The Word

Theme: Firmly Rooted in Faith Text: Daniel 3:8-18 Memory Verse ~Daniel 3:16-18 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Some people are quick to detect others errors than their very own. The Chaldeans' attitude towards the Hebrew boys could be seen in this perspective. They had no knowledge that their life is accountable to the Almighty God than the lifeless statue. Another thing about them is envy. When the spirit of envy possesses you, it only leads you into finding fault with people so you can occupy their place once they are shown th...

Theme: Do Away With the Idols Text: Daniel 3:1-7 Memory Verse ~ Daniel 3:4-6 4 Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” The Lord our God has warn us on idol worshipping ( Exodus 20:1-6). Just as in the days of Nebuchadnezzar he erected an idol for his subjects to worship, so has the human race in one way or the other established idols in their daily lives. The idols of the human race include social media, jobs, associations, telenovelas and other TV programmes. What are you addicted to?  What takes your maximum attention and the time you want to spend with ...

Theme: Safe in His Presence Text: Psalm 4 Memory Verse ~ Psalm 4:4-5 4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord Life is full of struggles however, we have the power to overcome  if we rely on the power of the Almighty God. We pass through many challenges as a result of our trust in the Lord. But this shouldn't discourage us, for the Lord is able to deliver us. When our adversaries rise up against us, we need to pray the Lord to grant them a penitent heart. It is not for us to pronounce their damnation but seek the Salvation of their soul (Romans 12:18). In anger, we need to watch what we say and actions we take. Be guided by the Holy Spirit and take heed to His promptings. When our ways pleases the Lord, He'll cause even our enemies to be at peace with us (Proverbs 16:7). The joy of the Lord, exceeds any carnal gain and so th...

Theme: The Triumphing Glory Text: Psalm 2:1-3   Why   do the   nations   rage, And the people plot a   vain thing? 2  The kings of the earth set themselves, And the   rulers take counsel together, Against the   Lord   and against His   Anointed,   saying, 3  “Let   us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” The text for our consideration today is basically about the Messiah and His antagonists. The birth of the Messiah was characterized with evil plot as Herod became uncomfortable on hearing the birth of a king from the Maggie that paid him visit. He sent out his soldiers to kill every male boy below the age of two. However this evil plot of his could not even take the life of the Messiah because Joseph was informed in a dream to take Him to Egypt until the opportune time comes (Matthew 2:1-18).   Beloved in the Lord, our adversaries are still waging war agai...

Theme: Be Courageous  Text: Psalm 27:14 14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Waiting on the Lord, is putting your trust in or relying on the Lord for an expectation. From ages past, the Lord has been faithful to His promises. The lives of Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, David, Esther amongst others is a good example to us to understand God never fails (Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:28, Isaiah 41:10-14, Hebrews 13:5-6). Courage takes away every element of doubt and fear (1 John 4:18). It as well streghtens the heart. Whatever we ought to overcome in life, we need courage. If you  are not courageous you cannot take a step further from where you're standing (Psalm 27:1, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 2 Timothy 1:7) Prayer: As I put my trust in You o Lord, strengthen me to be courageous in all circumstances of life. AMEN! 

We are called to follow Christ and proclaim the Good News to all where ever we find ourselves. Go Labour On will be our hymn for meditation on John 9:4-5. Beloved step out of your comfort zone and rescue a perishing soul. 1 GO labour on; spend, and be spent, Thy joy to do the Father's will; It is the way the Master went, Should not the servant tread it still? 2 Go labour on; 'tis not for nought, Thy earthly loss is heavenly gain; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not; The Master praises; what are men? 3 Go labour on, while it is day, The world's dark night is hastening on; Speed, speed the work, cast sloth away; It is not thus that souls are won. 4 Men die in darkness at your side Without a hope to cheer the tomb; Take up the torch, and wave it wide, The torch that lights time's thickest gloom. 5 Toil on, faint not, keep watch, and pray; Be wise, the erring soul to win; Go forth into the world's highway, Compel the wanderer to come in. 6 Toi...

Theme: Hallelujah!!! Text: Psalm 113:1-3 Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord! 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forevermore! 3 From the rising of the sun to its going down. The Lord’s name is to be praised. Each day you awake is an opportunity to be grateful to God for the breath of life in you. Not everyone awoke from sleep. Some died in their sleep but you're alive to see another beautiful day. Let your hallelujah go before the Lord each morning. Likewise at night your hallelujah must go to Him for another successful day. Some died in accidents, got choke while eating and that ended the chapter of their lives, some went to the hospital and never returned. You can name the many struggles of live that you've been able to pass through gracefully. What did you experience today?  Were you frightened by the circumstances of the day? Yet, you're back to your h...

Theme: Love Unconditionally Text:  Matthew 5:43-48 Memory verse ~ Matthew 5: 43-45a 43  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  45  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; Love is the central word in today's devotion. The love expressed here is the agape love. It is an unconditional love. The Christian life is built on love towards everyone  be it family, friends or people we don't even get along with. Christ has cleared every air of contention and has instructed us to love even those we claim to be our enemies. We are not permitted to hate anyone irrespective of how we feel about them. Though we bear the name Christians, we only qualify if we exhibit love as stated in 1 John 4:7-20. Our desires and...

Theme: The Humble will be Crowned Text:  1 Peter 5:5-11 Memory verse ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Submission goes hand in hand with humility. You can't be proud and be submissive. Likewise You can't be arrogant and possess humility. As a child of God, pride should not be allowed anywhere around your dwelling. Grace locate those who are humble (Esther 2:1-18). There's the need to have some level of calmness within, so as to overcome the devil's schemes. When you're unrest, the devil sees an opportune time to mess your life. No matter the circumstances around you, you need to be sober so as to analyze situations. The key is faith. Faith keeps you in track and empowers you to overcome the schemes of the devil and his agents. Beloved, your suffering is but for a season. The Lord will see you through it all if you trust Him in al...

Theme: The Faithful Shepherd Text: 1 Peter 5:1-4 5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:  2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away The Good Shepherd is Jesus Christ, and he has called us to be faithful shepherds in His Kingdom (John 21:15-17). Our calling is not to lord it over others but rather to serve. It should be done in all humility and willingness. Whatever role we play in the House of God, it should be to perfection. If the cleaning of the pews is what you can do, wipe it clean and arrange...

Theme: Keep the Fellowship Text: Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. There's no turning back when you come to Christ.  Any excuse given won't merit why you want to withdraw from the fellowship. It's all well expressed by Charles H.  Spurgeon's quote,  “If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us....

Theme: Our Redeemer's Praise Text: Psalm 72:18-19 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! 19 And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled withHis glory. Amen and Amen. It is important to give praise to the Lord for He has never failed in any of His promises towards us.  Sing of His wondrous works all the day. Prayer: Keith Green's hymn, there's a redeemer shall be our prayer : There is a redeemer, Jesus, God's own son, Precious lamb of God, Messiah, Holy one, Jesus my redeemer, Name above all names, Precious lamb of God, Messiah, Oh, for sinners slain. Thank you oh my father, For giving us your son, And leaving your spirit, 'til the work on earth is done. When I stand in glory, I will see his face, And there I'll serve my king forever, In that holy place. Thank you oh my father, For giving us your son, And leaving your spirit, 'til the wo...

Theme: Conviction and Confession Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-14 Memory Verse ~ 2 Samuel 12:7a & 9 7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! 9 Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. In today's devotion, we will be looking at some key points to note in our everyday life activities: how to tackle issues, being content and confession. As an ambassador for Christ, you should learn how to communicate effectively to bring a sinner to conviction. If Nathan had reported plainly to David what he did, David wouldn't have seen the gravity of his evil. As you witness or evangelize, be mindful what you say and choose the right words to avoid violence. Christ has given the warning clearly, that we ought to be wise as the serpent and calm as the dove (Matthew 10...

Theme: The Veil of Evil Text: 2 Samuel 11:14-27 Memory Verse ~ 2 Samuel 11:18-21 18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war, 19 and charged the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling the matters of the war to the king, 20 if it happens that the king’s wrath rises, and he says to you: ‘Why did you approach so near to the city when you fought? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? 21 Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go near the wall?’—then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.’ ” In correcting an evil, an evil should not be used as it only compounds to troubles. David assigned Joab to position Uriah at where the battle is fierced so he would die then the shame of his adultery will be covered. Sec...

Theme: Have the Mind of a  Warrior Text: 2 Samuel 11:5-13 Memory Verse ~ 2 Samuel 11:11 11 And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing. ” Yesterday,  we studied on how David was entice to sin and how he couldn't resist committing adultery. The result of this infidelity is a pregnancy and his cunning ways to  escape responsibility will be our focus of discussion. On sensing danger, David attempted dubious means to escape from his guilt. He sent for Uriah and hope to make him go home and lay with his wife, but Uriah did not fall to it. Beloved in the Lord, it's not every invitation that is honourable. Likewise not all counsel is worth obeying. At all times, you need the guidance of ...

Theme: The Fall of a Warrior Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-5 Memory verse ~ 2 Samuel 11:1  It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged  Rabbah . But David remained at Jerusalem. Our Dispensation requires of us to be watchful for the days are evil. The text today, will be studied in this vein. A warrior does not give excuses when there is a battle to fight. David's troubles began when he failed to identify the season he was in and being where he ought not to be. Beloved in the Lord, do you know the season you're in? How do you respond to fellowship programmes?  Do you give excuses to skip the prayer time, fasting, revivals, vigil, Bible Study, and other spiritual events?  Selah!  You need to reassess yourself today. The devil strives hard to fine opportune times in our lives to strike by stealing ...

Theme: Being Mindful of What You Say Text:  Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. Our flaws in life most often is either not paying attention to or understanding issues before drawing conclusion. Have you ever passed a judgement only to find out your verdict was completely a big mistake? The next time, you want to draw conclusion on an issue, be sure you're well vexed with th issue. Develop a positive attitude towards your family, colleagues, and others when deciding an issue. Do not follow people and end up in shame. Follow the truth in every issue and bear witness wisely. James 1:19 Prayer: Strengthen me o God, to live justly in all I do in Jesus name. Amen!

Theme: The Peace of God Text:  John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The peace of God gives rest whereas the peace of the world cannot be hundred percent trusted. The world peace comes with so many challenges and uncertainties. But whoever has the peace of God finds total rest from the troubles of life. The hymn, "When Peace Like a River Attendth my Way" by  Horatio G. Spafford will serve as our prayer for today. Prayer:  When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Chorus: It is well with my soul; It is well, it is well with my soul. 2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed his own blood for my soul. 3. My s...

Theme: Jehovah Jireh Text: Psalm 104:27-30 27 These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season. 28 What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. 29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. 30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth Every provision comes from God. Whatever you'll need to make life meaningful is from the Creator. You can't take God out of the equation. If you do, it won't balance. The mercies of God brings good things to you that you don't deserve. His gift of life is free. You can't afford it if you were ask to. He has also given you His Spirit to dwell in you. He teaches and guides you in all you do. With the presence of the Holy Spirit in you, you're always in fellowship with the Triune God without difficulties. Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your provisions in my life. AMEN! ...

 There  are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. . . . Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God's Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it. From such folly deliver us, O Lord. . . .AMEN!!!  Charles H. Spurgeon

Theme: His Reverence Text:  Revelation 1:11-12 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Prayer is good and important in the Christian's life. However, when our prayer is aimed at reverencing God, we act like the heavenly hosts. Adoration is needed to draw us closer to God. How often do you sing the Lord's praise?  What songs do you enjoy listening to most? If you only adore God on Sundays, you have to reconsider your actions. Prayer:  we will use the hymn below as prayer. O for a thousand tongues to sing              1 O for a thousand tongues to sing   My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King,...

Theme: The Royal Invitation Text:  2 Samuel 9:1-13 7 So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” The story of Mephibosheth, Ziba and David is a common story which most people usually see Ziba as the bad servant. However for our devotion today,  we will like to look at this story in the lens of our Salvation. The King of kings desires to know who/what to favour in His creation and He chose human beings above all creatures. He sent forth Christ to die for us. Our Jonathan is Jesus Christ.  If we are to be arrayed in our royal apparel, what qualifies us is not our beauty, stature or works.  Mephibosheth, was with defects for he is lame and his place is Lo Debar (the place of no pasture or desolate)  but that didn't disqualified Him because he belongs to Jonathan. That...

Theme:  Interceding  Text:  Nehemiah 1:1-11 Memory verse ~ Nehemiah 1:4 4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. We've all been called to make disciples of all nations. How fervent are you with the things of the Lord? Most often, some people take things for granted even with the things of the Lord. Nehemiah on the other hand, expressed grieve for the destruction that befell his people (the nation of the Most High). The first thing he did remarkably is to weep and mourn for many days with fasting and prayers. What attitude do you put up when things are not going well in the House of God? Do you join the blame game and complaining team? You need to step out of that zone and become a Nehemiah of our time. Prayers and fasting is important in the Christian journey. The text in Matthew 17:21 should not be treated to mean for miraculous healings solely. Rather f...

Theme: Christ Jesus Still Works Wonders. Text: John 2:1-11 John 2:4-5  4. Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” We often throw invitations to Jesus Christ during dinning, programmes, traveling, etc.  Jesus is always honouring our invitations.  When the wine was finish, Mary realized the need to help save the day. Though she didn't receive a soothing reply from Jesus she went ahead in faith to tell the servants to listen to Jesus. You May be passing through some challenges, bear in mind, Christ isn't asleep, He's watching and perfecting His glory in your life. The servants also obeyed every instruction given and the best result came out of it. When Christ takes charge in your life, you'll experience divine favour and lifting. There's always something new with Christ. The wine tasted more bette...

Today's devotion is based on Charles H.  Spurgeon's quote on Evangelism. The Great Commission is to go into the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). If you are not doing it well, beloved in the Lord l et this quote awaken you to start sharing the Word of God with your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and all you come into contact with. AMEN! “If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.” #Charles H. Spurgeon

Theme: The Holy Spirit Text: John 14:16-18 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. Christ Jesus assured us, He will not leave us as orphans for He will send to us a Helper. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby. He is our source of strength when we are weak. When situations seems impossible He's there to encourage us that it is possible. He rightfully gives us utterances in prayer. Is there anything the Holy Spirit cannot do for us? The Holy Spirit is with us and He  teaches us in all truth. We are led in leaving a life devoid of evil and wickedness towards our neighbours. The...