In The Multitude Of Words

Devotion for Monday November 13, 2017

Topic: In The Multitude Of Words

Text: Proverbs 10:19

Job 6:24 says, “Teach me and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred.” The greatest virtue someone can develop in life is the ability to tame his or her tongue. James gave reason for this in James 3:5 – 12.

Our text admonishes us on the importance of governing our tongue which should be our duty for these reasons.

1) It is good to say little, because in the multitude of words, sin doesn’t cease. Usually, those that speak much, speak much idle words which they must shortly give account of (Mathew 12:36).

2). It is therefore good to keep our mouth as with a bridle. See Amos 5:13 and James 1:19. Do you have control over your tongue? James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”

The way you talk in the public goes a long way to show the kind of Christian you are. Peter sagely said, “For he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit” – 1 Peter 3:10. This is a challenge for us. Many people ridicule their faith by what they say with their mouth. A true Christian chooses his or her words before speaking and not the opposite. Be wise as your faith demands. Have a great day!

Food for Thought: James 1:26

Memory verse: Proverbs 10:19

Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to bridle my tongue and to choose my words before I speak so that I will not say idle words.

Allow Them To Discern

Devotion for Wednesday August 16, 2017

Topic: Allow Them To Discern

Text: John 4:16 – 26

Some people are fond of telling others who they are by their words and actions. They will always want people to acknowledge them by introducing themselves even though the occasion does not demand or warrant such. This is common attitude of the Pharisees. Such attitude is opposed to God, no wonder Jesus always rebuke them (Luke 11:39 – 44). Are you one of those who would always introduce yourself to people so as to be recognised? Know that unwarranted introduction is an act of pride.

Jesus met this woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well and as their discussion ensued, the woman made the statement in John 4:19. She perceived that Jesus is a prophet from His manner and His knowledge of her of her history. The word prophet here denotes one who knew her heart and life, and who must therefore have come from God. Every word that Jesus had uttered excited her to wonder more and more, and when He lifted the curtain off her life, she was convinced at once of Jesus superhuman knowledge. Jesus didn’t tell her He is a prophet rather it was through His word, the woman came to understand.

How do you present yourself to others? Do you allow people to discern that you are a child of God by your actions and words?

Food for thought: “Those that are truly desirous to be owned and accepted by God will likewise desire not to be taken notice of nor applauded by men.” - Henry         

Memory Verse: John 4:19

Prayer: Grant me the spirit of humility, O Lord, that people will know me by the fruit I bear

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.

Gracious Words

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 2, 2017

Topic: Gracious Words

Text: Ecclesiastics 10:12 – 15

A Chinese proverb says, “If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words.” The words we speak, show what we are – either wise or fools. It is expected that the words that proceeds from our mouth should be decent and orderly. It should be creditable to the person and also acceptable to those who hear us. The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious and minister grace to the hearers while a fool speaks without recourse.

The lips of the fool speak at random. The words that come out from the lips of a fool are not only unpleasant to others but often destructive to themselves. What a fool says comes from his own wickedness and weakness. Their words come from fury to injure others and same over and over again (10:14).

Beloved, how gracious are the words that come out of your mouth? Do your words manifest grace to your hearers and how do you react when abused or accused falsely? You shouldn’t react or speak like a fool who would vent his fury on others through your words. Jesus gave us an example in 1 Pet. 2:21 – 23. We should take to heart the admonition of Hannah in 1 Sam. 2:3. Let this be wisdom for us always.

Food for Thought: “Gentle words, quiet words, are after all the most powerful words; they are more convincing, more compelling, more prevailing” – W. Gladden.

Memory verse: Ecclesiastics 10 verse 12

Prayer: God, grant me grace to speak wisely and not foolishly in Jesus name. Amen

Be An Observable Model (In Utterances)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 2, 2017

Topic: Be An Observable Model (In Utterances)         

Text: Matthew 12:35 – 37   

Today and in the next five days, we shall be looking at some observable models from the scriptures; expected of us, that will challenge us to live well to the glory of God. Jesus posited that Christians are light of the world and salt of the earth which by implication demands that we should be models for the world. We shall, in these five days, look at some of the areas we can model our lives of worthy characters from the scriptures.

Ecclesiastics 5:2 says, “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.” This is a great advice for whosoever wants to be a model in terms of spoken words.

In our text Jesus reminds us that what we say exposes the thoughts in our heart. According to Life Application Notes, What comes from our mouth “Is an indication of what is in your heart. You can’t solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source.”

Are the words that come out of your mouth good enough to edify people (1 Timothy 4:12)? Are you the type that doesn’t have control over your mouth? Remember that “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise – Proverbs 10:19. 

Food for Thought: A vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their speech, whether they be wise or foolish. –Demosthenes.

Memory verse: Proverbs 10:19

Prayer: Help me O Lord to be a model with the words of my mouth that the words of my mouth will be pleasing to you in Jesus name. Amen.