The Word

Our devotion today will be based on Fanny Crosby's (a blind hymn writer in 1873) hymn Blessed Assurance . Salvation is solely in Christ Jesus. Do not deny his love, embrace  it. Stanza 1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God,  Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song,  praising my Savior all the day long;  this is my story, this is my song,  praising my Savior all the day long.  Stanza 2 Perfect submission, perfect delight!  Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;  Angels descending bring from above  Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain) Stanza 3 Perfect submission, all is at rest!  I in my Savior am happy and blessed,  Watching and waiting, looking above,  Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.  (Refrain) AMEN!

Theme: The Lord Cometh Soon Text: Acts 1:9-11 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Today is Ascension Day and many of us were at Service. As we mark this day, may we commemorate it with a prepared heart to welcome the Lord i f he should return today. Just as the angels proclaimed, Christ Jesus will return in the fullness of His glory to judge the world. How prepared are You?  Be prepared in mind and heart for the Lord's coming. Prayer:  Our prayer today will be James Milton Black's hymn ~ When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. When ...

Theme: Distinguish Yourself and Live Uprightly Text: Exodus 23:1-3 1 “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. 3 You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute. The Bible is a guide to us so we can live well in society. In today's text, we are taught not to encourage or be part of rumours, tittle-tattle  or gossips. The assertion that, to every rumour there's an iota of truth is very misleading and cannot be a part of the Christian.  What is darkness does not need light least the light overcomes it. Likewise, lies cannot entertain truth around it if not, it will overpower it. Due to this, it's unhealthy to mix lies with truth (tittle-tattle). If you are quick in spreading rumours, desist from it (Proverbs 19:9). Mo...

Theme:  Understanding the Lord's Prayer ~ Overcoming Grace Text: Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. The Lord is Holy and He does not take any delight with sin. His call to us always is to remove idols  and any other thing that leads us into sin (Isaiah 55:6-7). However whenever we are enticed to sin, there's always a divine way of escape. Every form of temptation that comes our way, is not above our ability to overcome. It is only when we refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us that we fall to these sins (1 Corinthians 10:13). When Joseph was tempted by Portiphar's wife, the best thing he did, was to flee. Though he was convicted wrongfully yet, it was meant to reveal the power of God (Genesis 39-50). The Lord delivers us from evil and prompts us to know what we've done is not right. An example is the words of Nathan to David when he committe...

Theme: Understanding the Lord's Prayer ~ Forgiveness Text:  Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. Forgiveness is what distinguish us Christians from other religions. Jesus Christ laid the foundation for us on the Cross when He asked the Father to forgive His adversaries (Luke 23:34). We all desire forgiveness from the Father but finds it difficult to forgive others as in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35. The act of forgiveness begins with self. When we understand that we save ourselves from unnecessary trauma when we forgive and it's beneficial to our health, we will easily forgive. The unforgiving heart of Absalom led to the destruction of his father's household (refer to 2 Samuel 13 - 17). As a believer, just as you ask the Father to forgive you,  you also ought to forgive others. Has someone done something evil towards You in the past?  Have you been able to forgive?  If you've not forgiven yet, toda...

Theme: Understanding the Lord's Prayer ~ The Provisions of Life Text: Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. Before the Lord God formed man, He made provisions for all things that mankind will required. It has been so even till date. God has never failed in providing for the animals of the wild, in the water bodies, air or even domestic ones. You're of much value than these animals and so your needs are known to Him ( Matthew 6:25-34). The Word of God in Psalm 23 tells us the Lord is our Shepherd and so we will lack nothing. If we hold unto this truth, we will always see the Light of God in every sphere of our lives. Ours is to ask and all provisions will be made available as in Matthew 7:7-11. Beloved in the Lord, the Lord will continually supply all your needs in life. Prayer:  Forgive me o God, for not trusting You can provide all my needs.  Help me to come freely to You whether in need or not and grant me a cheerful spirit to be grateful in all circumsta...

Theme: Understanding the Lord's Prayer ~Maranatha Text:  Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as  it is  in heaven. Your Kingdom come: G od's Kingdom is an endless Kingdom where Jehovah reigns as King. He is the Lord of His people and rule justly amongst them. This glorious Kingdom is what the New Testament seeks to communicate. It is important we pray the Kingdom of the Lord come ~ Maranatha. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven: Doing the Lord's will should be our greatest desire. When the Lord's will is carried out i n the land,  it brings peace and development. The kings of Israel and Judah, enjoy peace and rest whenever they heed to the Lord's voice but shame and reproach comes upon them when they forsook the Lord (refer to 1&2 Kings  for more details).  Do you desire the Kingdom of God to come quickly or not?  What's presenting you from desiring this?  Assess yourself and repent from doing evil. ...

Theme: Understanding the Lord's Prayer ~ The Relationship Text:  Matthew 6:9   In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Whenever we pray the Lord's prayer, a relationship with the Father is established. If you do not pray it in a relational context, you're more likely to see this prayer as a recital. Our Father in heaven: God is our Father and Creator. In His image He created us male and female. We converse with God in prayer. So Christ has taught us to communicate freely with God by relating well with Him. We acknowledge He is our Father, whose dwelling place is in heaven. A child is not afraid to ask his father anything so must we not also be afraid in presenting our needs before God. There should be faith to back our request knowing that, it is He who is above all things we are putting forth our requests. Hallowed be Thy name:   To hallow  is to give honour in holiness. That's reverence to God. We give honour t...

Theme: Praise Text: Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. As humans, we often desire praise from others and when it doesn't show forth, we do that by ourselves. Beloved in the Lord, before your lips utter a word about your works, keep in mind your deeds have been played as a video in many minds. They might not praise you in your presence but your name will reach places you've never been before. A good name is better than riches (Proverbs 22:1). Keep doing the good things you're noted for, you'll reap its beautiful fruit someday. Prayer: Teach me to live my life in all humility. Grant me grace to stand firmly even when I'm not praised for the good I've done. AMEN!

Theme: Being Thankful Text: Psalm 92:1-2 1 It is  good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2  To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, Thanksgiving is important in every believer's life. When our praise is high, we break yokes and pull down mountains. Our praise to the Most High is our way of showing gratitude for the immeasurable work of God is our lives. We sleep and awake each morning, it is not because we are healthy, but rather the lovingkindness of th Lord gave us life. Our praise should be lifted first thing each morning and the Last thing at night. The Lord keeps watch over our lives and delivers us from evil. He has never failed in taking care of us. If you've not been thankful enough, use this day and beyond to sing praise to the Lord. Prayer:  Methodist hymn 421 I am so glad that our Father in heav’n Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n; Wonde...

Theme: Christ Jesus Sustains Text:  Psalm 55:22   Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Almost every stage of life comes with challenges. Our ability to go through these challenges and come out victorious is what defines us. How do you handle your challenges? Are you aware there's a friend who can help you through all the struggles? This friend is Jesus Christ. He is our burden bearer. He has called on us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come with all our burdens. A fellow man cannot sustain you in difficult moments. Some could do their best but it is to a limit. An instance is when a person is bereaved. A lot of people come visiting each day when the death occurred and just after the funeral, the number starts to drop to zero. However, Jesus is able to keep us through it all. He will not permit His own to be moved. Whatever is your struggle in life, know that, there's a friend ever rea...

Theme: The Detestable and Abominable Deeds Text:  Proverbs 6:16-19 16 These six  things  the Lord hates, Yes, seven  are  an abomination to Him: 17  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18  A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19  A false witness  who  speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. The Lord created us in His image and to have dominion over all created things. As we take dominion, we need to be mindful of the conduct we put up. There are behaviours that are not acceptable or pleasing before the Lord so he detests them and are to Him an abomination. Likewise, in our human settings, these behaviours are disgusting. Let us identify these abominable behaviours: Proud look: undermining people come from pride. It is ungodly to think of yourself better off  than others. Once this thought begins to crept into your m...

Theme:  Jesus Accepts All Text:  Acts 11:1-18 Memory Verse ~ Acts 11:9   But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ In recent times, just like the circumcised in Jerusalem most Christians have become antagonistic towards others who do not fellowship in their congregation. One Church sees itself above another which should not be so. We are all one in Christ Jesus irrespective of where you fellowship. If you are a culprit of seeing your Church better off than others, repent now. In Christ there's no discrimination,we are all one and made pure to have right standing before God though the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Another thing holding some back is, self condemnation. Some people have condemned themselves of being too sinful to be redeemed. Are You still holding on to that past sin? It isn't heavier than the blood of Jesus Christ. confess it to the Lord and He will forgive You ( 1Joh...

Theme: The Mercies of the Lord Text: Psalm 130:3-4 3  If You, Lord, should, mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4  But  there is  forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. Day in, day out, people commit sin consciously or unconsciously. If the Lord is to mark  sins,  it will be a heavy burden for us to carry. If not for the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we would have been lost in our sinful nature. The forgiveness and kind nature of God is renewed each morning towards us. The referential fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Beloved, the Lord Jesus has cleared you free from everyone limitation. Lift up voices and intercede of all Children and everyone around that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit. Prayer: Teach me Lord to praise Thee in all circumstances. AMEN!

Theme: Do You Know the Lord? Text: 1 John 2:3-6 3  Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.   4  He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.   5  But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.   6  He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. Knowing Jesus is established through obedience to His voice. In John 2:3, Jesus states  that, the sheep adheres to the shepherd's voice. You can't follow Jesus and disobey Him. It simply makes you a liar. For in John 14:15, He said unto His disciples, if you love Me, keep My commandment. In obedience, our light shines before men and they give glory to God (Matthew 5:16). Our charitable deeds, kindness, love, empathy, amongst others distinguish us from those of the world. We easily forgive and show kindnes...

Theme: The Inspired Word Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. The Bible is made up of sixty six books. They've been written by people who have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. No one can claim he wrote the Word  from his own insight. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. The Lord inspires the writers. He gives them the right words to write as He did with the prophets and apostles. The scripture is profitable for doctrine. All beliefs within the church must be built on the word of God. This serves as a guide to the disapproval of behaviors contrary to our faith, and in so doing correcting us to live righteously. As believers we can only be complete in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit equips us for every good work. Beloved, the word of God is what we need to ove...

Theme: Your word, My Heart Text: Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. This verse is very insightful and inspiring. The psalmist says, he has hidden the Lord's Word in his heart. What is God's Word? God's Word is the message of Truth and this Word is Jesus Christ. When you avail yourself for the Spirit of Christ to take seed in your heart, you'll lead a life without fear. The Word leads you into righteousness. It illumines you to walk in the light of God. As you walk in the light of God you accept His will and do not go contrary to His teaching. Beloved its time to hide the Word in your heart and live in obedience. Prayer:  The Word that became flesh, I invite you into my heart and teach me the will of the Father. AMEN !

Theme: The Truth Text: Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. Speaking the truth is one important thing in every relationship. Truth should be a solid foundation for all relationships. If we fail to build our relationships on truth, we are more likely to bring such relationships to an end. Christ is the truth and so as His followers, we need to be truthful ( John 14:6). The Christian should learn to walk in truth putting all falsehood aside. In evangelizing to souls in your community, workplace, and family, you need to be truthful. When you are noted for lying, you are most likely to suffer even in moments of telling the truth. As members of one body in Christ Jesus, we need to openly be frank and sincere with each other. Let the truth free flow out of you. Prayer: Truth of the world, manifest more in me, that I may proclaim Your truth to the world. AMEN!

Theme: The Accepted Offering Text: Genesis 4:1-7 Memory verse ~ Genesis 4:6-7 6. So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7. If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” The sorry of Cain and Abel has been told severally at Sunday schools for moral lessons. We will look at the two brothers and their offerings to the Lord today as compared with our daily lives. The key words to note when they each brought their offering are: * Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. * Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and if their fat. Abel choose the choicest part for God whilst Cain did not. In applying this to our daily lives, most people do not give their best in whatever is entrusted to them. Are you a good steward? Whatever you find yourself doing is an offering you are giving to society. Do you become...

Theme: A Woman of Praise Text: Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Today is Mother's Day worldwide and everyone is happily displaying his/her mother's love to the world in diverse ways. As we celebrate the mothers of our lives, let us seek to achieve one great thing for them from today. That one thing is, to keep their mind and heart in tune with the Lord. Let's pray the Holy Spirit to continually have fellowship with them. Their praise will come out once the fear of the Lord becomes a part of them. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It is this wisdom that displays all the virtues of Proverbs 31. Whatever you desire to see in your mother, aunties, sisters, wife, daughters, and female friends it isn't late to start praying for and speaking to them about this beautiful proverbs. It's not all about beauty, attitude counts. Prayer: Abba Father, I trust Your S...

Theme: The Safety of the Faithful Text: Psalm 4:1-8 Memory verse ~Psalm 4:3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him. This is one of the Psalms ascribed to King David. Just as David, we need to each rely on the power of God. The Lord is able to relieve us from every form of distress and to give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30). When you take the form of the Lord, that's living a righteous life, you are most likely to be opposed by people who live contrary lifestyles. They will seek to make life uncomfortable for you so as to make fun of you. However relax just as Daniel took it cool in the conspiracy of the other commissioners and satraps and the Lord will give you victory ( Daniel 6:1-28). You've been set apart by the Lord and so evil shall not overtake you. It is good to detest sin but do not extend it to a brother or sister engaged in it. Rather pray for them that the saving grace of God redeems them from sins g...

Theme: A Grateful Heart Text: Psalm 103:1-5 Memory verse ~ Psalm 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: When our praise is lifted before the Throne of the Lord, mighty things happen in our lives. In praising the Lord, it needs to be done with passion ( all that is within us). We praise with our lips, heart, mind, will, and everything within and without of us. Our praise becomes meaningful if we identify the blessings of God in our lives. A heart that's ungrateful cannot praise God (vrs 2). Acknowledging every little thing that comes your way, and being grateful, moves your heart to give praise to the Lord (Hosea 2:8, Luke 17:15-18). The Psalmist outlined number of benefits from the Lord: He forgives our sins, He heals, redeems lives from destruction, Crowns with loving-kindness and tender mercies, satisfies the mouth with good things and renews our youth like the eagles. The Lord has equally blessed you with these and others benefits in your life....

Theme: Youthful for Christ Text: Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 Theme: Youthful for Christ Text: Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 12 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”: 2 While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain; This text has been a common text which most people explain usually to mean serving God in our youthful days before we become too old and can't serve Him. However, we will look at it from diverse perspectives as believers striving to attain perfection ( Philippians 3:13-14). The time in which we find ourselves in, is fully packed with activities that take most of our time. Some people are unable to schedule it wisely to make time for the things of the Lord. Our youthful times could be classified as; awaiting - admission to school, to be called for the job you've desired so much for, being a spins...

Theme: Called Forth before Inception Text: Jeremiah 1:4-5 4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” The Lord knows how everything in existence came to being. Likewise, He knows how we were born. Today, we will look at three key things in our text: a. God knowing us b. Being sanctified c. Our calling. The formation of every child is known to God. Nothing is hidden from Him. You are no exception. He knows you even before you were formed in your mother's womb. And he has great plans for you (Psalm 139:13-16). He is our Creator and has formed us in His image. There's no birth that is a mistake. It is therefore not a good idea to encourage abortions. The Lord has set us apart even before we were born. To be sanctified is to be set apart or declared holy or consecrated. Another explanation is to be set free from sin or purifie...

Theme: Being Born Again Text: John 3:1-9 Memory verse ~ John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly , I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus came to Jesus by night with the hope of speaking with Him confidentially and leaving without anyone noticing. He began by attesting who Jesus was. However knowing who Jesus is, is not enough to save him. What he needs is what our Lord Jesus told him; he must be born again. Being born again is more spiritually manifesting than physical. Many of us like Nicodemus often mistaken what it takes to be born again. It does not need physical birth but rather a spiritual birth. Being born of the water through baptism ( some also refer to it as confirmation of one's infant baptism). This is what John the Baptist began ahead of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 3:11). The water calls us to repentance and symbolizes our cleansing  from sins." How long have you been baptized? What lifestyle...

Theme: The Lamb's Victory Text: Revelations 5:1-5 Memory verse ~ Revelations 5:4-5 4. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open [a]and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and [b]to loose its seven seals.” Jesus is the Lamb of God that came to give Himself as a sacrifice to set mankind from every form of bondage. It is important to note, we are incomplete without Christ. His victory over every challenge made Him worthy to open the seals. What hope will there be for us if Christ had not come to redeem us? Beloved in the Lord, let us make use of every moment of our lives to glorify the Triune God for the mercies granted us. May we also live each day as though it's our last day on earth. You can never tell when the chapter of your life will come to an end so live a worthy life each moment of your life. ...

Theme: A Quick Reflection on Revelations 1-3 We've studies the letter to the seven churches for some days now. Today is a reflection on these churches and our own personal life. Let's consider them one after the other: 1. The church of Ephesus was noted for its zealous work in the ministry however, it has forgotten its first love. The promise given is, he who overcomes will be given the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God to eat. 2. The church of Smyrna is believed to be the persecuted church. The Lord assured Smyrna it shall not be hurt by the second death. 3. The church of Pergamum is a faithful church but holds on to evil doctrines. The good news is that, anyone who overcomes shall be given the hidden manna to eat and a white  stone with a new name written on it which no one knows except him who receives it. 4. The church of Thyatira is faithful in all ministerial work. However, it allowed evil company to corrupt it. He who endures will be given p...

Theme: Invitation to sit on the Royal Throne of Christ. Text: Revelations 3: 14-22 Memory verse ~ Revelations 3:20-21 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. The seventh church which happens to be the last is Laodicea. The church is noted for its lukewarmness and so the Lord introduced Himself as: "These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God." The Lord is Amen, that's to say, He permits things to be or come true. He as well  is faithful and true witness, which implies, our Lord is constantly true to His Word and does not act in any unfaithfulness. He has been there from the beginning and so, knows all things. The church however lacks these characteristics of the Lord and goes contrary t...

Theme: Faithfulness Exalts Text: Revelations 3:7-13 Memory verse ~ Revelations 3: 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. The sixth church is the Church of Philadelphia. It is the true faithful church without lapses. It was so true to the Lord that, He introduced Himself as: He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”. The Lord identifies Himself with the church in purity and holiness. With the keys of David, He is able to open divine doors in their favor and shut every unpleasant door. Indeed, righteousness exalts a nation according to Proverbs 14:34. The Amplified Bible (AMP) puts it as: "Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous ch...

Theme: The Book of Life Text: Revelations 3:1-6 Memory verse ~ Revelations 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Our fifth Church for consideration is Sardis. The Lord in addressing the church, introduced Himself as; He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars . The seven stars are the angels of the churches according to Revelations 1:20. It is evident each church has an angel. The seven Spirits of God irrespective of its manifestation in both the Old and New Canon are representing the same ideas when carefully looked at in Isaiah 11:2-3 & Romans 12:6-8. Isaiah outlined the seven Spirits of God as; the Spirit of God, the Spirit of - wisdom, understanding, counsel, might or strength, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. In Romans, the seven Spirit of God take the dimensions of - insight or prophecy, helpfulness...