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).

Take a look at this

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.

Don’t Be The Avenger

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday February 24, 2017

Topic: Don’t Be The Avenger

Text: Romans 12:14 – 19

Apostle Paul summarizes the heart of Christian living in our scriptural reading for the day. If we love people the way Christ loves us, we will be keen to forgive. Those who have experienced God’s grace should be ready and willing to pass it on to others. This is the simple requirement of the gospel we preach. Grace is undeserved favour and because we freely received, we should freely give.

Apostle Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:35 to remind us that though we may want to avenge ourselves, but it is better we leave revenge to God because we are bound to overdo and run into the hands of the law. Refusing to take revenge avoids grudges and feuds. God will ensure that His just vengeance will be given at the appropriate time. He gave the charge in Romans 12:17 and emphasized it in Romans 12:19. The emphasis is for a purpose so we can moderate our actions and learn to live peaceably with others.

We should note that Jesus had set an example for us to follow. When He was reviled, He didn’t reviled back but left everything in the hands of God. Why will ours be different if we profess that we are His followers? We should not take revenge upon those who injure us, but exercise a forgiving spirit towards them. God expects us to leave vengeance to Him.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 32:35

Memory verse: Hebrew 10:30 – For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people” – (NKJV)  

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the spirit of patience, self-control and love so as to avoid revenge in a quest for vindication. Amen.

A MANIFESTO NIGHT: Devotion for Wednesday September 7, 2016

A MANIFESTO NIGHT: Devotion for Wednesday September 7, 2016

Text: Luke 4:18 and 19       Memory verse: Luke 4:18

In the higher institutions, there is a night called Manifesto Night. It is the night when candidates intending to contest election into Student Union Government offices present their manifesto to fellow students. I can still remember how I did it when I was in ordination training. My speech was borrowed by my successor because of the content. It was indeed thrilling. Many students look forward to such nights and it affords them the opportunity to make public speeches and presentations. It is usually a learning ground for those who aspire to hold public offices in future.

Our text is termed Jesus’ public presentation of His manifesto. A comprehensive look at the text, will make us to appreciate the magnitude of God’s love for us (Ephesians 3:17–19). Everything in this manifesto as presented by Jesus Christ had the interest of man at the centre. He did not come to be crowned a king. Even when people wanted to do it by force, He withdrew.  His agenda was not to acquire empire, wealth or material things of this world. Rather His manifesto was based on liberation and freedom of man.

During campaigns into some offices like spiritual, traditional or political, people make so many promises. The present manifestoes that can move people easily to accept them. On the other hand, many aspire for positions just for selfish reasons. It is pertinent to ask this question to those aspiring to be in different office. What is your agenda/manifesto for contesting to be a bishop, a Local Government Chairman, Governor, President or whatever position you are aspiring for? Are you aspiring for the good of the people or for selfish interest?  

Jesus quoted this text from Isaiah 61:1 & 2a. Have you ever imagined why Jesus stopped at Isaiah 61:2a? His first coming wasn’t for vengeance but for redemption. Vengeance will be later. This is the era of God’s favour; the era of grace, mercies and call to repentance. Jesus came to give us the Good News that our sins have been forgiven, to heal us, deliver us from oppressions, etc. Have you benefited of these? If not repent now because the day of vengeance is coming (Isaiah 61:2b).

Food for Thought: Are you a beneficiary of what Jesus has offered mankind?   

Prayer: Grant me the heart to appreciate your love, O Lord so that I will benefit from all that you have offered mankind.

I AM ZEALOUS FOR YOU

I AM ZEALOUS FOR YOU          Friday June 19, 2015

Text: Zechariah 1:13 – 17               Memory verse: v 14  

Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5, 34:14; Nahum 1:2). God alone has the right to be jealous and to carry out vengeance. When human beings are jealous or take vengeance, it is out of spirit of selfishness. God’s jealousy and vengeance are never mixed with selfishness. Their purpose is to remove sin and restore peace to the world (Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9). That hard time you are facing may be out of God’s jealousy to bring you closer to Himself. 

God has strong affection for Israel; and indignation against their enemies. This strong affection made Him zealous for Israel. At times God withdraws or defers His help and comfort from His people, yet in this declarations He showed that He still loves them most dearly, and when it is expedient for them, His help is ever ready. This is the kind of love that God has for us.

Do you know that Almighty God is zealous for you despite your weaknesses and faults? Indeed his zeal is based on the work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. He will not want that price He paid to be in vain. It is in His zeal he drove away merchants from the temple. We should however note that the zeal can make God to compel us into doing things according to His will.

Food for Thought: Zechariah 8:2

Prayer: Lord, use your zeal for me to draw me closer and closer to you on daily basis in Jesus name.