Category: Daily Devotionals

What do you wish done to you? (R)(19/6/2023)

Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - NIV

Everyone wishes good to be done to them, including those who harm others. We want nice things and nice words of compliments and appreciation. We love to live in peace and harmony among family, friends, workmates and in community. Most times we expect others to do this for us. It appears like it’s their responsibility to do so, not us. When they don’t do it, they are on the wrong and we quickly blame them without thinking of what we have done on our part.

But Jesus teaches a very basic, simple principle to achieving what you desire: begin by giving it out. Set the pace by doing it. It may not be fully reciprocated, but certainly it will come back. Instead of hate, why not love. If you want peace, be peaceful. Jesus said we should do this in EVERYTHING. Apostle Paul reiterated the same principle when he said, “Do not be decieved:God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what He sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8). This may not always be easy, but it’s God’s way.

Sow good seed even if the environment pushes you to do bad. Revenge, paying evil for evil, only promotes evil in the world. That is why most problems in the world continue. But individuals, communities and nations who apply this principle reap the benefits of healing, reconciliation and peace. This however doesn’t mean wrong doing shouldn’t be punished. The laws of the land take care of that. Do your part.

We reap what we sow. We get back what we give! Purposefully give what you wish to get back.

Shalom children of God.

Hypocrisy is distasteful! (R) (5/7/2023)

Isaiah 29.13 "The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."

A hypocrite is a person who says one thing, but means another in their hearts. They claim to love, but in their hearts they actually hate. They appear genuine and yet dishonest. What their mouths speak is different from what is in their hearts. That’s how Israel was, singing and worshipping God with their mouths, and yet God saw totally detached hearts. They had settled for rules of men in worshipping God. That was a mismatch.

To God, what matters is what is in the heart, not what the mouth speaks, unless the two match. What is in one’s heart reflects the real character of the person and that’s what God prefers. So many profess and invoke God’s name in their lips, claim to fear Him but their hearts are far from it. No wonder the fruit of their lives shows a different person.

God prefers that we reflect who we really are, and not remain in between. The sharp rebuke to the church in Laodecea shows how distasteful a lukewarm state is to Him. We would rather be hot or cold. God, the searcher of men’s hearts, knows each one of us as we really are before Him. Not everyone who says to Him ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. There are those who claim to love God and yet living their own ways. God calls us to be honest before Him. What would He say of you?

Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth…"

Shalom children of God.

Learn from Noah’s story! (23/7/2023)

Matthew 24:37 - 38 "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

Jesus was teaching about His coming back. He uses the example of Noah’s days. Noah preached repentance, asking people to turn to God. People despised him. They took him to be foolish, building an ark in preparation for a flood they thought was never going to be real. It took many years. People went on with life as usual and ignored Noah. But reality hit when the flood came and swept them away. It was too late!

And so will it be towards Jesus’ second coming. Many will think it is not real. They will move on with life normally, celebrating, marrying, making money and wealth, and all other life matters. And Jesus will suddenly come and for many, it will be too late to mend ways with God. The business of life makes them forget about the coming of the Lord and the end of the age. It is life as usual!

Jesus’ conclusion to this teaching is, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matt 24:42). It is a call to constant awareness, alertness and soberness of mind. Don’t allow the usual businesses of life make you spiritually sleep and dull your sensitivity to what is about to happen as it did to people in Noah’s days! Those who never responded were shut out and perished!

Matthew 24:44 "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Shalom children of God

Dare to believe! (R) (20/6/2023)

Matthew 14:28-31 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" - NIV

Jesus had sent the disciples ahead of Him while He remained on the mountain side to pray into the night. The wind had disturbed them and they didn’t make much progress. And by the fourth watch in the night (between 3-6am) Jesus comes walking on the water. They were too afraid, thinking He was a ghost. When they learnt it was Jesus, Peter asked to join him walking on the water, to which Jesus readily agreed and called him. Briefly though, Peter walked on the water because he believed Jesus’ word.

So much has God given us in His word. Peter says they are “… very great and precious promises…”(2Peter 1:4). These are His commitments to us covering every aspect of our human needs. Nothing was left out of what we will ever need to live the kind of life God meant for us. We only need to believe and claim them. God takes His own word seriously. He is true and faithful to it. Whatever He promised He will fulfill. Whatever He said, He will do. He doesn’t lie.

One day, after Jesus had preached to the people from the seashore using Peter’s boat, He told Peter to launch the net into the water to fish. It was day, and Peter, knowing it was not normal to fish during day, told Him they had fished the whole night and caught nothing.  “Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.“( Luke 5:5). Believing Jesus’ word, they caught so much fish that they were shocked.

Dear child of God, dare to believe His word even if it appears ilogical. Therein awaits your victory and miracle. If we can trust people who may fail, why not a God Whose word is absolutely reliable?

Shalom children of God.

The sad end of hypocrisy! (6/7/2023)

Luke 12:1-3 "…“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs." - NIV

Jesus had just severely rebuked the Pharisees for their religious hypocrisy. What they did was for a physical show of piety but inside their hearts was a different story. They did under the cover of the law, their religious beliefs and traditions. But Jesus saw their true motives. They even plotted to kill Him contrary to the law they claimed to uphold. All of it would be revealed for what it really was; pretense and lies!

Hypocrisy is pretense, hiding true motives and presenting something else. People pretend to be honest and committed to what is true, right and just, but deep within carry different and evil intentions. The talk in secret is different from what is shown publicly. Jesus said all these will be revealed.

Hypocrisy is not sustainable. Its danger is that it brings much shame at the end when its coverings give way. It is deceptive, hollow and leaves those who love it hanging. And they will be cast away. Remember Gehazi!

We may cover up things, lie and succeed with people. But God Who sees all that people think, plan, say and do, in secret and in the open knows the truth even if we use His name to make it appear ‘sacred’. He calls us to walk in truth, love, honesty and in the light with each other. We are warned to be aware and to avoid the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. It defiles our true relationship with God. That’s double dealing with God and Satan. Over to you!

Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Shalom children of God.

And the door was shut! (24)7)2023)

Matthew 25:10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut."

One of Jesus’ teachings on preparation for His return used the example of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. The exact date and time wasn’t certain. But they had to be ready all the time so that they would be found ready. Some who didn’t stock enough oil for their lamps went out to buy. The bridegroom came, and the door was shut. They were late!

Such is the scenario today as we look forward to the coming of the Lord. The date and hour no one knows. But we are to be ready at all times as we watch the signs. The foolish virgins who didn’t store enough oil to keep their lamps burning, represents the careless believer. They are not giving due diligence to the state of their relationship with God.

The wise virgins are those who keep constantly ready as they wait for the Lord. Once the bridegroom comes, those who are ready will go with Him. And the door will be shut. Whoever wasn’t found ready will be left out. Their pleading to be allowed in will not be honoured. The Lord will deny them. And it will be too late!

Matthew 25:11-13 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

Shalom children of God

Selfish ambition: a root of unhealthy relationships! (21/6/2023)

Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Paul in this chapter dwelt on building healthy relationships using the example of Christ. One huge factor behind unhealthy relationships is selfish ambition, where the focus is on self and caring less about others. Selfishness results in greed, pride and lack of compassion. The world revolves around you and no one else. You want everything for yourself. You want to be happy even if others are crying.

In contrast, Paul notes that it takes humility to value others above oneself. And that results in thinking about their interests and wellbeing. This takes love. Jesus demonstrated this in His life. He left the glory in heaven to save us. Creator of all things came and lived a life of a servant and died like a criminal. He did all these for us. That was unprecedented humility, going all the way for others!

Selfish ambition is a major reason behind unhealthy competition, fights, slander, greed, oppression of others, disunity and divisions. It fuels all other evils. It makes one completely insensitive to the needs of others who need your support and help. And behind self centred lives, is the devil. We were created for each other. Life only becomes better if we do nothing out of selfish motives. God loves that.

Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Shalom children of God

Personal responsibility in life (7/7/2023)

Romans 14:12 "Every one of us, then, will have to give an account of ourselves to God." - GNB

The overall discussion in this chapter is about passing judgement on others. Each one of us is ultimately and personally accountable to God. It is individual responsibility for whatever we consciously do in this life. The Bible teaches that our works follow us along the way in this life and beyond. They don’t stop here.

Sometimes people hide in the crowd and the system they are operating in to conceal and escape personal responsibility. When caught they apportion blame to those they think were responsible for the messes they were involved in. Some find it very difficult to accept responsibility and to apologise. Sometimes they succeed to divert attention.

To God, everyone bears their responsibility. If every individual lived with the awareness that we shall account to God for all we say or do, it would trigger a change in lifestyle and decisions we make daily. We would first think about the consequences of our actions, whether we shall later regret and be ashamed, or be proud of what we are doing now.

Galatians 6:7-8 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

Shalom children of God

Confidence amidst uncertainty (R) (25/7/2023)

Psalms 23:4-5 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." - NIV

Our world is becoming more and more uncertain, unpredictable and unsafe. We’re faced with several unprecedented occurrences, both made man and acts of nature. As men struggle for power and control, and insatiable quest for resources, very catastrophic decisions are made. This is made worse by the increase of evil which rules many people’s hearts.

But to any believer in God and bible student, whatever we face now shouldn’t be a surprise. God, Who sees the end from the begining, already alerted us about these things, meant to signify closeness to the end of the age. They will get worse as we see their rapid fulfillment. Jesus warned His disciples about these, and told them, “See, I have told you ahead of time.”(Matt 24:25). These were recorded so that when they happen, we shouldn’t be overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty like others who have no idea what’s happening.

Can one be so confident amidst such uncertainties? Yes. David said even if he went through the valley of the shadows of death, he wouldn’t fear because God was with him. And that’s our confidence too, that God is with us, and we will fear no evil outcome of the terrible times. He is present and protects us. We can celebrate before our enemies, knowing they have no power over us. Cheer up child of God. It’s well with us in Christ. To those not in Christ yet, I strongly urge them to give their lives to Him, even now.

Isaiah 3:10-11 "Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done."

Shalom children of God. It’s well

The idolatry of greed! (22/6/2023)

Ephesians 5:5 "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

Paul mentions several things that should not even be associated with those who call on God’s name. With firm certainty, he specifically mentions immorality, impurity and greed as hindrances to God’s kingdom. No one who loves and practices them has a place in God’s kingdom. Paul says we can be sure of that! Let’s not be deceived. It is that clear.

Idolatry is love and worship of anything else apart from God Almighty to Whom all praise, worship, glory and honour is due. Greed is the amassing of things only for oneself. It uses very ungodly methods to achieve this objective, including cheating, stealing, oppression,diversion or even murder to acquire things for oneself. In greed, money and things are loved and worshipped more than God. And that’s why it is described as idolatry.

So many are silently driven by greed in the way they make wealth. Some use their positions and might to displace the weak and vulnerable. Workers cheat their employers because of greed, as do professionals throw ethics away. Some use ministry as a means to financial and material gain. This explains the manipulations and extortions on vulnerable people seeking spiritual help.

Whichever way certain actions may be explained, if greed is the underlying motive, that’s idolatry. Jesus warned against all forms of greed. Let’s heed it.

Luke 12:15 "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

1 Thessalonians 2:5 "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness."

Shalom children of God.