The Price Tag of Salvation: Devotion for Monday August 24, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday August 24, 2020

Topic: The Price Tag of Salvation            

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10                               

The parable of the lost sheep is very applicable to the great work of man's redemption whereby God left His heavenly throne to come down to this sinful world to seek for us.

The two parables were given by Jesus to answer the question posted by the Pharisees and Scribes in Luke 15:2. The tag of salvation is likened to the sacrifice of the Shepherd dutifully and diligently looking for his lost sheep and the woman looking for the lost coin. 

The lost sheep represents the sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to Him, yet not desirous to return. Christ is earnest in bringing sinners home.

In the parable of the lost piece of silver, that which is lost is one piece, of small value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods God makes use of, to bring lost souls home to Himself, and the Saviour's joy on their return to Him. How careful then should we be that we do not take our repentance for granted!

God’s love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is found. Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost sheep; people considered beyond hope to the God’s Kingdom.

Just as the shepherd took the initiative to go out and find the sheep, so Jesus actively seeks lost souls. These tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1) with whom Jesus was associating were like sheep that had strayed away from God and needed to be returned.

More than that, they needed the salvation that Jesus offered. We that are saved should also endeavour to bring other to know God too.

Action: As you go into the world today, endeavour to share the gospel with anyone that needs salvation.

Memory verse: Luke 15 v 4

Prayer: God, you paid the price to save me. Help me to live my life according to your will so that the sacrifice of saving me will not be in vain.

A Wise Father’s Exhortation: Devotion for Saturday July 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday July 11, 2020

Topic: A Wise Father’s Exhortation                

Text: Proverbs 1:10 – 19                                

The wicked are zealous in seducing others into the paths of their wickedness; they love to have company in their sin and crime. Nevertheless, they have so much the more to answer for (Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13). This should make young people to be very cautious. However, their zeal in seducing people to join them is what Christian should think of. If they could put in such zeal in luring people into evil, why can’t Christian put much more zeal in luring sinners out of evil?

"Do not consent" here is all encompassing; do not say as they say nor do as they do. You shouldn’t have any fellowship with them (2 Corinthians 6:14). Their idea of acquiring wealth is very different from God’s ideal. Their desire is to steal and even kill to acquire wealth. This confirms what Jesus said about Satan in John 10:10. It is absurd to think that it is a pleasure for someone to destroy another. It is not a pleasure rather a quick ticket to hell fire. 

Those who choose the wicked as their companions will definitely become like them in character and end. This advice is the best a father can offer to the son. Unfortunately these days, most parents don’t even care to know how their children acquired the wealth they are flashing about in the society. Some parents will even advice their children to do things immoral. Some parents pay for their children to cheat in exams. Some parents encourage their children into immoral relationship with opposite sex.

Dear Christian parents, what advice do you give to your children? Let the advice of Solomon here be a challenge for us.   

Food for Thought: What kind of advice do you give to your children?

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:10

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to always give wise counsel to my children and word in Jesus name.

Faith and Justification: Devotion for Thursday, January 9, 2020

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Devotion for Thursday January 9 2020

Topic: Faith and Justification

Text: Acts 13:38 – 41

Anyone who repents from his/her sins always has the concern of justification hence the need to learn assurance of salvation. Here, Paul assures his listeners that it is only through Jesus Christ we can obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for our sin.

There are two things we have to note in our text.

1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto them the forgiveness of sins.

2. It is only through Christ that those who believe in Him are justified from all things; from all the guilt and stain of sin, from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

Presently, many still see justification as through our personal efforts. It is not so! If we believe in Jesus as the Messiah, accept Him and His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary by faith, He did for us what the law could never do; justify us before God. The law could not bring peace. It is by Jesus Christ we obtain a complete justification; for by Him a complete atonement was made for sin. Paul ended with a warning (Acts 13:40, 41).

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We should take this warning to heart because though they were meant to come upon impenitent sinners, they are designed to awaken us to beware lest it come upon us. Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?

Food for Thought: Our justification is based on the work of Christ at the Cross of Calvary. How much do you appreciate this?

Memory verse: Romans 3:28

Prayer: Lord, as you have justified me, help me to remain same in Jesus name. 

Request Sinners Often Make: Devotion for Sunday August, 25, 2019

Devotion for Sunday August, 25, 2019

Topic: Request Sinners Often Make

Text: Exodus 8:25 – 32

Unbelievers use these words often and again, “Pray for me.” Most times, they say it casually but it shows two basic truths. First and foremost, it shows that they know that the life they are living is not according to the will of God and needed mercy. Again, it shows that they have acknowledged that you are a child of God who can intercede on their behalf.

King Jeroboam’s hand withered when he ordered the arrest of a man of God. Thereafter he said, “Please entreat the favour of the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand maybe restored to me” – 1 Kings 13:6b. The man of God did as requested and his hand was restored (1 Kings 13:6c). So of us present ministers will not even want that hand to be restored. However, we should realize that God is the person that fights our battle and vengeance belongs to Him alone.

Pharaoh hardened his heart by refusing to allow the Israelites to go and God dealt with him and his people. When he saw the outstretched arm of God, he asked Moses to intercede for him. This was similar to the case of Simon Magus, who, like Pharaoh, fearing the divine Judgement, begged for Peter’s prayers (Acts 8:24).

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Why will people deliberately sin and thereafter ask for prayers? If they actually know that what they are doing is evil, why do it? Can you give some reasons why people act that way? Write down your answers in your devotional notebook.

Do you deliberately commit fornication, steal tell lies, etc., and thereafter you begin to ask for prayers or begin to pray? Repent now because the judgement of God is at hand. Don’t think that the grace of God is eternity. Remember how Pharaoh eventually died with his men inside the Red Sea because of obstinacy. Therefore be warned!

Food for Thought: The knowledge of Divine Judgement coming upon all unrighteousness should make us live in awe of God.

Memory verse: Exodus 8:28

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to l need so that I will not deliberately sin against you.

Devotion for Saturday June 2, 2018

Topic: God’s Pardon For Sinners

Text: Isaiah 43:22 – 28                           

Another word for pardon is amnesty which literally means prosecution free period for an offender. Our memory verse is similar to what we have in Isaiah 1:18. For it to be repeated by Isaiah, it shows how serious God is about it. In our bible passage, God showed the real condition between Him and Israel; they have not cared to call upon him (Isaiah 43:22), neither did they offer sacrifices to Him (Isaiah 43:23, 24). Despite all these, God out of His abundant mercies opted to grant them pardon and forgive them (Isaiah 43:25). God has extended this same pardon to us. This is an encouragement for us to repent, because there is forgiveness with God. God’s pardon for us is still there till date and till death. Just like the case of Boko Haram that rejected the amnesty offered by the Federal government which led the President and Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed forces to order full onslaught against them so will God unleash His anger on those who refuse to accept His pardon now. Have you accepted the offer from God or you have rejected it Now is the time you have to decide. The pardon God offers us ends at death. Once you die without accepting it, you will face persecution and judgment of God. Decide now on what to do for your own good. Sing SS&S 379; Abu 258

Food for Thought: “He that promised pardon on our repentance has not promised life till we repent” – Francis Quarles.

Memory verse: Isaiah 43:25

Prayer: God, help me to accept your pardon and forgiveness before it will be too late.

Judgement Awaits Us

Devotion for Sunday November 26, 2017

Topic: Judgement Awaits Us

Text: Ecclesiastics 12:13 – 14

What we do here on earth is going on record and we will account for them on the Judgement Day. This judgement will be on every work and secret thing we did. God shall bring every secret thing into judgement, not just outward and visible actions, but even inward and secret thoughts. We can do this (give account of our lives) with joy if we have done well. For us to give our account before God with joy, we must have these behind our minds that

1)  A day of judgement awaits us

2) Every soul of man shall stand before God

3) God the infinitely wise, heart-searching will be the judge.

4) He will bring to light every secret thing that has been done since the creation, by all men; whether forgotten or registered; whether done in the secret or in the public.

5) All the works of the godly and the wicked shall be judged. This Day of Judgement is very important because it will determine where we will spend our eternity. Jesus confirmed that to those who did well, theirs will be in the bliss of the kingdom of God while sinners and all who refused to repent will have their portion of everlasting punishment in the Lake of fire (Matthew 25:46). However, to those who repent and believe in Christ, His blood will be a covering and this covering is all we need. Do you have that covering on you for the judgement day?

Food for Thought: What type of account will you give to God about your life here on earth? Will it be enough to take you to heaven?

Memory verse: Romans 14:12

Prayer: God, grant that I will be conscious of the impending judgement and thus apply my heart unto righteousness in Jesus name.

Our Righteousness Guards Us

Devotion for Friday November 24, 2017

Topic: Our Righteousness Guards Us

Text: Proverbs 13:6

There is no virtue without reward and there is no vice without punishment. Anything we do has its recompense whether good or bad. Righteousness is a sure guide as it helped Joseph in times of trials. It leads the soul unto blessedness but sin flatters men only to reward them with disappointment and ruin. There are two facts to note in our bible passage for the day.

1) God secures people who are righteous from ruin. Those who are righteous in their ways, honest in all their actions, adhering faithfully to the sacred rules of equity, and deal sincerely both with God and man, will be kept from the temptations of Satan by their integrity. Temptations shall not prevail over them neither will the reproaches of evil men, come upon them, to do them any real mischief (Psalm 25:21). Are you in this group who are living righteous and blameless life before God and man?

2) Sinners secure for themselves ruin. Those that are wicked, even their wickedness will overthrow them at last, as they are held in the cords of their wickedness in the meantime. They will be corrected and destroyed by their own wickedness. They shall bear the consequences of their wickedness (Proverbs 11:3, 5 – 6).

Piety benefits while sin injures. Are you living the life of evil and wickedness, dubious in your character? Repent now! There are consequences ahead of such life. It may seem good to you now but the end is what counts. It is better to avoid evil now than suffer the consequences later.

Food for Thought: Will the life you are living now secure you against evil?

Memory verse: Proverbs 13:6

Prayer: Help me O Lord my God, to live a righteous and blameless life that will secure me against ruin and evil in Jesus name.

Are You Still Under Condemnation?

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday May 6, 2017

Topic: Are You Still Under Condemnation?

Text: Romans 8: 1 – 9

Paul wrote to assure the Roman that we are no more under condemnation. It applies to us too. There is no condemnation does not mean that sin in believers is not to be condemned, rather the gospel does not pronounce condemnation like the law. The gospel of grace pronounces pardon. This is what Jesus did for us in taking our place to die for us. Have you received that pardon or are you still under condemnation? It is better you repent now before it will be too late. This act of Jesus Christ for us was aimed at making everyone understand the basic truth that by His death, the lost sinners and ruined men are set free from the most fearful and terrible condemnation meant for them.

Beloved, live your new life in Christ and don’t take to heart what people say about you. When God has not condemned you, who can condemn you? Do not live in fear and uncertainty because people have condemned you and have given you tag: never do well, a failure, no future ambition, etc. Every tag from Satan on you will be destroyed in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Evidence of a life without condemnation is walking in obedience and love for God, and Man.

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 1

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that I will always walk in obedience as a proof that I am no more under condemnation in Jesus name.

We Have A Wonderful Future: Devotion for Thursday September 1, 2016

We Have A Wonderful Future: Devotion for Thursday September 1, 2016

Text: Proverbs 23:17, 18               Memory verse: Proverbs 13:18

Most times, it is easy to envy those who get ahead, unhampered by responsibility to God’s laws. These people do not care if God’s law exists. They can do anything to make ends meet or acquire wealth without thinking about the consequences that might follow. For a time they do seem to prosper without paying any attention to what God wants, but they have no future. Everything they have acquired is temporal and most unfortunate aspect of it is that they cannot take any of that wealth out of this earth.

Do not resent them because of the perceived liberty they take to sin at will or the success they have may have acquired in sin. Certainly, it will cost them dearly as they do not have future and they are to be pitied instead of being envied. Envying them means that we are not sure of the God we serve. Again, we should note that there is an end of all their prosperities and successes. They will not continue forever. They are limited and are vanity upon vanity. In the same manner, I wish to remind you that there will be an end of your afflictions, pain, sickness, poverty, humiliation, etc. Therefore, be not weary of the problems you are currently passing through, an end of your hard services, afflictions, pain, sickness, poverty, humiliation, warfare, etc, is at hand. Your will and desires will be accomplished. Therefore, we shouldn’t envy sinners. We have well known cases of their end in our neighbourhood. Can you recall any?

To those who follow God, He promises a hope and a wonderful future, even if they don’t realize it in this life. Perfect love casts out fear, and your expectation of the reward not only will not be cut off, or disappointed but it will certainly be done. The knowledge of our wonderful future will help to reconcile us to all the difficulties and discouragements of the way (Heb. 12:2). Don’t let the disappointment of last month spoil your joy of this new month. You have a wonderful future. Don’t give up. God hasn’t done with you. There is something special waiting for you in this new month. Happy new month!   

Food for Thought: The knowledge of our wonderful future will help to reconcile us to all the difficulties and discouragements of the way.

Prayer: Lord, grant me full understanding that I have a wonderful future which will guide my actions today and forever, in Jesus name.

A WISE FATHER'S EXHORTATION: Devotion for Tuesday June 28, 2016

A WISE FATHER’S EXHORTATION: Devotion for Tuesday June 28, 2016

Text: Proverbs 1:10 – 19            

Memory verse: v 10 – My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent

The wicked are zealous in seducing others into the paths of their wickedness; they love to have company in their sin and crime. Nevertheless, they have so much the more to answer for (Rom. 14:12; Heb. 4:13). This should make young people to be very cautious. "Do not consent" here is all encompassing; do not say as they say nor do as they do. It also means do not follow them to do evil.

Furthermore, do not consent means you shouldn’t have any fellowship with them just as Paul warns in 2 Cor. 6:14 which says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” Their idea of acquiring wealth is very different from God’s ideal. Their desire is to steal and even kill to acquire wealth. This confirms what Jesus said about Satan in Jn. 10:10. It is absurd to think that it is a pleasure for someone to destroy another. It is not a pleasure rather a quick ticket to hell fire.  

Those who choose the wicked as their companions will definitely become like them in character and their end. This advice is the best a father can offer to the son. Unfortunately these days, most parents don’t even care to know how their children acquired the wealth they are flashing about in the society. Some will advice their children to do whatsoever their hands can find them so far they come home with a car or build good houses. All these are not evidence of good standing with God. Men may appreciate and speak good of what you have ‘achieved’ but God’s verdict is what matters at the end. Some others will even advice their children to do things immoral. Some parents pay for their children to cheat in examinations. Some encourage their children into immoral relationship with opposite sex. Parents, what advice do you give to your children? Let the advice of Solomon here be a challenge and a model for us.   

Food for Thought: What kind of advice do you give to your children?

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to always give wise counsel to my children and wards in Jesus name

THE REASON HE CAME: Devotion for Friday November 13, 2015

THE REASON HE CAME       Friday November 13, 2015

Text: Luke 15:1 – 10    Memory verse: v 2

In this Luke 15, Jesus gave 3 parables to illustrate why He came into this world and to make us understand that salvation was available to even them, the Pharisees (15:7, 10, 32). It may seem foolish for the shepherd to leave 99 sheep to go search for just one. But the shepherd knew that the 99 would be safe in the sheepfold, whereas the lost sheep was in danger. Because each sheep was of high value, the shepherd knew that it was worthwhile to search carefully for the lost one.

God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of His children is found and brought into the Kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus’ love and concern for the lost.  Jesus came to save us. Are you among the saved?

Food for Thought: John 10:10

Prayer: God make me an instrument to save souls, which was the reason you came into this world.