Use Your Wealth Rightly: Devotion for Easter Eve Saturday April 11, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Easter Eve Saturday April 11, 2020

Topic: Use Your Wealth Rightly                         

Text: Matthew 27: 57 – 66

Joseph from Arimathea had become a disciple of Jesus. He was a member of the Sanhedrin, Council of Jewish leaders. According to Luke, he was a good and just man, who never consented to their decision to kill Jesus. He was also waiting for the Kingdom of God (Luke 23:50, 51). This was the man God used to give Jesus a befitting burial.

Jesus acquaintances (v49) stood afar off; they had no money to bear the charge neither the courage to bear the odium of burying Him decently; but God raised one that had both. Why did God, chose Joseph to bury Jesus Christ? It was because he made himself available for God to use. Again, if the known disciples were the ones that asked for His body, it would have been hard for them. God is wisdom and He does His things wisely.

Despite his riches, he was humble enough to serve God. The reason he went and asked for the body of Jesus was because he wants to bury it honourably otherwise, by the Jewish customs; He would have either been burned, or buried in the common place appointed for executed criminals.

Are you rich? Does your wealth control you or you control your wealth? What areas do you channel your riches – to intimidate neighbours, to abuse people or to help the needy and humanity? Joseph of Arimathea showed he loved God. What about you?

Food for Thought: “He that will not permit his wealth to do any good to others while he is living prevents it from doing good to himself when he is dead” – Colton.

Memory verse: Matthew 27:28

Prayer: Lord, grant me the right understand of the essence of wealth and talent you have bestowed on me so I can use them to your praise and glory.

Be Influential And Honourable: Devotion for Thursday February 27, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 27, 2020

Topic: Be Influential and Honourable                 

Text: Psalm 112:9

It was Aquinas who sagely said, “Man should not consider his outward possession as his own but as common to all; so as to share them without hesitation when others are in need.” Have you ever asked yourself what are the things people will use to remember you when you die? What will people say that you achieved?

The concern of people is just to acquire wealth for their immediate family and generations unborn. The generous person is someone who is God’s reserviour from where His abundance flows out to supply the need of the needy. While a stingy person do have great in-gathering but very slow in dispersing those blessings. Which group do you belong?

In our text, the Psalmist said that God will remember those who give generously for their good deeds. He asserts that being generous with our gifts and blessings is the very way to become influential and honourable. This reminds me of Dorcas (Acts 9:36 – 43). What are the lessons for us in Proverbs 19:17 & 2 Corinthians 9:6 – 7?

Are you generous with the blessings God has bestowed on you? If not repent today and begin to share your blessings with other so that you can become influential and honourable. Above all God will remember and reward your good deeds. Use this Lenten Season as a period to start something.

Food for Thought: It is your generosity that will bring you influence and honour and not the wealth you have accumulated.

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 9:9

Prayer: God grant to me the spirit of generosity and help me never to be stingy with the blessings you have bestowed on me

For Our Enjoyment: Devotion for Friday, January 10, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday January 10 2020

Topic: For Our Enjoyment                  

Text: 1 Timothy 6:17 – 21

There is difference between being financially rich and being rich towards God. Wealth is very uncertain (Proverbs 23:5). Those who are rich should understand that their riches came from God. He alone grants the grace to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them rightly (1 Timothy 6:17).

Riches are meant to be used for doing good deeds (1 Timothy 6:18). Those who have money must be generous, but they must not be arrogant just because they have a lot to give. They must be careful not to put their hope in money instead of God for their security. See Mark 10:24.

Even if we don’t have material wealth, we can be rich in good deeds. No matter how poor we are, we have something to share with someone. These things we have in us are for the enjoyment of ourselves and those we meet or those who come to us on daily basis.

There is the admonition to guard what has been entrusted to Timothy. These things are of two dimensional; his congregation and his talents/gifts. The reason for this is because of false teachers who brought wrong doctrines into the church. We still have many of them now. Beware, so that you will not be deceived.

Food for Thought: How best can you use your wealth in the service of God and humanity?

Memory verse: Luke 12:21

Prayer: Grant me the grace, O God to use my wealth to serve you and humanity.

Use Your Wealth Wisely

Devotion for Saturday March 31, 2018

Topic: Use Your Wealth Wisely

Text: Matthew 27: 57 – 66           

Joseph from Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin who became a disciple of Jesus. He was a member of the council of Jewish leaders. According to Luke, he was a good and just man, who never consented to their decision to kill Jesus. He was also waiting for the kingdom of God (Luke 23:50, 51). This was the man God used to give Jesus a befitting burial. Jesus acquaintances (Matthew 27:49) stood afar off; they had no money to bear the charge neither the courage to bury Him decently; but God raised one that had both. Joseph made himself available for God to use in the burial of Jesus Christ. If the known disciples were the ones that asked for His body, the Roman Soldiers would have turned down the request. God is wisdom and He does His things wisely. Despite his riches, he was humble enough to serve God. The reason he went and asked for the body of Jesus was because he wants to bury it honourably otherwise, by the Jewish customs; He would have either been burned, or buried in the common place appointed for executed criminals. To others how do you use your wealth? Is it for the good of humanity or to the glory of God? What areas do you channel your riches – to intimidate neighbours, to abuse people or to help the needy and humanity? Joseph of Arimathea showed he loved God. What about you? Sing A&M 210; Abu 34

Food for Thought: “He that will not permit his wealth to do any good to others while he is living prevents it from doing good to himself when he is dead” – Colton.

Memory verse: Matthew 27:58

Prayer: Lord, grant me the right understand of the essence of wealth and talent you have bestowed on me so I can use them wisely.

To Their Hurt

Devotion for Sunday November 12, 2017

Topic: To Their Hurt

Text: Ecclesiastics 5:13

Money is good but not everything. There are some things money cannot buy; it cannot buy freedom from sin, peace, secure the future, stop death from coming to them, etc. Many rich people think that they will secure their future and that of their children with their wealth. Unfortunately, it is not so. Solomon sees riches as source of hurt to its owner. This may be the source of hurt to the owner because

1. He may make an improper use of them or lose his health by them

2. He may join in an unfortunate partnership and lose all

3. His riches may excite the desire of robbers and he may spoil him of his goods and even take away his life.

4. He may leave them to his son, who turns profligate, spends the whole and ruins both his body and soul.

For riches to hurt the owner is one vanity of wealth that after a life of toil and care in accumulating it, it will either be lost or become source of the owner’s death. The rich oppressor’s wealth provokes enemies and robbers. The antidote to this hurt is contentment.. Many people hurt themselves in pursuant of wealth at all cost. This is very unfortunate as it is even seen among Christians who have been admonished to set their minds on the things that are above and not below (Colossians 3:1 – 2). When we understand this, it will help our orientation and perception about wealth. Think about this and take a good stand now before you will hurt yourself so badly.

Food for Thought: Wealth, heaped up out of covetousness will always result clashes of interest among heirs.

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 5:13

Prayer: God help me to reorder my priorities in life so that I will not pursue wealth at the detriment of my salvation and hurt in Jesus name. Amen.

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

The Rich Man And Lazarus

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 24, 2017

Topic: The Rich Man And Lazarus

Text: Luke 16:19 – 31

There are so many inspiring lessons for us in this story. One mistake people make in life is to think that money is everything. It is not so. Again, wealth is not a perimeter to judge God’s blessings and favour. The Pharisees considered wealth to be a proof of a person’s righteousness but Jesus shocked them with this story in which a diseased beggar was rewarded and a rich man was punished. The rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth but because he was selfish, refusing to feed Lazarus, take him in, or care for him. The rich man was hard-hearted in spite of his great blessings.

The amount of money we have is not as important as the way we use it. What is your attitude toward your money and possessions? Do you hoard them selfishly, or do you use them to help others? There is something worth noting in Luke 16:22. Lazarus died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom while the rich man was buried. This shows that no amount of burial changes the final destination of man.

What determines our final destination is the way we live when we are alive. Therefore beware of the way you live and use your wealth. The rich man thought that his five brothers would surely believe a messenger who had been raised from the dead. But Abraham asserted that if they did not believe Moses and the prophets, who spoke constantly of caring for the poor, not even a resurrection would convince them. Are you like this rich man? Don’t wait for the messenger from the dead. Repent now and accept Jesus as your Saviour. 

Food for Thought: What is your attitude towards your money and possessions?

Memory verse: Luke 16 verse 22

Prayer: Lord God, help me to accept your message of salvation now and not to wait for a message or messenger from the dead in Jesus name.

No Excuse (VII)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 18, 2017

Topic: No Excuse 7  

Text: Revelation 3:14 – 22

Laodicea was a commercial city and the wealthiest of the seven cities. It was known for its banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school that produced eye ointment. The church there had become lukewarm and thus unpleasant and disgusting. They didn’t take a stand for anything; indifference led them to idleness and complacency. By neglecting to do anything for Christ, the church became hardened and self-satisfied, which led to its spiritual ruin.

Nothing disgusts more than a half-hearted, nominal and self-sufficient Christian. Such people will never seek counsel or make time to fast and pray. God uses things familiar to us in teaching us moral lessons. Laodicea had always had problem with water supply and the water that flows into the city from an aqueduct get there not hot nor refreshingly cool but lukewarm. This was a perfect description of this church.

Today, some of us believe that many material possessions are signs of God’s spiritual blessing. Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the church was also wealthy. But what they could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal. Wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Christ. How does your current level of wealth affect your spiritual desire? Instead of centring your life primarily on comfort and luxury, find your true riches in Christ. Your wealth should not be an excuse.

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:18

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 19

Prayer: God, heal me of complacency and being lukewarm to your service in Jesus name. Amen.

ARE YOU AT EASE?

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2016

Topic: ARE YOU AT EASE?                

Text: Amos 6:1 – 7

In the book Revelation, one problem with the church at Laodicea was lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot. What led them into being lukewarm was the wealth they enjoyed (Revelation 3:17). This made God to rebuke them (Revelation 3:19), warning them to repent (See full story in Revelation 3:14 – 22). That story is very similar to our text for the day. Our bible reading centres on dangers of luxury and false security.

Usually, times of continued worldly prosperity and alliance with political leadership are full of danger to the cause of Christianity. There is always the tendency to bring into the church luxury, pride, vain show, and indifference to God's service, with all the gross sins that naturally follow in their train. Thus the professors of godliness dishonour Christ before the world, lose their power over men's consciences, and make it necessary that God should purify His church by His judgments.” This was the reason why Amos denounced those that are at ease in Zion. The people in question are men and women who have so much confidence in their wealth and their connections. This attitude is dangerous and God condemns it whole and entire (see Psalm 146:3 & Isaiah 31:3).

It was on this basis that Family Bible Notes admonished that “The numerous examples on record of great and often very sudden changes from a state of ease and comfort to one of deep affliction, ought to be a solemn warning to us of the present day not to abuse the great prosperity which God is bestowing upon us, lest He cause our sun also to go down at noon, and darken our land in the clear day, as he did with ancient Israel (Amos 8:9).” Do you trust your riches and now complacent on the things of God? Do you belong to the group that feels all is well because you have money and can get whatever you want at beck and call? Know that God is the owner of whatever you have and He is the only one that can connect us and not man. Trust God and not your riches for wealth are deceptive.

Food for Thought: Do you abuse the great prosperity God has bestowed on you?

Memory verse: Amos 6 verse 1

Prayer: God, remove every spirit of complacency in me in respect of serving you and help me not to be at ease because of my wealth in Jesus name.

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (1): Devotion for Monday September 26, 2016

IT PAYS TO BE CHARITABLE (1): Devotion for Monday September 26, 2016

Text: Acts 9:36 – 43                          Memory verse: v 40

It pays to be charitable because that is the best way to serve God and humanity. This was the emphasis of Jesus Christ in Matt 25:31–46. The testimony of Tabitha (Dorcas) here is challenging. Acts 9:36 says, “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” Christians, who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity; working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. We should understand that our works of charity will definitely praise us. People will acknowledge what we do and sometimes act in our favour as these people did for Dorcas. We shouldn’t be ungrateful when we receive kindness from people.

While we live upon the fullness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of good works, for the honour of His name, and for the benefit of His saints as mark of gratitude for His mercies. This is what Sir Thomas Browne posited when he said, “Be charitable before wealth makes you covetous.” Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they dwell, as showing the excellence of the word of truth by their lives. Are you one of them?

Food for Thought: “Nothing will make us so charitable and tender to the fault of others, as, by self examination, thoroughly to know our own” Francis FeNelon.

Prayer: Lord, teach me acts of charity so I will never close my eyes to the needs of people around me in Jesus name.

RIGHT USE OF WEALTH: Devotion for Easter Eve, Saturday March 26, 2016

RIGHT USE OF WEALTH: Devotion for Easter Eve Saturday March 26, 2016

Text: Matthew 27: 57 – 66    Memory verse: v 58

Joseph from Arimathea had become a disciple of Jesus. He was a member of the council of Jewish leaders. According to Luke, he was a good and just man, who never consented to their decision to kill Jesus. He was also waiting for the kingdom of God (Lk. 23:50, 51). This was the man God used to give Jesus a befitting burial. Jesus acquaintances (27:49) stood afar off; they had no money to bear the charge neither the courage to bear the odium of burying Him decently; but God raised one that had both. God raised Joseph Arimathea to do the burial because he made himself available for God to use. Again, if the known disciples were the ones that asked for His body, it would have been hard for them because the Jewish leaders would have opposed it. God is wisdom and He does His things wisely.

Despite his riches, he was humble enough to serve God. The reason he went and asked for the body of Jesus was because he wants to bury it honourably otherwise, by the Jewish customs; He would have either been burned, or buried in the common place appointed for executed criminals. Are you rich? Does your wealth control you or you control your wealth? What areas do you channel your riches: to intimidate neighbours, to abuse people or to help the needy and humanity? Joseph of Arimathea showed his love for God. What about you?

Food for Thought: “He that will not permit his wealth to do any good to others while he is living prevents it from doing good to himself when he is dead” – Colton.

Prayer: Lord, grant me the right understand of the essence of wealth and talent you have bestowed on me so I can use them to your praise and glory.            

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

IDOLS IN THE HEART: Devotion for Saturday March 12, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 14:1 – 11         Memory verse: v 3  

God knows the intents of our hearts in whatever we do, which most of us are unaware of or undermine. That is why most things we think that matter are not so with God and vice versa. These elderly people who came to Ezekiel have not actually repented of their sins before coming to God. With one hand they held on to sin and were using the other hand to inquire of God. God cannot be mocked. Their offence is that they have made idols in their hearts which can never take the place of God. God says He is a jealous God. He doesn’t want to share our hearts with idols. Thus He instructed them to repent (14:6) so as to avoid the consequences that might follow (14:8–11).

Idols in the heart according to our bible reading are things that made them to stumble and fall into sin. Beloved, what are the idols that can occupy our hearts and make us stumble? Can you mention five of those idols in hearts of people? Admittedly, most Christians have set up idols of money/wealth, hatred, anger, pride, lust, etc, which easily lead them into sin. God doesn’t take pleasure in the outward form of worship when it is connected with a wicked heart and life. He cannot be deceived by those who come to inquire of Him, and He will not allow Himself to be mocked by people who claim to be serving God and idols at the same time. If they love iniquity and secretly practise it, He will answer them in wrath, and not in mercy. Therefore be warned and don’t be a victim.

Action: Write down things that can become idols in your heart.

Prayer: Deliver me, O Lord, my God, from every idol in my heart so that my worship will be acceptable to you in Jesus name.

          

FOR OUR ENJOYMENT: Devotion for Sunday January 10, 2016

FOR OUR ENJOYMENT                        Sunday January 10, 2016

Text: 1 Timothy 6:17 – 21                  Memory verse: v 17

There are differences between being financially rich and being rich towards God. Wealth is very uncertain (Prov.23:5). Those who are rich should understand that their riches came from God. He alone grants the grace to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly and not having a heart to use them rightly (6:17). Riches are meant to be used for doing good deeds to people (6:18). Those who are rich must be generous and must not be arrogant just because they have a lot to give. They must be careful not to put their hope in money, instead they should hope in the living God for their security. This is the reason for the words of Christ in Mk. 10:24.

We can be rich in good deeds even if we don’t have material wealth. No matter how poor we are, we have something to share with someone. These things we have in us are for the enjoyment of ourselves and those we meet or those who come to us on daily basis. There is the admonition to guard what has been entrusted to Timothy. These things are of two dimensions; his congregation and his talents/gifts. The reason for this is because of false teachers who brought wrong doctrines into the church. We still have many of them now. Beware, so that you will not be deceived.

Food for Thought: How best can you use your wealth for the service of God and humanity?

Prayer: God, grant me the grace to use my wealth to serve you and humanity.

TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME

TAKE YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME    Wednesday June 17, 2015

Text: Mark 10:17 – 23                   Memory verse: v 21  

Proper understanding of God blessings upon our lives matters so much in the way we use them. What does your money, wealth, talent, gift, etc, mean to you? Here is an example of how Jesus Christ tried to redirect the orientation and understanding of this young rich man concerning his wealth. Jesus told this man to sell everything and give his money to the poor but this doesn’t mean that we should as well sell all our possessions. Most of His followers did not sell everything, although they used their possessions to serve others. The essence of Jesus saying this is to make us understand that we must not let our possessions or money keeps us from following Him. We must remove all barriers to serving Him fully.

Jesus lovingly broke through the young man’s pride with a challenge that answered the question of what the man lacked and exposed the barrier that could keep this young man out of the Kingdom of God: his love of money. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). See also Matthew 22:36-40). The young man did not love God with his whole heart as he had presumed. In reality, the man’s wealth was his god, his idol. If he could not give it up, he would be violating the first commandment. 

Friend, what about you? Have you given up all that can hinder you from serving God?

Food for Thought: What barriers are keeping you from serving God?  

Prayer: God, expose any barrier that is keeping me from taking up my cross to serve you faithfully in Jesus name. 

FOR GOD HAS SAID

FOR GOD HAS SAID             Sunday June 14, 2015

Text: Hebrews 13:5, 6              Memory verse: v 5

Covetousness is a major problem of present day Christians. Many are now competing with worldly people on wealth acquisition and accumulation. Many have ceased to trust God to provide for them. Now they do it themselves through dubious means. This was the case when this epistle was written. The author advised that their lives should be void of covetousness; inordinate regard for money or such things as money will procure. The reason for this counsel is our topic for the day, for God has said that He will not forsake nor leave us. This assurance is all over the scripture. 

The panacea for covetousness is contentment. William Burkett defines contentment as a “Gracious disposition of mind, whereby the Christian rests satisfied with that portion of the good things of this life which the wisdom of God assigns him, without complaining of the little which God gives to him, or envying the much which God bestows on others.” Is that true about your life?

The reason for the advice on contentment is because God has said and assured that he will not forsake nor leave us. He made this promise to men of God (Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; 1 Chronicle 28:20) and He is still making same today. Beloved, God will not forsake you. You may be passing through tough time now but that does not mean He has turned His back against you. Be assured that He will not leave you in that project, study, work, business and endeavour.

Food for Thought: Deuteronomy 31:8

Prayer: God, as I look up to you, meet me at the point of my needs and grant me the grace to be contented with what you have given to me.