God Honours Our Faith: Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday September 18, 2020

Topic: God Honours Our Faith                      

Text: 1 Samuel 17:48 – 53                           

Who would have believed that David will kill Goliath the way he went into the encounter with him? He went against every military device and tactics. He didn’t go with sword, no spear, no shield, no gun though there was none then, etc. Rather he went with a catapult and five stones.

Going with mere catapult was a slight in the eyes of Goliath and he never bothered about David’s style. Unfortunately for him, he never knew that his coming was not just ordinary. See how frail and uncertain life is, even when a man thinks himself best fortified; how quickly, how easily, and by how small a matter, the passage may be opened for life to go out, and death to enter! No wonder the assertion Paul gave in 2 Corinthians 10:4 – 6. David prevailed with a sling (catapult) and a stone. God honoured his faith. Of recent Archeologists found the skull of Goliath to confirm what this biblical story.

Let not the strong man glory in his strength, nor the armed man in his armour. God resists the proud, and pours contempt on those who defy him and his people. No one ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. The strongest as well as the weakest are dependent upon God, and that expectation which rests on creatures is liable at any time to be disappointed.

One lesson for us here is that when we rely on God in times of challenges, He will always glorify Himself but when we go on our own wisdom and strength, we will definitely fail. Therefore, beware when you think you stand because you will fall if care is not taken.

Food for Thought: No one defies God and goes scot free.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 17 v 50

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I not glory in my strength rather humble me to depend on you in anything I need strength to perform in Jesus name.

Strength Comes from God: Devotion for Sunday May 24, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday May 24, 2020

Topic: Strength Comes From God                  

Text: 1 Samuel 30:1 – 6                               

It is not wise when we are under troubles to vent reproaches on others, or to give up in despair. Rather, we should rather confess and forsake our sins, seek help from God, and endeavour to learn and do His will. This is the best thing to do when we are in trouble or despair.

In Isaiah 40:31, the Bible gave us a clear example of what to do when we are in despair or trouble. It says “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” This was exactly what David did according to our text. When he was renewed, he and his men mounted wings ran and recovered all that were taken by Amalekites.

Our strength comes from God. For this reason Jesus warned that without Him, we cannot do anything meaningful (See John 15:5). Are you depending on your strength, it will fail. Are you depending on charms, they will fail. It is only when we depend on God that we are sure of succeeding in our endeavours.

David’s men, instead of planning a rescue looked for someone to blame. But David found his strength in God and began looking for a solution instead of a scapegoat. When facing problems, remember that it is useless to look for someone to blame or criticise for your problems, challenges, failures or inability to achieve your aims. Instead, consider how you can find a solution on how to come out of that problem. Let the example of David here be an encouragement for us in trouble times of life.

Food for Thought: Strengthening oneself in the Lord is a mark of dependence and confidence in God with whom all things are possible.

Memory verse: 1 Samuel 30:6

Prayer: Lord God, help me to always depend on you when I am in despair.

Retreat For Progress

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Sunday March 19, 2017

Topic: Retreat For Progress

Text: Mark 1:35                   

Severally, Jesus went out alone to pray in the wilderness. It was a time of personal reflection for Him. He uses the period to assess what He did earlier and make a project on ways to improve. He was always in constant prayer with the Father during His earthly ministry. Mark recorded three of these times of prayer: (1) after the successful ministry in Capernaum with the healing of many sick and demon-possessed people; (2) after the miracle of feeding more than five thousand people (Mark 6:46); (3) in Gethsemane, just prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion (Mark 14:32-42).

What did Jesus pray about? His prayers may have focused on fulfilling His mission. Fame, being a celebrity or an icon is a temptation in itself, for it can threaten us to turn away from our mission. This may be what Jesus tried to forestall by taking time to retreat. This helped Him to focus on His task and gain strength for that. He had a mission to fulfil which was death on the cross to accomplish salvation.

If we want to make progress in our spiritual lives, we must as a matter of priority set out times for retreat. It may be as you go for a walk, your personal quiet time, or anywhere you choose. This will help you to assess the way you lived in the previous day (if you hold your retreat in the morning) and ways to live as you go forth into the world that day. As you do that you will observe your faults, your strength and your weakness. This will help you to avoid some previous mistakes and to make substantial progress in your endeavours and in your spiritual life.

Action: Make plans for a regular personal retreat and work conscientiously with your plan. Look for the book RETREAT FOR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS by Zachariah Fomum. It will help you a lot.

Memory verse: Mark 1 verse 35      

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O Lord, to always make our time to have personal fellowship with you in a bid to make spiritual progress.

No Excuse (VI)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 17, 2017

Topic: No Excuse (VI)

 Text: Revelation 3:7 – 13           

Philadelphia was a small church in a difficult area with no prestige and no wealth, discouraged because it hadn’t grown. But Jesus Christ had no words of rebuke for this small, seemingly insignificant church. From our bible reading, it was obvious that there was significant conflict between the Christians and the Jews in Philadelphia.

As in the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:9), Jesus Christ referred to those who called themselves Jews as liars and those who belong to Satan. Though this church may have been small (you have little strength) and may have had little impact upon the city, but it had obeyed and had not denied God. They had been faithful in a difficult area. What a challenge to big churches of today who compromise their standard in order to accommodate some ‘rich’ people who are not ready to repent.

What are the challenges you face in your church? Is the small nature? Note that God didn’t commend any of these churches for building cathedrals and having the largest congregations. These are not what God judges. He is always after our spiritual lives. That your congregation is small should not be the basis of losing faith. God’s emphasis is not on multitude. You should not be discouraged by the small nature of your church or inability to build a big church. Sustain your faithfulness and righteousness and God will open doors of opportunities for you as He assured the church at Philadelphia. Do not be weakened by your little strength for God will not accept that as an excuse.    

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:8

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 10

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to hold fast what I have, that no one will take away my crown from me in Jesus name. Amen.

Strength Perfected In Weakness

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Monday February 27, 2017          

Topic: Strength Perfected In Weakness                

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1 – 10

This bible passage shows that God can use us not minding our weaknesses. I have read of so many servants of God that died of one ailment or another. One of such men greatly used by God died few days ago, prompting me to wonder about the ways of God which is very much different from our ways. Some of the servants of God healed so many people with similar ailment that took their lives but they were never healed.

With all the exploits of Paul in the missionary works, who would have believed he did them with a burden of illness. When he even sought for healing, God told him that His grace is sufficient for him. Using weaknesses or ailment as an excuse in not serving God is not acceptable to Him. The grace was to enable Paul to bear the infirmities with patience. Christ’s gracious favour is what empowered Paul’s ministry, despite his own inadequacies and failures.

Although His request was not granted, Jesus assured him that he would continue to work through him in his weakness. Paul accepted that Jesus, in His divine wisdom, knew what was best for him. Paul would not boast in being healed, but he would boast about his weaknesses, for it was through his weaknesses that Christ could powerfully work through him.

One great lesson here for us is that God is the one who decides what we become in life and the best way to use us. Brethren, we should not be moved by our weaknesses, our not having job, infirmities, no child, no spouse, etc, as excuses because God can still use us even when we have our problems. He asked Abraham to pray for Abimelech to have a child when he had not gotten a child of his own. He did as God commanded him and God answered that prayer (Genesis 20:14–18). His grace is sufficient for us; let us keep trusting Him to use us as He wishes.

Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 11:30

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9b - Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Prayer: Lord God, grant that my boosting will only be on my infirmities for by your grace I am what I am today in Jesus name. Amen

STRENGTH COMES FROM GOD: Devotion for Sunday May 15, 2016

STRENGTH COMES FROM GOD: Devotion for Sunday May 15, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 30:1 – 6     Memory verse: v 6

It is not wise when we are under troubles to vent reproaches on others, or to give up in despair; we should rather confess and forsake our sins, seek help from God, and endeavor to learn and do His will. This is the best thing to do when we are in trouble or despair. In Isa 40:31, the Bible gave us a clear example of what to do when we are in despair or trouble. It says “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” This was exactly what David did according to our text. When he was renewed, he and his men mounted wings ran and recovered all that were taken by the Amalekites.

Our strength comes from God. For this reason Jesus warned that without Him, we cannot do anything meaningful (Jn. 15:5). Are you depending on your strength, it will fail. Are you depending on charms, they will fail. It is only when we depend on God that we are sure of succeeding in our endeavours. David’s men instead of planning a rescue, they looked for someone to blame. But David found his strength in God and began looking for a solution instead of a scapegoat. When facing problems, remember that it is useless to look for someone to blame or criticize. Instead, consider how you can help find a solution.

Food for Thought: Strengthening oneself in the Lord is a mark of dependence and confidence in God with whom all things are possible.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to always depend on you when I am in despair.          

OUR PRESENT HELP: Devotion for Wednesday September 23, 2015

OUR PRESENT HELP       Wednesday September 23, 2015

Text: Psalm 46:1 – 5          Memory verse: v 1

This Psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God; in His power and providence, and His gracious ever presence with His Church even when faced with troubles. God is our place of absolute security and safety from ills of any kind (Psalms 2:12). His strength is the confidence and source of strength for believers (Psalm 18:2). He is reliable in difficult circumstances. The presence and favour of God are at all times the security, support, and comfort of his people (46:5).

Do you see God as your refuge and strength; always near you (Deuteronomy 4:7)? He is and will continue to be our help because all other helps are disappointment. According to Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, “If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.” We should understand that our God is ever present in our trouble. He will always help us. Therefore, keep trusting Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 4:7

Prayer: Almighty God, make me conscious that you are my present help.