The Price Tag of Salvation: Devotion for Monday August 24, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday August 24, 2020

Topic: The Price Tag of Salvation            

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10                               

The parable of the lost sheep is very applicable to the great work of man's redemption whereby God left His heavenly throne to come down to this sinful world to seek for us.

The two parables were given by Jesus to answer the question posted by the Pharisees and Scribes in Luke 15:2. The tag of salvation is likened to the sacrifice of the Shepherd dutifully and diligently looking for his lost sheep and the woman looking for the lost coin. 

The lost sheep represents the sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to Him, yet not desirous to return. Christ is earnest in bringing sinners home.

In the parable of the lost piece of silver, that which is lost is one piece, of small value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods God makes use of, to bring lost souls home to Himself, and the Saviour's joy on their return to Him. How careful then should we be that we do not take our repentance for granted!

God’s love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is found. Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost sheep; people considered beyond hope to the God’s Kingdom.

Just as the shepherd took the initiative to go out and find the sheep, so Jesus actively seeks lost souls. These tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1) with whom Jesus was associating were like sheep that had strayed away from God and needed to be returned.

More than that, they needed the salvation that Jesus offered. We that are saved should also endeavour to bring other to know God too.

Action: As you go into the world today, endeavour to share the gospel with anyone that needs salvation.

Memory verse: Luke 15 v 4

Prayer: God, you paid the price to save me. Help me to live my life according to your will so that the sacrifice of saving me will not be in vain.

God Completes His Work: Devotion for Wednesday August 19, 2020

 

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Devotion for Wednesday August 19, 2020

Topic: God Completes His Work                    

Text: Romans 8:29, 30                           

God doesn’t do His work half way and abandons it. When He starts a process of someone’s deliverance, He perfects it. He doesn’t stop halfway. Paul asserts here that God did not simply foreknow that they would be His people, but His foreknowledge of them as His people included the gracious purpose of bringing them into a state of salvation, as he proceeds immediately to show in the preceding verses.

Our text for the day does not necessarily mean that before the beginning of the world, God chose certain people to receive His gift of salvation as they refer to Ephesians 1:11. Some believe that God knew in advance who would respond to His salvation. But what is clear is that God’s purpose for us was not an afterthought; it was settled before the foundation of the world. It is that people are to serve and honour God.

In 1993, I had a spiritual problem and it almost cost me my salvation. I wanted to flee away from preaching the word of God again in my hometown. God sent my Pastor friend, Victor Eziuzor to speak to me. January 1, 1994, I went into my Prayer Camp and was there weeping before God. At about 6pm that faithful day, God said, “Go to Philippians 1:6.” That was only the word God spoke to me and that restored peace to my heart.

God’s plan for the salvation of those who believe in Christ has three steps: chosen, called, and glorified. When we are finally conformed to the image of Christ, we will share his glory. God’s love is eternal. His wisdom and power are supreme. He will guide and protect you until the day you will stand in his presence. Keep the faith, keep believing and keep enduring till the end for then you will surely be glorified.  

Food for Thought: Philippians 1:6

Memory verse: Romans 8 v 30

Prayer: Lord, complete any impending work in my spiritual life in Jesus name.

The Key to Salvation: Devotion for Thursday April 16, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday April 16, 2020 

Topic: The Key to Salvation                                        

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built their religious worship on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith. The zeal Israelites had, was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Roman 10:2). Some people have great zeal in religion but are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal will be in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character, kind in spirit, and useful in tendency.

The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. Based on this reason; Paul tries to point out to them the key to salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (10:4ff). He posited in 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” His stand on this is the truth expressed in Romans 10:10.

Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptised into the body of Christ.

Have you ever been asked, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give you the beautiful answer: Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the Risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.      

Food for Thought: The basic proofs of our Christian faith are our belief in Christ (inward faith) and confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

Our Assurance of Salvation: Devotion for Sunday March 29, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday March 29, 2020

Topic: Our Assurance of Salvation                           

Text: 1 John 5: 1 – 5

Probably John had a challenge that some Christians sometimes doubt their salvation and some still express such doubt today. He had explains to his readers how to know if they are truly saved or not. That is the assurance/evidence of our salvation. Read this passage again and again to gain the needed assurance. John also reviewed Jesus’ mission to this earth and in dying from 1 John 5:6ff. He wrote to reassure Christians about their faith because some false teachers had given them cause to doubt the security of their salvation.

How can we know we have eternal life? John tells us: trust in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). Jesus is God’s own Son, the one who came as a human being, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again. His work alone gives Him the power and right to forgive all who confess their sins to Him (1 John 1:9). Anyone who believes in Christ has eternal life (see John 3:16).

Beloved, any time you feel insecure about your salvation and begin to doubt, reaffirm your trust in Christ. It is good to reaffirm our faith on daily basis by confessing our baptismal creed. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour? This is the opportunity for you to do so now.

Food for Thought: Do you still doubt your salvation? Then search yourself and go back to God in prayer.

Memory verse: 1 John 5:2

Prayer: God, help me not to doubt my salvation. Strengthen my faith in you.

Salvation Is Possible For All

Devotion for Thursday June 14, 2018

Sing Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 471

Topic: Salvation Is Possible For All

Text: Luke 18:18 – 27                         

This rich young man mentioned in our bible reading came to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus pointed out the significance of his use of the word “good” (Luke 18:19), stating that there is no one good. He sought for reassurance from Jesus; a way to ascertain that he had eternal life. He wanted Jesus to measure and grade his qualifications, or to give him some task he could do to be assured of his own immortality. So Jesus gave him a task, the one thing the rich man knew he could not do. The rich man’s problem was that he would not obey Jesus’ final command (Luke 18:22). His riches were only the surface problem; the real problem lay in the love he had for his wealth. This shows that riches are `not bad but love for it instead of God is the problem. “Then who in the world can be saved?” the bystanders asked. No one can be save, by his or her own achievements, was Jesus’ answer. “What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God.” Salvation cannot be earned—it is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-10). Have you doubted your salvation? Are you deep into sin and now you think your salvation is no more possible? God who offers us salvation is ever ready to save you and it is open to all who are willing to come to Him. All you need do is to pertinently come to Him and He will forgive you. Are you ready to do that today?

Food for Thought: Salvation cannot be earned—it is God’s gift

Memory verse: Luke 18:27

Prayer: Father, help me to sustain my salvation and not to lose it.

Don’t Postpone Your Salvation

Devotion for Saturday June 9, 2018

Sing SS&S 1165; Abu 263

Topic: Don’t Postpone Your Salvation

Text: Matthew 8:18 – 22

The scribe mentioned in Matthew 8:19 was too hasty in promising to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Unfortunately many resolutions for Christ like this are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration and its consequences. They eventually come to nothing at the end. His resolve seems to have been from a worldly, covetous principle; but Christ had not a place to lay His head on, and if he follows him, he must not expect anything better than what Christ had. The other person volunteered to follow Christ only after he had buried the father, Jesus requested that he shouldn’t postpone his salvation. Delay in doing the will of God is as bad on the one hand, as hastiness in resolving is on the other. He asked for leave to attend his father to his grave, and then he would be at Christ's service. This seemed reasonable, yet it was not right. He had not true zeal for the work. This is how some people keep postponing their salvation. I will repent after New Year. I will repent after graduation, etc. Why postpone your salvation. The Bible warns us that now is the time of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). A young man went to a crusade with his girlfriend. After hearing the word of God, had wanted to give his life to Christ but his girlfriend stood against that decision. They left the crusade ground and as they were crossing the road, a vehicle knocked down the man and he died on the spot. He could no longer repent again. Beloved, don’t postpone your salvation. Repent now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: Have you actually repented? If not, do it right now.

Memory verse: Matthew 8:21

Prayer: O Lord, may I not postpone any act that will make me part of your kingdom at the end of my life here on earth in Jesus name. Amen

The Assurance Of Salvation

Devotion for Tuesday June 5, 2018

Sing SS&S 873

Topic: The Assurance Of Salvation

Text: 1 John 5: 1 – 5 

From our bible reading, we can understand that John had a challenge that some Christians sometimes doubt their salvation and he decided to address the problem in this epistle. This is very true among Christians. Some have opened up to confess it to me. Do you sometimes doubt your salvation? Then the explanations here are important to you. John teaches how to know if they are truly saved or not. That is the assurance/evidence of our salvation. Read this passage again and again to gain the needed assurance. John also reviewed Jesus’ mission to this earth and in dying for our sins from 1 John 5:6ff. He wrote this letter to reassure Christians of their faith, as some false teachers had given them cause to doubt the security of their salvation.  For us to know that we have eternal life, John tells us: trust in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13). Jesus is God’s own Son, the one who came as a human being, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again. His work alone gives Him the power and the right to forgive all who confess their sins to Him (1 John 1:9). Anyone who believes in Christ has eternal life (see John 3:16). The next time you feel insecure about your salvation, reaffirm your trust in Christ. It is good to reaffirm our faith on daily basis by confessing our baptismal creed. Then you can know you have eternal life.

Food for Thought: Do you still doubt your salvation? Then search yourself and go back to God in prayer.

Memory verse: 1 John 5:1

Prayer: God, strengthen my faith so that I will not doubt my salvation.

Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Devotion for Thursday April 5, 2018

Topic: Faith And Confession Are Necessary in Salvation

Text: Romans 10:1 – 11

The Jews built on a false foundation, and refused to come to Christ for free salvation by faith as a result of not willing to open up for change. Their zeal was not enlightened, wise, or according to truth (Romans 10:2). Today, we have some people with great zeal in religion, and yet are blinded and hardened in sin. Right zeal is always found in accordance with truth and duty; holy in character and kind in spirit. The strictness of the law showed men their need of salvation by grace, through faith. It was based on this reason; Paul tried to point out that confession is necessary in salvation by grace which God has offered us in Christ (Romans 10:4ff). His position is “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9. He further expressed this truth in Romans 10:10. Two things are necessary for salvation; inward faith in Christ Jesus and public confession of that faith. Paul mentions them because both are necessary for salvation; the inward faith in Christ, and the outward confession of Him. It is based on the outward confession of sin that someone is baptized into the body of Christ. Some people often ask, “How do I become a Christian?” Romans 10:8 - 11 give us the answer: Salvation is as close as our lips and heart. People think that it is a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Have you received salvation? If not, this is your opportunity.

Sing the hymn: SS&S 493; Abu 175.

Food for Thought: The basic proof of our Christian faith is to believe in Christ (inward faith) and our confession that Jesus is Lord (outward faith).

Memory verse: Romans 10:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I have confessed that Jesus is my Lord, help me to abide by it all the days of my life.

Money Cannot Save

Devotion for Saturday December 9, 2017

Topic: Money Cannot Save

Text: Zephaniah 1:18

Jesus Christ is the only source of salvation (Acts 4:11 – 12). His salvation is all encompassing as Paul asserted. The salvation from God is not just salvation from sin unto eternal life alone but also from poverty, sickness, bondage, curse and spell, etc.

God spoke through Zephaniah to the Israelites that their wealth cannot save them from the impending judgement. God posited that neither their silver nor their gold in which they trusted, and from which they expected happiness shall profit them on that awful day. This warning was to challenge them not to be asleep because they were enjoying the patience of God. When men’s iniquity is full, certainly, His justice will overtake and overcome them.

Many wealthy people have engaged all forms of security outfits. They have the police, all kinds of security dogs, well fenced and electrified walls, personal guards, bullet proof vests and cars, etc. Unfortunately, all these cannot save especially when it comes to God’s judgement and verdict. “Riches do not profit in the day or wrath, but righteousness delivers from death (Proverbs 11:14).” On the Day of Judgement, wealth will no longer count as it will not save neither can we place value on them (see Ezekiel 7:19). Again, some donate money to the church to secure salvation. You can’t bribe God to have salvation. It is not so! Salvation is of God alone and He is the one that grants it to us.

Food for Thought: Acts 4:12

Memory verse: Proverbs 11:14

Prayer: My Father in heaven, help me never to put my trust in my wealth for there is no salvation in them.

Put Away Pride To Excel

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Devotion for Tuesday July 10, 2017

Topic: Put Away Pride To Excel

Text: John 19:1 – 6

Nothing good comes so easy and if we must gain anything meaningful and good, we must make extra effort, deny ourselves some pleasures, inconvenience ourselves and do some other sorts of things that many even be termed degrading to achieve what we desire or to attain our goals in life.

Zaccahaeus was a chief tax collector and a very rich man. He wanted to see Jesus to know what He is like; probably he had heard so much about Him. Unfortunately, he was of small stature. Seeing Jesus is something very few men desire. Can we say that faith or fancy made Zaccahaeus to climb the Sycamore tree to see Jesus? Some believe it was not faith but fancy that made him climb the Sycamore tree, to see Jesus. If that is accepted, his curiosity gave occasion to the belief of his heart. It is good to come near the place where Christ is, no matter the principles that bring us there because He is the source of everything good we desire in this life.

Zaccahaeus shelved aside position, fame, pride, wealth and the result was salvation. What extra effort can you make to receive salvation, healing, deliverance, blessings, etc? Is it to pray more, remove pride, study the word of God the more, attend church programme regularly, fast the more, etc. Think about it. Basketball legend Larry Bird says, “Push yourself again and again. Don’t five an inch until the final buzzer sounds.” Beloved, make extra effort and put away pride because son that miracle will unfold for you.

Food for Thought: “There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying” – Francis Ball

Memory verse: Luke 19 verse 3

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O lord my God to put aside pride in order to achieve my life’s dream in Jesus name.   

To Be Saved Is Very Simple

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Devotion for Wednesday June 7, 2017                

Topic: To Be Saved Is Very Simple                                        

Text: Luke 23:40 – 43            

Some people believe that salvation offered by Christ is very hard to obtain. People who know that armed robber who Jesus forgave on the Cross of Calvary would have concluded that he went to hell fire. Those he robbed would have wished he went to hell to suffer in hell fire for all the atrocities he committed. This is how most of us condemn and conclude wrongly. We should be careful because on the last day we will be disappointed when we see the people that made heaven and hell at last. My desire is that we will make heaven in Jesus name. Paradise is the place where the souls of the righteous remain after death till the resurrection. It is a place of blessedness. On the cross, the evil doer, who believed in Christ received forgiveness and was granted access to paradise. This goes to confirm what Paul said in Rom. 10:10. From this passage we should note that there is future and eternal state into which all souls pass at death. It takes surrendering your life to Christ, believing in His death and resurrection to be saved. The thief made that simple prayers and God was merciful to him. Are your sins too many and you think God cannot forgive you? There is no sin He cannot forgive when we truly and sincerely turn to Him. The expectation from you is repentance. It was so simple for the Jailer and his family (Acts 16:30–33). It will be so simple for you if only you could believe and accept Him today.

Food for Thought: We receive salvation when we believe in our hearts and confess it with our mouth.

Memory verse: Luke 23 verse 43

Prayer: Pray about your salvation. If you have received Christ pray it will be permanent. If not, repent and surrender your life to Him now.

Rejoice With Me

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Devotion for Wednesday May 31, 2017

Topic: Rejoice With Me

Text: Psalm 118:1 – 24

There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. On such days our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. On such day, we will wish death to come and take us but not so on a day like this for me and my family.

This psalm is the last of ‘Hallel’ or Praise psalms (Ps 113 – 118). It is caption Praise for Deliverance. There are things God does for us that we cannot keep quiet about. Here, the Psalmist called on us to give thanks to God (118:1) for his mercies (118:1 – 4). He recounted how he called on the Lord and He answered (118:5). This boosted his confidence in God to assert that he will not fear man. This made him to call on us to put our confidence in God and not man. For what God did for him, he called on those who love God, to rejoice with him.

In the same way, I am calling on those who love God to rejoice with me because of what God had done in my life. Today, I am celebrating my 50th Birthday. I never knew I would be alive due to the waters, rivers and fires of life I had passed through. Nobody who saw me in the year 2003 would believe that I would be alive to see this day but my prayer then had been Ps 118:17.

Today, I have every reason to rejoice and I say to God, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. I will praise you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Join me on Saturday 3rd June, 2017 in a Birthday Thanksgiving Service at Cathedral Church of St. Peter Asaba by 10:00am. God bless you.

Food for Thought: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Memory verse: Psalm 118 verse 24

Prayer: Join me to thank God for my life and pray for more mercies and grace upon my life and family on this my birthday.

Reckon Yourselves To Be Dead

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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.

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.

He Will Accomplish It

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Devotion for Saturday April 1, 2017

Topic: He Will Accomplish It           

Text: Philippians 1: 3 – 6   

Lamentation 3:22 says: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” God’s grace brought us to the level we are in today. Despite all we have accomplished so far in life, there are some other desires, dreams and goals we hope to accomplish even in this new month. The greatest of all is to live well and make heaven. This was the major prayer of Paul for the Philippians.

Albert Barnes Commentary on Philippians 1:6 says, “God abandons nothing that He undertakes. There are no unfinished worlds or systems; no half-made and forsaken works of His hands. There is no evidence in His works of creation of change of plan, or of having forsaken what He began from disgust, or disappointment, or want of power to complete them.” This was the assurance of Paul in telling us today that what God has started in our lives, He will accomplish them.

Beloved, be assured that there shall be nothing lacking on God's part to support you; to make you wise, holy, prosperous, happy and to bring you at last to His kingdom and glory. Believe God to accomplish your salvation. You will not miss heaven in Jesus name. Again, what are the goals you hope to accomplish this year? Is God in your plans for them? If so, then be assured that you will accomplish them. All you need is to lean on Him and you will see God working in your favour this month and beyond. Happy new month!

Food for Thought: Philippians 4:13

Memory verse: Philippians 1 verse 6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (EVS).

Prayer: Lord, accomplish every project you have started in my life especially the project of my salvation in Jesus name.

They Cannot Deny It

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Devotion for Friday March 24, 2017

Topic: They Cannot Deny It

Text: Acts 4:15 – 18

The Council was in a dilemma on what to do with the Apostles as they had performed an undeniable and widely publicized miraculous healing of the man born lame. This miracle and others done by the Apostles made the masses to gravitate toward Christianity abandoning the Jewish religion. Their problem now was how they could save their faces (in light of the obviously healed man), discourage further teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and preserve the status quo.

Their solution to the above concerns was to order them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again. Unfortunately, their power and position could not convince them to be silent. When God’s will is unfolding, no one can stop it (Acts 5:34 – 39). Again, His works do not leave traces of doubt behind. The healing of this man was so obvious that the Council couldn’t deny it. They attested to it.

Most unbelievers question our salvation too when they discover that our lives do not reflect the confession we make. We give unbelievers room to doubt our faith when we compromise and live carelessly. Can people in your office, school, neighbourhood, and other places where you may be found say that your salvation and faith are undeniable? Can people actually vouch that you are a true Christian? Ponder on these questions and where there is need; amend your ways now by repenting of your sins before it will be too late.          

Food for Thought: Can people question your credibility as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 16b

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to live well so that people can’t deny or question whether I am a Christian indeed.

No Excuse (V)

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Devotion for Thursday March 16, 2017

Topic: No Excuse (V)

Text: Revelation 3:1 – 6  

The problem in the church at Sardis was spiritual death. In spite of its reputation for being active, the church was filled with sin. Its deeds were evil, which soiled their clothes. There was no word of commendation for it that looked so good on the outside but was so corrupt on the inside. God urged them to obey the truth they had heard when they first believed in Christ and to get back to the basics of the faith.

The reason for this admonition is because He did not find their works perfect before Him. He charged them to be watchful and to strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die (3:2, 3). Where iniquity abounds grace also abounds. God noted that there were few names that did not defiled their garments. This was personal commendation for some members of this church and not general commendation. Is there any lesson for us in this personal commendation? Though it is important to grow in our knowledge of Christ, to deepen our understanding through careful study, we must never abandon the basic truths of our faith.

On facial observation, this church looked good but not so with God. They were only doing ‘maintenance service.’ There were no innovations or improvement on what they had. This gave room for redundancy, complacency and spiritual death. Is such condition obtainable in your church that you have now become spiritually dead? That is no excuse before God. Few people in Sardis still maintained their salvation. Why can’t you remain focused in the faith? Why will you allow the spiritual death of others to affect you? God can’t accept that excuse (Romans 2:1). Repent now and return to God.    

Food for Thought: Do you have the reputation of being alive but you are dead?

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 2

Prayer: Lord God, help me to strengthen what is alive in me and to repent of my sins in Jesus name. 

A CALL TO LIBERATE

Devotion for Tuesday December 27, 2016

Topic: A CALL TO LIBERATE                                     

Text: Judges 6:11 – 24                          

God called Gideon to liberate Israel from the hands of Medianites with a promise in Judges 6:16, “I will be with you.” Regardless of all those promises, Gideon still had excuses to give, why he shouldn’t carry out the assignment from God. This is how many of us give excuses on why we cannot go for evangelism or preach to that woman or man; why we cannot take up one responsibility or another in the church of God. God has given us the mandate to liberate sinners from the kingdom of darkness (Matthew 28:19, 20) but many of us have not taken this command seriously. Do you give excuse when your Pastor calls for evangelism? Have a change of heart and attitude.

When Gideon finally went, what followed? Find out in chapter Judges 7:9ff. Our call as Christians is to liberate sinners (Acts 1:8). God has done all things necessary for salvation of man. All that is expected of us is to go and preach. The rest is for God to perform; the conversion and salvation of the person. We are called by God to be witnesses and through that liberate those under the captivity of sin and Satan. Do you have the excuse that your neighbour will never repent that is why you will not preach to him? Do you warn people with love in your heart or you do so that God might not ask of their blood in your hands? Always pray for sinners (Luke 10:2) and you will have the zeal to preach to them.

Food for Thought: Ezekiel 33: 7 – 9

Memory verse: Judges 6 verse 14

Prayer: God, create in my heart a passion and concern for sinners.

A SAVIOUR FOR THE WORLD

Devotion for Sunday December 25, 2016

Topic: A SAVIOUR FOR THE WORLD             

Text: Matthew 1:18 – 25                  

Angel Gabriel had visited Mary with the information that she will conceive to bear a child. Now Joseph having discovered Mary‘s pregnancy was faced with a difficult choice of either marrying her or sending her away. Although he knew that taking Mary as his wife could be humiliating, Joseph chose to obey the angel’s command to marry her. His action revealed four qualities in him we should admire: (1) righteousness (Matthew 1:19), (2) discretion and sensitivity, (3) responsiveness to God (Matthew 1:24), and (4) self-discipline (Matthew 1:25). Jesus was born to save and deliver people from the pollution, power, guilt, condemnation, and punishment of sin. The angel said “He will save His people from their sins," meaning that His Messiahship is spiritual and not physical.  

As we celebrate Christmas, we should reflect on why we are celebrating. Is that your sins have been forgiven and you have received salvation? Jesus means ‘the Lord saves.’ He was born to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in our lives. Only Jesus can do it and that is why He is the Saviour of the world from the power and penalty of sin. It is not enough to eat, drink, give gifts and make merry in the name of Christmas when you are not sure of your salvation. Are you saved?  Think much about this. Happy Christmas!

Food for Thought: Is Jesus Christ your Saviour?

Memory verse: Matthew 1 verse 21

Prayer: Almighty God, I thank you for sending your Son as my Saviour. Grant that the blessings of His birth will never elude me.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER: Devotion for Monday September 5, 2016

Text: John 14:25 – 27      Memory verse: John 14:26

Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. According to Nicene Creed, He proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:26; John 15:26). Holy Spirit is a person and not a dove or olive oil. Some ministers even use ‘it’ for Holy Spirit when they are ministering. You will hear them say, “Receive it”. He is a person and He is equal with the Father and the Son. In Baptism, we use the three equally (Matthew 28:19) when we say “I baptize you in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. When we say the Apostolic benediction (the grace), we use the three also. He has the attributes of God the Father (Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Therefore, He should be worshipped the way we worship God the Father or God the Son.

Our text shows us one of the works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer in John 14:26. The works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer include;

1) He teaches us – John 14:26

2) He empowers us – Acts 1:18

3) He counsels, comforts and guides us – John 16:7

4) He guarantees our salvation – Ephesians 1:14     

5) He helps us to bear good fruits – Galatians 5: 22 & 23.

We should understand that as believers, the power of God comes into us immediately we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (John 1:12). It is from that moment that the Holy Spirit will begin to influence our lives until we allow Him full control of our lives. Speaking in tongues is not the only sign to know if the Holy Spirit is in us. It is the fruit we bear (Galatians 522 & 23). Is the Holy Spirit in control of your life or you are still living in the flesh?

Food for Thought: As a Christian, is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Take control of my life, Holy Spirit, as I surrender to you this day in Jesus name.