The Acceptable Sacrifice: Devotion for Friday June 26, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday June 26, 2020

Topic: The Acceptable Sacrifice                                    

Text: Leviticus 1:10 – 17                                  

Those who could not offer a bullock, were to bring a sheep or a goat; and those who were not able to do that, were accepted of God, if they brought a turtle-dove, or a pigeon. Those creatures were chosen for sacrifices which were mild, and gentle, and harmless; to show the innocence and meekness that were in Christ and that should be in Christians.

God, in His law and in His gospel, as well as in His providence, considers the poor. The underline principle is that the animal brought for sacrifice must not be blemish.

These are some characteristics of an acceptable sacrifice

1. The beast to be offered must be without blemish.

2. The owner must offer it of his own free will. What is done in religion, so as to please God, must be done by love. Christ willingly offered Himself for us.

3. It must be offered at the door of the tabernacle, where the brazen altar of burnt-offerings stood, which sanctified the gift: he must offer it at the door, as one unworthy to enter, and acknowledging that a sinner can have no communion with God, but by sacrifice.

It was on this premise Paul gave the injunction in Romans 12:1 that we should “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The sacrifice we can make today is not that of animals but of service which are acceptable to God. It must be motivated by love and not by desire for reward or recompense.

Food for Thought: What does living sacrifice implies?

Memory verse: Leviticus 1:10

Prayer: Lord God, may my sacrifices be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

The Purpose of Animal Sacrifice: Devotion for Thursday June 25, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday June 25, 2020

Topic: The Purpose of Animal Sacrifice                      

Text: Leviticus 1:1 – 9                                  

God made it clear from the time of creation that sin separates people from Him, and that those who sin deserve to die. But because all have sinned (Romans 3:23), God, filled with love and mercy, designed sacrifice as a way to seek forgiveness and to restore a relationship with Him. He instructed people to kill animals as sacrifices for sin. That’s why when God taught His people to worship Him; He placed great emphasis on sacrifices (Leviticus 1:2). Sacrifices were God’s Old Testament way for people to ask forgiveness for their sins.

There are two purposes for animal sacrifice:

(1) The animal representatively took the sinner’s place and paid the penalty for sin; and

(2) The animal’s death represented one life given so that another life could be saved. This was a shadow of what Jesus later did for us on the Cross of Calvary. Then, it was effective in teaching and guiding the people and bringing them back to God.

In New Testament times, however, Christ’s death became the last sacrifice needed. He took the punishment once and for all for those who trust in him. Animal sacrifice is no longer required. Now, all people can be freed from the penalty of sin by turning away from their sin, trusting in Jesus, and accepting the forgiveness He offers.

Have you turned away from your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Note that modern day sacrifice in terms of tithe, offering, financial support towards God’s work are not enough to save us. They are majorly ways of attracting more blessings from God. See Psalm 51:16, 17

Food for Thought: Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.   

Memory verse: Leviticus 1:4                                                                    

Prayer: Help me Lord God to yield my life totally to you instead of depending on sacrifices which cannot save me.

Be Your Brother’s Keeper: Devotion for Monday May 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday May 11, 2020 

Topic: Be Your Brother’s Keeper                   

Text: Genesis 4:3 – 12

Cain’s failures hinged on his reaction to God’s rebuke (Genesis 4:6 – 7). This deteriorated into brotherly hate instead of brotherly love. We don’t know why God rejected Cain’s sacrifice. But instead of listening to God, learning, and changing his ways, he reacted impulsively. Cain was wrong, yet he would not accept responsibility for or deal with it. He countered God’s correction with anger and denial.

After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do so, but Cain proudly refused. The rest of Cain’s life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes and repent of them. It also shows what happens when we blame others for our problems and allow anger to build in us massively. The end will certainly be our ruin except we deal with anger from the onset.

Every wise Christian should learn from Cain’s mistakes. We should not be too proud to analyze our actions and utterances especially when people point out faults in what we say or do.

Beloved in Christ, anytime someone suggests you are wrong, especially with God’s word, take an honest look at your life and make the necessary changes. It will save you crying, had I known. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Food for Thought: Pride and grace do not dwell together.

Memory verse: Genesis 4:9

Prayer: Lord, help me to always accept my mistakes and make changes whenever it is necessary in Jesus name.

Wearying God with Sin: Devotion for Sunday January 19, 2020

Devotion for Sunday January 19, 2020

Topic: Wearying God with Sin                            

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28

A sacrifice required both giving up a valuable animal (item) and pleading with God for forgiveness. But the people presented God with sins instead of sacrifices (Isaiah 43:24). Can you imagine bringing the best of your sins to God’s altar?

This ironic picture shows the depths at which Israel had sunk. What do you present to God; your sins or a plea for his forgiveness? Despite all these atrocities, God assures His people of forgiveness. For God, when He forgives our sins, He totally forgets them (Isaiah 43:25). We don’t have to fear that He will remind us of them later. Because God forgives our sins, we need to forgive others.

Can anyone justify himself before God? Yet, out of mercy He calls on us to dialogue with Him so we may be acquitted if found not guilty (Isaiah 43:26 compare 1:18). 

How do we weary God with sin? When we come before Him often and again but refuse to repent of our sins or when we know we are living in sin and instead of repenting, we glory in them. These are some of the ways we weary God with our sins. Wearying God with our sins will definitely attract some unbearable consequences (use verse 28 to compare Romans 6:23). God exposed them to contempt and destruction and ours will not be an exemption except we repent now. Are you wearying God with your sins?

Food for Thought: Beware! Sin has grievous consequences.

Memory verse: Isaiah 1:14

Prayer: God, grant me broken and contrite heart for my sins so I will repent of them and not to weary you with them in Jesus name.

Obey, Even When It Hurts

Devotion for Tuesday May 22, 2018

Topic: Obey, Even When It Hurts

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14    

Abraham, through the years, learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises. That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but he wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (see Hebrews 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However Abraham obeyed, giving his son at his own hurt and God honoured his faith. Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey, trusting God as we try to see what He is teaching us. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. Is God testing your faith? Then sing SS&S 642

Action: As you go out, be determined to obey God even if it will hurt you.

Memory verse: Genesis 22:9 

Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

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.

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.

Truly This Is The Son Of God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Good Friday April 14, 2017

Topic: Truly This Is The Son Of God

Text: Matthew 27:50 – 61         

The events at the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ were pointers that He is truly the Son of God as the Centurion rightly observed in our text. The temple curtain tearing apart, the earthquake, the darkness, rocks splitting, etc, were not ordinary. God used it to show the world that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

His death, therefore, could not have gone unnoticed. Everyone knew something significant had happened and one of them was the centurion who led the people to crucify Him. He acknowledged that truly Jesus is the Son of God. Luke’s account has it that the centurion attested that Jesus is a righteous man (Lk. 23:47). Jesus yielded His spirit to death because He had to fulfil the desires and will of the Father. He was submissive even unto death. This centurion confessed that Jesus was a righteous man and Son of God after seeing the miraculous signs which happened at His death.

Today, we commemorate His death which led to the forgiveness of our sins. Have you actually known Him as the Son of God? Have you accepted that ultimate sacrifice He made for humanity? It is of uttermost importance that we use this period to assess and re-examine our relationship with Christ. What we have heard and read about Him are enough for us to acknowledge Him as the Messiah. If we don’t do it now, a day will come when we must acknowledge that but then it will be too late. Now is the appropriate time for it. Accept Him as Lord and Saviour.

Food for Thought: What are the implications of Jesus death for Man?

Memory verse: Matthew 27 verse 54

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I acknowledge you now and always as my Lord and Saviour who died for me.

SO HE DID REGULARLY: Devotion for Tuesday September 13, 2016

SO HE DID REGULARLY: Devotion for Tuesday September 13, 2016

Text: Job 1:4 – 5         Memory verse: Job v 5b

As God blessed Job in various ways, he allowed his children to benefit from that blessing. He did not withdraw the blessing from them. He allowed them to benefit from them. On their birthdays, they will host birthday parties. They usually invite their friends to the parties so as to share in their joy. Because Job had deep concern for the spiritual welfare of his children, he usually make sacrifice after the parties to appease God on their behalf. As he was always fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered these sacrifices for them and this he did regularly.

In the time of Job and even as it stands today, the father of the house is seen as the chief priest of that family whose responsibilities include making sacrifice on behalf of his family. He is often seen as the family’s religious leader. Because there were no priests to instruct Job in God’s laws, Job acted as the priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed. This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless. Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as head of the house.

The period of feasting and celebrations are often seasons of peculiar danger. As we joyfully enjoy during festive periods, we are at times tempted to forget the source of our wealth or dishonour God, the giver of the blessings we are enjoying and thus we need to be forgiving, Can parents today can show the same concern by praying for their children, leading them to Bible studies, Prayer meetings, etc. This means “sacrificing” some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please God. Do you carry out your spiritual duties because they are expected or spontaneously from a heart of devotion to God?

Food for Thought: Do you have spiritual concern for your children? How often do you care to teach them the word of God and pray for, and with them?

Prayer: God, help me to make time each day to pray for forgiveness of my children and grant me grace to help them grow to please you in Jesus name.

ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE: Devotion for Thursday June 16, 2016

ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE: Devotion for Thursday June 16, 2016

  

Text: Leviticus 1:10 – 17              Memory verse: v 10

Those who could not offer a bullock, were to bring a sheep or a goat; and those who were not able to do that, were accepted of God, if they brought a turtle-dove, or a pigeon. Those creatures were chosen for sacrifices which were mild, and gentle, and harmless; to show the innocence and meekness that were in Christ and that should be in Christians. God, in His law and in His gospel, as well as in His providence, considers the poor. The underlining principle is that the animal brought for sacrifice must not be blemish.

These are some characteristics of an acceptable sacrifice

1. The animal to be offered must be without blemish. 2. The owner must offer it of his own free will. What is done in religion, so as to please God, must be done out of love. Christ willingly offered Himself for us. 3. It must be offered at the door of the tabernacle, where the brazen altar of burnt-offerings stood, which sanctified the gift: he must offer it at the door, as one unworthy to enter, and acknowledging that a sinner can have no communion with God, but by sacrifice. It was on this premise Apostle Paul gave the injunction in Rom. 12:1 that we should “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The sacrifice we can make today is not that of animals but of service which are acceptable to God. It must be motivated by love and not by desire for reward or recompense.

Food for Thought: What does living sacrifice implies?

Prayer: Lord God, may my sacrifices be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016

THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016

Text: Leviticus 1:1 – 9               Memory verse: v 4

God made it clear from the time of creation that sin separates people from Him, and that those who sin deserve to die. But because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), God, filled with love and mercy, designed sacrifice as a way to seek forgiveness and to restore a relationship with Him. He instructed people to shed blood by killing animals as sacrifices for sin. That’s why when God taught His people to worship Him; He placed great emphasis on sacrifices (1:2). Sacrifices were God’s Old Testament way for people to ask forgiveness for their sins.

There are two purposes for animal sacrifice: (1) the animal representatively took the sinner’s place and paid the penalty for sin; and (2) the animal’s death represented one life given so that another life could be saved. This was a shadow of what Jesus would do on the cross and now have done. It was effective in teaching and guiding the people and bringing them back to God. In New Testament times, however, Christ’s death became the last sacrifice needed. He took the punishment once and for all for those who trust in Him. Animal sacrifice is no longer required. Now, all people can be freed from the penalty of sin by turning away from their sin, trusting in Jesus, and accepting the forgiveness He offers. Have you turned away from your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Note that modern day sacrifice in terms of tithe, offering, financial support towards God’s work are not enough to save us. See Psalm 51:16, 17.

Food for Thought: Hosea 6:6

Prayer: Help me Lord God to yield my life totally to you instead of depending on sacrifices which cannot win your love.

OBEY EVEN WHEN IT HURTS: Devotion for Wednesday April 20, 2016

OBEY EVEN WHEN IT HURTS: Devotion for Wednesday April 20, 2016              

Text: Genesis 22:1 – 14    Memory verse: v 9                   

Abraham, through the years, learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth. Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises. That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:1-2) at an altar as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he could learn to trust God completely (Heb 11:19). Imagine what Abraham must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However Abraham obeyed, even at his own hurt and God honoured his faith.

Obeying God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey, trusting God as we try to see what He teaches us. Trust and Obey is the best way to be happy. In what ways might God be testing your faith?

Action: As you go out today, be determined to obey God even when it hurts. 

Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.

BROTHERLY HATE OR BROTHER’S KEEPER: Devotion for Saturday April 9, 2016

BROTHERLY HATE OR BROTHER’S KEEPER: Devotion for Saturday April 9, 2016

Text: Genesis 4:3 – 12    Memory verse: v 9

Cain’s failures hinged on his reaction to God’s rebuke (Gen. 4:6–7). This deteriorated into brotherly hate instead of brother’s keeper. We don’t know why God rejected Cain’s sacrifice. But instead of listening to God, learning, and changing his ways, he reacted impulsively. Cain was wrong, yet he would not accept responsibility for or deal with it. He countered God’s correction with anger and denial. After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do so, but Cain proudly refused.

The rest of Cain’s life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes. It also shows what happens when we blame others for our problems and allow anger to build. It is important we learn from Cain’s mistakes. We should not be too proud to analyse our actions and utterances especially when people point out faults in what we say or do. Beloved, anytime someone suggests you are wrong, especially God, take an honest look at yourself, and make the necessary changes. It will save you crying, had I known.

Food for Thought: Pride and grace do not dwell together.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always accept my mistakes and make changes whenever it is necessary in Jesus name.

WEARYING GOD WITH SIN: Devotion for Tuesday January 19, 2016

WEARYING GOD WITH SIN           Tuesday January 19, 2016

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28                  Memory verse: v 24

A sacrifice required both giving up a valuable animal and pleading with God for forgiveness. But the people presented God with sins instead of sacrifices (43:24). This ironic picture shows the depths to which Israel had sunk that they commit their sin in the presence of God. What do you present to God; your sins or a plea for His forgiveness? Despite all these atrocities, God assures His people of forgiveness. For God, when He forgives our sins, He totally forgets them (43:25). We never have to fear that He will remind us of them later. Because God forgives our sins, we need to forgive others. Can anyone justify himself before God? Yet, out of mercy He calls on us to dialogue with Him so we may be acquitted if found not guilty (43:26 compare 1:18). 

How do we weary God with sin? When we come before Him often and refuse to repent of our sins or when we know we are living in sin and instead of repenting, we glory in them. These are some of the ways we weary God with our sins. Can you mention some other ways we weary God with our sins? Wearying God with our sins will definitely attract some unbearable consequences (43:28 compare Rom. 6:23). God exposed them to contempt and destruction and ours won’t be an exemption except we repent. Do you weary God with your sins?

Food for Thought: Malachi 2:17

Prayer: God, grant me a broken and contrite heart for my sins so I will repent of them and not to weary you with them any longer in Jesus name.

JUST FOR YOUR SAKE: Devotion for Wednesday November 4, 2015

JUST FOR OUR SAKE                          Wednesday November 4, 2015

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16 – 21                     Memory verse: v 21

If we ever hope to know God and appreciate all He does for us, we should retrace our steps backwards to the events at the Cross of Calvary. This is one reason I so much love Easter Period. The readings of that season and all its teachings give me insight into the magnitude of God’s love for us. Paul tells the Corinthians that Jesus was made a sinner simply because He wants to secure for us our righteousness of God. Thus we learn that sin must have a sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22). God made Him to be a sin; that is, a sin-offering, or a sacrifice to atone for our sin. Under the law, the sacrifice was called sin, because the sin of the person was laid upon the sacrifice; there was a sort of a translation of the sin from the sinner to the sacrifice (Leviticus 4:4). 

We also learnt that Jesus Christ being made sin for us is the meritorious cause and means of our being made the righteousness of God in Him. We broke God’s righteous law. Christ kept it and fulfilled all righteousness. We sinned against mercy, Christ suffered without mercy. He did this for our sake. Have you accepted Jesus as Lord? This sacrifice must not be in vain.

Food for Thought: Galatians 3:13

Prayer: Help me O Lord to always acknowledge the sacrifice Jesus made for my sake, by becoming sin so that I will be righteous.