor is noun form of debt. Debt is an obligation, duty, responsibility or commitment. Living in the flesh has never conferred upon us any real good, but always injury. Paul tells us that we are no longer under obligation to the flesh. The flesh or carnal nature in Christians died at repentance and thus we are no longer under obligation to obey its dictates (Rom. 6:11 – 12). His emphasis is that we are to refuse the drives and desires of our crucified sinful nature, to say no to worldly passions and ungodliness. The old, sinful nature may present its demands, based on our past, but we have no obligation to obey.

There are great privileges for us as Christians if only we will obey the dictates of the Spirit. As many as will walk according to the dictates of the spirit, will always see the great manifestation of God. Being debtors to the flesh encompasses depending on your strength, trusting humans and refusing to acknowledge God as indispensable and one you can’t do without. It will actually be suicidal to live in the flesh in this age where everything points to the end time. Always apply the words of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32: 8. Know that the enemies who may come to you are with arm of flesh and will all fail but our God can never fail us.

Food for Thought: Romans 8: 6

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 12

Prayer: Lord, help me to never to live in the flesh or obey its desires. 

Are You Still Under Condemnation?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 6, 2017

Topic: Are You Still Under Condemnation?

Text: Romans 8: 1 – 9

Paul wrote to assure the Roman that we are no more under condemnation. It applies to us too. There is no condemnation does not mean that sin in believers is not to be condemned, rather the gospel does not pronounce condemnation like the law. The gospel of grace pronounces pardon. This is what Jesus did for us in taking our place to die for us. Have you received that pardon or are you still under condemnation? It is better you repent now before it will be too late. This act of Jesus Christ for us was aimed at making everyone understand the basic truth that by His death, the lost sinners and ruined men are set free from the most fearful and terrible condemnation meant for them.

Beloved, live your new life in Christ and don’t take to heart what people say about you. When God has not condemned you, who can condemn you? Do not live in fear and uncertainty because people have condemned you and have given you tag: never do well, a failure, no future ambition, etc. Every tag from Satan on you will be destroyed in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Evidence of a life without condemnation is walking in obedience and love for God, and Man.

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 1

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that I will always walk in obedience as a proof that I am no more under condemnation 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.

The Implications Of Our Baptism

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday April 19, 2017

Topic: The Implications Of Our Baptism

Text: Romans 6:1 – 7

Misconception and misunderstanding of our basics of faith can affect our relationship with God badly and make the foundation of our faith shaky. Paul realized that his teaching in the previous chapter about God’s kindness to sinners could be interpreted to suggest that people ought to keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness. Hence the question Paul asked in Romans 6:1. He also answered by emphatically saying, “Certainly not!” Paul’s idea here is that the gospel of grace was not aimed at finding an excuse for sin, but to give freedom from sin. He clarified this with the following illustration that the believer has died to sin.

Using the burial of Christ as a reference point, Paul stated that our baptism implies we have died with Christ. Our baptism connotes death to sin and exchange of our sinful life for Christ’s resurrection life. Paul speaks of this death to sin as a fact and concludes, therefore, that believers cannot continue to live in it. This is what is expected of us in our baptism.

From this teaching of Paul, the usefulness of our baptism does not lie on the place or means by which we were baptised as some lay credence to immersion. What matters is the repentance from sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus. This was the point Peter raised in 1 Pet. 3:21. It is not just enough to be baptised, we should strive to live out the life required of us who have been baptised. It should be lives that are dead to sin and alive unto righteousness. Do you manifest a life that is dead to sin and alive unto righteousness?

Food for Thought: Are you living the life required of someone who has been baptised?

Memory verse: Colossians 2:12

Prayer: Lord God, cause me to die to sin and live unto righteousness as required of me in Jesus name. Amen.

Anointed For Excellence

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 23, 2017           

Topic: Anointed For Excellence

Text: Romans 12:6 – 13            

Paul listed in Romans 12: 6 – 8, some gifts and how best to use them. How many did he mention there? When you look at the list, is it possible for only one person to possess all these gifts? No! A prophet is often bold and articulate while servers (those in ministry) are faithful and loyal.

A teacher is a clear thinker and encouragers know how to motivate others to do well in their chosen career and in the worship of God. Those who are known givers are generous and trusting. Leaders are good organizers and managers of people and their talents. People with kind heart are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. Now you see that it is not possible for one to have all these gifts.

What matters most is the ability to identify your own gifts and ask how you can use them to build up God’s family. Note that this list is incomplete. No matter your gift, you cannot do the work of the church alone. However, you should understand that God who gave you just one or more of these gifts have anointed you to excel therein.

We should try as much as possible to be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. God requires us to build the His church together.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:10 – 11

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer: God, help me to use my gifts well to excel and glorify you. Grant that I will be thankful for other people’s gifts and to complement them. Amen.

BE FERVENT IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS: Devotion for Friday October 7, 2016

BE FERVENT IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS: Devotion for Friday October 7, 2016        

Text: Romans 12:9 – 13         Memory verse: Romans 12 v 11

Fervent means showing passionate enthusiasm or glowingly hot. In the context of our text, it is being passionately enthusiastic in spiritual matters. To be enthusiastic is to show excited interest. What Paul meant here is that Roman Christians should be excited about spiritual things more than any other thing else. He advised that the professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Again, they must detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful; being zealous, enthusiastic, and not indifferent. We should be ready to entertain travellers and strangers, especially such as are labouring or suffering for Christ as there is occasion and we must welcome strangers.

Those that rejoice in hope are likely to be patient in tribulation. This informs Paul’s advice because our hope as Christian is in heaven, where Christ is. We should not be cold or weary in the duty of prayer. These admonitions will help to improve our commitment to God and our relationship with one another. Christians, who serve the Lord enthusiastically, would never want to be lazy. Paul is not advocating activity for activity’s sake. Rather, we should consistently use our spiritual gifts to serve the body. We have been called (1:6–7), challenged (12:1–2), and equipped (12:4–6) for serving the Lord. We must fight against discouragement, depression, and being negative; we must do our best to keep our spiritual temperature high.

Food for Thought: Christians, who serve the Lord enthusiastically, would never want to be lazy.

Prayer: Lord, rekindle my enthusiasm for your service in Jesus name.

OUR SOCIETAL DUTIES: Devotion for Sunday July 24, 2016

OUR SOCIETAL DUTIES: Devotion for Sunday July 24, 2016

Text: Romans 13:7 – 10               

Memory verse: Romans 13:8 - Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Paul wants us to render to God His due in the first place, to yourselves, to your families, your relations, to the commonwealth, to the church, to the poor, to those that you have dealings with in buying, selling, exchanging, etc. Render to all their dues; and that readily and cheerfully, not tarrying till you are by law compelled to it. Specifically, he mentioned some dues we ought to pay. They are taxes, respect, debt (Romans 13:7) and love (Romans 13:8).

As members of the church militant, we are still living here on earth. Thus we have the obligation to pay taxes and developmental levies for the good of the society we live in. We should note that “If rulers transcend their just authority, neglect the objects for which they were appointed, and seek their own, not the good of the people; if they terrify the good, encourage the bad, and require men to commit sin; men are bound, in these things, to disobey them, and in all things to obey God” so says Family Bible Notes.

Why is love for our neighbours, called a debt? We are permanently in debt to Christ for the lavish love He has poured out on us. The only way we can even begin to repay this debt is by loving others in turn. Because Christ’s love will always be infinitely greater than ours, we will always have the obligation to love our neighbours. How faithful are you to these societal obligations?

Food for Thought: Your love for all men will lead you to fulfill all your duties towards them.

Prayer: God, grant me the enablement to love all men so it will lead me into fulfilling my societal obligations towards them.

USE YOUR GIFTS WELL: Devotion for Sunday October 11, 2015

USE THEM WELL        Sunday October 11, 2015

Text: Romans 12:6 – 8     Memory verse: v 6

Every Christian has one gift with which he/she can live well and make impact on the society (Matthew 25: 14, 15). It baffled me that some people seem not to know what they can do with their lives. Paul sees all the endowments on Christians as gifts. They come from God and when we understand this, it will prevent us from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Albert Barnes sagely said that “True honour consists not in splendid endowments, or great wealth and office. It consists in rightly discharging the duties which God requires of us in our appropriate sphere. If all men held their talents as the gift of God; if all would find and occupy in society the place for which God designed them, it would prevent no small part of the uneasiness, the restlessness, the ambition, and misery of the world.” This is a message for our generation.

As God has given us diverse gifts, and appointed us into one office or another, we should faithfully use them and keep within the limits of our calling so that we do not neglect our duties or invade into that of others.

Food for Thought: How are you discharging your duties as a Christian?

Prayer: Lord God, help me to faithfully use your gifts in me to honour you and fulfill your purposes for my life in Jesus name. Amen.

IT SHOULDN’T DOMINATE YOU

IT SHOULDN’T DOMINATE YOU      Sunday May 24, 2015

Text: Romans 6:12 – 18                            Memory verse: v 14

Paul’s position here is that sin cannot and will not ever again be our master because we are no longer subject to the law. What does it mean that we are not under the law?

1. We are not under the law’s demands, as were the people of the Old Testament.

2. We are not under curse implied by the impossible standard of the law (see Galatians 3:10 – 14).

3. We are not under its system of requirements, the ceremonial laws that had to be meticulously kept.

4. We are not under the fear of failing the just standard of the law.

A life that is no longer under the dominion of sin is known by the fruit of Holy Spirit it manifests. It requires the strictest conformity to the will of God. Such person relies on the grace of God and his faith and confidence are based on the work Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. On the contrary, a life under the law deliberately commits sin. Beloved, where do you belong? Does sin still control you or the Holy Spirit? Those who have accepted the death of Jesus do not allow sin to dominate them rather their lives are dominated by the Holy Spirit.

Food for Thought: But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law Galatians 5:18.

Prayer: Grant that sin will no longer have dominion over me, O Lord.