Did God Really Say? Devotion for Friday April 3, 2020

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Devotion for Friday April 3, 2020

Topic: Did God Really Say?                               

Text: Genesis 3:1 – 7

Everyone struggles with temptation on daily basis. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because of Satan (Genesis 3:1-6) who come cunningly with words as we have in our topic.

Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin; soon after, Adam yielded to Satan’s tempting offer. So sin entered the world and everyone born became a sinner. Satan is still busy trying to get us to fall into temptation in various ways. Can you mention some of the ways he tempts us?

Adam and Eve could have resisted temptation by recalling what God had commanded them. Being tempted is not sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation.

To resist temptation, we must

(1) pray for strength to resist (Matthew 6:13),

(2) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong (James 4:7), and

(3) run away from the temptation, sometimes literally (Genesis 39:12).

James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted. We should determine to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. Resist Satan and his temptations, and live for God and God will continue to bless you.

Action: Write down some ways Satan tempts us as a guide to protect you from giving in to temptations

Memory verse: Matthew 10:16

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need O Lord, to obey you always.

The Day of Many Troubles: Devotion for Monday March 23, 2020

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Devotion for Monday March 23, 2020

Topic: The Day of Many Troubles                     

Text: Job 1:13 – 19

In 1 Samuel chapter 3 is the story of how the Ark of God was captured by the Philistines when Eli was the Chief Priest. On that day he died with his two sons. What a trouble for that family! That was a day of many troubles for the family. Some people may opt for suicide on a day of many troubles.

On a day of many troubles, Satan unleashed his anger against Job in order to make him turn against God. He lost all his wealth, his children, investments and properties. All these was the result of God vouching for Job.

This was not even enough for Satan as he came back in chapter 2 to fight the more. When Job was being attacked, he never knew that it was his uprightness and integrity that attracted those troubles.

Most times we tend to believe that when we pass through troubles of life, it means that we have fallen out of favour with God. It is not always true! The troubles all came upon Job at once; while one messenger of evil tidings was speaking, another followed (v15, 16, 17 and 19). His dearest and most valuable possessions were his ten children and they were killed.

Obviously, some people concluded that such calamities can only come on sinners. We should understand that in this world we will have troubles but in all we should be of good cheer (John 16:33) bearing in mind that God will make a way of escape for us (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Probably those troubles you have been passing through is the result of God vouching for you. Do not lose your faith in times of many trouble because God who allowed them will definitely grant you the grace to overcome all the troubles.         

Food for Thought: “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” – Job 14:1

Memory verse: v 19  

Prayer: Lord, grant me the enabling grace to endure the troubles of life knowing that better things await us in heaven.

Can God Vouch for You? Devotion for Saturday March 21, 2020

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Devotion for Saturday March 21, 2020

Topic: Can God Vouch for You?                                  

Text: Job 1:6 – 12

If you are a Christian and God cannot be vouched for you, then your Christianity is a deceit. Before God can vouch for you as His child, you must have a constant fellowship with Him. He must see a desire for holiness and righteousness in your life.

We have in our text the story of how Satan came into the gathering of believers. His aim and target was Job. God knew him and all his thoughts and was quick to point it out to him. What does this Omniscience nature of God teach us about the ability of God to meet our needs?

Satan asserted that the blessings of God and hedge around Job are the reasons Job was serving Him (v10 & 11). Again God was quick to vouch for Job as we have in verse 8 and gave Satan the permission to touch his properties and not his soul (v12).     

God confidently pointed out the allegiance of his servant Job to Him. Satan’s response to God shows that he had scrutinised Job carefully. Do you know that Satan watches every moment of your life to find fault on how to accuse or attack you? Satan watches every Christian in order to find their weaknesses and turn them against God. However, can God vouch for you that you are not compromising, pretending, going to church but still loves sin and living in it, pompous and proud? Search yourself now!

Food for Thought: What can God say today about your Christianity?

Memory verse: v 8

Prayer: Make me faithful servant that you can vouch for, O Lord my God.

Don’t Exalt Yourself: Devotion for Sunday February 23, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday February 23, 2020

Topic: Don’t Exalt Yourself                                  

Text: Proverbs 12:9

Self is one problem hindering Man from perfection. Human nature in its entirety is selfish. It is inborn and only God can subdue or remove it in our lives. This problem is what the writer of Proverbs had seen and thus gave this admonition in our text. Sacrificing comfort and independence just to gain vain ostentation is the highest height of foolishness. “The affectation of wealth and rank makes men hypocritical and dishonest, and its end is ignominy and contempt” so asserts Family Bible Notes.                     

People usually want to present themselves as being important and indispensable when they are not (Prov. 13:7 & 12:9). Jesus warns us not to exalt ourselves (Matthew 23:12). James and Peter also confirmed that in James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:6.

From Genesis to Revelation, we have stories of men and women that fell off God’s glory because they exalted themselves. Time will fail us to mention Satan, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar, Rehoboam, Herod and many others. Do not exalt yourself. Be contented with your position for God is pleased with it; whether rich or poor and at the right time, he will exalt you.

Food for Thought: Self exaltation has grave consequences.

Memory verse: Proverbs 13:7

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the spirit of contentment and remove pride in me which might lead me to exalt myself in Jesus name

The Vulnerability of Man: Devotion for Friday August 16, 2019

Devotion for Friday August 16, 2019

Topic: The Vulnerability of Man

Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23

In our bible reading yesterday, we read how Jesus Christ praised Peter for a divine inspiration he expressed when he answered His question.

In today’s bible reading, Peter in his impetus and impulsive manner came up again but this time, it was no praise for him but rebuke. This shows the vulnerability of man. We do similar things at times by acting according to our emotions which result to problems. When God inspires us to act or react, it can never result to problem.

The word Satan means literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs, dreams or goals. It is applied to the devil because he opposes us as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8).

There is no evidence that the Lord Jesus applied this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or that he used

the term in anger. Rather, He meant that Peter was trying to hinder the redemption of mankind by giving Jesus the advice that opposes his mission on earth.

We should note that Satan uses our closest allies, family members or best friends to tempt us. When they give us such advice, we should be careful or they will make us to lose our salvation. Jesus accused Peter of not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.

Beloved in Christ, are you vulnerable beyond control? Are you only mindful about the things of the flesh that you undermine the things of the spirit? Ask God to help you overcome your vulnerability.

Food for Thought: “You cannot run away from your weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or you perish” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Memory verse: Matthew 16:23

Prayer: Lord God, help e to deal with my weaknesses before they deny me entry into heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

The Day Of Many Troubles

Devotion for Sunday April 8, 2018

Topic: The Day Of Many Troubles       

Text: Job 1:13 – 19 

After God had given Satan permission to tempt Job, he went and planned a serial attack on Job’s properties and family to happen in one day which would definitely bring Job to his knees and make him discredit God.  On that appointed day of trouble for Job, Satan unleashed his anger against him to make him turn against God and curse Him. He lost all his wealth, his children and properties. This was not even enough for Satan as he came back in Job chapter 2 to fight the more. When Job was being attacked, he never knew that it was his uprightness and integrity that attracted those troubles. 

Most times we tend to believe that when we pass through troubles of life, it means that we have fallen out of favour with God. It is not always true. The troubles came upon Job at once; while one messenger of evil tidings was speaking, another followed (Job 1:15, 16, 17 and 19). His dearest and most valuable possessions were his ten children; news came to Job in that same day that they had all been killed. So many people will conclude that such calamities can only come on sinners. This world offers nothing better than troubles, heartache and pain. But in all, we should be of good cheer (John 16:33) bearing in mind that God will make a way of escape for us (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Sing the hymn: When peace like a river attendeth my way - SS&S 901 Abu 191        

Food for Thought: “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” – Job 14:1

Memory verse: Job 1:19

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace and enable me to endure the troubles of life knowing that better things await me in heaven.

Don’t Believe The Lies Of Satan

Devotion for Tuesday March 13, 2018

Topic: Don’t Believe The Lies Of Satan

Text: Genesis 3:1 – 7

In life, every one of us struggles with temptation on daily basis. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because of Satan who come cunningly with words as we have in our topic is always after us. Temptation is Satan’s invitation to live his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and succeeded in getting her to sin; soon after, Adam yielded to Satan’s tempting offer. So sin entered the world, and every person thereafter has been born a sinner. Today, Satan is busy trying to get us to give in to his temptations in various ways. Can you mention 5 ways he does it? Adam and Eve could have resisted temptation by recalling and standing on what God had commanded them. We must realize that being tempted is not sin. We have not sinned until we give in to the temptation. 

To resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist (Matthew 6:13), (2) we must read our bible regularly (3) stand on God’s word about such situation (4) say no when confronted with what we know is wrong (James 4:7), and (5) run away from the temptation, sometimes literally (Genesis 39:12). James 1:12 tells us about the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted. We should determine to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. Resist Satan and his temptations, and live for God. Sing A&M 300

Food for Thought: Whom you obey is your master

Memory verse: Genesis 3:1

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to obey you always.

The Vulnerability Of Man

Devotion for Sunday August 13, 2017

Topic: The Vulnerability Of Man

Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23

In our bible reading yesterday, we read how Jesus Christ praised Peter for a divine inspiration expressed when he answered His question. In today’s bible reading, Peter in his impetus and impulsive manner came up again but this time, it was no praise for him but rebuke. This shows the vulnerability of man. We do similar things at times by acting according to our emotions which result to problems. When God insprires us to act or react, it can never result to problem. The word Satan means literally, an adversary, or one that opposes us in the accomplishment of our designs, dreams or goals. It is applied to the devil because he opposes us as our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). There is no evidence that the Lord Jesus applied this term to Peter, as signifying that he was Satan or that he used the term in anger. Rather, He meant that Peter was trying to hinder the redemption of mankind by giving Jesus the advice that opposes his mission on earth. We should note that Satan uses our closest allies, family members or best friends to tempt us. When they give us such advice, we should be careful or they will make us to lose our salvation. Jesus accused Peter of not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. Beloved in Christ, are you vulnerable beyond control? Are you only mindful about the things of the flesh that you undermine the things of the spirit? Ask God to help you overcome your vulnerability.

Food for Thought: “You cannot run away from your weakness; you must sometimes fight it out or you perish” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Memory verse: Matthew 16:23

Prayer: Lord God, help e to deal with my weaknesses before they deny me entry into heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

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Devotion for Friday July 7, 2017

Topic: Stop The Harassment Of The Enemies

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 54

Satan and his agents know how to harass the children of God. They intimidate Christians with laws against their faith as in the time of Daniel and his 3 Hebrews friends. Goliath’s harassing and intimidation of the Israelites for 40 days was embarrassing. Unfortunately, for the 40 days, no Israelite stood up to his challenge until a minor who had not even qualified and enlisted into the Israel’s army came into the scene and stopped the harassment from Goliath.

Goliath’s taunting revealed the level of faithlessness in the people of Israel. One man blocked the entire army of Almighty God, an army that had seen entire nation run before it in fear. The Israelites viewed the situation only in human terms, much like their forefathers had viewed with fear and faithlessness the giants in the land (Numbers 13:26 – 14:20).

Goliath was 9 feet, 9 inches tall and wore a coat of armour weighing 125 pounds; his bronze javelin weighed 17 pounds (1 Samuel 17:4 – 5). David’s confession in 1 Samuel 17:45 – 47 reveals a teen who knew God and what He can do. He knew that outward physical appearance were nothing when compared with the power of the unseen God. Thus he was determined to stop the harassment of the enemy. He stepped out and God honoured him.

This is how Satan and his agents harass us in our neighbourhood, offices, schools, etc., with laws against our faith. How do we treat such? Do we go into our shells or speak out for God? Or do we take a stand for God as the Hebrew boys did in the book of Daniel. Our God has ways of putting Satan and his agents to shame. Let’s not belittle Him when the enemies come, embarrassing us and defying His name

Food for Thought: Stopping the harassment of the enemies is best done in the spirit (2 Corinthians 10:14)

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 verse 12

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God never to close my eyes and mouth to the embarrassment of the enemies of the cross in Jesus name.

Price of Godliness (Sickness)

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Devotion for Wednesday April 5, 2017

Topic: Price of Godliness (Sickness)

Text: Job 2:7 – 10

Yesterday we saw how Job lost all his possessions because Satan was not happy that God had blessed him because he was a godly man; blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Today we have the story of how Satan came back to afflict him with a sickness doctors can’t describe. What was his sin for this affliction? He refused to give up his godly life. He refused to curse God.

Some people would have concluded that he was not really a godly man if not why will these serial attacks come upon him. The comment of his friends who came to him proves this. Some people said such about me when within a period of 4 years; I underwent kidney transplant operation two times and a heart operation also. If not that we are reading the story of Job, we wouldn’t have known what transpired between God and Satan before the problem started.

If living a godly life can attract such persecution and trials, do we avoid godliness? No! What we stand to gain far more outweigh the immediate pains (2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18). Our body may wear away but our soul which will return to God is what matters. Job understood this too well when he said that he knows his Redeemer lives and that he shall see God even after his skin has been destroyed (Job 19:25 – 27). What an expression of faith! Job was a man of faith who confessed the resurrection of the dead. If we have such understanding as Job had, we will not fear sickness and death; rather sickness and fear of death will draw us closer to God.

Food for Thought: Job 19:25 – 27

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:17

Prayer: Grant me the grace I need, O Lord, never to deny you in time of sickness in Jesus name.

Price Of Godliness (Loss Of Possessions)

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Devotion for Tuesday April 4, 2017

Topic: Price Of Godliness (Loss Of Possessions)

Text: Job 1:13 – 22       

Job 1:1 gives us a description of Job. He was a godly man; blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. For this reason, God made a hedge round him and all he had. This didn’t go down well with Satan who appeared in the presence of God to accuse Him for blessing Job. This conversation between God and Satan teaches us an important fact about God. He is aware of every attempt by Satan to bring suffering and difficulty upon us.

God knew Job and what Job can do. God vouched for him and when Satan was not satisfied, He permitted Satan to tempt Job but not to take his soul. The first series of attack was loss of his possessions including his children simply because God had blessed him and he was godly man; blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

While God may allow us to suffer for a reason beyond our understanding, He is always compassionate with us. Job had lost his possessions and family in this first of Satan’s tests, but he reacted rightly toward God by acknowledging God’s sovereign authority over everything God had given him. Satan lost this first round. Job passed the test and proved that people can love God for who He is, not for what He gives to them.

Have you taken time to analyze that problem you are going through; that loss of job, loss of your benefactor, loss of car, etc? It may be a test of your faith and commitment towards God. It may be that Satan wants to use it to distract you. Never give up. Loss of possessions shouldn’t distract our focus on God.

Food for Thought: Love and passion for possession can make us deny God if they are destroyed as a trial of our faith.

Memory verse: Job 1 verse 21

Prayer: Lord God, may I not love possessions more than you in Jesus name. 

No Excuse (VI)

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Devotion for Friday March 17, 2017

Topic: No Excuse (VI)

 Text: Revelation 3:7 – 13           

Philadelphia was a small church in a difficult area with no prestige and no wealth, discouraged because it hadn’t grown. But Jesus Christ had no words of rebuke for this small, seemingly insignificant church. From our bible reading, it was obvious that there was significant conflict between the Christians and the Jews in Philadelphia.

As in the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:9), Jesus Christ referred to those who called themselves Jews as liars and those who belong to Satan. Though this church may have been small (you have little strength) and may have had little impact upon the city, but it had obeyed and had not denied God. They had been faithful in a difficult area. What a challenge to big churches of today who compromise their standard in order to accommodate some ‘rich’ people who are not ready to repent.

What are the challenges you face in your church? Is the small nature? Note that God didn’t commend any of these churches for building cathedrals and having the largest congregations. These are not what God judges. He is always after our spiritual lives. That your congregation is small should not be the basis of losing faith. God’s emphasis is not on multitude. You should not be discouraged by the small nature of your church or inability to build a big church. Sustain your faithfulness and righteousness and God will open doors of opportunities for you as He assured the church at Philadelphia. Do not be weakened by your little strength for God will not accept that as an excuse.    

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:8

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 10

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to hold fast what I have, that no one will take away my crown from me in Jesus name. Amen.

No Excuse III

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Tuesday March 14, 2017

Topic: No Excuse III

Text: Revelation 2:14 – 17          

Yesterday, we saw the commendation God gave the church at Smyrna. Just like in Smyrna, it was not easy to be a Christian in Pergamum. They were greatly pressured to compromise or leave the faith. This made some of them to accept the doctrine of Nicolaitans which the Ephesians hated. Some stood out for God and amongst them was Antipas who refused to compromise. He was faithful, and he died for his faith, a martyr. Unfortunately, some people in this church tolerated those who taught or practiced what Christ opposed (2:15). God acknowledged that the live in the place where Satan had his throne and some held on to their faith, holding on to God’s name.

Nevertheless, God had something against that church. Some people there held on to the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balak to put a stumbling block on the way of the Israelites. Though the ‘Balaks’ placed stumbling blocks on their way but that didn’t exonerate them before God. He chided and urged them to repent (2:16).

Are you a victim of false teaching and now you are a compromising Christian? Are you holding on to the teaching of the Nicolaitans? God says repent because you have no excuse. The bible is our Magna Carter for a right living and fellowship with God. Any other teaching is irrelevant. We have to be extremely careful about the teachings we uphold in this end time because false teachers like the Nicolaitans are out there to deceive. You don’t have any excuse to fail God (Romans 2:1).

Food for Thought: Revelation 2:6

Memory verse: Revelation 2 verse 15

Prayer: As I am inexcusable, O Lord, I pray, for grace to overcome all stumbling blocks in this Christian race in Jesus name.

No Excuse II

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Monday March 13, 2017

Topic: No Excuse II

Text: Revelation 2:8 – 11

Pain is part of life, be you a Christian or unbeliever. It is never easy to suffer, no matter the cause. Persecution is of Satan, not of God. He causes believers to be denied of their rights, thrown out of their homes, offices, and schools, thrown into prison and even are killed. Believers under persecution need not fear death, because they will be rewarded with the crown of life. Again, Satan may terminate our earthly lives, but not our spiritual lives.

In our scriptural reading for the day, God commended the church at Smyrna for the tribulation they endured, the poverty they have suffered and the blasphemy from some of the Jews there. God called them “Synagogue of Satan” because they were serving Satan’s purposes, not God’s, when they gathered to worship. He concluded by charging them not to fear what they will suffer even unto death but they should remain faithful to the end in order to be rewarded with crown of life. This is the only church out of the seven that was not rebuked by God. What they suffered during the writing of this letter and thereafter were enough for them to have given up their faith. They had enough reasons to do so but they didn’t do that. They were steadfast.

What is your reason to compromise and backslide from faith? If it is persecution, can you compare it with what the members of the church in Smyrna suffered? If you have been blasphemed, what of these people in Smyrna? Beware because you do not have any excuse (Romans 2:1) for compromising your faith.

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:9

Memory verse: Revelation 2 verse 9 - I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Prayer: God, as I come across blasphemers and persecutors grant me the grace never to compromise my faith in Jesus name.

An Encouragement For Us

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Devotion for Friday March 3, 2017 

Topic: An Encouragement For Us

Text: John 16:33

Jesus summarizes His teaching with an encouragement to His disciples by saying that they will enjoy peace through their union with Him because He would overcome the world by rising from the dead. The world and Satan are opposed to God and will definitely give Christians many trials and sorrows. But Jesus has defeated Satan, won the victory, and overcome the world. Jesus asserts that in the world His disciples will have problem but He also gave a remedy to the world’s problem which He says is peace in Him; the serenity of mind, a quiet and calm spirit within. This is the proffered solution to the troubles of the world. Jesus tied together themes from 14:27-29, 16:1-4, and 16:9-11.

With the words in John 16:33, He told His disciples to take courage because despite the inevitable resistance they would face, He would be with them. As the Father did not leave Him alone, so He will not abandon us to our struggles either. Christ's blood has purchased peace for us.

Many of us are currently facing diverse challenges which include sickness, imprisonment, marital problems, hunger, challenges from people of different faiths, etc. This was predicted long before now. All we can do is to have the assurance Jesus gave us in our text behind our minds. He will not forsake you. Allow the inner peace which comes from knowing that He is always there for us, fill your heart. That was what sustained me while I battled for life. God will do it for you too.

Food for Thought: I John 5:4

Memory verse: John 16 verse 33b

Prayer: Lord God, let your words of encouragement cheer me up in time of difficulties of life.

Reasons Behind Trials

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Devotion for Sunday January 29, 2017

Topic: Reasons Behind Trials

Text: Deuteronomy 8:1 – 3  

There are reasons God allows us to pass through tests and trials. We don’t go through them without a purpose. In the book of Job, we saw that all the problems, losses and sickness that came upon Job were to test his fidelity unto God because He had boasted to Satan that Job was ever faithful to Him. When Job was going through them, he never knew that what came upon him were tests. He endured them to the shame of Satan, thereby proving God faithful. Thereafter, God restored all that he lost.

The trial of Job is an eye opener for us never to become unfaithful to God when we are in problem. We should remain focused because God may have allowed that problem; death of a benefactor, sickness, gang up against you in the office, etc, as a way of trying our faith.

In our text, Moses told the Israelites that they should remain faithful and obedient to God because when He took them through the wilderness, it was aimed at humbling them so as to know what was in their hearts, whether they would keep His commandments or not. In the process of humbling them, He allowed them to go hungry, and fed them with manna which they didn’t know nor did their fathers know. This issue of manna was to make them know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Remember the case of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 9. That problem made Paul not to exalt himself above measure. All we pass through in life are for lessons and experiences; go through them faithful and God will certainly reward you at the end.

Food for Thought: God permits tribulations to come upon us which He turns to our advantage and to the glory of His name.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 8 verse 3 - And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Prayer: God, turn tribulations I am facing to my advantage and to your praise, and glory in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Of Good Cheer

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Devotion for Thursday January 26, 2017

Topic: Be Of Good Cheer

Text: Matthew 14:22 – 27     

Have you ever wondered why some of the initiatives, plans and promises of God are hindered by Satan’s attacks? It is because Satan and his agents do not want us to enjoy the promises of God. This is the reason some people can’t grow as Christians; they move one step and fall two steps backward.

In our text is the story of how Jesus asked the disciples to move ahead of Him. They obeyed and went on. Satan thought that the absence of Jesus on the boat will be a good opportunity to attack. Unfortunately, he greatly made a mistake. When the disciples felt the threat of the wave, Jesus immediately appeared for them saying, “Be of good cheer.”

There are great lessons for us here.

1) When God instructs us to move on, we should obey because He is always there with us (Matt 28:20).

2) When we are threatened and in despair, we should always remember His words in Jn. 16:33.

3). God doesn’t abandon us to threats of the enemies especially when we are doing His will or command.

4) Jesus knows our needs and He is able to meet us at the point of our need. When the disciples felt threatened, Jesus knew and came to their rescue. Yours will not be different.

As you go out today, be of good cheer because He is already working in your favour to protect you from attacks of the enemies and to provide for you.

Food for Thought: Hearing the voice of Christ saying “It is I,” is a sufficient support in all afflictions of life.

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 27 - But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Prayer: My Lord and my God, speak your word to me in all the afflictions I am going through in Jesus name.

BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS 2: Devotion for Monday October 10, 2016

BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS 2: Devotion for Monday October 10, 2016

Text: Psalm 112:6 – 10    Memory verse: Psalm 112 verse 6

A man of faith who loves God is fearless and he overcomes (1 John 5:4 & 5) just as we read yesterday. David was fearless when he confronted Goliath and he overcame a well known warrior and champion. If you are afraid, you cannot triumph. Anyone who is afraid will always fail as Saul and other Israelis soldiers failed to have their names written in gold. Anyone who is fearful will easily be shaken. Such person is never stable in his thoughts, faith and actions. Do you want to be victorious and triumph in that spiritual or physical battle you are currently going through? Then fear God and not the devil or man. Sacred Songs & Solos (Sankey) 561 is a great source of insight on how you can be courageous and fearless in your Christian race.

Another blessedness of the righteous is that the person is not shaken. Sometimes, Satan and his agents will try by all means to move the person, but because his foundation in the Lord is firm, he shall never be moved, at least not moved for ever; if he is shaken for a time, yet he settles again quickly. He regains himself like the story I told in yesterday’s devotion.   

Beloved, are you easily shaken by threats of the enemies, lack of basic necessities of life, fear of the unknown, etc? You should always have the words of Christ in mind. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled … (Jn. 14:1). Of a truth, many times I do shake over things that God had done for me previously. However, when I remember what God did previously for me, I will regain myself. That shows the vulnerability of man. Things can move us but when we hide the word of God in our hearts, we can dig them out and strengthen ourselves.

A righteous man will have a good reputation, and that gives him satisfaction. He strives for a good name; a name for good things, with God and man. These will make people to remember him forever (112:6b). His heart is established because he fears the Lord and he is never afraid. What can be said about you? Is your heart established in the Lord? Are you easily shaken by problems? Then trust the Lord for in Him, you will be established and not be shaken.

Food for Thought: An established heart in the Lord can never be shaken.

Prayer: God, establish my heart in you so that problems of life will not shake me.

BE THE SPOUSE IN NEED: Devotion Friday September 23, 2016

BE THE SPOUSE IN NEED: Devotion Friday September 23, 2016

Text: Job 2:9 – 10              Memory verse: v 10

As I was writing yesterday’s devotion, God ministered to me about the reaction of Job’s wife here by referring me to what happened between Jesus and Peter in Matt 16:21–23, the late opposed the former after announcing that He will be crucified, buried and after three days, resurrect. When Satan and his agents want to tempt someone, they usually use a close friend or ally. This was the reason he used Judas, a disciple of Jesus Christ to betray his Master. If it were any of His accusers like the Pharisees or Sadducees, it would have been hard to get Him. Watch out because it is always the rat in house that tells the one outside where there is fish in the house. This should be a lesson for us that not all who oppose us actually hate us.

Satan was actually bent on destroying Job. After he had tried every other means at his disposal and could not succeed in getting Job to discredit and curse God, he decided to go through his wife. His thought was that his wife could easily make him angry. His aim was to use his wife to achieve what he could not achieve. This incident between Job and the wife is a lesson for us that sometimes Satan is a lesson that when suddenly someone in love with us suddenly changes and attacks us, we should know that Satan is at work to separate two of you.  

The area of concentration in this devotion is our attitude to our spouses in time of need. The mention of Job’s wife was in the chapter two. Nothing was said about her again. Probably, she left Job in his distress but we weren’t told he remarried.  

During matrimony, spouses made vows like this:  “I take you to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death according to God’s holy law. This is my solemn vow.” Why do some bolt out of it when problem arises? Do you belong to the group that will want to bolt away from your marital vows? Think twice. God hates divorce. You should be with your spouse in time of need too because that is the vow you have made. Breaking it is a sin against God.

Food for Thought: Are you a spouse or friend in need and indeed?

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep to the vows I have made in my relationship so I will become a spouse/friend in need and indeed.

SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED: Devotion for Thursday September 22, 2016

SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED: Devotion for Thursday September 22, 2016

Text: Job 2:7 – 8                   Memory verse: Job 2 verse 7

The story in Job chapters 1 and 2 shows that Satan is never satisfied with tempting us especially when we remain resolute and unyielding to his trials and temptations. He afflicted Job and then tempted to make a bad use of his affliction but God restrained him. Satan can only tempt a child of God but can never bring him to a total ruin. The affliction on Job was so severe that Satan thought Job will curse God as he used his wife to say so. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t know that severity of affliction cannot change the views and understanding of a true Christian about God.

Satan’s aim in all these trials, temptations and affliction is to make Job never to worship God again. This is usually the primary aim of Satan in tempting us. He attacks us so we can discredit God. But a true Christian cannot do that just as Job didn’t succumb to Satan’s attack. In all that Job went through, he humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, and brought His mind to his condition. This is an example and challenge for us. We should not be so troubled by the problems and afflictions of life that we forget God.

Beloved, the words of Christ in John 15:19–21 and John 16:33 about temptations and trials are true. As long as we remain in this world, Satan will always attack us. We can’t be immune from his attacks and temptations. No wonder the words in Rev. 12:12. He has now increased the tempo of his attacks because time is short for him. According to Family Bible Notes, “His (Job) disease is generally regarded to have been a malignant and painful species of leprosy.” This was to make people steer clear of him but despite all these, Job was not moved. This is a big challenge for us. We should not be moved by the intensity of trials because there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Food for Thought: The aim of Satan’s attack on us is for us to discredit God. Therefore, do not give in to his attacks.  

Prayer: As I have resolved to serve you, O Lord my God, make me resolute in that resolution no matter the temptations of the enemies in Jesus name.