David’s Sincere Love for Saul: Devotion for Thursday July 16, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday July 16, 2020

Topic: David’s Sincere Love for Saul       

Text: 2 Samuel 1:17 – 27                 

When the news of Saul’s death came to David, he was still in exile in the land of the Philistines occasioned by Saul’s treat to kill him. Here in our text, he mourned the death of who we can see as his avowed enemy. He was touched by the way the anointed of God died.

There are many characters of David that are worthy of emulation. Some of them are in our text for the day. David was sincere about this. An evidence of his sincerity was the fact that he did not immediately take over from Saul. He consulted to gain the people’s approval. Some people would have amplified the news of Saul’s death among the people that harboured him but not David.

In 2 Samuel 1:20, he said, “Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” He urged the daughters to Israel weep over Saul (2 Samuel 1:24). This shows he had no grudges over Saul and his hatred for him.

What David did is a challenge for us today. How many Christians of present generation can demonstrate such love for one who has openly declared that he is your enemy? Some of us would have taken the opportunity to speak evil about Saul to gain favour from the Philistines and other Israelites. David is a type of Christ indeed. No wonder he is a man after God’s heart. Those of us who wish our enemies to die would have gone to Church for a thanksgiving that Saul their worst enemy is dead. If you have such mind, repent because of words of God in Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20.

Food for Thought: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” Luke 6:27, 28.

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 1:20

Prayer: I need your grace O Lord, to love my enemies. Help me to sincerely do this, I pray in Jesus name.

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

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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

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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. 

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

Your Labours of Love is never in Vain: Devotion for Friday January 24, 2020

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Devotion for Friday January 24, 2020

Topic: Your Labours of Love is never in Vain      

Text: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 7 

Naturally, most kings will try to wipe out the families of their rivals in order to prevent any descendants from seeking the throne. But David showed kindness to Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul.

David was kind, partly because of his loyalty to God’s previously anointed king (1 Samuel 24:5-6) and mainly because of his vow to show kindness to all of Jonathan’s descendants (1 Samuel 20:14 – 17). David did not forget the love and sacrifice Jonathan showed him. Don’t forget the mercies you received from God and people.

People who are really godly will always remember the mercies they received from people and from God. David made inquiry because he knew he owe a great deal of responsibility to the family of Jonathan in particular. Jonathan was David's sworn friend; therefore he shows kindness to his son Mephibosheth. God is ever faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another.

If Providence has raised us, and our friends and their families are brought low, we must look upon that as giving us the fairer opportunity of being kind to them. We can show kindness for love we have received from God by being more dedicated and committed to His service. And to those who have shown us love, we can pray for them always. When we do these, God will bless them and us, the more.

Food for Thought: “Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together” – Goethe.

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Prayer: God, may I ever be grateful for love I have received from you and from people.

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of David

Devotion for Thursday January 11, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of David

Text: 1 Samuel 16:14 – 23

In our clime, a musician was seen as never do well until recently. Most musicians of 1980s back ended up poorly. Then, nobody wants his child to be a musician but it was music that distinguished David and brought him to limelight in Bible days. No talent from God is too small or unworthy to be despised. I once read about a Yoruba woman without a degree that lectures in Harvard on fine art. The gift of that woman made way for her. This was the case of David to as we have in our bible reading for the day. He was skilled in playing musical instrument and when the spirit of God departed from Saul, one of his aides suggested David as one who was skilled in playing music that can calm his melancholy. It was in that service, he rose to prominence in the land of Israel that Saul became envy of him and sought for ways to kill him. The story of David and Saul teaches us that no amount of envy against you and your talent/gifts can stop what God has ordained to be in your life. Are you talented and people are against you in your office, neighbourhood, and school or church that people are now plotting your downfall or how to eliminate you? Their plan cannot work. If Saul didn’t succeed in killing David, they will not succeed in your case. Keep using your gifts and touching lives. God will perfect his words in your life.  Sing A&M 361; Abu 128

Food for Thought: No talent/gift is inconsequential. Therefore use your talent to make name for yourself.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 16:18

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that I will not undermine the gift in me.

Always Do It As God Commanded

Devotion for Saturday September 23, 2017

Topic: Always Do It As God Commanded

Text: Numbers 20: 7 – 13

God’s instructions are meant to be carried out to the letters. Anything short from that instruction amounts to disobedience and there is nothing like partial obedience where God is. Saul disobeyed God by not destroying Amalek who were under curse (Exodus 17:8), and that led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:13 – 24).

God instructed Moses to 1) Take the rod, 2) Gather the whole Assembly to be witnesses of what was to be done, that by their own eyes, they might be convinced and made ashamed of their unbelief and 3) Speak to the rock which will do as it was bidden, to shame the people who had been so often spoken to, and would not hear or obey. God promised him that water will come out of the rock. Moses did numbers one and two but failed in number three. God was not happy with Moses but that act of disobedience denied him entry into the Promised Land.

Do you obey the word of God as instructed? God does not compromise His standard. You must do things as He commanded. We know that the best of men are defective, even in those virtues for which they are most distinguished just like Abraham, Moses, Job and others but that should not be a guarantee for us to willfully do things as they please us. We must be very careful never to miss the mark.

Food for Thought: Partial obedience equals absolute disobedience.

Memory verse: Numbers 20:11

Prayer: Lord God, make me wholly obedient to your word in Jesus name.

Price Of Godliness (Self Exile)

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Devotion for Monday April 3, 2017

Topic: Price Of Godliness (Self Exile)

Text: I Samuel 27:1 – 7

Some commentators interpret David’s action as lack of faith but I don’t belong to such group. Staying in Israel at that time with the level of threat from Saul would have amounted to tempting God or committing suicide. It was God’s leading because it wouldn’t have worked. Again, David went to the greatest enemies of Israel at that time and was welcomed. They would have killed David, a man that killed their champion Goliath but that was not to be as they befriended him and gave him a choice place to stay (see Prov. 16:7).

He fled from Israel to preserve his life. Saul as the king of Israel had authority over all the land and would have gotten David. The sin of David was his desire to live a godly life or else when he had the opportunity, he would have killed Saul and all his problems would have ended but he left everything in God’s hand. The choice of Ziklag by David was a smart one. Apparently he had won a large degree of trust from Achish one of the co-rulers of the five cities of Philistine. Being out of the king’s eye would free him from the risks of exposure as a double-dealer, or of jealousy on the part of Achish, or of becoming a burden on the king’s hospitality.

Jesus Christ told His disciples to flee from cities where they are not welcomed (Lk 10:10 – 12). What Jesus suggested here was right use of wisdom and discretion in time of crisis and uncertainties. We should be wise enough to understand when to stay and when to flee when our lives are being threatened by the enemies.

Food for Thought: If David had stayed put in the land of Israel, do you think he would have escaped from Saul’s desire to kill him?

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 27 verse 2

Prayer: When persecution arises due to godly living, grant me the grace O Lord to know when to flee and when to stay in Jesus name. Amen

Wrong Judgement and Criticism

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Devotion for Sunday February 12, 2017         

Topic: Wrong Judgement and Criticism

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31 – 37

Yesterday, we saw how Eliab took on David because of questions he asked about Goliath.  Eliab saw it as being arrogant (cocky). But it wasn’t so as David came in there and saw things differently. To him, how can an uncircumcised be challenging the army of Israel, the people of the Almighty God and nobody cared to respond? He saw Goliath as defiling the army of Israel and by extension, God their leader. He saw that as a challenge to God which he can’t tolerate.

Before Saul, David was judged and criticised (1 Samuel 17:33) despite his optimism in 1 Samuel 17:32, 34 – 37). When he answered Eliab, he did that with meekness but before Saul he answered with faith, confidence and full assurance. When you know the God you serve, you speak with full assurance and faith. His testimonies drove away fear in Saul. Thus he approved David as one who will fight the Philistine. What is your testimony as a child of God? Can your testimony remove fear from people and instil faith?

A shepherd lad of about 15 years came the same morning from keeping sheep and had more courage than all the mighty men of Israel. It is good to know God! If you know the Almighty God, nothing whatsoever can intimidate you. This confirms the word of Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:27. Do you know that you can shame your critics? All you needed is just to use the stones they had thrown on you to build monuments.

A female doctor told my wife that I was already dead in 2003. My wife rejected that and vow that I will live. Here I am today. Prove those critics wrong by doing what seems impossible and God will back you up. Take a step of faith today and don’t procrastinate. God will honour you.

Food for Thought: 1 Corinthians 1:26 – 29

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 verse 33 - And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”

Prayer: God, grant that I will not judge people wrongly. Help me to rise about criticism and wrong judgement to become a hero and iconic.

MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES: Devotion for Saturday August 13, 2016

MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES: Devotion for Saturday August 13, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 17: 12 – 30           

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17:26 – Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

We have opportunities that come our ways every day. When we maximize the opportunities they usually lead to more opportunities and blessings. Jesse had no other motive of sending David to his brothers in the Israeli army. Fortunately, David got to the Israeli camp at that critical juncture when Goliath was threatening the Israeli army. But God, who in His wisdom orders actions and affairs of men, was there to use David to serve a purpose. He made him and knew the qualities in him.

This instance wasn’t the first time David went to the Israeli camp to see his brothers. He visits them occasionally as we have in 1 Samuel 17:15. However, on this particular visit, David saw the Philistine champion, Goliath threatening the army of Israel and defying their God for 40 days. When David heard the words of Goliath and the promise made by Saul to whoever will kill Goliath, he opted to maximize the opportunity to glorify God. He saw Goliath as inferior in power compare to the fearful animals like bear and lion he had killed earlier while tending his father’s sheep.  

“In times of general formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal which implies readiness to go further, or to venture more in the cause of God than others, will be blamed as pride and ambition” so posited Matthew Henry. This was the case of David’s senior brother who picked offence against him for offering to fight Goliath. David saw that opportunity as appropriate and right to glorify God in the eyes of heathen nation and faithless Israel.

We do have such opportunities on daily basis to preach God’s word and to do good to others. How much do we utilise them? Do we consider what our relations will say and thus fail to speak out for God? Remember that if God can use donkey to speak, He can use any other thing to glorify His name. Will God use stones to glorify Himself when you are alive? Think about it.

Action: Use one opportunity you have this day to preach the gospel to someone.

Prayer: Help me to maximize every opportunity I have to glorify you, O Lord.

FATAL END OF FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for July 3, 2016

FATAL END OF FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Sunday July 3, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 1:13 – 16               

Memory verse: v 16 - So David said to him, "Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the Lord’s anointed.'”

The story of this Amalek and David has some lessons for us. This Amalek had come to give David the message with the mind of getting a reward or a pat at the back for coming to David with the insignia of Saul whom he perceived as the enemy of David. Unfortunately for him, David was not a man who tolerates such act of favour seeking. Despite the fact that Saul was the reason david was in exile then, He didn’t capitalize on that to rejoice over the death of God’s anointed king. He used the words of his mouth to judge him.

David had to put to death, the man who brought the tidings because he confessed that he murdered the king. In ordering the execution of the Amalek, David did not do unjustly; the Amalek confessed to the crime. If he did as he said, he deserved to die for treason; and his lying to David, if indeed it were a lie, proved, as sooner or later that sin will definitely be punished. Hereby David showed himself zealous for public justice, without regard to his own private interest. This is a lesson for us, who tell lies to cheat, seek favour, run colleagues down, etc.

Beloved, there are dangers in telling lies or running down others in a bid to gain favour. Are you a favour seeker in your office, telling unfathomable stories and lies against other staff simply because you want to be in good books of your boss? That is being callous and wicked. Repent of it because there are consequences. There are consequences of such act. If actually you need favour from your boss, why not do it without telling lies against people. Remember, we shall be judged for every idle word that comes out of our mouth.

Food for Thought: Favour seeking will always end in regret. It pays to allow God to grant us the favour we need at the right time

Prayer: Lord, may I not be part of favour seeking through running down of others in Jesus name. 

HE MOURNED AND WEPT: Devotion for Saturday July 2, 2016

HE MOURNED AND WEPT: Devotion for Saturday July 2, 2016 

  

Text: 2 Samuel 1:11 – 12              

Memory verse: v 12 -And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

In the token of anguish, David tore his clothes. This is a common practice in Israel (Gen. 37:29, 34; 43:13; Josh. 7:6; 2 Kings 19:1; Matt. 26:65; Acts 22:23). David was sincere in his mourning for Saul, Jonathan and the fallen heroes of Israel; and all with him humbled themselves under the hand of God too. David wept, mourned and fasted because of Saul, Jonathan and other Israelis that lost their lives. For a man of his calibre to weep openly does not mean he is weak. Such expression at times is needed for some reasons. It eases stress and burden of the heart, and it is used to pass message of love and empathy. Jesus did it at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:35

David act was a clear testimony of his righteousness. “A good man will not desire the death even of his bitterest enemy, though it would open the way to his own elevation, influence, and honour” according to Family Bible Notes. This was the case of David. The emotional expression showed by David clearly underscores his previous acts of saving Saul when he had the opportunity to have killed him as one who fears God. It takes the fear of God to live righteously in our present day society filled with bitterness, envy, anger and greed.

Are you heavily burdened? Are you mourning the death of loved ones? You should not restrict yourself from expressing your emotion even in the public. Jesus did it. One way to ease our burdened heart especially that of bereavement is by weeping. It is not a mark of weakness. It helps us to ease off and be revived. The act of David here should be a challenge for us. We should not gloat over the downfall of our enemies just as we read yesterday, rather we should show love for them and even when death or evil befalls them, we shouldn’t gloat over them.  

Food for Thought: A good man will not desire the death even of his bitterest enemy, though it would open the way to his own elevation, influence, and honour.

Prayer: God, give me heart of love for those who despise and hate me.

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

FAVOUR SEEKERS: Devotion for Thursday June 30, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 1:1 – 10      

Memory verse: v 10 - So I stood over him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.

The true account of Saul’s death is in 1 Sam. 31:3, 4. The young man from Amalek was evidently lying. Probably he had come upon Saul’s dead body and thought David would reward the person who had killed his rival. This was enough evidence to show that he was a favour seeker. The man pretended to be the one who had killed Saul and he brought along Saul’s insignia of royalty for proof. This messenger presents himself to David in the posture of a mourner for the deceased prince and a subject to the succeeding one. He came with his clothes rent, and made obeisance to David, pleasing himself with the fancy that he had the honour to be the first that did him homage as his sovereign. Unfortunately, David immediately judged him from the words of his mouth and sentenced him to death (1 Sam. 1:13–15). This is an eye opener for those who take delight to run others down as they seek favour of their superior.

Most times, the courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin (remember the story of Haman how he tried to kill all the Jews just because of Mordecai). This is how most people run down colleagues in offices, neighbourhood, etc, because they want favour from their boss or someone in leadership position. Have you experience the act of these favour seekers? Share your experience. What shall it profit you when you betray people in a bid to secure the goods of this world or a position in office? Why tell lies because you want to gain the praise of the people or your boss? Christians should speak the truth always and not to tell lies against people in a bid to secure a position or gain favour. It boomerangs!

Food for Thought: The courses wicked men take for their own advancement, often prove the occasion of their ruin.

Prayer:  Help me, O Lord, never to betray others because I am seeking for favour. 

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.        

GOD USES HUMANS AS AGENTS: Devotion for Friday May 13, 2016

GOD USES HUMANS AS AGENTS: Devotion for Friday May 13, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 19:11 – 17     Memory verse: v 13

There is no limit to what our God can do and who or what He can use to fulfill His will and purposes. When Balaam didn’t hear His word, He used his donkey to speak to him (Num. 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 Him. After David had killed Goliath, the Philistine giant and champion, Saul became his avowed enemy. He tried every opportunity that comes his way to kill David. Here is another design of mischief by Saul to kill David. When David had escaped the javelin (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 (19:11). What was his wrong? He did not ask God to make him king. It was God’s decision which no man can overturn.

“God moves in a mysterious ways, His wonders to perform” so says a song writer, 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. 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.

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.     

WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T HELP: Devotion for TuesdayMay

WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T HELP: Devotion for Tuesday May 3, 2016     

Text: Acts 9:10 – 18      Memory verse: v 13

There are so many people who are suffering today just because their appointed helpers have refused to help. They will always have one reason or another why they won’t help people who come to them for help or they come across. One of the reasons people don’t help is poor understanding of how their wealth came about (see yesterday’s devotion). They will question; where were you when I was making my money? This is sheer arrogance. Another reason is in 9:13 – our past or history. Some will recount what happened in the days of your forefathers and because of that they will not help anyone from your family.

Ananias initially refused to help Saul because of his past. He told God what he knew or heard about Saul. However, God insisted that he was the one chosen for the task. It was that insistence from God that made Ananias to help Saul. My prayer is that God in His mercies will insist that your helpers will come your way in Jesus name. The excuse of Ananias is contrary to the bible teaching concerning our relationship with our enemies – Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you (Matt 5:44; Lk. 6:27, 35; Rom. 12:14, 20; 1 Pet. 2:23; 3:9). As Christians, we should not fail to help people by recounting what happened in the past or any reason at all. We should behave like our Father in heaven as we have in Matt. 5:45.

Action: As you go out today, ensure you do good to someone who actually needs help without counting the cost.

Prayer: God, help me to love my enemies and to do good to them because it is the best way to sow your love in their hearts.              

GOOD DEED AND RECOMPENSE Friday February 19, 2016

GOOD DEED AND RECOMPENSE    Friday February 19, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 8                 Memory verse: v 1

Most times, we forget the gratitude we owe people due to some engagements. At times it is not because we don’t want to or it was oversight or we don’t have the means to do it but we are choked by some other things that we easily forget the good people do for us. True Christians will not have peace of mind until they return kindness that they received from others. My father bought exercise books for someone when he was a teacher. After over 50 years, the man came, renovated part of his house and installed a cable Television for him. Indeed, good deeds will never die. They will always receive recompense.

Here, David remembered the good things he received from Jonathan the son of Saul. This was a man who ought to become king after his father, Saul. When he knew that God’s hand was upon David, instead of joining the father to fight him, supported him to ascend the throne of Israel (1 Sam 18:3 and 20:14–17, 42. compare Prov. 27:10). This passage enjoins us not to forsake friends. Most people easily forsake friends when they ascend higher position like election into a political office, appointments, etc. This is not what a Christian should do. We owe our friends and their family members a great debt of love and kindness. We should not turn our backs on them especially when we have at one time or another received kindness from them too. Matthew Henry sums up our text by saying that “If Providence has raised us and our friends and their families are brought low, we must look upon that as giving us the fairer opportunity of being kind to them.” This should challenge us to act.

Food for Thought: God is faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another.

Prayer: May I never be ungrateful O Lord, for the good deeds I have received from you and people in Jesus name.

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.

YOU CAN DECEIVE MAN BUT NOT GOD: Devotion for Sunday September 6, 2015

YOU CAN DECEIVE MAN BUT NOT GOD    Sunday September 6, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 18:17 – 19                      Memory verse: v 17b

When God’s hand and anointing is upon your life, every plan of the enemies against you will never succeed. Saul made David a captain so that it will be an opportunity for the Philistines to kill him (18:13, 17). Very unfortunate! What some people will not do directly, they often attempt to do indirectly, and thus try to cast the responsibility of their evil actions on others. This was the case of Saul here but he cannot deceive God. God is the owner and sustainer of our lives and this world.

Beloved, every evil plan against your life will not see the light of the day. God will frustrate them. Immediately after my birth, the enemies came after me. I was about 2 years old, a woman poured pepper and set fire on the faeces I passed at the back of the family house just to eliminate me. God of miracle sent rain immediately amidst sunshine and put off the fire. There are many other attempts even of recent where people confessed to being responsible for all the problems I have been through. Here I am today doing what God has called me into. The gang up against you will not succeed in Jesus name (Isaiah 54:17). They will reap the fruits of their labour.

Food for Thought: Why didn’t God approve Saul’s plan against David?

Prayer: Lord, frustrate all plans of the enemies against me in Jesus name.

THE POWER OF WISDOM: Devotion for Saturday September 5, 2015

THE POWER OF WISDOM            Saturday September 5, 2015

Text: 1 Samuel 18:12 – 16           Memory verse: v 15

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary says, “For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations!” We should imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Are there no sinful omissions, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conducts towards those who oppose us? Opposition and perverseness in others are no excuse to wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to our call and duties.

This is a great challenge for us. David behaved wisely which attracted love from the people and Saul was afraid of him. We should learn to behave wisely in all situations. This is the only way to shame our detractors and even win some of them for Christ.

Food for Thought: Wise behaviour makes enemies afraid of you. 

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom to behave well when faced with challenges and oppositions in Jesus name

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