Awake From Sleep: Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

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Devotion for Friday October 9, 2020

Topic: Awake From Sleep                               

Text: Ephesians 5:12 – 20                         

As Christians, we should stand for the truth; we shouldn’t get caught up in gossip about the shameful actions of sinful people (Ephesians 5:12). We should not promote or dignify sin by even so much as discussing it. What the ungodly people do in secret becomes clear for how evil it is as light shines on them. Nothing can hide from the light piercing through darkness. Believers are the “rays” of that light. By our actions (Ephesians 5:8 – 12), we become instruments of light, exposing the dark acts of sin.

Apostle Paul instructs us to expose these deeds, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right. This is not optional.

It is for this reason the Apostle calls on compromising Christians to wake up from sleep (Ephesians 5:14) and begin to live for Christ. What Paul was stressing here is that the Ephesians should wake up and realize the dangerous condition into which some of them had been slipping into. Are such things not seen in our present day Christendom where we pretend and are nonchalant to our call to rebuke evil and sin? Are we not unperturbed and senseless in the darkness, and pollution of sin, and sometimes rename sin so as to cover our unrighteousness?

We should wake from death in sin to a sense of our guilty, lost condition, and look to Him who died for us, and He will make us light. We should redeem the time we have lost while asleep by being active for God. God is waiting for you to act. Start now (Isaiah 60:1)!   

Food for Thought: Romans 13:11 & 12

Memory verse: Ephesians 5 v 14

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast way the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility so that on the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty: to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever (Collect for Advent Sunday). 

As Befits the Saints: Devotion for Wednesday October 7, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday October 7, 2020

Topic: As Befits the Saints                              

Text: Ephesians 5:3 – 5                              

There are things that befit Christians and there are things that shouldn’t be associated with Christians and Christianity. In our text for the day, Paul is saying to us that filthy lusts must be rooted out of our lives. These immoral sins mentioned in Ephesians 5:3 – 6 must be dreaded and detested by Christians. Most of us find pleasure in obscene stories and coarse jokes that we begin to take them for granted.

However, Paul cautions that outside immorality Ephesians 5:3, improper language should have no place in the Christian’s conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us (Ephesians 5:4). How can we praise God and remind others of His goodness when we are speaking coarsely? These shouldn’t be associated with us who are Christians because by our call, we are made holy unto God and such acts of immorality defiles us.

Our society today is a liberal one. People do what pleases them. Sexual immorality includes any kind of sexual perversion and many people have claimed some bible passages to back up their sexual immoralities. Sexual immorality was tolerated in the pagan Roman society (see Romans 1:24 – 32), but it should not exist in the Christian community especially our own. Neither should there be any impurity amongst us. No matter the name some Christians call sin to cover their evil, true Christians should be different. We must hate sin because God does so.

Food for Thought: Ephesians 4:17 – 19

Memory verse: Ephesians v 3

Prayer: Help me to mortify, O Lord, every immoral desire in my life in Jesus name.

Our God Is Not Handicapped: Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

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Devotion for Friday October 2, 2020

Topic: Our God Is Not Handicapped                 

Text: Isaiah 59:1 – 8                                

It is erroneous to believe that God is handicapped. It is the belief of some many people that is why their miracles elude them and that is the reason some give up the faith and drop their bibles.

In 1 Samuel 5:1 – 5, is the story of how God proved that He is not handicapped and can fight for Himself. His Ark of Covenant was taken to the shrine of Philistine god, Dagon and He brought the statue down on two occasions. Unlike the Muslims who always take to arms when they perceive that Mohammed their prophet has been blasphemed. Our God fights for Himself. If we are not saved and our prayers are not answered, it is not because God is handicapped or incapacitated.

Here we see sin in its consequences; exceedingly hurtful, separating from God, and so separating us, not only from all good, but to all evil and their consequences. Yet there are many who derive joy in living in sin. This is very unfortunate!

Because God is holy, He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn’t matter. Sin cuts people off from Him, forming a wall to isolate God from the people He loves. No wonder this long list of wretched sins makes God angry and forces Him to look the other way. People, who die with their life of sin, separate themselves eternally from God.

Finally, let us always search ourselves because our salvation is not because God is handicapped but because of our sins. Have you confessed to God and repented of them, allowing Him to remove it? The Lord can save you if you turn to Him. Maximize this opportunity because He is ever willing to save you if you can repent.   

Food for Thought: You can hinder your salvation and blessings not because God is incapacitated.

Memory verse: Isaiah 59 v 1

Prayer: God, I repent of my sins today (mention them) because they are hindrance to my blessings in Jesus name.

Sanctification and Its Effect: Devotion for Friday September 4, 2020

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Devotion for Friday September 4, 2020

Topic: Sanctification and Its Effect           

Text: Ezekiel 36: 25 - 38                           

God promised to restore Israel not only physically but spiritually. To accomplish this, He promised to give them a new heart for following Him and put His Spirit within them (Ezekiel 11:19 – 20; Psalms 51:7 – 11) aimed at transforming them and empowering them to do His will. This is the effect of sanctification of His people.

God said his people should be ashamed of their sins (Ezekiel 36:31). The people had become so callous that they had lost all sensitivity to sin. First they had to “remember” their sins; be ashamed of them, and finally repent of them (James 4:8 – 9). If we examine our lives, we may find that we, too, have lost our sensitivity to certain sins. To regain our sensitivity to sin we must recognize our sin for what it is, be sorry for displeasing God, and ask for His forgiveness.

You may have been living in sin and highly polluted. God offers you a fresh start today. You can have your sins washed away, receive a new heart for God, and have His Spirit within you, if you accept His promise. This will be the beginning of a life of righteousness; a life that hearkens to God's law, trembling at His threats, moulded to comply with His whole will. Why try to patch up your old life when you can have a new one?   

Food for Thought: Is your heart right with God?

Memory verse: Ezekiel 36 v 26

Prayer: God, grant me the heart that obeys your law and comply with your will in Jesus name. 

The Purpose of Animal Sacrifice: Devotion for Thursday June 25, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday June 25, 2020

Topic: The Purpose of Animal Sacrifice                      

Text: Leviticus 1:1 – 9                                  

God made it clear from the time of creation that sin separates people from Him, and that those who sin deserve to die. But because all have sinned (Romans 3:23), God, filled with love and mercy, designed sacrifice as a way to seek forgiveness and to restore a relationship with Him. He instructed people to kill animals as sacrifices for sin. That’s why when God taught His people to worship Him; He placed great emphasis on sacrifices (Leviticus 1:2). Sacrifices were God’s Old Testament way for people to ask forgiveness for their sins.

There are two purposes for animal sacrifice:

(1) The animal representatively took the sinner’s place and paid the penalty for sin; and

(2) The animal’s death represented one life given so that another life could be saved. This was a shadow of what Jesus later did for us on the Cross of Calvary. Then, it was effective in teaching and guiding the people and bringing them back to God.

In New Testament times, however, Christ’s death became the last sacrifice needed. He took the punishment once and for all for those who trust in him. Animal sacrifice is no longer required. Now, all people can be freed from the penalty of sin by turning away from their sin, trusting in Jesus, and accepting the forgiveness He offers.

Have you turned away from your sins and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Note that modern day sacrifice in terms of tithe, offering, financial support towards God’s work are not enough to save us. They are majorly ways of attracting more blessings from God. See Psalm 51:16, 17

Food for Thought: Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.   

Memory verse: Leviticus 1:4                                                                    

Prayer: Help me Lord God to yield my life totally to you instead of depending on sacrifices which cannot save me.

Give No Room for the Flesh: Devotion for Sunday June 21, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 21, 2020

Topic: Give No Room for the Flesh                      

Text: Galatians 5:16 – 18                                  

To prevent the aforementioned evils in Galatians 5:15, Paul exhorted the Galatians to walk in the Spirit, that is, according to the guidance, direction, and influence of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges the great weakness of the Godly, because they are but in part regenerated. His exhortation was a reminder that they are endued with the Spirit of God, who has delivered them from the slavery of sin, and so from the Law, inasmuch as it is the power of sin, so that they should not give themselves to lusts any more.

Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God’s Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings. Paul’s emphasis was that they should live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. Only then will the word of Christ be in their minds, the love of Christ will be behind their actions, and the power of Christ will help them control your selfish desires.

Beloved, what Paul is saying here is that we the present day readers should no longer give room to the fleshly desires and lust but rather we should be filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Giving room for the flesh emanates from emptiness and having wrong desires.

Walking in our text means living. When we live in the Holy Spirit, we won’t be doing what our sinful nature craves. When we become Christians, our sinful nature still exists. But God asks us to place our sinful nature under the control of the Holy Spirit so that He can transform it. Are you still under the influence of the flesh? Prayerfully place them under the control of the Holy Spirit and He will transform you.

Food for Thought: Romans 13:14

Memory verse: Galatians 5:16

Prayer: Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, crucify the power of flesh and lust in me.

Avoid Unnecessary Embarrassment: Devotion for Sunday June 12, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday June 12, 2020

Topic: Avoid Unnecessary Embarrassment      

Text: Judges 6:1 – 5                                              

Except for God’s grace, men are naturally incline to sin. It is said that “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” God doesn’t punish a people without first warning them except the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

One of the warnings handed over to the people of Israel by God through Moses was the warning of idol worship. It was a lengthy passage in the bible (Leviticus 26:14 – 46; Deuteronomy 28:15 – 68). Unfortunately, they couldn’t resist the temptation. For the evil they committed, see Judges 2:13 and 19. Sin tends to misery, and all the calamities which men suffer are tokens of God's displeasure against it.

What these neighbours of Israel did was to ensure there was no food in Israel. Their mission was not to take their produce away but to destroy them. It became embarrassment for the Israelites.   

The purpose of God's punishments is to call His people to repentance, that they may seek help from Him. Such embarrassment on a nation was the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. This is how devil embarrasses most pretenders to be Christian. For example what took a Pastor to the bedroom of a parishioner when only the wife of the man is at home? What is a condom doing in the bible of a brother preaching inside the bus? How come a sister who told the world she was a virgin give birth just 4 months after wedding?

As Christians, our standards should be high. There is no compromise about it. You may be hiding and compromising with sin but a day will come when God will embarrass you. Beware!

Food for Thought: Those who compromise their faith will always eat shame because their acts are never hidden for long

Memory verse: Judges 6:4             

Prayer: God, remove anything that will make the enemies to embarrass me.

Is God Inconsiderate To Our Prayers? Devotion for Tuesday May 12, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday May 12, 2020

Topic: Is God Inconsiderate To Our Prayers?                                   

Text: Isaiah 59:1 – 8

Sometimes, when our prayers are not answered at the time we anticipated we usually conclude that God is inconsiderate. Most times, the reason our prayers are not answered is sin or perhaps not the right time God has appointed.

Here the prophet Isaiah highlighted it consequences especially in our relationship with God. It separates us from God and makes His ears to be heavy towards our prayers. Its consequences are exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and all good God has in plan for us. The prophet went further to enumerate the consequences of sin in Isaiah 59:9ff.

We usually accuse God of being inconsiderate to our needs and prayers even when we are living in sin. God cannot change His standard because of you. He hates sins and it can turn His ears away from our prayers. How can God answer you when you are living in bitterness, hypocrisy, adultery, fornication, masturbation and all manner of immorality? How can He answer when you are hoarding anger and grudges? It cannot work!

It is not only when we have killed or committed adultery/fornication that we have sinned. Little foxes like bitterness, anger, hatred, malice, lies will ever continue to make God inconsiderate to our needs until we repent of them. Kill those foxes now before it will be too late.

Food for Thought: God is never inconsiderate to us. We are the ones who sent Him away by accommodating sins in our lives.

Memory verse: Isaiah 59:2

Prayer: God, grant me the grace not to accommodate sin in my life but to passionately hate it so that your ears will not be heavy towards my prayers.

God Rescues and Saves Us: Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

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Devotion for Sunday April 26, 2020

Topic: God Rescues and Saves Us                                               

Text: Psalm 107:10 – 16

Never undermine what God can do. He can turn a very bad and irredeemable situation into our favour when He is determined and that is why He is never too later in case He wants to act on. We should note that sin has so much consequences and the bible says that the soul that sins shall die.

Our text started with the level of affliction meted out on the Israelites (Psalm 107:10, 12) because they sinned against God (Psalm 107:11). In most cases sin is the major cause of troubles and problems of life we pass through. Most times God allow some of these afflictions to come upon us so we can redress our steps and seek His face in repentance. This was the case as they sought the Lord in their trouble and he heard them and delivered them out of their troubles.

Most times we don’t turn to God when we run into trouble. We try so many avenues for solution before we remember that God is there for us. God speedily answered His people when they repent. The Israelites stayed very long before they cried to God, but He was not long before He saved. They had sought for help everywhere else before they came to Him, but when they did address themselves to Him, they were welcome at once. This is the God we serve. A loving Father indeed! Remember the story of Prodigal Son which Jesus Christ used to teach us about the forbearance of God.

Beloved, are you in trouble? Are you concerned about the lockdown and Covid-19? Are you troubled about your family, children, spouse, business and many others? Call upon God now. Do not procrastinate about it and don’t let your sin pose as a barrier because He is ever willing to forgive you. Call upon Him today and don’t delay. He will safe you speedily no matter how irredeemable it may seem in the eyes of men.       

Food for Thought: Psalm 50:15

Memory verse: Psalm 107:13

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from all troubles of life I am passing through in Jesus name.

Ways Temptations Come To Us: Devotion for Thursday April 23, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday April 23, 2020

Topic: Ways Temptations Come To Us                         

Text: James 1:13 – 15

According to Matthew Henry, “Those who lay the blame of sin, either upon their constitution, or upon their condition in the world, or pretend they cannot keep from sinning, wrong God as if He were the author of sin.” Whenever God brings trials on our way, His aim is always to draw out the graces He has bestowed on us.

James shows us here that the origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts and not God or even Satan. Thus we can stop sin from onset by resisting the things that leads to sin (James 1:14) or we will be charged with all the evils that follow. If the bible says that the consequences of sin is death (Romans 6:23a) and God is not pleased with the death of sinners (Lamentation 3:33; Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11), how can He tempt us into sinning which will lead to our death?

Most times we easily blame the devil for every sin we commit but James 1:14 underscores the opposite of our usual claim that devil is author of our sins. We are therefore to look for the cause of every sin, inside us, not out of ourselves. Even the enticements of the devil cannot hurt except we yield to them.

Everyone has desires arising from his own passions, tempers, habits, and ways of life. Do your ways of life entice you into sin? Remember any Christian without self-control is not a true child of God.  

Food for Thought: Proverbs 4:23

Memory verse: James 1:14

Prayer: My God, grant me the grace to moderate my desires never to be enticed by things that will lead me into sin in Jesus name.

They Despised God's Warning: Devotion for Tuesday, April 21, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday April 21, 2020

Topic: They Despised God’s Warning                         

Text: Genesis 6:13 – 22

There are many ways God warns us. It could be through spoken word, through dreams, through natural events or through signs and wonders. The essence is for us to avoid the impending danger. Daily on the media, we see and read about warnings on environment, nutrition or religious, politics and many other warnings. Most people have even stopped listening to these warnings. That was probably how people responded to Noah.

Our text tells the story of how Noah and his family built an ark in obedience to God, in response to His warning that the earth would be destroyed. Then, Noah was the only righteous person living. The Bible didn’t state that people mocked Noah, but it certainly shows that no one listened to him or to God.

Noah got right to work as God commanded (Genesis 6:22). From 1 Peter 3:20 it seems that people were warned about the coming disaster but, apparently, did not expect it to happen. This is how people today often react to warnings, even warnings from God.

Daily, thousands are told of God’s inevitable judgement, yet most don’t really believe it will occur. This is same with the Covid-19 pandemic. Most people are adamant to warnings of stay at home. When it hit them, they will realize that Covid-19 is true.

As Christians who go out to preach the gospel, we shouldn’t expect people to welcome or accept your message of God’s coming judgement on sin. Some will scorn you but don’t let it trouble your heart. Nevertheless, for our good, we should not neglect the warning about the second coming of Christ as Noah’s generation did.

Food for Thought: How do you take God’s commandment?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:7

Prayer: Grant me O Lord, an obedient heart to do as you command me

A Just Reward For Sin: Devotion for Tuesday April 14, 2020

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Devotion for Tuesday April 14, 2020

Topic: A Just Reward For Sin                                        

Text: Romans 6:12 – 23

After the admonition to walk in newness of life by Paul as we read yesterday, he went further to speak about the just reward for sin. He started by saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (6:12). That was a conclusion of his exhortation in Romans 6:1 – 11. He gave this charge because of the consequences and reward for sin.

Most people play with sin as if it has no consequence. If we are dead to sin, how can sin still control us? True Christians have died to sin, but as long as they live in their mortal bodies, they will have the compulsion to sin. But only because they have died to sin that they will have the power to hinder it from controlling them. It is worthy to note the question in Romans 6:15.

This result of sin is not just physical death; everyone dies physically, believers and nonbelievers alike. This death refers to eternal separation from God. This is the wage that a person receives for his or her rebellion against God. But instead of wages, those who believe receive a free gift from God, eternal life. Which reward are you expecting to receive?

Just as the labourer is worthy of his hire and feels it to be his due, so death is the due for sin, the wages the sinner has formed for himself. The good news is that God has offered us eternal life as a gift. Have you received yours?

Food for Thought: Are you working for wage or gift?

Memory verse: Romans 6:23

Prayer: God your gift for me is eternal life. Grant that I will not miss out in Jesus name.

What is Ecommergy? Find the answer as you click on this.

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.

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

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Devotion for Sunday March 29, 2020

Topic: Our Assurance of Salvation                           

Text: 1 John 5: 1 – 5

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

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

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

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

Memory verse: 1 John 5:2

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

Servants of Sin:Devotion for Wednesday January 29, 2020

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Devotion for Wednesday January 29, 2020

Topic: Servants of Sin

Text: Romans 6:1 – 6

Paul expresses the necessity of holiness in life of Christians. He shows that justification and holiness are inseparable. He asked series of questions here (Romans 6:1–3) stressing that Christians should abhor the thought of continuing in sin. In view of the foregoing truths (Romans 5) and especially the fact that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, shall we continue to live in sin, that grace may the more abound?

In Romans 6:4, Paul exhorted Christians who have received the sacrament of baptism, should walk in newness of life so as to be united with Christ in His resurrection (Romans 6:5). Baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life.

Christians should know that our old man (old nature of sin) has been crucified and what is crucified is dead. The reason for crucifying the old nature is to deliver us from being servants of sin. It is one thing to sin, and another thing to serve sin: To serve sin, is to yield willing obedience, to indulge ourselves in any presumptuous act or course of sin. It is prevalent of sin that destroys the sinner. Being in the flesh makes us to continue in sin and that displeases God.

Are you still living in sin and serving it? The whole body of sin, whatever is not according to the holy law of God, must be done away with, so that we may no more be the slave of sin, but live to God, and find happiness in His service.

Food for Thought: Continuing in sin makes our baptism irrelevant.

Memory verse: Galatians 5:24

Prayer: Lord, help me to live a crucified life so I will no longer be a servant of sin.

Wearying God with Sin: Devotion for Sunday January 19, 2020

Devotion for Sunday January 19, 2020

Topic: Wearying God with Sin                            

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28

A sacrifice required both giving up a valuable animal (item) and pleading with God for forgiveness. But the people presented God with sins instead of sacrifices (Isaiah 43:24). Can you imagine bringing the best of your sins to God’s altar?

This ironic picture shows the depths at which Israel had sunk. What do you present to God; your sins or a plea for his forgiveness? Despite all these atrocities, God assures His people of forgiveness. For God, when He forgives our sins, He totally forgets them (Isaiah 43:25). We don’t have to fear that He will remind us of them later. Because God forgives our sins, we need to forgive others.

Can anyone justify himself before God? Yet, out of mercy He calls on us to dialogue with Him so we may be acquitted if found not guilty (Isaiah 43:26 compare 1:18). 

How do we weary God with sin? When we come before Him often and again but refuse to repent of our sins or when we know we are living in sin and instead of repenting, we glory in them. These are some of the ways we weary God with our sins. Wearying God with our sins will definitely attract some unbearable consequences (use verse 28 to compare Romans 6:23). God exposed them to contempt and destruction and ours will not be an exemption except we repent now. Are you wearying God with your sins?

Food for Thought: Beware! Sin has grievous consequences.

Memory verse: Isaiah 1:14

Prayer: God, grant me broken and contrite heart for my sins so I will repent of them and not to weary you with them in Jesus name.

God Released Her by Grace: Devotion for Thursday January 2, 2020

Devotion for Thursday January 2, 2020 

                    

Topic: God Released Her by Grace               

Text: John 8:1 – 11

When Jesus invited someone without sin to throw the first stone on this woman, the leaders slipped away one by one, from oldest to youngest. “Evidently the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness. 

We all have a sinful nature and are desperately in need of forgiveness and transformation” so says Life Application Commentary. None of us would have been able to throw the first stone because we cannot claim that we have no sin. We would have also walked away. 

Actually no one could claim he or she is sinless so as to stone this woman. Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy and embarrassed them. 

They went back in shame to think of some other ways to trap Jesus. No one had accused the woman and Jesus kindly said to He would not condemn her either. 

Thus she was released from death by grace. She was not simply free to go her way. Jesus didn’t free her from the Pharisees, He want to free her from her sin, so he added, “Go and sin no more.” 

Jesus didn’t condemn her, but neither did he ignore or condone her behavior. Jesus told the woman to leave her life of sin. 

As we have been graciously brought into this New Year, we should not abuse the grace of God. He brought us into the New Year because He expects a change in us. Don’t think you deserve to be alive; it is by God’s grace. 

Live in gratitude like this woman having received God’s grace to enter into this year.

Food for Thought: How grateful are you to God for the grace to see this year?

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8

Prayer: Lord I am alive by your grace. Help me to live my life in gratitude for this singular honour.

No Special Favour with God: Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

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Devotion for Wednesday July 31, 2019

Topic: No Special Favour with God

Text: Romans 11:16 – 21

God is no respecter of man. You may be His favourite today but if tomorrow you sin, He punishes you without looking at your face or blinking an eye. David’s case with Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah was a clear demonstration that God punishes even His favourite.

Paul tells us that the reason why the Jews were broken off (Romans 11:20) was their unbelief. Again the only reason we (the Gentile) are still in place is because of our trust in God of the Jews.

He thus warns us not to go the ways of the Jews God rejected or else He will not spare us. If God did not refrain from rejecting the Jews who became unbelievers assuredly He will not refrain from rejecting us in the same circumstance.

Therefore, Paul advises us not to take God’s goodness and severity for granted (Romans 11:22 compare John 15:2; 1 Corinthians 15:2 and Hebrews 3:6, 14).

Beloved, with God there is no favouritism. God’s standard is the same whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, male or female, of black race or white, etc.

As children of God, we should not be partial too. As Personnel Manager in your office, do you consider tribe, religion or relationship in offering employment to people?

In the church, do you give your people certain position because they are your people? If we are called children of God, we must behave like God in all ramifications.

God looks at the heart, no wonder He chose David instead of Eliab.

Lastly, we should not think that as Christians today, we have made it to heaven. We should be mindful of what we do because any little slip or compromise can cost us our salvation. We must continue to take heed lest we fall off.

Almighty God, please help us to remain steadfast in Jesus name. Amen

Food for Thought: It was possible that God could break off the Jews on the account of their unbelief. Certainly, He will not spare us if we follow suit.

Memory verse: Romans 11: 21

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in faith and not to be partial in my dealing with people.

There Are Rewards For Sin

Devotion for Tuesday April 3, 2018

Topic: There Are Rewards For Sin

Text: Romans 6:12 – 23

After the admonition to walk in newness of life by Paul as we read yesterday, he went further to speak about the just reward for sin. By just reward, he means that punishment which is right for a sinner who continues to live in sin. He started by saying, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (6:12). That was a conclusion of his exhortation in Romans 6:1 – 11. He gave this charge because of the consequences and reward for sin. Most people play with sin as if it has no consequence. If we are dead to sin, how can sin still control us? Christians ought to die to sin, but as long as they live in their mortal bodies, they will have the compulsion to sin. But it is expected that we should develop the willpower to no longer let it control us. Worthy of note is the question in Romans 6:15. Refusal to obey the law in pretence of being under grace and still living in sin is turning the grace of God into wantonness. We shouldn’t use our Christian liberty as an occasion to satisfy the desires of the flesh. This reward of sin is not just physical death; everyone dies physically, believers and nonbelievers alike. This refers to eternal separation from God in hell. This is the wage that a person receives for his or her rebellion against God. But instead of wages, those who believe receive a free gift from God, eternal life. Just as the laborer is worthy of his hire and feels it to be his due, so death is the due for sin, the wages the sinner has formed for himself. The good news is that God has offered us eternal life as a gift. Have you received yours?

Sing A&M 87; Abu 173

Food for Thought: Are you working for a wage or gift from God?

Memory verse: Romans 6:23

Prayer: God your gift for me is eternal life. Grant that I will not miss out in Jesus name.

Walk In Newness Of Life

Devotion for Monday April 2, 2018

Topic: Walk In Newness Of Life

Text: Romans 6:1 – 11

Yesterday was Easter, the resurrection of Jesus from death which gave us hope for eternal life. This is the reason Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. That new creation is the life that he talks about here in our bible reading for today. The newness of life starts at repentance. It is expected that believers must die to sin, and live to God (Romans 6:1, 2). Dying to sin is likened to death of Christ and living to God is likened to the resurrection of Christ. Our baptism teaches the necessity of dying to sin, and being as it were buried from all ungodly and unholy pursuits, and of rising to walk with God in newness of life. Those who believe in Christ are baptized into Him and into His death. In other words, they are baptized to become one with Christ Jesus. As he died, we die to our old, sinful lifestyle, and a new life begins. If we believe that our old, sinful lives are dead and buried, we should develop the motive to resist sin. We can consciously choose to treat the desires and temptations of the old nature as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus (see also Galatians 3:27; Colossians 3:1-4). Are you still under the influence of the old nature? Is sin still having upper hand in your life? Then you are not walking in newness of life. Sing A&M 169; Abu 9

Food for Thought: Are you living a new life of holiness as a Christian?

Memory verse: Romans 6:4

Prayer: Lord God, help me to walk in newness of life as one who has resurrected with Christ through my baptism.