The Lord Remembers Us: Devotion for Tuesday June 2, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday June 2, 2020 

Topic: The Lord Remembers Us                

Text: 1 Samuel 1: 19 – 27                                

There is no condition we pass through in life that God is not aware of and He always plans ways of escape or ways of solving our problems for us. Most times because of our impatience, we miss out in His plans thinking He is inconsiderate to our needs. It is not always true. When God delays our blessings or devil stands against our blessings, when it is finally released, it will become a great blessing for us and our generation.

God remembered Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19). The remembrance led to one of the greatest prophets of Israel. Though God seem to forget our burdens, troubles, cares, and prayers, yet He will at length ensure that He meets our need so that we will be sure we are not out of His mind. As God remembered Hannah, so He will remember you and solve that lingering problem in Jesus name. 

Blessings obtained of God in answer to prayer should be promptly and gratefully acknowledged, and measures be taken to keep His goodness in perpetual remembrance. Hannah acknowledged God’s manifold blessings (1 Samuel 1:24 – 27). She did not even withhold the child as she promised. For this singular act, God blessed her with more children (1 Samuel 2:21). This shows that when we give God what is due to Him or what we have vowed, He will bless us the more. Have you made any vow to God? Endeavour to fulfill them because it is a way of attracting more blessing upon your life.

Food for Thought: When God remembers us, it makes the difference in what we finally become in life           

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 1:19

Prayer: Lord God, remember me as you remembered Hannah and bless me with the desires of my heart.  2. Today pray for all the women having delay in conception that God will remember them as He remembered Hannah.

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday June 1, 2020   

Topic: Live Above Taunting         

Text: 1 Samuel 1:9 – 18                                 

Taunting can demoralize us for some time when we take it to heart but it should not deter us from living our lives and becoming what we dream of in life. The taunting from Peninnah made Hannah sad that she lost appetite but her husband consoled her and encouraged her to eat (1 Samuel 1:8). Thereafter, the taunting led her into prayer.

She went into prayers after she would have considered the taunting by asking, why should I be angry? Why will I fret over what Peninnah said? Does being angry bring any good to me? Instead of binding the burden upon myself, I had better easy off by praying and casting it upon the Lord. These motivated her into pray and thus she overcame the taunting from Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:10). Is there any lesson for us in the action Hannah took against Peninnah’s taunting? In the bitterness of her soul Hannah prayed and went ahead to back her request with a vow (1 Samuel 1:11). This may have challenged God to answer her speedily.

From the way Hannah treated the challenge and taunting from her mate there are lessons for us.

(1) We shouldn’t waste all our time that should be used for something meaningful in replying our critics and accusers. Rather we should use it to improve ourselves and thus put them to shame.

(2) The taunting and critics from our enemies should inspire us to draw closer to God the more. What Peninnah did made Hannah a prayer warrior. She had no time to reply her but she cast the problem to God because He is the one that solves all problem.

(3) We should occasionally make vows to back up our request as Hannah did.

(4) We should believe God for an answer after praying.

In this new month, as your set aside taunting from the enemies and undermine your critics to improve yourself, God will so bless you and surprise them in Jesus name. Have a fruitful and rewarding month!

Food for Thought: We are the ones that can make taunting relevant when we let it deny us living our lives as we ought to.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 1:10   

Prayer: Lord, let not the taunting against my life deny me from becoming what you want me to be in Jesus name.

First Point of Call During Crises: Devotion for Saturday May 23, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 23, 2020

Topic: First Point of Call During Crises

Text: 1 Samuel 19:18 – 24                 

An aphorism of Aniocha people says that it is only a tree that hears they are coming to fall it and it will stay. This is not so with animal especially with human being. Such person will certainly flee. This was the case of David as we read yesterday.

Saul was consumed with jealousy over David’s growing popularity, but the Spirit of God immobilised him so he was unable to harm David. We saw one attempt yesterday. This shows that no matter what people plan against us, it will not harm us except God approves it.

When David left his home, he ran to the house of God and to the priest. In running to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do concerning the distress he was into. More so, it was Samuel who anointed him as king to take over from Saul.

Beloved in Christ when you are faced with challenges of life or the threat of the enemies, where will be your first point of call? Do you run to a native doctor first or you go to God’s house where the pastor will counsel and pray for you? Do you run to friends for counselling before you even pray about it? This is one serious mistake we make always.

When we place God as our first priority in times of need and trouble, He will rise on our behalf. David went to the house of God because He was the one that made him. He knows that without God, Saul will easily eliminate him. He had the understanding that God is his refuge and shield who is able to protect, guard, keep and secure him.

We should have this kind of understanding. God gave you that position, land, husband, etc, people are struggling with you. Go to Him and He will certainly tell you what to do.

Food for Thought: When problem confronts you, what readily comes to your mind? 

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 19:18

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always seek you first in time of need before any other thing.

God Saves in Various Ways: Devotion for Thursday May 21, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 22, 2020

Topic: God Saves In Various Ways

Text: 1 Samuel 19:11 – 17                         

There is no limit to what our God can do and who or what He can use to fulfill His will and purposes, and to save us from evil and danger. When Balaam didn’t hear His word, He used his donkey to speak to him (Numbers 22:27 – 34).

The story of David and Goliath is well known to us. God used a small stone to humiliate him for blasphemy and reproach on God of Israel. Since David killed Goliath, the Philistine giant and champion, Saul became his avowed enemy occasioned by envy and jealousy. He tried every opportunity that comes his way to kill David.

In our bible reading for the day is another design of mischief by Saul to kill David. When David had escaped the javelin (1 Samuel 19:10), Saul sent some of his guards after him to lay wait at the door of his house, and to assassinate him in the morning as soon as he stirred out (1 Samuel 19:11). What was his wrong? God anointed him King to replace Saul. David did not ask God to make him king. It was God’s decision which no man can overturn. Hence He is always out to save Him. Are there lessons for us here especially when we are persecuted as we live and work according to the will of God or to accomplish God’s assignment for us? 

“God moves in a mysterious in His ways, His wonders to perform” so says a songwriter, William Cowper. Instead of Jonathan and Michal taking side with their father Saul to attack David who was a clear favourite to succeed their father, they pitched their tent with David. This was an act of God. See Proverbs 16:7

Because David’s way pleased God, He turned the heart of Saul’s children to love him. It is my desire and prayer that God will use those who speak evil about you and those who hate you to save, help, deliver, promote and bless you in Jesus name. As God used Michal to save David, so He will use someone to help and save you today.

Food for Thought: “God moves in a mysterious in His ways, His wonders to perform” – William Cowper. Sing that hymn from Ancient and Modern 181.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 19:13

Prayer: Lord, as you used Michal to save David, so I pray that you will send someone to help me in my present need in Jesus name. 

It Pays To Wait Upon God

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday May 12, 2017

Topic: It Pays To Wait Upon God

Text: John 5:1 – 9

The Psalmist said in Ps 130:5 that he will wait for the lord and hope in His word. Waiting upon God for salvation, healing and deliverance pays and none who does that, will ever be disappointed. Hannah was a woman that was seriously wounded by the taunting of Peninnah her mate (1 Samuel 1:1–18). Rather than gossip or quarrel with her, Hannah chose to wait on God to vindicate her which paid off with a special child – Samuel, a great prophet and many other children (1 Samuel 2:21).

Here is a pathetic story of a man sick for 38 years. Probably his people had abandoned him at the Pool of Bethsaida because they had given up on him. If he goes home, help is not there. If he stays, there is possibility of getting healed but no one there to assist him. Have people given up on you because of your evil ways, sin, sickness, etc? God will arise for you this season. God will remember you in Jesus name. However, the man preferred to stay, waiting patiently for the opportunity to step into the water even though there was nobody there to help him. Yet he will not go away.

Beloved, what is that problem confronting you now? Is it sickness, marriage, no child, quest for admission, job, etc? Just wait patiently on the Lord and He will answer you, and grant you the best. He did it for Zachariah and Elizabeth and also for many other people even in our world of today. Yours will not be an exception.

Food for Thought: Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet – Rousseau.

Memory verse: John 5 verse 7

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to perseverance and wait on you for my blessings in Jesus name.

FIRST POINT OF CALL DURING CRISES: Devotion for Saturday May 14, 2016

FIRST POINT OF CALL DURING CRISES: Devotion for Saturday May 14, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 19:18 – 24       Memory verse: v 18

An aphorism of Aniocha people says that “It is only a tree that hears they are coming to fall it and it will stay.” This is not so with animal especially with human being. Such person will certainly flee. Saul was consumed with jealousy over David’s growing popularity, but the Spirit of God immobilized him so he was unable to harm David. We saw one attempt yesterday. This shows that no matter what people plan against us, it will not harm us except God approves it. When David left his home, he ran to the house of God and to the priest. In flying to Samuel, David made God his refuge. Samuel, as a prophet, was best able to advise him what to do in this day of distress. More so, it was Samuel who anointed him as king to take over from Saul.

Beloved in Christ, when you are faced with challenges of life or the threat of the enemies, where would be your first point of call? Do you run to a native doctor first or you go to God’s house where the pastor will counsel and pray for you? This is one serious mistake we make always. When we place God as our first priority in times of need and trouble, He will rise on our behalf. David went to the house of God because He was the one that made him. David knows that without God, Saul will easily eliminate him. We should have this kind of understanding. God gave you that position, land, husband, etc, people are struggling with you. Go to Him and He will certainly tell you what to do.

Food for Thought: When problem confronts you, what readily comes to your mind?  

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to always seek you first in time of need before any other thing.        

HE GRANTED MY PETITION: Devotion for Wednesday November 18, 2015

HE GRANTED MY PETITION      Wednesday November 18, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 1:24 – 28                   Memory verse: v 27

Hannah promised (1:11) that her son would be dedicated to lifelong Levitical service (Numbers 4:3; 8:24-26) and would be a lifelong Nazirite (Numbers 6:2-6). God granted her petition and she honoured her vow to God. To do what she promised (1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most, her son and presented him to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord. Because Samuel’s life was from God, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to God, who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kinds of gifts we should give to God. Do your gifts cost you anything?

God granted the petitions of Hannah and she acknowledged it. Do you acknowledge the mercies of God upon your life and that of your family? That God grants our petition is obvious but our response matters so much. When God visits us with His mercies and providence, we should respond with hearts of gratitude for that glorifies Him.

Food for Thought: Blessings that are dear and of greatest comfort are always from the Lord

Prayer: God, grant me a heart of gratitude for your mercies upon my life.   

FAVOUR BRINGS INSTANT PROMOTION

FAVOUR BRINGS INSTANT PROMOTION    Thursday October 22, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 16:10 – 13                            Memory verse: v 12

God doesn’t favour our children according to our fond partiality, but often he honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. This was true of David. Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint a King to replace Saul. All the sons of Jesse were at home except David who was in the field with his father’s flock. He was nothing in the family. However, God who sees the heart knows that he is an instrument he will use. He saw his love for him despite his status as the last born and being young. Josephus says he was about 10 years then while some commentators say 15 years. Thus he was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. A herd’s boy turned out automatically to be a King. The favour of God gave him instant promotion. May the favour of God locate and promote you.

Are you being despising and ignored in your family, office, church, etc because they feel you are nobody, no certificate, etc. God has not given up on you. Samuel didn’t object the meanness of David’s education, his youth, or the little respect he had in his own family, but, in obedience to the divine command, took his horn of oil and anointed him. That God will surprise your critics and enemies with your sudden rise to greatness in Jesus name.   

Food for Thought: Genesis 41:41 – 43

Prayer: Father, may your favour upon my life steer up my promotion instantly.

JUST AS GOD SAID

JUST AS GOD SAID            Wednesday June 24, 2015

Text: 1 King 17:8 – 16          Memory verse: v 16

God’s word that has been spoken doesn’t go back to him without fulfilling the purpose for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11) When God says something, nothing hinders it from coming to fruition because He is not man who cannot cause His word to manifest (Lamentation 3:37). Verse 16 confirms what God said through Elijah the prophet in 17:14.

When the widow of Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she was going to prepare her last meal. But a simple act of faith produced a miracle. She trusted Elijah and gave all she had to him. Faith is the step between promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. However, every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith. This is what God expects from us.

God’s word taken to heart by faith is the gateway to miracle. Most people don’t believe the word of God (the Bible) because the name used there is not theirs but Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Elizabeth, Samuel, etc. The proper way to get the real blessing from the word of God is by fixing your name where there is a name. Where it speaks good, you will learn and where it speaks evil you will receive warning. Whatever God has spoken about you, just believe and act in obedience. Is it about your salvation, marriage, studies, job, children, fruit of the womb, etc? It will surely come to pass.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 45:23.

Prayer: Lord God, as you speak to me through your word, grant me the heart to act on them so that all will come to fulfillment in Jesus name.

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM

MY EXPECTATION IS FROM HIM    Tuesday June 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 62:1 – 7                                 Memory verse: v 5

The Bible severally made it clear that we can’t do anything of our own strength or wisdom (John 15:5). See also Romans 9:16; Zechariah 4:6. The Psalmist knows this fact which made him to submit to God, waiting silently because his expectations can only be fulfilled by God. Christians expect from God because we believe in him. 

Treasury of David Commentary says, “Expectation is the child of prayer and faith, and is owned of the Lord as an acceptable grace. We should desire nothing but what would be right for God to give, then our expectation would be all from God; and concerning truly good things we should not look to second causes, but to the Lord alone, and so again our expectation would be all from Him.” If only we are asking for godly things, we will never be weary or try other ways to meet our needs.

Expectations from men will be disappointed as they are frail, while that from God will be abundantly more than realized. Hannah expected and got Samuel. Elizabeth and Zachariah expected and got John the Baptist. Jabez waited and his coast was enlarged. Don’t give up on that thing you have been waiting on God for. Hear what Charles Spurgeon said, “Call on God and spread the case before Him. Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it.”

Food for Thought: Psalm 62:1

Prayer: Grant me the patience as I wait expectantly from you, O Lord.

HE INQUIRED OF THE LORD

HE INQUIRED OF THE LORD           Friday May 29, 2015

Text: 2 Samuel 5:17 – 25              Memory verse: v 23

A proverbial saying of Anioma people has it that, “He who makes inquiries will never miss his way.” This is a wise saying that anyone who wants to embark on any mission, project or endeavour should take to heart. See 1 Samuel 30:8 for an example. Here is another inquiry David made. 

The Philistines had deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim to fight against the Israelites (5:22). This prompted him to inquire from the Lord what he will do in that circumstance. David was a man who never takes chances of events around him. The Bible recorded over 15 times David inquired of the Lord personally. God responded to him (5:23b, 24) by telling him what to do. David did as God instructed him and he was victorious against them (5:25).

We take too many things about our lives to chance. We hardly make time to inquire of the Lord about little things. W. e only care over some ‘big things’. It ought not to be so. The bible enjoins us to commit our ways and work to the Lord (Psalm 37:5 and Proverbs 16:3). When we learn to hand over our cases to God or make inquiries from Him, it will save us a lot of ‘had I known’ that we cry about on daily basis. If you have not been doing so, start today.

Food for Thought: When you learn to inquire from God over everything that concerns you, your life will be free of anxieties/worries.

Prayer: Lord, make me conscious of the fact that you are the only one that knows about my tomorrow and can help me in every situation

YOUR LOVE FOR ME IS AMAZING

YOUR LOVE FOR ME IS AMAZING          Friday May 22, 2015

Text: 2 Samuel 1:17 – 27                               Memory verse: v 26

Yesterday we saw that our prejudices and our preconceived opinions are one cause of our seeing so many mysteries in the Bible. 2 Samuel 1:26 is one of the passages in the bible gay people hold on to. They claimed that David and Jonathan had carnal knowledge of one another. By saying that Jonathan’s love was “deeper than the love of women,” David was not implying that he had a sexual relationship with Jonathan. Homosexual acts were absolutely forbidden in Israel. It was detestable (Leviticus 18:22) with death penalty (Leviticus 20:13) for those who practice it. 

David was simply restating the deep brotherhood and faithful friendship he had with Jonathan. ‘Brother’ and ‘love’ are known to be reflective of the treaty or covenant relationship between two individuals. David and Jonathan’s covenant was established in 1 Samuel 18:3. Jonathan did not break that covenant. This should challenge people who are into partnership in any business. Do you break bonds and betray your partners?  

The love between David and Jonathan can be likened to the love Christ has for His Church. Jesus gave up His throne to die for humanity. Jonathan gave up his throne for David. That love is amazing. Likewise the love God has for us which undermines our weaknesses. How are you responding to such amazing love? We should show it by serving Him.

Food for Thought: True and sincere love are products of commitment to covenant between two parties.

Prayer: God your love for me is so amazing. Help me to reciprocate that love by being more committed to your course in Jesus name.