The Man God Uses - Sunday 1, May 2016
Memorise: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. – 2 Timothy 2:20
Read: 2 Timothy 2:19-21 (KJV)
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 14:1-15:32, Proverbs 18:1-14
MESSAGE:
Today’s memory verse speaks of the availability of vessels of different makes, designs, and qualities to a great person. The choice of what vessel to use for any particular purpose is dependent on the master’s preference and the suitability of each vessel to the assignment at hand. So also, the man that God will use for any assignment must be found suitable for Kingdom assignment. God is always in the business of searching for suitable resources that He can use to fulfil His purpose here on earth. Whenever He locates one, He proceeds with the preparation and training of the chosen for the assignment. Incidentally, the divine equipment usually employed for the preparation and training of the man that God use is the cross. Many Christians are not fulfilling their purpose in life and ministry because they have consistently refused the required training for their assignments, and because they are not found to be suitable yet, their commissioning remains pending. May the Lord wake you up to the reality of your situation today, so that you can take your rightful place in the programme of heaven in Jesus’ name.
The man that God will use becomes completely transformed by going through the preparation process of God. The relationship that follows guarantees that the person's mind, heart, will and life now belong to Jesus Christ alone, he becomes reoriented with God and God’s kingdom. He is convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that he or she was created to please God and would begin to pursue godly purposes with all determination. In the life of the man God uses, the words of 2 Corinthians 9:8 come to play;
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” - 2 Corinthians 9:8
Therefore, the man God uses is the person who has absolute trust, reliance, and faith in God. He relies on God as the source of all things; he is a man through whom God can do all things. He is fully aware of God’s agenda in the world, and he lives with a clear, God-given sense of direction toward fulfilling God’s purpose. The presence of God is with him always and he is always careful to keep his character and integrity in line with the Word of God.
The man God uses is able to bring incredible changes and blessings into the life of anyone that comes in contact with him, through him, people with broken spirit, unstable families, the poor, those with health challenges, the demon possessed and the disenfranchised , can all find peace and prosperity with God. This is the whole essence of Christianity, and all it requires is our total submission to the preparation and training process. May the Lord give you the grace to pay the price for greatness in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, give me the grace to depend totally on you and completely submit myself to your training in Jesus’ name.
Saturday 30 April 2016
The Lord, My Fortress - Saturday 30, April 2016
The Lord, My Fortress - Saturday 30, April 2016
Memorise: And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; – 2 Samuel 22:2
Read: Psalms 91:1-8 (KJV)
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 12-13, Proverbs 17:15-28
MESSAGE:
The experience of the Psalmist concerning divine protection is worthy of study. According to our memory verse for today, he says: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.” Whoever experiences these attributes of God in his life can be rightly described as the inheritance of the Lord. The psalmist further wrote:
“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” - Psalms 125:1
One point to quickly note is that this Bible verse talks only to those who put their trust in the Lord, not those who have alternatives. David trusted totally in the Lord and he was never disappointed, that's why he had made such statements as this;
“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” – Psalms 125:2
In other words, the Lord builds walls of protection round about his people. This is ‘food for thought’ for double-minded people who are still in doubt of God’s ability to totally protect. Some people are even afraid of prosperity, because they feel they would be prone to attacks from enemies if they get rich. They obviously do not know that the Almighty God that prospers is the One that protects as well.
“3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence....5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” - Psalms 91:3, 5
One is thrilled by assurance with which the Psalmist is telling us about the Lord’s protection over His people. David’s experiences, first with the lion and the bear, and later with Goliath, are testimonies that should make a doubter believe that Our God is indeed Jehovah-Nissi.
I assure you that if you put your trust in the Lord, your protection is guaranteed. Our Lord never fails, He watches over his elect so that His name will not be blasphemed. Also, He fights on behalf of his elect so that they may not be discouraged by the battles of life.
My prayer is that the Rock of Ages will continue to protect you and your loved ones in the name of Jesus. However, ensure that you have no other god beside the Almighty God.
Memorise: And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; – 2 Samuel 22:2
Read: Psalms 91:1-8 (KJV)
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 12-13, Proverbs 17:15-28
MESSAGE:
The experience of the Psalmist concerning divine protection is worthy of study. According to our memory verse for today, he says: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.” Whoever experiences these attributes of God in his life can be rightly described as the inheritance of the Lord. The psalmist further wrote:
“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” - Psalms 125:1
One point to quickly note is that this Bible verse talks only to those who put their trust in the Lord, not those who have alternatives. David trusted totally in the Lord and he was never disappointed, that's why he had made such statements as this;
“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” – Psalms 125:2
In other words, the Lord builds walls of protection round about his people. This is ‘food for thought’ for double-minded people who are still in doubt of God’s ability to totally protect. Some people are even afraid of prosperity, because they feel they would be prone to attacks from enemies if they get rich. They obviously do not know that the Almighty God that prospers is the One that protects as well.
“3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence....5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” - Psalms 91:3, 5
One is thrilled by assurance with which the Psalmist is telling us about the Lord’s protection over His people. David’s experiences, first with the lion and the bear, and later with Goliath, are testimonies that should make a doubter believe that Our God is indeed Jehovah-Nissi.
I assure you that if you put your trust in the Lord, your protection is guaranteed. Our Lord never fails, He watches over his elect so that His name will not be blasphemed. Also, He fights on behalf of his elect so that they may not be discouraged by the battles of life.
My prayer is that the Rock of Ages will continue to protect you and your loved ones in the name of Jesus. However, ensure that you have no other god beside the Almighty God.
Prayer Point: Father, please deliver me from the nets of the fowler in Jesus’ name.
Friday 29 April 2016
Overcoming Trials II - Friday 29, April 2016
Overcoming Trials II - Friday 29, April 2016
Memorise: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7
Read: James 4:7-10 (KJV)
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 10-11, Proverbs 17:1-14
MESSAGE:
Submitting to the perfect will of God is a great weapon against trials and temptations. It is wisdom for us to submit to the One who is our present help in time of trouble. Jesus Christ is our closest ally in the battle of life. This is why those who do not have Him as their personal Lord and Saviour are vulnerably disposed to sorrow, frustration and death.
For us to enjoy the support and the defence of our great Ally, Jesus Christ , Apostle James wrote to say that we should submit ourselves to God , resist the devil and then he will flee from us (James 4:7).
The Bible says that pride goes before a fall. Many people fall into temptation because of pride. This is why the scripture enjoys us to live soberly as we fight the good fight of faith.
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:3
Humility and sobriety are great instruments of defence in the face of temptation. We are encouraged to humble ourselves in the sight of God so that He can lift us up. Once we are lifted up above principalities and powers, no temptation can floor us, because the Almighty is our Ally. People easily fall prey of trials and temptations because of their failure to live soberly. Over two thousand years ago, Apostle James gave us a key to solving the problem. He wrote:
“14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:14-15.
To overcome trials and temptations, we must run to Jesus afresh today with sober hearts and humility. He will come to our aids, just on time.
Action Point: Examine your life; see where and how you have exposed yourself to trials and temptations and make amends with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Memorise: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7
Read: James 4:7-10 (KJV)
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 10-11, Proverbs 17:1-14
MESSAGE:
Submitting to the perfect will of God is a great weapon against trials and temptations. It is wisdom for us to submit to the One who is our present help in time of trouble. Jesus Christ is our closest ally in the battle of life. This is why those who do not have Him as their personal Lord and Saviour are vulnerably disposed to sorrow, frustration and death.
For us to enjoy the support and the defence of our great Ally, Jesus Christ , Apostle James wrote to say that we should submit ourselves to God , resist the devil and then he will flee from us (James 4:7).
The Bible says that pride goes before a fall. Many people fall into temptation because of pride. This is why the scripture enjoys us to live soberly as we fight the good fight of faith.
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:3
Humility and sobriety are great instruments of defence in the face of temptation. We are encouraged to humble ourselves in the sight of God so that He can lift us up. Once we are lifted up above principalities and powers, no temptation can floor us, because the Almighty is our Ally. People easily fall prey of trials and temptations because of their failure to live soberly. Over two thousand years ago, Apostle James gave us a key to solving the problem. He wrote:
“14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:14-15.
To overcome trials and temptations, we must run to Jesus afresh today with sober hearts and humility. He will come to our aids, just on time.
Action Point: Examine your life; see where and how you have exposed yourself to trials and temptations and make amends with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Overcoming Trials I - Thursday 28, April 2016
Overcoming Trials I - Thursday 28, April 2016
Memorise: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. – James 1:12
Read: Proverbs 1:11-15 (KJV)
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 8:22-9:28, Proverbs 16:20-33
MESSAGE:
The irony of the spiritual realm is that the tempter is the prosecutor. The Bible says:
“9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” - Revelation 12:9-10
The Above scripture points to one bitter truth; trials and temptations are characteristics of life whether we believe it or not. It is. However, better to believe it because it is then we can preparedly overcome it. The Bible also confirms it by attaching a blessing to overcomers of temptation:
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12
It takes genuine love of God to be able to overcome temptation. Joseph was able to overcome temptation of sleeping with his masters wife because of the love he had for God. This love was what produced his victory. He said:
“There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” - Genesis 39:9
As said earlier, there will always be temptations as long as we on this earth. Temptation is not a sin but falling into it is a sin. The bad thoughts that the devil flashes at you are not sins until you begin to hatch and execute them. It is our resistance to temptation that makes us overcomers. The Bible says:
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” - Hebrews 12:4
My prayer for Someone using this devotional is that you remain an overcomer over sin from now on in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, Sanctify me wholly from every besetting sin by the Blood of Jesus she on the cross.
Memorise: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. – James 1:12
Read: Proverbs 1:11-15 (KJV)
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 8:22-9:28, Proverbs 16:20-33
MESSAGE:
The irony of the spiritual realm is that the tempter is the prosecutor. The Bible says:
“9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” - Revelation 12:9-10
The Above scripture points to one bitter truth; trials and temptations are characteristics of life whether we believe it or not. It is. However, better to believe it because it is then we can preparedly overcome it. The Bible also confirms it by attaching a blessing to overcomers of temptation:
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12
It takes genuine love of God to be able to overcome temptation. Joseph was able to overcome temptation of sleeping with his masters wife because of the love he had for God. This love was what produced his victory. He said:
“There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” - Genesis 39:9
As said earlier, there will always be temptations as long as we on this earth. Temptation is not a sin but falling into it is a sin. The bad thoughts that the devil flashes at you are not sins until you begin to hatch and execute them. It is our resistance to temptation that makes us overcomers. The Bible says:
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” - Hebrews 12:4
My prayer for Someone using this devotional is that you remain an overcomer over sin from now on in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, Sanctify me wholly from every besetting sin by the Blood of Jesus she on the cross.
Wednesday 27 April 2016
Know your Enemy II - Wednesday 27, April 2016
Know your Enemy II - Wednesday 27, April 2016
Memorise: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? – Romans 7:24
Read: Romans 7:18-25 (KJV)
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 7:1-8:21, Proverbs 16:6-19
MESSAGE:
The flesh is another deadly enemy of man. The flesh attacks the soul through its poisonous activities. These are listed in Galatians 5:19-21:
“19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
The above listed activities of the flesh are deadly, primarily because they prevent a man from inheriting the kingdom of God. An enemy is not a serious one of it can only kill you, but cannot prevent you from making it to heaven. Jesus Christ said:
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” - Mathew 10:28
Consequently, the flesh and its activities are very dangerous, but Christians have become so complacent that they sit back and allow these activities drag them off the track to heaven. The Bible says:
“28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent...32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” - Proverbs 6:28,32
The works of the flesh can be destroyed through only one means and that means is Jesus Christ. Beloved, I encourage you to give your life totally today, and do away with all works of the flesh.
Action Point: Read Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” and pray with it.
Memorise: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? – Romans 7:24
Read: Romans 7:18-25 (KJV)
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 7:1-8:21, Proverbs 16:6-19
MESSAGE:
The flesh is another deadly enemy of man. The flesh attacks the soul through its poisonous activities. These are listed in Galatians 5:19-21:
“19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
The above listed activities of the flesh are deadly, primarily because they prevent a man from inheriting the kingdom of God. An enemy is not a serious one of it can only kill you, but cannot prevent you from making it to heaven. Jesus Christ said:
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” - Mathew 10:28
Consequently, the flesh and its activities are very dangerous, but Christians have become so complacent that they sit back and allow these activities drag them off the track to heaven. The Bible says:
“28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent...32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” - Proverbs 6:28,32
The works of the flesh can be destroyed through only one means and that means is Jesus Christ. Beloved, I encourage you to give your life totally today, and do away with all works of the flesh.
Action Point: Read Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” and pray with it.
Tuesday 26 April 2016
Know your Enemy I - Tuesday 26, April 2016
Know your Enemy I - Tuesday 26, April 2016
Memorise: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. – Proverbs 1:10
Read: Genesis 3:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 4-6, Proverbs 15:25-16:5
MESSAGE:
One of the earliest weapons of the devil against both spiritual and physical well-being of a man is enticement. He has, from time immemorial, been successfully using this weapon against humanity. The first time he used it was in the Garden of Eden.
“4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6a And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food,” - Genesis 3:4-6a
As a matter of fact, the fruit was not better looking than other fruits of the garden, but the mental picture that the devil painted about it suggested to the woman that the fruits was better than the ones God has generously given them to eat. Today, there are many good things of life that God has provided for humanity and His children in particular, but the enticement of the enemy has robbed many people of the joy and contentment in God's benevolence. For example; if am man goes about chasing a woman who is not his wife, he is deluded and enticed to think that the strange woman possesses something that his wife does not have. It is the lie of the devil when you think that a second marriage will give you the joy that you did not have in the first. Read this confession of the first polygamist in history:
“19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah… 23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.” - Genesis 4:19,23
Though we may not have the full details of Lamechs lamentation in this passage, the fact remains than an increase in the number of his wives did not spare him from the agony that instigated this lament.
Beloved, in what areas have you been deceived through the enticement of the devil? I pray that the enticement will loosen its grip over you from today in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, when sinners come around to entice me, may I not consent in Jesus name.
Memorise: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. – Proverbs 1:10
Read: Genesis 3:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 4-6, Proverbs 15:25-16:5
MESSAGE:
One of the earliest weapons of the devil against both spiritual and physical well-being of a man is enticement. He has, from time immemorial, been successfully using this weapon against humanity. The first time he used it was in the Garden of Eden.
“4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6a And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food,” - Genesis 3:4-6a
As a matter of fact, the fruit was not better looking than other fruits of the garden, but the mental picture that the devil painted about it suggested to the woman that the fruits was better than the ones God has generously given them to eat. Today, there are many good things of life that God has provided for humanity and His children in particular, but the enticement of the enemy has robbed many people of the joy and contentment in God's benevolence. For example; if am man goes about chasing a woman who is not his wife, he is deluded and enticed to think that the strange woman possesses something that his wife does not have. It is the lie of the devil when you think that a second marriage will give you the joy that you did not have in the first. Read this confession of the first polygamist in history:
“19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah… 23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.” - Genesis 4:19,23
Though we may not have the full details of Lamechs lamentation in this passage, the fact remains than an increase in the number of his wives did not spare him from the agony that instigated this lament.
Beloved, in what areas have you been deceived through the enticement of the devil? I pray that the enticement will loosen its grip over you from today in Jesus name.
Prayer Point: Father, when sinners come around to entice me, may I not consent in Jesus name.
Monday 25 April 2016
Belated Offering? - Monday 25, April 2016
Belated Offering? - Monday 25, April 2016
Memorise: Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.– Luke 24:1
Read: Luke 24:1-8 (KJV)
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 2:13-3:28, Proverbs 15:11-24
MESSAGE:
Some offerings are acceptable while some are not; some offerings are given at the right time while some are belatedly offered. On the morning of the resurrection, some people brought spices to the sepulchre of Jesus, meanwhile, a few days to His crucifixion, a woman anointed Jesus Christ’s feet with expensive ointment. This woman’s kind gesture was just in time.
“10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.” - Matthew 26:10-12
Incidentally, when Jesus Christ died, no one was there to perform the customary anointing before burial for Him. It was in lieu of this that certain disciples came to the resurrection morning that they may anoint Jesus in arrears. However, He had resurrected!
Beloved, there are many lessons to be learnt from this resurrection story; whenever the Holy Spirit asks you to do something, no matter how illogical it may sound, do it immediately. The reason is that if you do it later, it will be a belated offering or service. The disciples who came to anoint Jesus went back with their perfume because the Master was no longer in the grave. James, an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote:
“14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” - James 2:14-16
If I may answer the apostle; there can be no profit whatsoever. There could, however, be a loss of that person in need, and it may be a physical or spiritual loss as the fellow may die of hunger or backslide. In this same vein, whenever the Holy Spirit asks you to do something and doing that thing attracts criticisms from men, be undeterred, go ahead and do exactly as you were told. Your critics will soon realise that they were wrong to have criticised you. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us, and may we continue to obey Him as we journey from the world to our eternal home above.
Action Point: Listen to the Holy Spirit and do all that He asks you to do immediately.
Memorise: Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.– Luke 24:1
Read: Luke 24:1-8 (KJV)
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 2:13-3:28, Proverbs 15:11-24
MESSAGE:
Some offerings are acceptable while some are not; some offerings are given at the right time while some are belatedly offered. On the morning of the resurrection, some people brought spices to the sepulchre of Jesus, meanwhile, a few days to His crucifixion, a woman anointed Jesus Christ’s feet with expensive ointment. This woman’s kind gesture was just in time.
“10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.” - Matthew 26:10-12
Incidentally, when Jesus Christ died, no one was there to perform the customary anointing before burial for Him. It was in lieu of this that certain disciples came to the resurrection morning that they may anoint Jesus in arrears. However, He had resurrected!
Beloved, there are many lessons to be learnt from this resurrection story; whenever the Holy Spirit asks you to do something, no matter how illogical it may sound, do it immediately. The reason is that if you do it later, it will be a belated offering or service. The disciples who came to anoint Jesus went back with their perfume because the Master was no longer in the grave. James, an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote:
“14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” - James 2:14-16
If I may answer the apostle; there can be no profit whatsoever. There could, however, be a loss of that person in need, and it may be a physical or spiritual loss as the fellow may die of hunger or backslide. In this same vein, whenever the Holy Spirit asks you to do something and doing that thing attracts criticisms from men, be undeterred, go ahead and do exactly as you were told. Your critics will soon realise that they were wrong to have criticised you. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us, and may we continue to obey Him as we journey from the world to our eternal home above.
Action Point: Listen to the Holy Spirit and do all that He asks you to do immediately.
Sunday 24 April 2016
Identifying with Jesus? - Sunday 24, April 2016
Identifying with Jesus? - Sunday 24, April 2016
Memorise: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; – Philippians 3:10
Read: John 19:38-42 (KJV)
38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1:1-2:12, Proverbs 4:32-15:10
MESSAGE:
From the beginning of the New Testament Church, identifying with Jesus takes dogged determination. Jesus Himself said it in Mark 8:34:
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
In the above passage, Jesus Christ demands total commitment from His followers. Whoever will not totally put himself under the Lordship of Christ does not belong to him. John 8:31-32 says:
“31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Identifying with Jesus is identifying with the Word from above. In the Bible reading for today, we read about two secret disciples, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus who came forward to claim the body of Jesus for burial. This is noteworthy, because it must have taken very important personalities to go to the governor to demand the body of a ‘condemned criminal’. On the other hand, it must have taken someone who did not only love the so-called criminal but also believed in his innocence, to go through the trouble of asking for Christ’s body and burying it.
Identifying with Jesus has to do with believing and living by His ideals. Many so-called born-again Christians have become so nominal that the Word of God is of no effect to their lives any more. Some pastors have tuned the Christian faith to a mere vocation. One wonders whether they mean to go to the same heaven that apostles like Paul worked hard for. Our Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples:
“18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” - John 15:18-19
Therefore beloved, let us take the yoke of Jesus Christ upon ourselves with all seriousness and steadfastness. We will all make it to heaven in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; – Philippians 3:10
Read: John 19:38-42 (KJV)
38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1:1-2:12, Proverbs 4:32-15:10
MESSAGE:
From the beginning of the New Testament Church, identifying with Jesus takes dogged determination. Jesus Himself said it in Mark 8:34:
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
In the above passage, Jesus Christ demands total commitment from His followers. Whoever will not totally put himself under the Lordship of Christ does not belong to him. John 8:31-32 says:
“31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Identifying with Jesus is identifying with the Word from above. In the Bible reading for today, we read about two secret disciples, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus who came forward to claim the body of Jesus for burial. This is noteworthy, because it must have taken very important personalities to go to the governor to demand the body of a ‘condemned criminal’. On the other hand, it must have taken someone who did not only love the so-called criminal but also believed in his innocence, to go through the trouble of asking for Christ’s body and burying it.
Identifying with Jesus has to do with believing and living by His ideals. Many so-called born-again Christians have become so nominal that the Word of God is of no effect to their lives any more. Some pastors have tuned the Christian faith to a mere vocation. One wonders whether they mean to go to the same heaven that apostles like Paul worked hard for. Our Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples:
“18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” - John 15:18-19
Therefore beloved, let us take the yoke of Jesus Christ upon ourselves with all seriousness and steadfastness. We will all make it to heaven in Jesus’ name.
Saturday 23 April 2016
Ungodly Sorrow - Saturday 23, April 2016
Ungodly Sorrow - Saturday 23, April 2016
Memorise: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. – Matthew 27:5
Read: Matthew 27:3-8 (KJV)
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 23-24, Proverbs 14:18-31
MESSAGE:
The type of sorrow that Judas Iscariot experienced is undesirable. I pray that you will not experience such a sorrow in your life in Jesus’ name. We need to know why the sorrow that Peter experienced is seen as godly and why that of Judas Iscariot is perceived as ungodly.
When a man thinks he can outsmart his creator, the results is usually ghastly, and it is only when that person has godly sorrow for his acts that he can be saved. Greed and materialistic tendencies can make a man think he can outsmart God. It is unfortunate that some so-called Christians are not spared for this monster called greed (or the love of material things). The Bible says:
“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Judas Iscariot thought he could swindle the Jewish leaders by betraying Jesus, he thought Jesus could not be arrested because he had, before then, witnessed Him escaping from the hands of the Jews. However, he didn’t know that Christ escaped then because His time was not yet up.
“28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,” - Luke 4:28-30
With the background knowledge of what Christ could do, he felt that once he had collected the money and showed them who He is, Christ would disappear and life would continue as usual. To his surprise, Christ surrendered Himself. The type of sorrow he had does not lead to repentance; rather, it leads to despair, frustration, and eventually suicide as seen in today’s memory verse.
Beloved, let us fear the Lord and abstain from all forms of greed and the love of money. These things drown men in destruction and perdition.
Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let the love of money drown me in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. – Matthew 27:5
Read: Matthew 27:3-8 (KJV)
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 23-24, Proverbs 14:18-31
MESSAGE:
The type of sorrow that Judas Iscariot experienced is undesirable. I pray that you will not experience such a sorrow in your life in Jesus’ name. We need to know why the sorrow that Peter experienced is seen as godly and why that of Judas Iscariot is perceived as ungodly.
When a man thinks he can outsmart his creator, the results is usually ghastly, and it is only when that person has godly sorrow for his acts that he can be saved. Greed and materialistic tendencies can make a man think he can outsmart God. It is unfortunate that some so-called Christians are not spared for this monster called greed (or the love of material things). The Bible says:
“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Judas Iscariot thought he could swindle the Jewish leaders by betraying Jesus, he thought Jesus could not be arrested because he had, before then, witnessed Him escaping from the hands of the Jews. However, he didn’t know that Christ escaped then because His time was not yet up.
“28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,” - Luke 4:28-30
With the background knowledge of what Christ could do, he felt that once he had collected the money and showed them who He is, Christ would disappear and life would continue as usual. To his surprise, Christ surrendered Himself. The type of sorrow he had does not lead to repentance; rather, it leads to despair, frustration, and eventually suicide as seen in today’s memory verse.
Beloved, let us fear the Lord and abstain from all forms of greed and the love of money. These things drown men in destruction and perdition.
Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let the love of money drown me in Jesus’ name.
Friday 22 April 2016
Godly Sorrow? - Friday 22, April 2016
Godly Sorrow? - Friday 22, April 2016
Memorise: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10
Read: Luke 22:60-62 (KJV)
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 21-22, Proverbs 14:4-17
MESSAGE:
When Peter realized that he did not fulfil his promise to not deny Jesus Christ, the Bible says: “…he went out, and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). This is what we call godly sorrow and it has its blessings.
When an individual is confronted with reality of his sinful life and the certainty of hell, if he is not a reprobate, he will mourn of his woes. The best way to mourn for one’s sin is to confess and forsake them.
“13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 28:13-14
In our Bible reading for today, the Pharisee went to the temple, only to begin to eulogise himself about all his good deeds. The Publican, on the other hand, smote his heart and mourned for his sins. Some of us have been so self-conceited for too long a time that we have piled-up sins that are now standing in our ways to spiritual revival. The Bible says:
“13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” - Luke 18:13-14
Beloved of the Lord, let us examine ourselves and see where we are falling short of God’s grace for living holy. Let us repent genuinely, and come back to our first love. I pray that the Lord will revive you today in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, I need a revival of holiness, please revive me again.
- See more at: http://www.flatimes.com/2016/04/open-heavens-22-april-2016-friday-daily-devotion-pastor-adeboye-godly-sorrow.html#more
Memorise: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10
Read: Luke 22:60-62 (KJV)
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 21-22, Proverbs 14:4-17
MESSAGE:
When Peter realized that he did not fulfil his promise to not deny Jesus Christ, the Bible says: “…he went out, and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). This is what we call godly sorrow and it has its blessings.
When an individual is confronted with reality of his sinful life and the certainty of hell, if he is not a reprobate, he will mourn of his woes. The best way to mourn for one’s sin is to confess and forsake them.
“13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 28:13-14
In our Bible reading for today, the Pharisee went to the temple, only to begin to eulogise himself about all his good deeds. The Publican, on the other hand, smote his heart and mourned for his sins. Some of us have been so self-conceited for too long a time that we have piled-up sins that are now standing in our ways to spiritual revival. The Bible says:
“13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” - Luke 18:13-14
Beloved of the Lord, let us examine ourselves and see where we are falling short of God’s grace for living holy. Let us repent genuinely, and come back to our first love. I pray that the Lord will revive you today in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, I need a revival of holiness, please revive me again.
- See more at: http://www.flatimes.com/2016/04/open-heavens-22-april-2016-friday-daily-devotion-pastor-adeboye-godly-sorrow.html#more
Thursday 21 April 2016
Denying Jesus? - Thursday 21, April 2016
Denying Jesus? - Thursday 21, April 2016
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. – Psalms 1:1
Read: Luke 22:54-60 (KJV)
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 19:16-20:26, Proverbs 13:15-14:3
MESSAGE:
The company you keep determines who you are, what you do, and how you respond to situations in life. The story was told of a sparrow that got trapped together with ravens that were caught devouring a grain farmland. He pleaded with the farmer who owned the trap to release him. “Why should I release you”, the farmer asked. “Because I am not a raven but a sparrow that cannot devour your farm” the sparrow replied. “How come you were caught with the ravens?”, “I was only trying to enjoy their company” the raven replied. “So, you are being judged because of the company you were in” the farmer concluded.
The story in our Bible reading of today is pathetic. Many things could have been responsible for Peter’s denial of Jesus, however, let us look at some probable factors. Firstly; the Bible says when they brought Jesus into the high priest’s house; Peter followed Him, but afar off. It is dangerous to follow Jesus afar off. Moreover, because it was cold, Peter moved into the hall and sat down with those that were enjoying the warmth of the fire that was set. It is unfortunate today that some so-called believers are enjoying the fire or the warmth of sin in the bosom of strange men and women.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” - Psalms 1:1
Peter, forgetting that he had the identity of a Galilean, sat in the midst of the residents of Jerusalem and his identity was found out. Many pretend as if they are not Christians, they easily conform to the comfort zones of this world. Whereas, the Bible says:
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:3
Peter did not notice that his location was not good enough for him to maintain his obligation of discipleship to Jesus Christ. And when he was confronted about being a disciple of Jesus, he denied it to the point of swearing.
Beloved, let us learn from Peter’s mistakes, following Jesus from afar off is very dangerous to our spiritual life. We must not patronise spiritual unhealthy zones, no matter how attractive the place may be. We will be judged by the company we keep.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me never to deny you however tough the trial may be.
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. – Psalms 1:1
Read: Luke 22:54-60 (KJV)
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 19:16-20:26, Proverbs 13:15-14:3
MESSAGE:
The company you keep determines who you are, what you do, and how you respond to situations in life. The story was told of a sparrow that got trapped together with ravens that were caught devouring a grain farmland. He pleaded with the farmer who owned the trap to release him. “Why should I release you”, the farmer asked. “Because I am not a raven but a sparrow that cannot devour your farm” the sparrow replied. “How come you were caught with the ravens?”, “I was only trying to enjoy their company” the raven replied. “So, you are being judged because of the company you were in” the farmer concluded.
The story in our Bible reading of today is pathetic. Many things could have been responsible for Peter’s denial of Jesus, however, let us look at some probable factors. Firstly; the Bible says when they brought Jesus into the high priest’s house; Peter followed Him, but afar off. It is dangerous to follow Jesus afar off. Moreover, because it was cold, Peter moved into the hall and sat down with those that were enjoying the warmth of the fire that was set. It is unfortunate today that some so-called believers are enjoying the fire or the warmth of sin in the bosom of strange men and women.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” - Psalms 1:1
Peter, forgetting that he had the identity of a Galilean, sat in the midst of the residents of Jerusalem and his identity was found out. Many pretend as if they are not Christians, they easily conform to the comfort zones of this world. Whereas, the Bible says:
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:3
Peter did not notice that his location was not good enough for him to maintain his obligation of discipleship to Jesus Christ. And when he was confronted about being a disciple of Jesus, he denied it to the point of swearing.
Beloved, let us learn from Peter’s mistakes, following Jesus from afar off is very dangerous to our spiritual life. We must not patronise spiritual unhealthy zones, no matter how attractive the place may be. We will be judged by the company we keep.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me never to deny you however tough the trial may be.
Wednesday 20 April 2016
A Betrayer? - Wednesday 20, April 2016
A Betrayer? - Wednesday 20, April 2016
Memorise: But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. – Luke 22:21
Read: Luke 22:19-23 (KJV)
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:15, Proverbs 13:1-14
MESSAGE:
A betrayer is a covenant breaker and there is danger in being a covenant breaker (Romans 1:31). A betrayer is someone who knows the secret of the strong and / or the weak point of an individual through an intimate relationship and leaks example of a betrayer is Judas Iscariot. Reading the story of the betrayal of Jesus Christ will teach us many lessons. Firstly, the fact that someone is close to you does not mean he or she cannot betray you. As a matter of fact, it is the casual acquaintance be guilty of betrayal because there is hardly any secret to divulge. Secondly, a betrayal is a killer, betrayal is murderous.
“51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:” - Acts 7:51-52
The Bible describes a betrayer as someone who reveals secrets (Proverbs 11:13). Proverbs 26:22 says: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Betrayal is not a Christian virtue. Before the Almighty God, it attracts a “capital punishment” as it is written:
“6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” - Matthew 18:6-7
Beloved of God, let us not be caught-up with the spirit of the end-time as predicted by apostle Paul in his writings about the characteristics of the perilous times, when there will be blasphemers, boasters, trucebreakers, false accusers, despisers of godliness, traitors, and lovers of pleasures than lovers of God. I pray that as many as have been caught in these deadly habits shall be delivered today in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, deliver me from the spirit of betrayal; don’t let me end up like Judas Iscariot in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. – Luke 22:21
Read: Luke 22:19-23 (KJV)
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:15, Proverbs 13:1-14
MESSAGE:
A betrayer is a covenant breaker and there is danger in being a covenant breaker (Romans 1:31). A betrayer is someone who knows the secret of the strong and / or the weak point of an individual through an intimate relationship and leaks example of a betrayer is Judas Iscariot. Reading the story of the betrayal of Jesus Christ will teach us many lessons. Firstly, the fact that someone is close to you does not mean he or she cannot betray you. As a matter of fact, it is the casual acquaintance be guilty of betrayal because there is hardly any secret to divulge. Secondly, a betrayal is a killer, betrayal is murderous.
“51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:” - Acts 7:51-52
The Bible describes a betrayer as someone who reveals secrets (Proverbs 11:13). Proverbs 26:22 says: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Betrayal is not a Christian virtue. Before the Almighty God, it attracts a “capital punishment” as it is written:
“6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” - Matthew 18:6-7
Beloved of God, let us not be caught-up with the spirit of the end-time as predicted by apostle Paul in his writings about the characteristics of the perilous times, when there will be blasphemers, boasters, trucebreakers, false accusers, despisers of godliness, traitors, and lovers of pleasures than lovers of God. I pray that as many as have been caught in these deadly habits shall be delivered today in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, deliver me from the spirit of betrayal; don’t let me end up like Judas Iscariot in Jesus’ name.
In Remembrance of Me - Tuesday 19, April 2016
In Remembrance of Me - Tuesday 19, April 2016
Memorise: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. – 1 Corinthians 11:24
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (KJV)
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 16-17, Proverbs 12:15-28
MESSAGE:
There is one significant and fundamental reason (among other important reasons) why the Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) was inaugurated by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Jesus died for us, shedding His blood to atone for our sins because it is written, “…and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). Consequently, when Jesus Christ said we should observe the Holy Communion often in remembrance of Him, but it takes a deep level of wisdom to understand and remember what He went through for our redemption. One important thing to note here is that Jesus Christ knew what He would go through to die for His friends. Having died for us, He surely doesn’t want His gesture of love to be forgotten by the people He did it for. We unfortunately often forget the passion of our Lord, which led to His ignoble death. This is why we do things that, by implication, necessitate our Lord’s going back to the Cross frequently.
“If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:6
Most people backslide because of their loss of memory about the agony of the death that the Saviour suffered in order to procure salvation for us. The Bible says:
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” - 1 Timothy 4:6
What should we put ourselves in remembrance of? Paul, the apostle wrote:
“8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - 2 Timothy 2:8, 11-12
In an ideal situation, communion should be taken as frequently as possible in order to enable us remember the death of our Lord and the reason for it. The Bible says we should not be forgetful hearers but doers of the Word (James 1:25). When we gather for Holy Communion, everyone is compelled to carry out a self-examination so that he or she does not eat to damnation according to our Bible text for today. May the passion, suffering and death of Jesus Christ avail for us through eternity in Jesus name.
Action Point: Do you remember what Christ went through for you often enough?
Memorise: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. – 1 Corinthians 11:24
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (KJV)
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 16-17, Proverbs 12:15-28
MESSAGE:
There is one significant and fundamental reason (among other important reasons) why the Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) was inaugurated by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Jesus died for us, shedding His blood to atone for our sins because it is written, “…and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). Consequently, when Jesus Christ said we should observe the Holy Communion often in remembrance of Him, but it takes a deep level of wisdom to understand and remember what He went through for our redemption. One important thing to note here is that Jesus Christ knew what He would go through to die for His friends. Having died for us, He surely doesn’t want His gesture of love to be forgotten by the people He did it for. We unfortunately often forget the passion of our Lord, which led to His ignoble death. This is why we do things that, by implication, necessitate our Lord’s going back to the Cross frequently.
“If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:6
Most people backslide because of their loss of memory about the agony of the death that the Saviour suffered in order to procure salvation for us. The Bible says:
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” - 1 Timothy 4:6
What should we put ourselves in remembrance of? Paul, the apostle wrote:
“8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - 2 Timothy 2:8, 11-12
In an ideal situation, communion should be taken as frequently as possible in order to enable us remember the death of our Lord and the reason for it. The Bible says we should not be forgetful hearers but doers of the Word (James 1:25). When we gather for Holy Communion, everyone is compelled to carry out a self-examination so that he or she does not eat to damnation according to our Bible text for today. May the passion, suffering and death of Jesus Christ avail for us through eternity in Jesus name.
Action Point: Do you remember what Christ went through for you often enough?
Sunday 17 April 2016
Lessons from the Triumphant Entry - Monday 18, April 2016
Lessons from the Triumphant Entry - Monday 18, April 2016
Memorise: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. – Mark 11:10
Read: Matthew 21:1-9 (KJV)
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 14-15, Proverbs 12:1-14
MESSAGE:
A lot of lessons can be deducted from the historic entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Right from verse two of our Bible text, we are exposed to revelations from the Lord’s actions. Jesus had not entered into the village, but He knew there was an ass tied; not alone but with its colt. We can see the omniscient attribute of Jesus Christ, like that of His Father. He said loose them, and bring them unto me. To soul winners, you are expected to loosen your converts before bringing them for the Master’s use. He said:
“17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” - Mark 16:17-18
We are not supposed to dialogue with the devil and his cohorts; all we need is to exercise authority (Luke 10:19). Since all these are written for fulfilment, we have a date with destiny to fulfil our divine mandate. As missionaries and soul winners, we must endeavour to go after our entire household to win them for Christ. It was not the ass alone but also its colt. The disciples decorated the ass and its colt for the use of the Master. Before our converts can be useful for the Master, we must work on them through the teaching of the Word. The Bible says:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” - 2 Timothy 4:2
Another lesson from the story of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is the high praise of God through His beloved Son. Whoever will glorify God the Father must do that through the Son because God has given Him a Name that is above every other name.
Our Lord Himself said:
“…I am the way the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6
He said,
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” - Revelation 3:20
If we do not shut Jesus out of our lives, we are bound to be happy like the inhabitants of Jerusalem in our Bible text for today. I implore someone reading this devotional; open your heart to Jesus, let Him have full control of your heart and you will find rest for your soul.
Prayer Point: Holy Father, take absolute control of my life today.
Memorise: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. – Mark 11:10
Read: Matthew 21:1-9 (KJV)
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 14-15, Proverbs 12:1-14
MESSAGE:
A lot of lessons can be deducted from the historic entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Right from verse two of our Bible text, we are exposed to revelations from the Lord’s actions. Jesus had not entered into the village, but He knew there was an ass tied; not alone but with its colt. We can see the omniscient attribute of Jesus Christ, like that of His Father. He said loose them, and bring them unto me. To soul winners, you are expected to loosen your converts before bringing them for the Master’s use. He said:
“17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” - Mark 16:17-18
We are not supposed to dialogue with the devil and his cohorts; all we need is to exercise authority (Luke 10:19). Since all these are written for fulfilment, we have a date with destiny to fulfil our divine mandate. As missionaries and soul winners, we must endeavour to go after our entire household to win them for Christ. It was not the ass alone but also its colt. The disciples decorated the ass and its colt for the use of the Master. Before our converts can be useful for the Master, we must work on them through the teaching of the Word. The Bible says:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” - 2 Timothy 4:2
Another lesson from the story of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is the high praise of God through His beloved Son. Whoever will glorify God the Father must do that through the Son because God has given Him a Name that is above every other name.
Our Lord Himself said:
“…I am the way the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6
He said,
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” - Revelation 3:20
If we do not shut Jesus out of our lives, we are bound to be happy like the inhabitants of Jerusalem in our Bible text for today. I implore someone reading this devotional; open your heart to Jesus, let Him have full control of your heart and you will find rest for your soul.
Prayer Point: Holy Father, take absolute control of my life today.
Abundant Blessings - Sunday 17, April 2016
Abundant Blessings - Sunday 17, April 2016
Memorise: Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. – Deuteronomy 28:3
Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (KJV)
1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12-13, Proverbs 11:18-31
MESSAGE:
Jesus Christ said;
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).
In other words, there are abundant blessings in the kingdom of God. It goes without saying that there is wisdom in seeking to please God above all other ambitions. The Almighty God revealed the secret of abundant blessings of His people in today’s scriptural reading; abundant blessing is embedded in perfect obedience to the Word of God.
Many people think that the moment they become Kingdom seekers, they will enter into a world of penury. This is the deceit of the devil which has unfortunately been believed through the ages. The devil has succeeded in making many people believe that unless they serve him, they cannot make it in life. He even had the audacity to attempt deceiving Jesus Christ during the temptations in the wilderness, but our Lord defeated him (Luke 4:5-7).
Beloved, I want to announce to you that there are abundant blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ; my life is a living testimony of this. Before I gave my life to Christ, I used to borrow money from my own drive to fuel my car two weeks into a new month. It was when I gave my life to Christ that I began to know the true meaning of prosperity. Deuteronomy 8:18 says:
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
The Psalmist says that unless the Lord builds a house, the builders build but in vain (Psalms 127:1). Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ also corroborates this when he wrote:
“6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
May the abundant blessing from the throne of God be your portion in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. – Deuteronomy 28:3
Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (KJV)
1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12-13, Proverbs 11:18-31
MESSAGE:
Jesus Christ said;
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).
In other words, there are abundant blessings in the kingdom of God. It goes without saying that there is wisdom in seeking to please God above all other ambitions. The Almighty God revealed the secret of abundant blessings of His people in today’s scriptural reading; abundant blessing is embedded in perfect obedience to the Word of God.
Many people think that the moment they become Kingdom seekers, they will enter into a world of penury. This is the deceit of the devil which has unfortunately been believed through the ages. The devil has succeeded in making many people believe that unless they serve him, they cannot make it in life. He even had the audacity to attempt deceiving Jesus Christ during the temptations in the wilderness, but our Lord defeated him (Luke 4:5-7).
Beloved, I want to announce to you that there are abundant blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ; my life is a living testimony of this. Before I gave my life to Christ, I used to borrow money from my own drive to fuel my car two weeks into a new month. It was when I gave my life to Christ that I began to know the true meaning of prosperity. Deuteronomy 8:18 says:
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
The Psalmist says that unless the Lord builds a house, the builders build but in vain (Psalms 127:1). Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ also corroborates this when he wrote:
“6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
May the abundant blessing from the throne of God be your portion in Jesus’ name.
Saturday 16 April 2016
Let God Help You II - Saturday 16, April 2016
Let God Help You II - Saturday 16, April 2016
Memorise: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: – John 3:14
Read: Numbers 21:7-9 (KJV)
7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 8:15-11:27, Proverbs 11:4-17
MESSAGE:
The coming of sin into the human race brought about a lot of calamity into human life. One of the calamities is sickness. As sin can be very contagious in effect, so can sickness too. The good news, however, is that the Almighty God is also ready to help the human race get over this. He promised the people He chose for Himself through their progenitor, Abraham, that He would spare them the agony of sickness and diseases:
“And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.” - Deuteronomy 7:15
From time to time, the devil causes man to sin against God so that he may be destroyed by the One who created him, thus frustrating the divine love which God bestowed upon humankind. As if this is not enough, the devil goes ahead to deceive man not to accept the divine help that can rescue him from all his diseases. In the story we read in the Bible reading for today, the children of Israel sinned against the God of their fathers and God sent fiery serpents to kill them. After much plea by Moses, God decided to help them.
It is unfortunate that many refused to look and live when they were bitten by the fiery serpent. They did not allow God to help them (1 Corinthians 10:9). Jesus said, just as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness and those who looked up to it were healed, so also whoever will allow God to help him will look up to Jesus for healing (John 3:14). The reason is that He came to pay for the sin of humanity and so, by His stripes we were healed (1 Peter 2:24). Beloved, what infirmities are you suffering from? Have you tired and suffered by the hands of physicians like the woman with the issue of blood? Come believing the Great Physician today. Jesus Christ will heal you as He did to the impotent man at Bethesda (John 5:1-9). For you to enjoy divine healing, however, you must belong to the Great Physician. The food meant for children cannot be given to dogs or slaves (Mark 7:26-30). Allow the Great Physician to help you today.
Prayer Point: Father, please heal my infirmities today in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: – John 3:14
Read: Numbers 21:7-9 (KJV)
7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 8:15-11:27, Proverbs 11:4-17
MESSAGE:
The coming of sin into the human race brought about a lot of calamity into human life. One of the calamities is sickness. As sin can be very contagious in effect, so can sickness too. The good news, however, is that the Almighty God is also ready to help the human race get over this. He promised the people He chose for Himself through their progenitor, Abraham, that He would spare them the agony of sickness and diseases:
“And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.” - Deuteronomy 7:15
From time to time, the devil causes man to sin against God so that he may be destroyed by the One who created him, thus frustrating the divine love which God bestowed upon humankind. As if this is not enough, the devil goes ahead to deceive man not to accept the divine help that can rescue him from all his diseases. In the story we read in the Bible reading for today, the children of Israel sinned against the God of their fathers and God sent fiery serpents to kill them. After much plea by Moses, God decided to help them.
It is unfortunate that many refused to look and live when they were bitten by the fiery serpent. They did not allow God to help them (1 Corinthians 10:9). Jesus said, just as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness and those who looked up to it were healed, so also whoever will allow God to help him will look up to Jesus for healing (John 3:14). The reason is that He came to pay for the sin of humanity and so, by His stripes we were healed (1 Peter 2:24). Beloved, what infirmities are you suffering from? Have you tired and suffered by the hands of physicians like the woman with the issue of blood? Come believing the Great Physician today. Jesus Christ will heal you as He did to the impotent man at Bethesda (John 5:1-9). For you to enjoy divine healing, however, you must belong to the Great Physician. The food meant for children cannot be given to dogs or slaves (Mark 7:26-30). Allow the Great Physician to help you today.
Prayer Point: Father, please heal my infirmities today in Jesus’ name.
Friday 15 April 2016
Let God Help You I - Friday 15, April 2016
Let God Help You I - Friday 15, April 2016
Memorise: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: – Isaiah 1:19
Read: Isaiah 1:18-20 (KJV)
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 5:17-8:14, Proverbs 10:22-11:3
MESSAGE:
There is one great barrier that stands between man and God; this barrier is sin. For thousands of years, man has struggled to get rid of this barrier, but all to no avail. However, God Almighty, in His infinite mercy decided to help man remove this barrier. Right from the Old Testament days, God has been offering individuals the olive leaf of reconciliation, but unfortunately many people have not responded to this gesture of love.
“24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;” - Proverbs 1:24-26
This God that man blatantly sinned against in the Garden of Eden is the same God that is now inviting man back to His fellowship. He said:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - Isaiah 1:18
During the earthly mission of Jesus Christ, He still made this pronouncement of love;
“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29
I am appealing to a user of this devotional who has been struggling with the barrier of sin to stop struggling. You cannot help yourself; only Jesus Christ, can help you. All you need to do is to surrender your life to Him in genuine repentance and believe that He came to die for human race (1 John 3:8; Romans 5:8, 11). Beloved, let God help you solve your problem of sin today accept sin to be sin; don’t rationalise it but admit, confess and forsake it. It shall be well with you in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Father, have mercy on me and give me power over and above sin in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: – Isaiah 1:19
Read: Isaiah 1:18-20 (KJV)
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 5:17-8:14, Proverbs 10:22-11:3
MESSAGE:
There is one great barrier that stands between man and God; this barrier is sin. For thousands of years, man has struggled to get rid of this barrier, but all to no avail. However, God Almighty, in His infinite mercy decided to help man remove this barrier. Right from the Old Testament days, God has been offering individuals the olive leaf of reconciliation, but unfortunately many people have not responded to this gesture of love.
“24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;” - Proverbs 1:24-26
This God that man blatantly sinned against in the Garden of Eden is the same God that is now inviting man back to His fellowship. He said:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - Isaiah 1:18
During the earthly mission of Jesus Christ, He still made this pronouncement of love;
“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29
I am appealing to a user of this devotional who has been struggling with the barrier of sin to stop struggling. You cannot help yourself; only Jesus Christ, can help you. All you need to do is to surrender your life to Him in genuine repentance and believe that He came to die for human race (1 John 3:8; Romans 5:8, 11). Beloved, let God help you solve your problem of sin today accept sin to be sin; don’t rationalise it but admit, confess and forsake it. It shall be well with you in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Father, have mercy on me and give me power over and above sin in Jesus’ name.
Wednesday 13 April 2016
When you need a Miracle - Thursday 14, April 2016
When you need a Miracle - Thursday 14, April 2016
Memorise: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. – Psalms 50:15
Read: 1 Samuel 1:9-13 (KJV)
9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 3:1-5:16, Proverbs 10:8-21
MESSAGE:
There is one thing that a child of God needs to know and do when he or she needs a miracle. This is to call upon the Lord in prayer. What is a miracle and why do we need it? Simply explained, a miracle is the supernatural intervention of God in the affairs of men. This intervention basically alters the established laws of nature. At times, the devil manipulates some natural phenomena to deny human beings some basic things that make life pleasant. For example, when Jesus Christ was travelling in a ship with His disciples, the devil manipulated the wind against them so that they may suffer a shipwreck. The disciples went to Jesus Christ in the ship and cried for help. Mathew 8:26 says:
“And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
Some so-called children of God are so hypocritical that, even in the presence of the Lord, they still pretend as if all is well, whereas, they have unimaginable issues with their spiritual, physical, material and financial needs. In the case of the disciples, they cried to Him for help; they told Him exactly how they felt about the tempest. The danger of death was imminent and the disciples did not pretend as if nothing was wrong. So, Jesus Christ responded to their cry and stilled the storm. I pray that as you cry to the Lord today, He will not just hear but also responded to your cry in Jesus’ name. The storms in your life will miraculous cease today in Jesus’ name.
In our Bible reading for today, we see what one must do when he or she needs a miracle. Hannah needed a miracle, but from year to year she has been going casually to Shiloh until that wonderful year when she realised she needed to do what she has not been doing before; she offered fervent and heart-rending prayers. She prayed so hard that she lost her voice and Eli thought she was drunk. At times when I see how some of my children pray at our periodic meetings at the Redemption Camp on Nigeria, I rejoice because the tempo of their prayers signifies that they are people who need urgent miracles.
“10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.” - 1 Samuel 1:10, 13
The amazing thing about the above story is that Hannah was not even offended when she was misunderstood by the high priest who was expected to know when an individual was in serious communion with God. With joy also I always pray with my children when I see them praying desperately in need of miracles. My prayer is that as you pray to God today, your miracle will reach you sooner than you expect in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Tender your deepest heart desires to God today in faith.
Memorise: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. – Psalms 50:15
Read: 1 Samuel 1:9-13 (KJV)
9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 3:1-5:16, Proverbs 10:8-21
MESSAGE:
There is one thing that a child of God needs to know and do when he or she needs a miracle. This is to call upon the Lord in prayer. What is a miracle and why do we need it? Simply explained, a miracle is the supernatural intervention of God in the affairs of men. This intervention basically alters the established laws of nature. At times, the devil manipulates some natural phenomena to deny human beings some basic things that make life pleasant. For example, when Jesus Christ was travelling in a ship with His disciples, the devil manipulated the wind against them so that they may suffer a shipwreck. The disciples went to Jesus Christ in the ship and cried for help. Mathew 8:26 says:
“And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
Some so-called children of God are so hypocritical that, even in the presence of the Lord, they still pretend as if all is well, whereas, they have unimaginable issues with their spiritual, physical, material and financial needs. In the case of the disciples, they cried to Him for help; they told Him exactly how they felt about the tempest. The danger of death was imminent and the disciples did not pretend as if nothing was wrong. So, Jesus Christ responded to their cry and stilled the storm. I pray that as you cry to the Lord today, He will not just hear but also responded to your cry in Jesus’ name. The storms in your life will miraculous cease today in Jesus’ name.
In our Bible reading for today, we see what one must do when he or she needs a miracle. Hannah needed a miracle, but from year to year she has been going casually to Shiloh until that wonderful year when she realised she needed to do what she has not been doing before; she offered fervent and heart-rending prayers. She prayed so hard that she lost her voice and Eli thought she was drunk. At times when I see how some of my children pray at our periodic meetings at the Redemption Camp on Nigeria, I rejoice because the tempo of their prayers signifies that they are people who need urgent miracles.
“10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.” - 1 Samuel 1:10, 13
The amazing thing about the above story is that Hannah was not even offended when she was misunderstood by the high priest who was expected to know when an individual was in serious communion with God. With joy also I always pray with my children when I see them praying desperately in need of miracles. My prayer is that as you pray to God today, your miracle will reach you sooner than you expect in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Tender your deepest heart desires to God today in faith.
The Sovereign God - Wednesday 13, April 2016
The Sovereign God - Wednesday 13, April 2016
Memorise: I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. – Isaiah 43:15
Read: Daniel 5:20-21 (KJV)
20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 1-2, Proverbs 9:13-10:7
MESSAGE:
After King Nebuchadnezzar was deposed from his kingly throne, his glory was taken away from him and he was disgraced to the point of eating grass like oxen, he came back to his senses to realise that the Most High God is the ultimate ruler in the kingdom of men. The problem with the king was that he got carried away with his achievements, thinking that they were the bye-products of his wisdom and physical power. This is the problem with many people like him through the ages. Any achievement that will not lead us back to the original Achiever could be very deadly. Jesus Christ spoke of a rich farmer who was boasting of his achievements in agriculture, only for his life to be taken away from him that same night.
“19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” - Luke 12:19-20
Apostle James warned against being boastful without giving consideration to the sovereignty of God in James 4:13-15:
“13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
It is presumptuous for someone who does not know whether he will survive the next day to commence planning a programme that will take place in six months time. It is only the Almighty God that has the power to will and to do. One can see the cause of the calamity that befell kings Pharaoh and Herod. In case of King Herod, he took not only the glory that belonged to God but God’s sovereignty. The consequence was fatal because he was stricken by an angel of the Lord and he was eaten up by worms immediately.
“21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” - Acts 12:21-23
May the sovereignty of God be made positively manifest in our lives so that we can live in the supernatural from now on in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Always acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all you do so that you may be guided aright.
Memorise: I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. – Isaiah 43:15
Read: Daniel 5:20-21 (KJV)
20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 1-2, Proverbs 9:13-10:7
MESSAGE:
After King Nebuchadnezzar was deposed from his kingly throne, his glory was taken away from him and he was disgraced to the point of eating grass like oxen, he came back to his senses to realise that the Most High God is the ultimate ruler in the kingdom of men. The problem with the king was that he got carried away with his achievements, thinking that they were the bye-products of his wisdom and physical power. This is the problem with many people like him through the ages. Any achievement that will not lead us back to the original Achiever could be very deadly. Jesus Christ spoke of a rich farmer who was boasting of his achievements in agriculture, only for his life to be taken away from him that same night.
“19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” - Luke 12:19-20
Apostle James warned against being boastful without giving consideration to the sovereignty of God in James 4:13-15:
“13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
It is presumptuous for someone who does not know whether he will survive the next day to commence planning a programme that will take place in six months time. It is only the Almighty God that has the power to will and to do. One can see the cause of the calamity that befell kings Pharaoh and Herod. In case of King Herod, he took not only the glory that belonged to God but God’s sovereignty. The consequence was fatal because he was stricken by an angel of the Lord and he was eaten up by worms immediately.
“21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” - Acts 12:21-23
May the sovereignty of God be made positively manifest in our lives so that we can live in the supernatural from now on in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Always acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all you do so that you may be guided aright.
Monday 11 April 2016
The Unchangeable Changer - Tuesday 12, April 2016
The Unchangeable Changer - Tuesday 12, April 2016
Memorise: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. – Hebrews 13:8
Read: Genesis 32:24-32 (KJV)
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 29-31, Proverbs 9:1-12
MESSAGE:
One thing every man, especially a child of God must always remember is that our God is the unchangeable changer. In the Genesis account of the beginning, we see how the Unchangeable Changer effected miraculous changes without Himself being changed.
“2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” - Genesis 1:2-3
In Genesis 21, the Unchangeable Changer changed the unfruitful situation of Sarah to fruitfulness. He did the same in the case of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2, proving that what He did in the life of the father of faith, He could do in the life of his descendants also. This is why I know that someone using this devotional will encounter this Great Changer that cannot change. As He did for those who sought and called Him in the past, so will He do for you as you call upon Him today in Jesus’ name.
The Almighty God has changed numerous unpleasant situations for the better in the past. For example, He changed the slavery of the children of Israel to freedom (Exodus 13). Also, Jabez prayed that the Lord should change his situation for better and the Unchangeable Changer heard him.
“9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." - 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
One of my daughters in Church heard the story of how my wife miraculous gave birth to our last two children naturally and decided to believe God for a natural child delivery, like my wife did after three Caesarean sections. The God who never changes did the same for that daughter of mine. I have good news for someone reading this devotional today, as Jesus performed miracles in those days, so He still does today. I encourage you, beloved, to put your trust in Him and He will not let you down because He is the Unchangeable Changer. He will change your situation for better and you will glorify Him in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please change my situation for the better from today in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. – Hebrews 13:8
Read: Genesis 32:24-32 (KJV)
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 29-31, Proverbs 9:1-12
MESSAGE:
One thing every man, especially a child of God must always remember is that our God is the unchangeable changer. In the Genesis account of the beginning, we see how the Unchangeable Changer effected miraculous changes without Himself being changed.
“2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” - Genesis 1:2-3
In Genesis 21, the Unchangeable Changer changed the unfruitful situation of Sarah to fruitfulness. He did the same in the case of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2, proving that what He did in the life of the father of faith, He could do in the life of his descendants also. This is why I know that someone using this devotional will encounter this Great Changer that cannot change. As He did for those who sought and called Him in the past, so will He do for you as you call upon Him today in Jesus’ name.
The Almighty God has changed numerous unpleasant situations for the better in the past. For example, He changed the slavery of the children of Israel to freedom (Exodus 13). Also, Jabez prayed that the Lord should change his situation for better and the Unchangeable Changer heard him.
“9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." - 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
One of my daughters in Church heard the story of how my wife miraculous gave birth to our last two children naturally and decided to believe God for a natural child delivery, like my wife did after three Caesarean sections. The God who never changes did the same for that daughter of mine. I have good news for someone reading this devotional today, as Jesus performed miracles in those days, so He still does today. I encourage you, beloved, to put your trust in Him and He will not let you down because He is the Unchangeable Changer. He will change your situation for better and you will glorify Him in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please change my situation for the better from today in Jesus’ name.
The New Man II - Monday 11, April 2016
The New Man II - Monday 11, April 2016
Memorise: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.– Ephesians 4:24
Read: Ephesians 4:22-25 (KJV)
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 26-28, Proverbs 8:22-36
MESSAGE:
The Bible says:
“… they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” - Romans 8:5
This is why there is a need to put on the new man. As our memory verse states, we must put on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness. This is made possible through our reliance on the grace made available by Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.
“47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” - 1 Corinthians 15:47-48
To put on a new man, we must accept the Lord from heaven. The reason is that He is the One that can quicken our mortal bodies and transform them to the original image of God in us which has been altered by sin. When one encounters Jesus Christ, his or her testimony will be like that of the apostles when he wrote:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
There is danger in living a life void of faith in the Son of God, because without faith no man can please the Lord. It is by faith that we know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is by faith that we can run away from all appearances of evil. It was lack of faith in God that made Adam and Eve doubt the warning that God gave them concerning the forbidding fruit. Ever since then, this act of disobedience has remained a contagion within the human race. Are you among those who think the law of God has become outdated and so you break it with impunity? Repent today because tomorrow may be too late. Paul, an apostle, further wrote that we should walk in the Spirit so that we may not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Beloved, let us consider today’s memory verse as an express command from God, and let us put on, Jesus Christ, the perfect image of the Almighty Father.
Prayer Point: Father, let my life reflect the image of Your Son Jesus.
Memorise: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.– Ephesians 4:24
Read: Ephesians 4:22-25 (KJV)
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 26-28, Proverbs 8:22-36
MESSAGE:
The Bible says:
“… they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” - Romans 8:5
This is why there is a need to put on the new man. As our memory verse states, we must put on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness. This is made possible through our reliance on the grace made available by Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.
“47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” - 1 Corinthians 15:47-48
To put on a new man, we must accept the Lord from heaven. The reason is that He is the One that can quicken our mortal bodies and transform them to the original image of God in us which has been altered by sin. When one encounters Jesus Christ, his or her testimony will be like that of the apostles when he wrote:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
There is danger in living a life void of faith in the Son of God, because without faith no man can please the Lord. It is by faith that we know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is by faith that we can run away from all appearances of evil. It was lack of faith in God that made Adam and Eve doubt the warning that God gave them concerning the forbidding fruit. Ever since then, this act of disobedience has remained a contagion within the human race. Are you among those who think the law of God has become outdated and so you break it with impunity? Repent today because tomorrow may be too late. Paul, an apostle, further wrote that we should walk in the Spirit so that we may not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Beloved, let us consider today’s memory verse as an express command from God, and let us put on, Jesus Christ, the perfect image of the Almighty Father.
Prayer Point: Father, let my life reflect the image of Your Son Jesus.
Sunday 10 April 2016
The New Man I - Sunday 10, April 2016
The New Man I - Sunday 10, April 2016
Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Read: Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 24-25, Proverbs 8:1-21
MESSAGE:
One of the basic signs of redemption in the life of a man is the newness of the life that he lives. This change of his spiritual living standard is never covert; rather, it is always obvious. When Zacchaeus, the publican, encountered Jesus in Jericho, his life never remained the same. A notoriously corrupt tax collector said:
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” - Luke 19:8
The memory verse for today corroborates the story in the above quoted scripture. Indeed, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things must pass away. Today, it is a different ball-game; people seem to maintain the status quo of their past lives even after their claims of a born-again experience. The thief still steals yet he claims to be born-again. The adulterous woman who succeeded in snatching another woman’s legally and scripturally wedded husband, lives comfortably with the man, speaking in “tongues”
John the Baptist, when addressing those who decided to follow godliness by coming for his baptism, encouraged them to bear fruits that met with genuine repentance, and take a total turn-around from past sinful living. The Bible says:
“7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:” - Matthew 3:7-8
The above scripture is a food for thought: the religious leaders of John the Baptist’s time humbled themselves to come for baptism in order to usher in a new move of spiritual revival. This is a lesson for those who are claiming to have risen through the ranks and files of established Churches to seek spiritual reawakening. This may also account for many older generations embracing the Pentecostal experience. This is very good provided they also “bring forth fruits meet for repentance”, not maintaining the status-quo of their highly esteemed positions in their (former) Churches without transformation. The cry of the regenerative Spirit is change!
You may need to change your friends, eating and dressing habits to be able to conform to the image of the Son of the Living God.
Action Point: Look at your past life in comparison with your newly found faith in Christ and effect necessary changes.
Memorise: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Read: Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 24-25, Proverbs 8:1-21
MESSAGE:
One of the basic signs of redemption in the life of a man is the newness of the life that he lives. This change of his spiritual living standard is never covert; rather, it is always obvious. When Zacchaeus, the publican, encountered Jesus in Jericho, his life never remained the same. A notoriously corrupt tax collector said:
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” - Luke 19:8
The memory verse for today corroborates the story in the above quoted scripture. Indeed, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things must pass away. Today, it is a different ball-game; people seem to maintain the status quo of their past lives even after their claims of a born-again experience. The thief still steals yet he claims to be born-again. The adulterous woman who succeeded in snatching another woman’s legally and scripturally wedded husband, lives comfortably with the man, speaking in “tongues”
John the Baptist, when addressing those who decided to follow godliness by coming for his baptism, encouraged them to bear fruits that met with genuine repentance, and take a total turn-around from past sinful living. The Bible says:
“7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:” - Matthew 3:7-8
The above scripture is a food for thought: the religious leaders of John the Baptist’s time humbled themselves to come for baptism in order to usher in a new move of spiritual revival. This is a lesson for those who are claiming to have risen through the ranks and files of established Churches to seek spiritual reawakening. This may also account for many older generations embracing the Pentecostal experience. This is very good provided they also “bring forth fruits meet for repentance”, not maintaining the status-quo of their highly esteemed positions in their (former) Churches without transformation. The cry of the regenerative Spirit is change!
You may need to change your friends, eating and dressing habits to be able to conform to the image of the Son of the Living God.
Action Point: Look at your past life in comparison with your newly found faith in Christ and effect necessary changes.
Friday 8 April 2016
The Danger of Pride - Saturday 9, April 2016
The Danger of Pride - Saturday 9, April 2016
Memorise: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. – James 4:6
Read: Isaiah 14:12-15 (KJV)
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 21-23, Proverbs 7:10-27
MESSAGE:
According to Proverbs 16:18, destruction is the major ‘dividend’ of pride. It is interesting to note that pride was the root cause of the first rebellion both in heaven and on earth. It started with Lucifer, the son of the morning who later became the devil (Isaiah 14:12-15). He was a beautiful Archangel until pride brought him down.
When the devil discovered the easy way of falling into destruction (pride), he started using it to bring people down to his fallen state. This he successfully did with the first man and the first woman. The devil deceived them, telling them that when they ate the forbidden fruit, they would be as wise as God and they believed him.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” - Genesis 3:6
Unfortunately, because of their quest for wisdom that will equate them with their Maker, they fell, and the glory of the Lord which covered them departed leaving them naked and empty. Pride disgraces its owner beyond measure. The story of Pharaoh is a case study. It was pride that drowned his hosts in the Red Sea. One would expect that after the ten terrible plaques that God used to warn him, he would humble himself before the Most High. Rather, he maintained what he initially said: “Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?” (Exodus 5:2). Before he knew it, it was too late for him to repent. To escape the spirit of pride, you need to be genuinely born again so that the Spirit of Jesus many dwell in you. If you are deadly a child of God, you need to be sanctified and allow the mind of Jesus Christ dwell in you richly:
“5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” - Philippians 2:5-7
My prayer for someone using this devotional is that pride will not destroy you, your destiny and your loved ones in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. – James 4:6
Read: Isaiah 14:12-15 (KJV)
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 21-23, Proverbs 7:10-27
MESSAGE:
According to Proverbs 16:18, destruction is the major ‘dividend’ of pride. It is interesting to note that pride was the root cause of the first rebellion both in heaven and on earth. It started with Lucifer, the son of the morning who later became the devil (Isaiah 14:12-15). He was a beautiful Archangel until pride brought him down.
When the devil discovered the easy way of falling into destruction (pride), he started using it to bring people down to his fallen state. This he successfully did with the first man and the first woman. The devil deceived them, telling them that when they ate the forbidden fruit, they would be as wise as God and they believed him.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” - Genesis 3:6
Unfortunately, because of their quest for wisdom that will equate them with their Maker, they fell, and the glory of the Lord which covered them departed leaving them naked and empty. Pride disgraces its owner beyond measure. The story of Pharaoh is a case study. It was pride that drowned his hosts in the Red Sea. One would expect that after the ten terrible plaques that God used to warn him, he would humble himself before the Most High. Rather, he maintained what he initially said: “Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?” (Exodus 5:2). Before he knew it, it was too late for him to repent. To escape the spirit of pride, you need to be genuinely born again so that the Spirit of Jesus many dwell in you. If you are deadly a child of God, you need to be sanctified and allow the mind of Jesus Christ dwell in you richly:
“5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” - Philippians 2:5-7
My prayer for someone using this devotional is that pride will not destroy you, your destiny and your loved ones in Jesus’ name.
Thursday 7 April 2016
Spiritual Pacesetters? - Friday 8, April 2016
Spiritual Pacesetters? - Friday 8, April 2016
Memorise: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Read: Hebrews 6:9-15 (KJV)
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 18:17-20:42, Proverbs 6:28-7:9
MESSAGE:
There are certain spiritual pacesetters in the Church who when a conscientious Christian takes time to emulate, heaven would be his limit. It is unfortunate, however, that these spiritual pace setters are very few nowadays unlike in the days of old when an apostle wrote:
“6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
What were the outstanding Christian living standards that the early disciples lived by? Some could be deduced in the above quoted scripture: Firstly, they received the Word with joy despite the fact that it was hard. Today, Christianity has become a ‘bread and butter’ affair. Any New Testament injunction that brings about a slight affliction is thrown away as it comes from the pulpit. This has made many post-modern preachers not to bother about preaching the hard truth any more. They see it as an exercise in futility, so you hear them say, “don’t preach such things; they won’t accept that from you!” At the beginning of this apostasy, it was the modern day Christians who picked and chose what they would accept, while they threw the rest back at the preacher. These days, it is the preachers who ‘carefully’ select the message that will be ‘offensive’ to their congregation. These are no spiritual pace setters. I will like to warn a preacher using this devotional with the Words of the Lord in Ezekiel 33:7-8
“7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
Apart from warning the evil-doers and sinners against wickedness by word of mouth, a spiritual pace setter must practice what he preaches. A Christian, and particularly a preacher, must live as a light in this world. The Bible says: “…of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). This exactly was the pattern of life of the early apostles; the reason they were able to admonish brethren to be followers of them as they were of Christ. In transparent faithfulness, Christians should set the pace for the unbelievers. In godliness, believers in Christ must be spiritual pacesetters and perfect examples of their generation. Jesus Christ said:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
Prayer Point: Father, please make me a spiritual pacesetter so that millions may come to Your Kingdom through me.
Memorise: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Read: Hebrews 6:9-15 (KJV)
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 18:17-20:42, Proverbs 6:28-7:9
MESSAGE:
There are certain spiritual pacesetters in the Church who when a conscientious Christian takes time to emulate, heaven would be his limit. It is unfortunate, however, that these spiritual pace setters are very few nowadays unlike in the days of old when an apostle wrote:
“6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
What were the outstanding Christian living standards that the early disciples lived by? Some could be deduced in the above quoted scripture: Firstly, they received the Word with joy despite the fact that it was hard. Today, Christianity has become a ‘bread and butter’ affair. Any New Testament injunction that brings about a slight affliction is thrown away as it comes from the pulpit. This has made many post-modern preachers not to bother about preaching the hard truth any more. They see it as an exercise in futility, so you hear them say, “don’t preach such things; they won’t accept that from you!” At the beginning of this apostasy, it was the modern day Christians who picked and chose what they would accept, while they threw the rest back at the preacher. These days, it is the preachers who ‘carefully’ select the message that will be ‘offensive’ to their congregation. These are no spiritual pace setters. I will like to warn a preacher using this devotional with the Words of the Lord in Ezekiel 33:7-8
“7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
Apart from warning the evil-doers and sinners against wickedness by word of mouth, a spiritual pace setter must practice what he preaches. A Christian, and particularly a preacher, must live as a light in this world. The Bible says: “…of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). This exactly was the pattern of life of the early apostles; the reason they were able to admonish brethren to be followers of them as they were of Christ. In transparent faithfulness, Christians should set the pace for the unbelievers. In godliness, believers in Christ must be spiritual pacesetters and perfect examples of their generation. Jesus Christ said:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
Prayer Point: Father, please make me a spiritual pacesetter so that millions may come to Your Kingdom through me.
Victory in Holiness - Thursday 7, April 2016
Victory in Holiness - Thursday 7, April 2016
Memorise: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. – Proverbs 14:34
Read: Daniel 6:19-23 (KJV)
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:16, Proverbs 6:16-27
MESSAGE:
There is victory in holiness. This is a fact that many do not know of and their ignorance makes them continue to live as fake Christians. When the eyes of a child of God are opened to this revelation, he will not wait for any Pastor to preach so much before he begins to live righteously and faithfully to honour his Lord and Saviour. Our memory verse for today presents a two-edged sword of the truth: while righteousness exalts a nation, sin or unrighteousness brings reproach that comes in form of defeat (Proverbs 14:34).
The story of Daniel in the text for today is highly revealing. The first thing one should notice is that righteousness or holy living is not a hidden thing. It is something that the one who is living such a life can and must exhibit with every sense of humility. Daniel said: “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” There is victory in holy living and Daniel confirmed this in Daniel 6:22
To some people, the testimony of Daniel may sound arrogant, but the question is, was Daniel saying the truth when he said that he did no evil against the earthly kingdom and the kingdom of heaven? The outcome of the persecution gives the accurate answer. The Bible says:
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” - Hebrew 12:14
At times, some Christians who do not believe in holiness feign humility by saying it is impossible for mere humans, to live holy. Like I always tell my children in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the fact that you are not living by the Bible does not mean others are not. The Bible says:
“7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” - 1 John 3:7-8
As a matter of fact, you either holy or sinful and no sinner will make it to heaven. For this reason, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil in our lives. You are righteous by grace. This grace is why we must never boast because it is not you but Christ that lives in you. I encourage someone using this devotional to pray earnestly for the grace to live holy. Daniel triumphed over all his administrative and political enemies. They perished in his stead because of holiness! I pray for a reader of this devotional, the grace to live holy will come upon you today and you will henceforth live a daily victorious life in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me live a life of obedience to Your Word so that I may be holy unto You.
Memorise: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. – Proverbs 14:34
Read: Daniel 6:19-23 (KJV)
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:16, Proverbs 6:16-27
MESSAGE:
There is victory in holiness. This is a fact that many do not know of and their ignorance makes them continue to live as fake Christians. When the eyes of a child of God are opened to this revelation, he will not wait for any Pastor to preach so much before he begins to live righteously and faithfully to honour his Lord and Saviour. Our memory verse for today presents a two-edged sword of the truth: while righteousness exalts a nation, sin or unrighteousness brings reproach that comes in form of defeat (Proverbs 14:34).
The story of Daniel in the text for today is highly revealing. The first thing one should notice is that righteousness or holy living is not a hidden thing. It is something that the one who is living such a life can and must exhibit with every sense of humility. Daniel said: “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” There is victory in holy living and Daniel confirmed this in Daniel 6:22
To some people, the testimony of Daniel may sound arrogant, but the question is, was Daniel saying the truth when he said that he did no evil against the earthly kingdom and the kingdom of heaven? The outcome of the persecution gives the accurate answer. The Bible says:
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” - Hebrew 12:14
At times, some Christians who do not believe in holiness feign humility by saying it is impossible for mere humans, to live holy. Like I always tell my children in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the fact that you are not living by the Bible does not mean others are not. The Bible says:
“7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” - 1 John 3:7-8
As a matter of fact, you either holy or sinful and no sinner will make it to heaven. For this reason, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil in our lives. You are righteous by grace. This grace is why we must never boast because it is not you but Christ that lives in you. I encourage someone using this devotional to pray earnestly for the grace to live holy. Daniel triumphed over all his administrative and political enemies. They perished in his stead because of holiness! I pray for a reader of this devotional, the grace to live holy will come upon you today and you will henceforth live a daily victorious life in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me live a life of obedience to Your Word so that I may be holy unto You.
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Demon-inviting Habit - Wednesday 6, April 2016
Demon-inviting Habit - Wednesday 6, April 2016
Memorise: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; – Ephesians 5:18
Read: Proverbs 23:29-35 (KJV)
29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 14:47-16:23, Proverbs 6:1-15
MESSAGE:
There are many avenues through which demons can possess an individual. One of them is alcoholism. Alcoholism is a subtle habit that introduces a man to demonic possession and/or introduces demons to the alcoholic. It is a volatile avenue, a broad avenue open to many categories of demons, violence, sexual immorality, pride, folly, to mention but a few. It is unfortunate that some believers are beginning to consider ‘moderation’ in the consumption of alcohol. It is this liberal approach to the handling of the issue of alcohol consumption that is increasing demonic operations in lives that are supposed to be Holy Spirit-filled. This is why Ephesians 5:18 says:
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
How does alcoholism invite demons? Our Bible text for today answers that in part: One of the symptoms of demonic possession is sorrow, and the text asks: “who hath sorrow?” and answers straightaway: “… they that go to seek mixed wine.” The scripture goes ahead to warn; “look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.” The demon of sorrow is put in motion to possess an alcoholic; and this is confirmed by the infallible Word of God. In addition, our text says: “Thine eyes shall behold strange women….” Here the demon of sexual immorality is set in motion by alcoholism. A married man does not remember his marriage vows when put under the influence of alcohol. An alcoholic can sleep with the worst psychiatric patient. Alcohol promotes the sexual immorality of incest.
“31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.” - Genesis 19:31-32
The products of these incestuous acts were the hateful Moabites and the children of Ammon who later became sworn enemies of the children of Israel (2 Chronicles 20:1).
“….and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” Alcohol can turn you to a talkative or a blasphemer. Those who ordinarily may not speak perverse things momentarily become outspoken under the influence of the demon of alcohol. Beloved, if you have not considered alcohol as a medium of demon-possession till date, I advise you to give it a second thought, be faithful to yourself and abstain forthwith. Most of the woes that many people face can be traced to the demon of alcohol. The Word of God is forever settled; the earlier we live by its precepts, the better for us.
Action Point: Break yourself loose from the demon of alcohol and pray that all that the demon of alcohol has destroyed in your life be restored in Jesus’ name.
Memorise: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; – Ephesians 5:18
Read: Proverbs 23:29-35 (KJV)
29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 14:47-16:23, Proverbs 6:1-15
MESSAGE:
There are many avenues through which demons can possess an individual. One of them is alcoholism. Alcoholism is a subtle habit that introduces a man to demonic possession and/or introduces demons to the alcoholic. It is a volatile avenue, a broad avenue open to many categories of demons, violence, sexual immorality, pride, folly, to mention but a few. It is unfortunate that some believers are beginning to consider ‘moderation’ in the consumption of alcohol. It is this liberal approach to the handling of the issue of alcohol consumption that is increasing demonic operations in lives that are supposed to be Holy Spirit-filled. This is why Ephesians 5:18 says:
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
How does alcoholism invite demons? Our Bible text for today answers that in part: One of the symptoms of demonic possession is sorrow, and the text asks: “who hath sorrow?” and answers straightaway: “… they that go to seek mixed wine.” The scripture goes ahead to warn; “look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.” The demon of sorrow is put in motion to possess an alcoholic; and this is confirmed by the infallible Word of God. In addition, our text says: “Thine eyes shall behold strange women….” Here the demon of sexual immorality is set in motion by alcoholism. A married man does not remember his marriage vows when put under the influence of alcohol. An alcoholic can sleep with the worst psychiatric patient. Alcohol promotes the sexual immorality of incest.
“31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.” - Genesis 19:31-32
The products of these incestuous acts were the hateful Moabites and the children of Ammon who later became sworn enemies of the children of Israel (2 Chronicles 20:1).
“….and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” Alcohol can turn you to a talkative or a blasphemer. Those who ordinarily may not speak perverse things momentarily become outspoken under the influence of the demon of alcohol. Beloved, if you have not considered alcohol as a medium of demon-possession till date, I advise you to give it a second thought, be faithful to yourself and abstain forthwith. Most of the woes that many people face can be traced to the demon of alcohol. The Word of God is forever settled; the earlier we live by its precepts, the better for us.
Action Point: Break yourself loose from the demon of alcohol and pray that all that the demon of alcohol has destroyed in your life be restored in Jesus’ name.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Tuesday 5, April 2016
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Tuesday 5, April 2016
Memorise: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. – Acts 1:8
Read: John 7:37-39 (KJV)
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 13:8-14:46, Proverbs 5:7-23
MESSAGE:
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is very important to every heaven-bound Christian for many reasons. The first thing that comes to mind is the personality of the Baptiser, that is, the Holy Spirit Himself. He is the third person in the Trinity. From the beginning, God has been in charge of everything that goes on in the universe including the redemption of man. The Holy Spirit, being the third person in the Trinity plays a major role, not only in the redemption process but also plays the role of preserving the believer after the salvation experience.
“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” - Ephesians 4:30
There are lots of spiritual virtues the Holy Spirit imparts on believers when they receive His baptism. These virtues are very fundamental to the Christian experience. For example, in our text for today, we read of the flow of rivers of living water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Just as water is very important to the physical survival of man, so also is the Living water very important to the spiritual survival of man. A Christian gets spiritually dehydrated and consequently spiritually dead as a result of the lack of the Holy Spirit. This is the reason why one wonders when some schools of thought say that the Holy Spirit baptism is an outdated Christian experience. It is not. Another fundamental blessing which accrues from the baptism of the Holy Spirit is what we find in the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ in today’s memory verse. Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there can be no power for Christians to evangelise or witness about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It would have been a different ball-game if the disciples of old were not empowered and emboldened by the coming of the Holy Spirit when they were apprehended by the Jewish leader:
“31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” - Acts 4:31-33
Beloved, do you think you are a weak Christian; afraid of coming out to exhibit your conviction that Jesus is Lord? Or, you are rising and falling because you cannot stand the wiles of the devil which are inevitable in this perverted generation? Are you being played with like a toy in the hands of demons? All you need is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. To be baptised, however, requires your determination to please the Lord and live above sin. Pray earnestly for it and you will be baptised for power, refreshing and for a victorious Christian living.
Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, please send your Holy Spirit to me afresh, and get me refreshed and empowered today.
Memorise: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. – Acts 1:8
Read: John 7:37-39 (KJV)
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 13:8-14:46, Proverbs 5:7-23
MESSAGE:
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is very important to every heaven-bound Christian for many reasons. The first thing that comes to mind is the personality of the Baptiser, that is, the Holy Spirit Himself. He is the third person in the Trinity. From the beginning, God has been in charge of everything that goes on in the universe including the redemption of man. The Holy Spirit, being the third person in the Trinity plays a major role, not only in the redemption process but also plays the role of preserving the believer after the salvation experience.
“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” - Ephesians 4:30
There are lots of spiritual virtues the Holy Spirit imparts on believers when they receive His baptism. These virtues are very fundamental to the Christian experience. For example, in our text for today, we read of the flow of rivers of living water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Just as water is very important to the physical survival of man, so also is the Living water very important to the spiritual survival of man. A Christian gets spiritually dehydrated and consequently spiritually dead as a result of the lack of the Holy Spirit. This is the reason why one wonders when some schools of thought say that the Holy Spirit baptism is an outdated Christian experience. It is not. Another fundamental blessing which accrues from the baptism of the Holy Spirit is what we find in the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ in today’s memory verse. Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there can be no power for Christians to evangelise or witness about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It would have been a different ball-game if the disciples of old were not empowered and emboldened by the coming of the Holy Spirit when they were apprehended by the Jewish leader:
“31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” - Acts 4:31-33
Beloved, do you think you are a weak Christian; afraid of coming out to exhibit your conviction that Jesus is Lord? Or, you are rising and falling because you cannot stand the wiles of the devil which are inevitable in this perverted generation? Are you being played with like a toy in the hands of demons? All you need is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. To be baptised, however, requires your determination to please the Lord and live above sin. Pray earnestly for it and you will be baptised for power, refreshing and for a victorious Christian living.
Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, please send your Holy Spirit to me afresh, and get me refreshed and empowered today.
Sunday 3 April 2016
The Elect of God - Monday 4, April 2016
The Elect of God - Monday 4, April 2016
Memorise: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? – Luke 18:7
Read: Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 10:17-13:7, Proverbs 4:20-5:6
MESSAGE:
An elect is a chosen or preferred person. In Christian parlance, an elect is someone God, by His grace, has chosen to be qualified as righteous before Him. The Bible says:
“33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” - Romans 8:33-34
It is a pleasant thing to be an elect of God, because He watches over His elect. He is not ashamed of them even among His holy angels, because they are doing Him proud in this pervert generation.
“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” - Hebrew 11:16
In the light of the above scripture, therefore, the elect of God has both a moral and scriptural obligation to live in accordance to the commandments of God. The elect is more mindful of eternal life than the ephemeral things of this life. At times he suffers trials of cruel intimidation, marginalisation, and poverty because he cannot sell his conscience for a loaf of bread. This certainly made Jesus Christ assure us in Luke 18:7:
“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?”
The above assertion of Jesus Christ is pleasantly reassuring to the elect of God who has turned his back against all forms of godlessness and wickedness. The Almighty God will always be there for all His elects provided they cry to Him in the days of trouble (Psalms 50:15).
Beloved, are you an elect of God? If not, all it takes is for you to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, repent of your sins and begin to live your life as approved by Jesus Christ in the gospels. I pray that the benefits of the elect shall be your portion in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Act upon John 3:3-5 and ask God to make you one of His elects.
Memorise: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? – Luke 18:7
Read: Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 10:17-13:7, Proverbs 4:20-5:6
MESSAGE:
An elect is a chosen or preferred person. In Christian parlance, an elect is someone God, by His grace, has chosen to be qualified as righteous before Him. The Bible says:
“33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” - Romans 8:33-34
It is a pleasant thing to be an elect of God, because He watches over His elect. He is not ashamed of them even among His holy angels, because they are doing Him proud in this pervert generation.
“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” - Hebrew 11:16
In the light of the above scripture, therefore, the elect of God has both a moral and scriptural obligation to live in accordance to the commandments of God. The elect is more mindful of eternal life than the ephemeral things of this life. At times he suffers trials of cruel intimidation, marginalisation, and poverty because he cannot sell his conscience for a loaf of bread. This certainly made Jesus Christ assure us in Luke 18:7:
“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?”
The above assertion of Jesus Christ is pleasantly reassuring to the elect of God who has turned his back against all forms of godlessness and wickedness. The Almighty God will always be there for all His elects provided they cry to Him in the days of trouble (Psalms 50:15).
Beloved, are you an elect of God? If not, all it takes is for you to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, repent of your sins and begin to live your life as approved by Jesus Christ in the gospels. I pray that the benefits of the elect shall be your portion in Jesus’ name.
Action Point: Act upon John 3:3-5 and ask God to make you one of His elects.
Saturday 2 April 2016
Appointed day of Mercy - Sunday 3, April 2016
Appointed day of Mercy - Sunday 3, April 2016
Memorise: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. – Luke 18:13
Read: Genesis 19:15-17 (KJV)
15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 8:19-10:16, Proverbs 4:10-19
MESSAGE:
Since the fall of man at the Garden of Eden, the only factor that has sustained man in this world is God’s mercy. When a man receives God’s mercy, it would appear as if he is a genius or his righteousness has bestowed upon him some divine benevolence. This is not true. The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22:
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”
In our memory verse for today, we read of the mercy which brought justification to the repentant publican. Because he begged for it, his day of mercy came unhindered. Jesus said in Luke 18:14:
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
One striking revelation in Christ’s assertion is that we can only obtain mercy when we acknowledge our sins and repent of them as the publican did. According to Luke 18:14, what prevents some people from receiving mercy from God is failure to admit that they are sinners and that they need to turn from their wicked ways. It is amazing that some children of God are in the habit of living in the world of relativism where what is right or wrong depends on the justification they have for it. This is not the gospel. When they are caught stealing, they would rationalise it by putting the guilt on the fact that they are jobless. Some ladies claim that they took to prostitution because they were jobless and needed to take care of their aged parents!
“14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.” - Ezekiel 33:14-15
It takes humility to acknowledge it if we do something wrong against God or against our neighbour. The Bible says in Proverbs 28:13:
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Your appointed day of mercy comes when you humbly ask for it from the One who is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). I appeal to someone using this devotional; if you have not repented of your sins through Jesus Christ, being forth the day of God’s mercy into your life by calling on the God of mercy today for forgiveness. Or, if you are a child of God, but seem to be void of His mercy, call on Him like a child will cry to his loving father for mercy. Today is the day of the Lord’s mercy for you and your loved ones in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me and give me testimonies.
Memorise: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. – Luke 18:13
Read: Genesis 19:15-17 (KJV)
15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 8:19-10:16, Proverbs 4:10-19
MESSAGE:
Since the fall of man at the Garden of Eden, the only factor that has sustained man in this world is God’s mercy. When a man receives God’s mercy, it would appear as if he is a genius or his righteousness has bestowed upon him some divine benevolence. This is not true. The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22:
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”
In our memory verse for today, we read of the mercy which brought justification to the repentant publican. Because he begged for it, his day of mercy came unhindered. Jesus said in Luke 18:14:
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
One striking revelation in Christ’s assertion is that we can only obtain mercy when we acknowledge our sins and repent of them as the publican did. According to Luke 18:14, what prevents some people from receiving mercy from God is failure to admit that they are sinners and that they need to turn from their wicked ways. It is amazing that some children of God are in the habit of living in the world of relativism where what is right or wrong depends on the justification they have for it. This is not the gospel. When they are caught stealing, they would rationalise it by putting the guilt on the fact that they are jobless. Some ladies claim that they took to prostitution because they were jobless and needed to take care of their aged parents!
“14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.” - Ezekiel 33:14-15
It takes humility to acknowledge it if we do something wrong against God or against our neighbour. The Bible says in Proverbs 28:13:
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Your appointed day of mercy comes when you humbly ask for it from the One who is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). I appeal to someone using this devotional; if you have not repented of your sins through Jesus Christ, being forth the day of God’s mercy into your life by calling on the God of mercy today for forgiveness. Or, if you are a child of God, but seem to be void of His mercy, call on Him like a child will cry to his loving father for mercy. Today is the day of the Lord’s mercy for you and your loved ones in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me and give me testimonies.
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