Devotion
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 06/04/2020
Galatians 1 vs 11 to 16
Paul in this passage begins by reflecting on who he was and what he used to live like, then he states how and why he was transformed. We all have a past that was not pleasing before God as we lived a life of disobedience to God and His commands but a day came when we got transformed. And as Paul states it in verse 15 and 16 that we were set apart from birth but it took God by His grace to reveal Christ to us that we may preach him. We are transformed to be tools of transformation. Hence we ought to live as children of transformation.
Blessed day
Blessed day
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 07/04/2020
Daniel 3 vs 1 to 29
This was a time when Babylon besieged Judah and in this scriptural reading, we see Nebuchadnezzar issuing a degree to all his subjects to worship the stature hr has set in the province of Babylon. Everyone else obeys to this order except Shadrech, Meshach and Abednego. And due to their disobedience, we see this king throw these two men in the burning furnace which does not consume them anyway. The actions of these three men teaches us three things about worshiping God.
1. Worshiping God requires us to set ourselves apart from the customs of this world.
We see that to these three men anything other than dedicating their lives to God was wrong, hence they made a decision not to take part in such. Quite alright they were in a foreign land and were required to follow the commands and laws of that land but if these laws require them to disobey their God then these laws are wrong for them.
We as Christians live in foreign land that has it's own customs and way of living. This world dictates what must and must not be done by those living in it. But if this world chooses to move in this direction, a Christian chooses to move in God's direction. God is looking for his children that will make a decision not to live by the standards of this world. He is looking for worshipers that weigh their day-to-day action on His word and see if it balances, if not then it's worthless.
We as Christians live in foreign land that has it's own customs and way of living. This world dictates what must and must not be done by those living in it. But if this world chooses to move in this direction, a Christian chooses to move in God's direction. God is looking for his children that will make a decision not to live by the standards of this world. He is looking for worshipers that weigh their day-to-day action on His word and see if it balances, if not then it's worthless.
2. When you worship God, he takes care of your needs
These three acknowledged in verse 16 and 17 that theirs is to worship God and the rest God will take care of it. They also realized that when anyone rises and opposes their worship, God will fight for them for God does not leave those who serve and worship Him alone but needed them at their points of need. And whether He does it today or tomorrow they will still worship him.
You see we worship God because He is God and nothing else. We do not worship because we need something from him. But because He remains God we worship Him. And by his grace at his appointed time he meets our needs.
You see we worship God because He is God and nothing else. We do not worship because we need something from him. But because He remains God we worship Him. And by his grace at his appointed time he meets our needs.
3. When we worship God, others glorify Him because of our worship
Nebuchadnezzar worshiped God because of these three men. In verse 26, he acknowledges God as most high and not his idol and in verse 28, he praises God. Listen carefully to what he says in verse 28 b, "They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any God except their own God."
Worshiping God faithfully and putting your trust in Him is one way of drawing people to God.
Worshiping God faithfully and putting your trust in Him is one way of drawing people to God.
We cannot worship God and idols, we can't bring glory to God if we live by the standards of this world. True worship requires us to deny the world and accept God alone and nothing else. May God help us to be a people that worship him faithfully. Amen!
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 08/04/2020
2 Timothy 4 vs 1 to 5
Every good father leaves their son with something when their time to die comes. It may be material things but the most valuable is wisdom of instruction. For the father knows that he will not be physically present to correct the son once he's gone.
Paul does the same with Timothy here, he gives Timothy instructions which begin from chapter 3 vs 10. The first thing is that he is making this charge in the presence of God, acknowledging that this is more about God than it is about Paul.
He continues in verse 2 by charging Timothy to preach the Word no mater the circumstances. Chapter 3 vs 14 to 17, shows that Timothy was well equipped with the Word, hence he is charged to preach what he already knows.
We are reminded today of this charge Christ gave us in Matthew 28 vs 19. For if we look at our world today, people have "turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." Hence, let's go forth and make him known to all ages, nations and generations.
Verse 5, "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."
Stay blessed
Paul does the same with Timothy here, he gives Timothy instructions which begin from chapter 3 vs 10. The first thing is that he is making this charge in the presence of God, acknowledging that this is more about God than it is about Paul.
He continues in verse 2 by charging Timothy to preach the Word no mater the circumstances. Chapter 3 vs 14 to 17, shows that Timothy was well equipped with the Word, hence he is charged to preach what he already knows.
We are reminded today of this charge Christ gave us in Matthew 28 vs 19. For if we look at our world today, people have "turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." Hence, let's go forth and make him known to all ages, nations and generations.
Verse 5, "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."
Stay blessed
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 09/04/2020
Today we will focus on us(Christians) been called for the sole purpose that we may impact lives and how we achieve our purpose. According to Concise Oxford English Dictionary, the word impact is defined as 'marked effect or influence.' The word influence also means, 'the capacity to have an effect on the character or behavior of someone or something.' Effect on the other hand means, 'a change which is as a result or consequence of an action or other cause.' For the purpose of this writing, we will define impacting lives as, 'having a marked change in character or behavior of someone as a result of action taken.'
This is a very popular story I like to call the 'grass-to-grace' Moses story. We talking of a man born in a foreign and hostile land, almost killed after birth but survived and lived in the palace. Isn't that grass to grace? Anyway back to our passage.
Before this time, Moses was running away from Egypt after he had committed murder and now married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro the Midianite. And at this time, he was tending the flock of his father in law when God calls him to rescue the Israelites. What do we learn from his calling?
Before this time, Moses was running away from Egypt after he had committed murder and now married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro the Midianite. And at this time, he was tending the flock of his father in law when God calls him to rescue the Israelites. What do we learn from his calling?
1. GOD CALLS US FROM OUR COMFORT ZONES
You see, when Moses was called, he had left Egypt and was settled, probably living a happy life with his wife. No wonder he gave so many excuses cause how do you tell a man to go back to a place where he used to suffer? He might have been asking himself, "What if Pharaoh takes me instead? What will happen to my family, my wife and my child?" But Moses was alive for that very purpose.
In the same way, God has kept you for this purpose. Remember were you have come from, many of your friends, family members and people born on the same day, same ward, same hospital with you are no longer here. It is not by mistake. Moses couldn't have made it out of Egypt, if it was that easy, many would have left. But God made it possible that through Moses, the Israelites might be saved.
Moses was delivered from this suffering and now lived a comfortable live. In the same way, God delivered you from your sinful life and gave you his salvation by grace. And today he is telling you and I not to be too comfortable with our salvation but go out there and be soldiers that fulfill his mission. Yes we are saved, yes eternal life is our portion but what about those we left behind in sin. God loves them as much as he loves us, hence he wants us not to be comfortable Christians but go and make him known to the masses.
In the same way, God has kept you for this purpose. Remember were you have come from, many of your friends, family members and people born on the same day, same ward, same hospital with you are no longer here. It is not by mistake. Moses couldn't have made it out of Egypt, if it was that easy, many would have left. But God made it possible that through Moses, the Israelites might be saved.
Moses was delivered from this suffering and now lived a comfortable live. In the same way, God delivered you from your sinful life and gave you his salvation by grace. And today he is telling you and I not to be too comfortable with our salvation but go out there and be soldiers that fulfill his mission. Yes we are saved, yes eternal life is our portion but what about those we left behind in sin. God loves them as much as he loves us, hence he wants us not to be comfortable Christians but go and make him known to the masses.
2. HE HAS ALREADY GIVEN US ABILITIES
In verse 1 of chapter 4, Moses asks, "What if they do not believe me?" God then gives Moses signs to use for them to believe. Check this out, Moses already had these things like his staff, hand and cloak but they were only effective after his calling. You see, God who knew you before conception, already placed abilities in each and everyone of us and these abilities are effective in his presence.
The world will not believe unless you put to full use of your abilities. Each and everyone has a different and unique ability, hence, don't try to be like others for just by been you and utilizing your abilities to the fullest, you will impact lives.
The world will not believe unless you put to full use of your abilities. Each and everyone has a different and unique ability, hence, don't try to be like others for just by been you and utilizing your abilities to the fullest, you will impact lives.
3. OUR CALLING IS NOT A ONE MAN SHOW
Moses was working together with Aaron in his mission, the two had different abilities and together they were able to strengthen each other. Where Moses was weak, Aaron was strong and where Aaron was weak, Moses was strong.
The Bible in the book of 1 Corinthians 12 vs 12 to 31, clearly explains that the work of using our abilities is a collective work by giving us an example of the human body. We cannot all do the same work for we differ in abilities but when we work together, we are stronger. In this Christian family, when you are inactive the family grows weak for your abilities are not being utilized. It's not an issue of been present but been active. Those that are active should not, therefore, undermine the abilities of others for they too are an important factor in this mission.
The Bible in the book of 1 Corinthians 12 vs 12 to 31, clearly explains that the work of using our abilities is a collective work by giving us an example of the human body. We cannot all do the same work for we differ in abilities but when we work together, we are stronger. In this Christian family, when you are inactive the family grows weak for your abilities are not being utilized. It's not an issue of been present but been active. Those that are active should not, therefore, undermine the abilities of others for they too are an important factor in this mission.
Let me conclude by quoting from the book of Romans chapter 10 verse 14 to 15, " How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one if whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
We have been called, we have been equipped, let us go therefore whilst working with others and preach so that they may believe and come to the knowledge of Christ.
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 10/04/2020
Philippians 2 vs 1 to 11
In this thing part of his letter to the Philippians, O Paul writes concerning humility. From verse 1 to 4, he stresses the need of humbleness among them. He points out some attributes of humility to be lack of selfish ambition, the need to consider others better than yourselves and the need have the interests of others above self interest.
He then continues from verse 5 to 11, by giving Christ as an example of humility. Christ being God reduced his status by descending on the human race and took the very nature of mankind. Christ left his glory and considered our interests(need for salvation) above his. This was an act of humility. And in his humility, God exalted him and placed him above everything.
Today, we are reminded through this scripture to humble ourselves by following Christ as our role model and God will lift us up.
Stay blessed
He then continues from verse 5 to 11, by giving Christ as an example of humility. Christ being God reduced his status by descending on the human race and took the very nature of mankind. Christ left his glory and considered our interests(need for salvation) above his. This was an act of humility. And in his humility, God exalted him and placed him above everything.
Today, we are reminded through this scripture to humble ourselves by following Christ as our role model and God will lift us up.
Stay blessed
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 11/04/2020
Yesterday, we reflected on God's call for us to impact lives and today our we continue from were we left but reflecting on the call to discipleship.
Discipleship can be defined as an act of following Christ.
Discipleship can be defined as an act of following Christ.
Luke 5 vs 1 to 11
The Bible passage depicts a time when Christ was calling the twelve apostles(disciples) to follow him. This was the time he called Simon Peter and James and John, the sons of Zebedee. He begins by teaching the crowd that was following him and later ask Simon to put out into deep water and let down their nets for a catch. Simon counters by explaining to him how hard they have worked all night with no success but then he concedes and they go offshore. When they did, they had a huge catch that their nets couldn't hold, hence, they called for backup. This, however, astonished Simon and he immediately realised he was in the presence of Jesus and how sinful and unworthy he was to be with Christ. But Christ puts away his worries and shows him what he requires of him. And when they came back onshore, they left everything and followed Christ.
What do we learn from this scripture today?
What do we learn from this scripture today?
1. WHEN CHRIST COMES, HE CHANGES OUR SITUATIONS
When Christ first met Simon and his colleagues, they were just coming from a night of no success were all their efforts and hard work yielded no results. They probably had lost hope as their source of livelihood was not so smooth. But when Christ comes he brings forth a new chapter of joy and multiple portions of blessings.
I may not know what you are going through right now, what is not moving in your life or what is causing you so much pain. It might the reason you have chosen not to respond to his call to follow him. But one thing I know is that no matter what it is, Christ is your solution. Think about this, if Simon hadn't accepted to the request of Christ to go offshore, would they have made that catch? It was his boat, fishing was his job and he understood it better so he would have simply said no. But because he said yes, he had a catch of his life. The dry spell was gone, taken away by Christ. In the same way, it is your life, you understand the better what is happening in your life so you can say no to his call to follow him. And you have doing that all this while with no change. Simon said, he and his friends worked so hard, and so are you working so hard to live life and solve your problems. But hey just like Simon, Jesus is what you are missing in your life. Accept His call and whatever situation you are going through, when Christ comes he changes it all. All you need is to accept his call.
I may not know what you are going through right now, what is not moving in your life or what is causing you so much pain. It might the reason you have chosen not to respond to his call to follow him. But one thing I know is that no matter what it is, Christ is your solution. Think about this, if Simon hadn't accepted to the request of Christ to go offshore, would they have made that catch? It was his boat, fishing was his job and he understood it better so he would have simply said no. But because he said yes, he had a catch of his life. The dry spell was gone, taken away by Christ. In the same way, it is your life, you understand the better what is happening in your life so you can say no to his call to follow him. And you have doing that all this while with no change. Simon said, he and his friends worked so hard, and so are you working so hard to live life and solve your problems. But hey just like Simon, Jesus is what you are missing in your life. Accept His call and whatever situation you are going through, when Christ comes he changes it all. All you need is to accept his call.
2. WHEN YOU FOLLOW HIM, HE SENDS YOU TO SERVE HIM
When Simon saw the great catch, he acknowledged his sinful life and Christ assures him that now that he follows him, his past is the past. In verse 10, Christ tells these three men that from now on thy will catch men. As we learned yesterday, we are called to impact lives but this is as comes after we follow Christ. Cause he begins by equipping us with knowledge before he sends us, in short he makes us fishers of men. This is entirely his doing effected in us through our obedience.
The call to follow Christ is one sent out on every person alive on earth, however, the decision to respond positively to this call is a personal decision which as an individual you ought to make. I like what the disciples do in verse 11, they leave everything and follow Christ. This is what he requires from us, to leave our past and follow him till our last breathe.
Stay blessed
Stay blessed
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 12/04/2020
Matthew 10 vs 1 to 8
Jesus, first called his disciples and they he equipped them with authority after he sent them. In the same way, we have been called and God has Po provided us with authority and knowledge through His word that when we go we are equipped. The past days we have reflected on God's all and our mandate and today I want us to remember that there is a vital stage in between our calling and effecting our mandate which is equipping stage. This stage is an ongoing stage throughout our ministry. We need knowledge(Through the Bible), the Holy Spirit(For enablement) and prayer(Our weapon). Hence for us to go out there and fulfill our mandate, this stage must be well attended to.
When we go, we need to realize as Christ made his disciples realize, that what we have was given to us freely and we give it out freely. The is no price tag to salvation. We are ministers of the word and not businessmen of the word.
Stay blessed
When we go, we need to realize as Christ made his disciples realize, that what we have was given to us freely and we give it out freely. The is no price tag to salvation. We are ministers of the word and not businessmen of the word.
Stay blessed
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 13/04/2020
Philippians 2 vs 4 to 11
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul in this particular scripture is trying to stress the importance of humbleness among believers. He begins by telling what humility is all about in verse 4 where he tells them that they ought not to only look at their interest but also at the interests of others.
Paul, however, doesn't end there but he gives Christ as a role model of humility. In verse 6, we see him acknowledging that Christ is God. He continues in verses 7 to 8 to state that Christ who been God left him glory and came to dwell amongst humans(that are sinful) as a servant in human likeness. It is He that chose to die that painful death on the cross as one who is cursed so that we may have salvation. In all this Christ had the interest of mankind at heart. Verse 9 through to 11, we see God exalting Christ to the highest place and giving him the best name that is above every name.
If we just like Christ humble ourselves, God alone will exalt us. Whether in our families, businesses, workplaces, leadership, etc we should have the interests of others at heart. Remember, "your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Stay blessed
Paul, however, doesn't end there but he gives Christ as a role model of humility. In verse 6, we see him acknowledging that Christ is God. He continues in verses 7 to 8 to state that Christ who been God left him glory and came to dwell amongst humans(that are sinful) as a servant in human likeness. It is He that chose to die that painful death on the cross as one who is cursed so that we may have salvation. In all this Christ had the interest of mankind at heart. Verse 9 through to 11, we see God exalting Christ to the highest place and giving him the best name that is above every name.
If we just like Christ humble ourselves, God alone will exalt us. Whether in our families, businesses, workplaces, leadership, etc we should have the interests of others at heart. Remember, "your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Stay blessed
TODAY'S DEVOTION - 14/04/2020
2 Thessalonians 2 vs 13 to 17
"13. But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
14. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace us eternal encouragement and good hope,
17. encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
14. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace us eternal encouragement and good hope,
17. encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
Paul in this second letter to the Thessalonians is writing to a people that have been saved, that believe in the truth and have been called through the gospel. All this so that they may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. He then encourages them to hold on firmly to the teachings that Paul and his brothers had passed on to them.
We have been saved and have come to the knowledge of our salvation through the preaching of the gospel. Be encouraged today to stand firm on this word you have come to know either through reading of scripture and preaching by men and women of God. Do not sway either to the left or the right but this word direct you everyday actions.
We have been saved and have come to the knowledge of our salvation through the preaching of the gospel. Be encouraged today to stand firm on this word you have come to know either through reading of scripture and preaching by men and women of God. Do not sway either to the left or the right but this word direct you everyday actions.
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