Focus On Christ And Not Problem

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Friday January 27, 2017

Topic: Focus On Christ And Not Problem

Text: Matthew 14:28 – 33    

The author of Hebrews advised us to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Have you ever thought of living a good Christian life without Christ? Do you think it is possible?

Looking unto Jesus is very expedient because we will fail woefully if we undertake anything without the help of God. He is our help, our source of strength, our anchor, etc. He doesn’t fail. He has passed through this road and He alone is able to keep us through. Just keep trusting Him in all situations, no matter how severe or terrible the case may be.

The disciples doubted if the person walking on the sea and talking to them was Jesus Christ. This prompted Peter to make the request in Matthew 14:28. Jesus granted his request and he walked on the sea to meet Jesus. All was well as long as he focused on Jesus Christ but when he removed his eyes from Him, he saw the wave and his faith faltered. He started sinking but had to shout out to Jesus for help.

Most times we focus on our problems instead of focusing on the solution to the problem. Jesus is able to solve our problems. His verdict is what matters and He can overrule what the doctor has said or what Satan had decree. Therefore we shouldn’t be so upset when we face challenges. We should look up to Christ for help. He will always answer us.

Food for Thought: Hebrew 12:1

Memory verse: Matthew 14 verse 30 - But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Prayer: God, I stretch out my hands to you this day. Help me out of all troubles aiming to swallow me up in Jesus name. Amen.

TOILING IN VAIN?

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 6, 2016

Topic: TOILING IN VAIN?                   

Text: Luke 5:1 – 11                            

Teaching is very important in pastoral ministry and when you have the word of God, people will come to wherever you are to hear the word. A good teacher of the gospel uses every opportunity to teach is disciples or members. He doesn’t wait till they gather in the church. This was the characteristic of Jesus’ earthly ministry. People came to Him to hear the word of God and He taught them. A friend complaining about the preaching of his pastor said, “We come to church because of the word and not story telling.”

Jesus understood this and used Peter’s boat to preach from the Sea of Galilee (Lake of Gennesaret). After preaching, he told Peter to cast down his net for a catch. Though they had taken nothing, yet Christ told them to let down their nets again. When Jesus met them at the sea, they were washing their nets apparently on the basis that the day’s business was over. They’ve called it a day. We must not abruptly quit our callings because we have not succeeded as we desired. Though they have toiled without success, Peter was willing to still try because Jesus has commanded. At last, there was a haul of fish. Jesus was true to His words. He showed His supremacy over creatures and laws of nature. 

As Christians, we are called to preach the gospel. We should not be discouraged when we have preached and laboured long without apparent successes; but according to Christ's directions, we should continue to labour in humble dependence on Him, and with believing expectations that in His own time and way He will give us success. On the other hand, have you been toiling in vain in your trade, craft, office, business, marriage, studies, etc? God is saying cast your net for a catch. All you need is simple obedience and things will begin to work. You may not need to change your business but patiently ask God to direct you on what to do that you have not been doing. God will certainly surprise you.   

Food for Thought: Obedience is the key to successes and miracles.

Memory verse: Luke 5 verse 5

Prayer: Lord, grant me a willing and obedient heart to trust and obey your commands in 
Jesus name.