Mysteries about Life: Devotion for Friday August 14, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday August 14, 2020

Topic: Mysteries about Life                                    

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:4 – 11                  

In our bible reading for today, Solomon cautions that we shouldn’t to seek redress neither in a hasty manner nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will find that yielding pacifies great offences (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

He also posited that men are not preferred according to their merit (Ecclesiastes 10:5 – 7). These verses show that life is full of mysteries. The error (Ecclesiastes 10:5) consists in exalting the mean and unworthy into offices. Do we have such in our present day political, religious and traditional offices?

Family Bible Notes noted that “The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people. Whether it proceeds from their rulers, or, as in the case of free governments, from themselves, the result will be corruption, misrule, and misery.” This quotation is very true of our present day society especially in our clime.

Naturally, riding on horses belongs to the princes and not servants. When it is the opposite, it becomes a mystery. We have seen these things happen. One easily recalls the case of Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai was a war captive and mere gateman while Haman was a very high profiled personal assistant or adviser to the king. It was God who humbled Haman. Who would have believed that Haman would ever guide Mordecai on top of a horse?

The lesson for us here is that no condition is permanent in life. Life is full of mysteries and challenges. Therefore, do not boast about your present position/situation. We should know and note that wisdom is profitable in all things. The challenges, dangers and difficulties of life are many; but with wisdom we shall overcome.         

Foods for Thought: No condition is permanent in life. Therefore be humble wherever you may find yourself.

Memory verse: Ecclesiastes 10 v 7

Prayer: God, grant me understanding that life is full of mysteries and that there is no condition that is permanent.

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.

Making Wrong Choice in Marriage: Devotion for Sunday April 19, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday April 19, 2020

Text: Making Wrong Choice in Marriage                

Text: 1 Kings 11:1 – 8

Many of us spend so much time in prayer asking for God’s blessings upon our lives but I wonder if we actually ask God for wisdom in managing these blessings when He gives them to us. Inability to manage God’s blessings can mar us.  

The story of Solomon, a man of wisdom marrying 700 wives is an instance of depravity recorded in the Bible. The choice you make in life matters so much in what you finally become. Solomon made wrong choice in marriage simply because he felt he has fame and money therefore he can use them without discretion.

Biblical marriage is source of happiness in life and the neglect or violation of biblical marriage is a source of many of the most direful evils which most men are exposed to. Solomon was wrong by going for more than one wife, going to marry from other nations which God prohibited them from taking wives and adding 300 concubines.

This is how many people have made wrong choices in marriage by going for the hand of the women God didn’t keep for them. The strange women succeeded in introducing Solomon to their gods. These turned his heart from the Almighty God. Wrong choices in marriage can mar our relationship with God. Therefore, for those who are single, they should be careful on the decisions they make. Don’t go against God’s standard or else you will pay dearly for it.

Food for Thought: No man is wise enough by himself.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 17:17

Prayer: Lord, grant unto the singles the wisdom to make right choices concerning their marriages in Jesus name.

Everything Has Its Appropriate Time: Devotion for Wednesday March 25, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 25, 2020

Topic: Everything Has Its Appropriate Time             

Text: Ecclesiastics 3:1 – 10

Most times, God allow us to pass through many things in life which He uses to teach us what life means. Solomon is one person in the Bible who had everything (wisdom, power, riches, honour, reputation, God’s favour) and he is the one who discussed the ultimate emptiness of all that this world has to offer.

Solomon’s point in this text is that God has a plan for all people. Thus, He provides cycles of life, each with its work for us to do. According to Life Application Notes, “Timing is important. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God’s perfect timing. The danger is to doubt or resent God’s timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without his advice.”  

Although we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plan, these should not be barriers to believing in Him, but rather opportunities to discover that, without God, life’s problems have no lasting solutions.

Do you think you are running out of time in respect of marriage, child birth, university education, securing a job, etc.? Time is never against you. At God’s own time (appropriate time), He will remember you. Don’t ever give up.

Food for Thought: “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work” – Ecclesiastes 3:17

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 3:1

Prayer: Almighty God, your time for me is perfect. Help me never to doubt or resent your timing for me.

Our Kindness Rebounds To Us

Devotion for Saturday February 24, 2018

Topic: Our Kindness Rebounds To Us

Text: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 7

Naturally, most kings will try to wipe out the families of their rivals to the throne in order to prevent any descendants from seeking that throne.  But the case of David was different as he 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 (see 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 by willingly supporting his ascension to the throne of his father Saul. Do you forget the mercies God and people show you? In the midst of numerous affairs, cares and worries of life, we are apt to forget the gratitude we owe, and some engagements we have to undertake, not only to our friends, but to God Himself. Yet people who are really godly will have no rest until they have discharged their vows and attend to their engagements. David made inquiry because he knew he owed a great deal of responsibility to the family of Jonathan in particular. The kindness he showed David came back to his son. God is ever faithful to us; let us not be unfaithful to one another. We can show kindness for love we have received from God by being more dedicated and committed to His service and that of humanity. We should always pray for those who have shown us love. When we do this, God will bless them and us, the more. Sing SS&S 798; Abu 239

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

Memory verse: 2 Samuel 9:1

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

Don’t Labour For The Wind

Devotion for Sunday October 29, 2017

Topic: Don’t Labour For The Wind

Text: Ecclesiastics 5:13 – 17

Solomon posted in a pertinent question for us in Ecclesiastics 1:3 saying, “What profit has a man from all his labour in which he toils under the sun?” Any man that labours looks forward to receiving a reward and a good reward at that. No one wants to work without getting something out of his labour. However, not all the people that labour reap rewards that will last. Some labour for the wind, some for sickness; for thieves and many other things. This is what Solomon called severe evil.

What are the things that lead to laboring for the wind? This could be as a result of robbing God. Another way we labour for the wind is when we refuse to use our wealth the way God, who gave them to us wanted us to use them. The case in Haggai 1:2ff is another way to labour for the wind because it can cause God to withdraw His favours and we earn wages only to put them into bags with holes (Haggai 1:6). These are some of the ways we can labour for the wind.

“He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind” (Proverbs 11:29a). Someone troubles his own house when he is greedy (Proverbs 15:27). Riches are unsatisfying, uncertain and transitory. No one can hold or stay in its course because they are all properties of the wind. Do you labour for the wind by being greedy, not recognizing the source of your wealth or by robbing God? Repent now to avert evil of labouring for the wind.

Food for Thought: Labouring for the wind is a curse. What can you do to avert it in your life?

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 5:16

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord my God, never to labour for the wind any more but rather that I will labour and eat the fruits of my labour in Jesus name. Amen

He Keeps To His Words

Devotion for Wednesday August 9, 2017

Topic: He Keeps To His Words

Text: Joshua 21:45

The words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:56 confirm our topic for the today. God has never spoken and failed to do what He said. Joshua subscribed to the fact that all God said concerning possessing the Promised Land by Israel came to pass. The inviolable truth of God’s promise and its fulfillment is what Christians should look up to even when it delays in coming to pass. If in anything, it has seemed to come short, we should be ready to take all the blame to ourselves. God does not speak always but when He utters a word, He abides by it.

What are His promises you have laid hold on and they have not come to pass? What are you currently passing through that has almost consumed you and you have started to doubt the promises of God and their fulfillment in your life? Joshua testified that all God promised him and Israel came to pass. Solomon did same. All the promises He made to Paul also came to pass. I am assuring you, the user of this devotional today that God’s promises about your life and future will be fulfilled. Congratulations in advance. All will come to pass in your life in Jesus name. Just keep trusting and waiting for at the right time, it will be fulfilled.         

Food for Thought: “He who is the slowest in making a promise is the most faithful in the performance of it” – Jean Jacques Rousseau

Memory verse: Joshua 21:45

Prayer: God, bring all your promises for me and my family to fulfillment in Jesus name. Amen.

GAINS FROM HEAVENLY WISDOM: Devotion for Sunday October 16, 2016

GAINS FROM HEAVENLY WISDOM: Devotion for Sunday October 16, 2016

Text: Proverbs 2 verses 1 – 9   Memory verse: Proverbs 2 verse 6

God created us in His image and expects us to imitate Him through Jesus Christ who is His perfect image. Again, He expects us to depend on Him as our maker just as we read yesterday. In our bible reading for the day, Solomon spoke again as a wise teacher, describing the benefits of pursuing heavenly wisdom. He laid out the concept that God is the ultimate source of wisdom (Proverbs 2:6). True wisdom is God-given, not merely the result of human effort or ability (1 Kings 3:9–12; Jas 1:5). Obviously, there is no doubt about it that wisdom comes from God. Knowledge can come through human effort but wisdom is heavenly. This is the reason behind some acclaimed learned men and women who misbehaves despite their knowledge.

The core of the teaching from Solomon here is that if we truly give ourselves to the knowledge of God without hypocrisy, we will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the true knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5) which will result in gaining heavenly wisdom. Gaining this true knowledge that leads to wisdom comes from concerted and consistent efforts (Proverbs 2:4) in seeking from God because it comes from Him. This wisdom will shield those who walk uprightly. With it, God will guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of His saints. It will lead to proper understanding, righteousness, justice and equity. How are you striving to acquire this heavenly wisdom?   

Beloved in Christ, it is pertinent to note here that there is difference between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Heavenly wisdom brings out heart knowledge that transforms us physically and spiritually, while worldly wisdom is mere head knowledge that criticizes everything spiritual. As it takes concerted and consistent effort to gain wisdom from God and one of the ways is through meditation of God’s word, how are you doing that? How serious do you take the word of God? Remember God’s counsel to Joshua (Joshua 1:8). Don’t just read to know what the bible says rather read to gain knowledge and wisdom that will transform your life and make you a worthy candidate for the Kingdom of God.  

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 17:18 and 19

Prayer: O Lord my God, as I seek heavenly wisdom through constant and consistent study of your word, grant it to me in Jesus name. Amen. 

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (2): Devotion for Tuesday September 27, 2016

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (2): Devotion for Tuesday September 27, 2016

Text: 2 Samuel 19:31 – 39      Memory verse: 1 King 2:7

After David had installed Solomon as the King to take over from him, the words in 1 Kings 2:7 were part of his admonition to him. In that passage, he admonished or charged Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who will eat at your table. He went further to give reason for this advice. He noted that they came to him when h fled from Absalom his brother during his mutiny.

Barzillai was friendly and hospitable to David while he was fleeing from Absalom who wanted to kill him so as to ascend the throne easily and quickly. He and some others mentioned in 2 Sam 17:27–29, brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. The bible stated that they gave reasons for bring those items when they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” This act saved the life of David and the men with him who were desperately in need of food. This act of charity and love from Barzillai remained indelible in the heart of David that he remembered it at his deathbed.

Here, David asked Solomon to continue to provide them with what could be termed, a royal pension because of Barzillai’s act of charity and friendship. This shows that there is no act of hospitality and charity that has no reward. Yesterday we saw Dorcas, today we are reading about Barzillai. Will you be the one we will hear his/her story tomorrow? How much help do you render people in need? There were people who stood against David like Shemei, etc. Do act like them. It pays to be good, charitable and hospitable, and they all have their rewards now and in eternity. As you go out today, ensure you will extend charitable acts to someone.

Food for Thought: Being good and doing acts of charity pays to doer more than the receiver.  

Prayer: Almighty God and our Father in heaven, grant me the passion to be good to people especially those in need through charitable deeds in Jesus name. Amen.

MYSTERIES ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016

MYSTERIES ABOUT LIFE: Devotion for Sunday July 17, 2016

Text: Ecclesiastes 10:4 – 11          

Memory verse: Ecclesiastes 10:7 - I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.

Solomon cautions that we shouldn’t to seek redress neither in a hasty manner nor to yield to pride and revenge. Do not, in a passion, quit your post of duty; wait awhile, and you will find that yielding pacifies great offences (10:4). He also posited that men are not preferred according to their merit (10:5–7). These verses show that life is full of mysteries. The error (10:5) consists in exalting the mean and unworthy into offices. Do we have such in our present day political, religious and traditional offices?

Family Bible Notes noted that “The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people. Whether it proceeds from their rulers, or, as in the case of free governments, from themselves, the result will be corruption, misrule, and misery.” This opinion of Family Bible Notes is the bane of most countries in Africa where majority of those holding political offices could be termed square pegs in round holes. For this reason, they stay in offices for a stipulated time without anything meaningful to show for their tenure.   

Naturally, riding on horses belongs to the princes and not servants. When it is the opposite, it becomes a mystery. We have seen these things happen. One easily recalls the case of Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai was a war captive and mere gateman while Haman was a very high profiled personal assistant or adviser to the king. In fact, he was the highest officer in the kingdom after the king. It was God who humbled Haman to guide Mordecai on the king’s horse round the city. Who would have believed that Haman would ever guide Mordecai on top of a horse? The lesson for us here is that no condition is permanent in life. Life is full of mysteries and challenges. Therefore, do not boast about your present position. We should note that wisdom is profitable in all things. The dangers and difficulties of life are many; but with wisdom we shall overcome.          

Foods for Thought: The elevation of unworthy men to offices of power and trust is a heavy calamity to the people.

Prayer: God, may I not boast or abuse the opportunity I have today.

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016

DON’T DESPISE WISDOM: Devotion for Wednesday June 29, 2016 

Text: Proverbs 1:20 – 33         

Memory verse: v 31 – Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

Solomon, having showed how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here, declares how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God. Christ himself is Wisdom. Three sorts of persons are here called by Him:

1. Simple ones (1:22). These are sinners, who take everything for granted. They are fond of their simple notions of good and evil, their simple prejudices against the ways of God, and flatter themselves in their wickedness. They never take things seriously. People who are too familiar with the word or things of God that they no longer see any need for repentance are also in this category. Solomon says they need wisdom.      

2. Scorners (1:22). These are the proud, jovial people that make a jest of everything. They are also scoffers at religion that run down everything sacred and serious. They usually criticize those who serve God or people who come to preach to them. 

3. Fools (1:22). Those are the worst of fools that hate to be taught, and have a rooted dislike to serious godliness. These are the people Solomon said wisdom is calling on to come.

Wisdom reproves these three kinds of men, the foolish or simple who err out of ignorance, the mockers who cannot stand to be taught, and the fools who are drowned in worldly lusts and hate the knowledge of godliness. Do you belong to any of these groups? How much do crave for wisdom? We gain wisdom as we read and meditate daily on God’s word, as we hear preaching of the gospel, etc. Despisers of wisdom live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will certainly come. They are not perturbed by any preaching. They comfort themselves in their sin. Hearken diligently, and obey the Lord Jesus, that you may enjoy peace of conscience and confidence in God; be free from evil, in life, in death, and forever.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 22:17 & 18 – Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I not despise wisdom rather help me to always hearken to the voice of wisdom in Jesus name.

ARE YOU KNOW-IT-ALL? Devotion for Monday June 27, 2016

ARE YOU KNOW-IT-ALL? Devotion for Monday June 27, 2016

Text: Proverbs 1:1 – 9                

Memory verse: v 7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction

We can easily spot the obsessive know-it-all by the way he or she dodges all possibility of admitting wrong. They will want to argue everything. Such person will use his or her knowledge to impress others using words that people won’t understand just to have the satisfaction of seeing them concede his or her ‘superior knowledge’. They use their perceived superior knowledge to intimidate people around them. When they appear in the public, they want people to notice them. People like this are the ones that everyone tries to avoid at social gatherings.

The Know-it-alls may have a great deal of knowledge, but they usually have little wisdom and do not fear God. This is one problem with the elites and learned people in our society who people to this call of know-it-all. They love to show their knowledge, their affluence, artistry, etc, in the public when occasion doesn’t demands for that. Do you have such in your neighbourhood? They are found everywhere.

Solomon called this kind of person a fool (Proverbs 1:7). Much of what we know has no connection to how wise we are; for example, a very brilliant lawyer can live a foolish life. This proves true the words of Paul in I Corinthians 1:24 and 25 which say, “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Truly, wise people know that their knowledge is not complete and go to God for wisdom and more knowledge. All that we know are gifts from God for use in serving Him and others. Therefore, we should use our knowledge with humility. Beloved, we shouldn’t act like a know-it-all, even if you have a lot of knowledge. Remember that all knowledge and wisdom come from God. We should be humble enough and give Him the glory!

Food for Thought: Do you act as know-it-all? It is a spirit of pride?

Prayer: Lord, grant me the humble spirit to fear you and depend on you for wisdom no matter the knowledge I have acquired.

BE TRAINED IN THE WAYS OF WISDOM: Devotion for Tuesday May 24, 2016

BE TRAINED IN THE WAYS OF WISDOM: Devotion for Tuesday May 24, 2016

Text: Proverbs 1:1 – 6    Memory verse: v 3

This book of Proverbs according to Max Lucado is a book for weekdays (Monday – Saturday). It treats the importance of wisdom, piety towards God, instructions and moral discipline; understanding wise and prudent counsels. It states too that wisdom is to be shown in the conduct of our lives, which consist in righteousness with regard to other creatures. What we have in our text, is the essence of this book, Proverbs. Living Bible stated in verses 2 and 3 that Solomon wrote Proverbs “To teach his people how to live, how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did.” If people take heed to wisdom, according to Solomon's Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion which are indispensable in our present age.

How can someone be trained in the ways of wisdom? This training comes from the fear of the Lord (1:7), sticking to moral instructions from parents and elderly ones in our neighbourhood. We can only fear the Lord when we know Him and His expectations from us. It takes a heart that has the fear of God to abstain from evil. This fear comes when we hide God’s words and commandments in our hearts (Ps 119:11). How much do you train yourself in the ways of wisdom by meditating on God’s word (Prov. 2:6)? This will grant us the needed wisdom to live righteously in our present age.      

Food for Thought: Proverbs 2:6 – 9

Prayer: Lord, train me in the ways of wisdom as I meditate daily on your word.

MAKING WRONG CHOICE IN MARRIAGE: Devotion for Friday April 15, 2016

MAKING WRONG CHOICE IN MARRIAGE: Devotion for Friday April 15, 2016

Text: 1 Kings 11:1 – 8     Memory verse: v 4

Many of us spend so much time in prayer asking for God’s blessings upon our lives but I wonder if we actually ask God for wisdom in managing these blessings when He releases them on us. This story of Solomon marrying 700 wives is an instance of depravity recorded in the Bible. The choice you make in life matters so much in what you finally become. Solomon made wrong choice in marriage simply because he felt he has fame and money therefore he can use them without discretion. According to Family Bible Notes, “The union for life of one man with one woman, according to the appointment of God, is essential to the highest excellence, usefulness, and happiness in life; and the neglect or violation of the original institution of marriage is a source of many of the most direful evils to which men on the earth are exposed.”

Solomon was wrong by going for more than one wife; going to marry from other nations which God prohibited the Israelites from taking wives and adding 300 concubines. This is how some people made wrong choices in marriage by going for the hand of the women God didn’t keep for them. The strange women succeeded in introducing Solomon to their gods. These turned his heart from God. Wrong choices in marriage can mar our relationship with God. Therefore, for those who are single, they should be careful on the decisions they make. Don’t go against God’s standard or else you will pay dearly for it.

Food for Thought: No man is wise enough by himself.

Prayer: Lord, grant unto the singles the wisdom to make right choices concerning their marriages in Jesus name.          

AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME: Devotion for Wednesday March 16, 2016

AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME: Devotion for Wednesday March 16, 2016

Text: Ecclesiastics 3:1 – 10            Memory verse: v 1

Most times, God allows us to pass through problems of life which He uses to teach us some life lessons. Solomon is one person in the Bible who had everything (wisdom, power, riches, honor, reputation, God’s favour) and he is the one who discussed the ultimate emptiness of all that this world has to offer. Solomon’s message here is that God has a plan for all people and has provided cycles of life, each with its work for us to do.

According to Life Application Notes, “Timing is important. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God’s perfect timing. The danger is to doubt or resent God’s timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without His advice.”   

Although we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plan, these should not be barriers to believing in Him, but rather opportunities to discover that, without God, life’s problems have no lasting solutions! Do you think you are running out of time in respect of marriage, child birth, university education, securing a job, etc? Time is never against you. At God’s own time (appropriate time), He will remember you. Never give up!

Food for Thought: God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work – Ecclesiastes 3:17

Prayer: Almighty God, your time for me is perfect. Help me never to doubt or resent your timing for me.    

DO IT WELL: Devotion for Monday December 28, 2015

DO IT WELL     Monday December 28, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:10     Memory verse: v 10

Because the feelings of intensity will be stilled at death, do whatever is done with all the zeal and gusto you can muster. This is the advice of Solomon. Whatever you have the opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. Adam Clarke Commentary states what is necessary to be done in this life, in reference to one another “1. Turn from sin 2. Repent. 3. Frequent the ordinances of God, and associate with the upright. 4. Read the Scriptures. 5. Pray for pardon. 6. Believe on the Lord Jesus that you may obtain it. 7. Look for the gift of the Holy Spirit. 8. Bring forth in their seasons the fruits of it-(a) Repentance, (b) Faith; and (c) The Holy Spirit. 9. Live to get good. 10. And to do good. 11. And refer every purpose and act to the eternal world.”

How well are you doing these things? We should understand that the responsibility on us is to use every opportunity to do good, preach the word of God and affect others for good. As you go out today, ensure you do good to someone either by preaching or charity.

Food for Thought: How can you show love and concern for people?

Prayer: Help me O Lord to have genuine concern for your church and Christians at large in Jesus name.

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING: Devotion for Monday November 23, 2015

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LIVING   Monday November 23, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 9:4 – 10       Memory verse: v 4

The most despicable living man's state is preferable to that of the most noble who have died without repenting. This is true because such still have opportunity to repent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confide in God, whatever maybe their condition in life. He conceded that the living have an advantage over the dead (9:4), for the dead have no further opportunities to secure reward for their life’s labours (9:4 – 6).

Presently, we may be facing some challenges and we are asking, “When will all these troubles of life end?” No matter what you may be passing through now, there is hope for you as long as you are alive. Therefore, don’t give up your faith. Are you suffering the consequences of sin? You can still repent, make restitution and have peace. To you that is expecting, don’t loose heart for your time is coming as long as you are alive.

Food for Thought: Being alive means that we still have better opportunities

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for there is still hope for me. 

SOW ALWAYS: Devotion for Thursday November 19, 2015

SOW ALWAYS              Thursday November 19, 2015

Text: Ecclesiastics 11:1 – 6             Memory verse: v 6

Life involves both risk and opportunity. Ecclesiastics 11:4 says, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” There are people who are afraid to sow seeds. They have reasons why they won’t do it. Just as stated here, some consider the wind, the sky, the seed, the condition, their pocket, the need for sowing at all, etc. However, our bible reading advocates liberality without questioning, urging us to give freely, though it may seem thrown away and lost. Again we should give to as many as we can. We should not give excuse for whatever we give is not lost, but well laid out.

Giving (sowing) is our call. Paul stated it in Galatians 6:9. Life Application Notes says, “Solomon does not support a stingy, despairing attitude. Just because life is uncertain does not mean we should do nothing. We need a spirit of trust and adventure, facing life’s risks and opportunities with God- directed enthusiasm and faith.” Do you give and without questions? Give and secure your future by it.

Food for Thought: Sow generously because you are not sure which seed will be the one to bear fruit.

Prayer: God give me the spirit of sowing and grace to do it without questioning why I should do so in Jesus name.

REMEMBER YOUR WORD: Devotion for Sunday September 13, 2015

REMEMBER YOUR WORD       Sunday September 13, 2015

Text: Psalm 119:49               Memory verse: v 49

In 2 Chronicles 6:20, Solomon reminds God about His promise concerning the temple that will be built in His name. Reminding God about His word is very important because he ordered it. The Psalmist didn’t ask for a new promise, but to have the old word fulfilled. He was grateful that he has received good word from God; he embraced it with all his heart, and entreated the Lord to deal with him according to it. He does not say, “Remember my service to you," but "your word to me." He used the promise as a plea.

The argument is that God, having given grace to hope in the promise, would surely never disappoint that hope. He cannot have caused us to hope without cause. If we hope upon His word we have a sure basis that our Lord would never mock us by exciting false hopes. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)),” hence the petition for immediate remembrance of the cheering word. Has God made any promise to you? Remind Him not because He has forgotten but because He ordered us to do so.

Food for Thought: Hebrews 10:23

Prayer: Lord, remember your promises to me as I hope on you.

WISDOM IS INVALUABLE

WISDOM IS INVALUABLE            Saturday April 18, 2015

Text: Proverbs 3:13 – 18              Memory verse: v 13

I once read somewhere that, men who have ideas rule the world. These ‘ideas’ is wisdom. When Mark Zuckerberg conceived the idea of Facebook and invited some of his friends, only two people agreed to join him. Today, Facebook is a household name launched on February 4, 2004. Mark will be 31 by May this year.

When Tim Berner Lee invented the idea of internet, he never knew the enormous relieve and effect it will have in the world. Today most places use internet. Time will fail us to talk about Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia, Evans Williams of Blogger, Nikolas Zennstrom and co of Skype, Shiva Ayyadural of email, David Filo and Jerry Yang of Yahoo, Jack Dorsey and Dick Costello of Twitter, etc. All these people rule the world because of the idea (wisdom) they have. Their wisdom is invaluable in our world today.

Here, Solomon says that anybody who finds wisdom is happy because it gives such person an edge over others. That is what distinguished these people mentioned above and others. No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity should be considered. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer.

Do you seek for wisdom above all other earthly treasures? One great source of acquiring wisdom is through reading the word of God. Unfortunately some can’t even buy good bible for themselves. How often do you read the scriptures? Meditating regularly on it brings wisdom.

Food for Thought: Proverbs 8:32 – 35.

Prayer: God, grant me wisdom that will help me to live well here on earth and make heaven at last in Jesus name.