The Word

Theme: Faithful Saying  Text: Titus 3:8 8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. There are words that are assuring whereas others do not. The Word of God is an assuring Word that fails not. We must never be ashamed to spread the Gospel. At all times, we must rely on the Word to make decisions, instruct others and to lead. As we continually rely on the Word of God, it keeps us all in spiritual shape; to keep up with good works in all that we do. We can only keep our faith in obedience. Our good works shines as light to those in darkness. This light calls them to draw nearer to God making them lay aside all unhealthy lifestyles. This brings about a community free from violence and evil that's good and profitable to all men. Prayer: Dear God, help us to keep up with good works in our family, church, community, nation and...

Theme: Heirs of Eternal Life  Text: Titus 3:3-7 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. We've come this far by grace and not by our own righteousness. We all have a past; pleasant and unpleasant experiences. We have walked the path of evil before the grace of God located us. We ought therefore to look back and be grateful to God through Jesus Christ. His grace upon our lives has given the justification of our sonship thereby making as coheirs with Jesus. Let...

Theme: Equipped for Every Good Work  Text: Titus 3:1&2 3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Good works are evident just like the bad ones. No one needs to brag about his/her works for they'll speak whether one is present or not. The admonishing of the Apostle Paul is, good works must be a daily practice. We are not to disrespect rulers and authorities rather serve in humility. Wisdom however, must be applied in taking orders from rulers and authorities; check if the action you will take pleases the Lord or not. Be ready for goods works not bad ones. Avail yourself to do things that will bring honour to the name of God and as well promote the development of your community. A peaceful community does not come about by chance but by the conducts of the people who live in it. It starts with us to live peacefully with all not thinking evil o...

Theme: The Saving Grace Text: Titus 2:11-15 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Hallelujah! The grace of God through Jesus Christ has really appeared unto us all. By the mercies of taking up our place on the cross, Jesus died for us that we may have eternal life if we believe in Him. In Him is truth and the righteousness of God. His teaching leads to life as He instruct us to walk in the will of God and not in the desires of the flesh. He has opened unto us this divine hope of salvation. Our hope of liv...

Theme: Faithful Servant  Text: Titus 2:9&10 9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. A servant serves his master in the capacity for which he/she has been acquired. A servant must be humble and faithful to the master. Obedience is needed to show forth oneself distinguished from the others. As a child of God your nature should depict a true servant of God. Paul's admonishing is that, do what is pleasing and never answer back at your master. Usually the act of answering back is disrespectful; you're likely to say things out of proportion either through lies or anger. Dear beloved in the Lord, pilfering is taking what does not belong to you without permission. It's equal to stealing from your master indirectly or directly without his knowledge. Being faithful, you attract your master and ...

Theme: Young for the Lord  Text: Titus 2:6-8 6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Two days ago, we looked at how the elderly men ought to conduct themselves. Today, we will look at the young men. Having all the energy to move about with ease, a young man in the Lord should direct such energies to the glory of God. Humility is needed to heed instruction and to act accordingly. He must follow the path of good deeds ensuring that the Lord's will work greatly in him. What one says does show the manner of person he is. A young man in the Lord should be mindful of his utterances least he is judge by his own words. He must not engage in corrupt practices neither allow himself to be corrupted by the passions of this age. His life shou...

Theme: Women of Virtue  Text: Titus 2:3-5 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. In yesterday's devotion, we looked at how men ought to conduct themselves in the Lord. Today, we will be looking at the conduct of women which we have themed, women of virtue. Women have great influence both in the home and in the church. It is required of them to live their lives worthy of their calling in the Lord. The matured women are to be respectful and submissive in nature, flee from lies and gossip, drunkenness should not be a part of their lives, and should teach others to do what is right in words and in deeds. They are are to encourage the young ladies to be homemakers, love their husbands and children,...

Theme: The Christian Men Text: Titus 2:1&2 2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience Growth is not just by stature but by wisdom and character. If you train your body to grow but failed to discipline your mind and character in that regard, you will amount to nothing in life. Most men while growing feel getting sixpacks (keeping fit in the gym) is what it takes to be a real man. But that's a fallacy. Apostle Paul enlightens Titus on what the nature or characteristics of an older man should look like. Titus must open his mouth to bring out words that are proper and of sound doctrine. That's to say, he must continually give good counsel to all. His first counsel goes to the elderly men; to be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, and in patience. A spiritually matured man, should not allow alcohol influence his life, must not be pompous but down...

Theme: Your Thoughts, Your Nature Text: Titus 1:14-16 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. In yesterday's devotion, we looked at the testimony about the Cretans as well as people's opinion concerning us. We are continuing today to look at what Apostle Paul has to say concerning the Cretan society. He admonished Titus to not give in to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. Some people hold misconceptions that they teach others as though it's true. The standard of the believer should be the Bible and what it teaches. A constant study of the Bible leads to divine koinonia with the Holy Spirit. He makes us more aware of God's grace and...

Theme: What's the Testimony?  Text: Titus 1:10-13 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith A testimony is an evidence or proof about something or someone. In this regard, a testimony has been given about the lifestyle of the Cretans by one of their prophets;  “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”  What testimonies do people have to say about you? Dear beloved in the Lord, the admonishing of Apostle Paul to Titus is, in the midst of the church are evil people who seeks to draw the attention or focus of the body of Christ from Him (Jesus Christ the Saviour) to satisfy...

Theme: The Bishop's Conduct  Text: Titus 1:7-9 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. In yesterday's devotion, we looked at how we ought to set our lives in order. We are continuing today looking at the bishop's conduct. A bishop in the Christian perspective is an ordained or appointed member of a church entrusted with the oversight of the church. This position comes with influence and authority, which requires that, anyone who occupies such position should be of good moral conduct. Dear beloved in the Lord, the Lord has divinely called us to oversee to the well-being of the Christian flock by that virtue we are all acting in the capacity of ...

Them: Set in Order Text: Titus 1:5&6 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.  A life lived without careful consideration often amounts to nothing. It is for this reason everyone ought to set his/her life in order. Titus was left in Crete to perform a significant task to ensure the church grows spiritually and in line with the purpose of its existence. Likewise everyone's existence has a God given purpose that must be identified and worked at.  The task the Apostle Paul gave Titus is, to set in order the things that are lacking and as well appoint elders in the city. Dear beloved in the Lord, you need to identify your shortcomings in life. What is it that is lacking in your life, family, community, congregation, nation and wherever you find yours...

Theme: The Letter Text: Titus 1:1-4 1  Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,  2  in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,  3  but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;  4  To Titus, a true son in our common faith:  Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. The life of the Apostle Paul has been spent mostly in prison yet he isn't discouraged to write letters to his fellows in the faith. His letter to Titus has this beginning to introduce himself and to greet his listeners. His introduction of himself gives authentication that he wrote the letter and addressing it to a specific individual or the church. We will suffe...

Theme: Trust in the Lord  Text: Psalm 115:10&11 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. To trust is to put your hope in something. In our Christian perspective, our trust is in the Lord. We trust Him to see us through life with ease irrespective of the storm that comes our way. It is for that reason we entrust our body, souls and mind to the Lord wholeheartedly knowing it shall end well with us. God is our Help and shield through the workings of the Holy Spirit. The visible and invisible battles in life ends in our favour because, we trusted in God. Dear beloved in the Lord, we need to trust in God at all times and in all circumstances. Our trust in Him manifests in word and in deeds. We must walk the talk if we focus on the Lord to help us. Whatever is your challenge in life entrust it to God and trust His unfailing grace to work things out for your good. Prayer: ...

Theme: Longed For Text: 2 Samuel 13:37-39 37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead. Today happens to be the final verses of the Amnon and Tamar passage of life though other things occurred with Absalom later in the future, we are ending it here for another day. Absalom fled to Geshur for safety. Safety is one thing no one is ready to comprise. But are we really safe where we are? If you trust your safety to man, be ready to face the greatest disappointment for man is but a breath. No man can give us the divine security God gives His children. We need to long for His presence that we will always be secured. Absalom's three years stay in Geshur made his father missed him so much after he had been comforted about the death of Amnon. Dear bel...

Theme: Tears of Sorrow  Text: 2 Samuel 13:34-36 34 Then Absalom fled. And the young man who was keeping watch lifted his eyes and looked, and there, many people were coming from the road on the hillside behind him. 35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons are coming; as your servant said, so it is.” 36 So it was, as soon as he had finished speaking, that the king’s sons indeed came, and they lifted up their voice and wept. Also the king and all his servants wept very bitterly. In yesterday's devotion, we learnt how the crafty Jonadab was able to solve the puzzle of what happened in Absalom's house and stating only Amnon was killed. We will be discussing the arrival of the king's sons. Absalom fled after his brother has been killed, as his brothers were running for their lives, he was fleeing when no man was chasing him. Indeed the wicked flee when no one is chasing him. To the glory of God the remaining sons of the king managed to reached home safely though f...

Theme: Alarming News Text: 2 Samuel 13:30-33 30 And it came to pass, while they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left!” 31 So the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. 32 Then Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said, “Let not my lord suppose they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore, let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead. For only Amnon is dead.” Sensing danger after Ammon was killed, the other sons of the king fled for their dear lives. However, news reached King David, Absalom had killed all his brothers. This is evident in our everyday lives, where lies are missed with the truth. It's true a murde...

Theme: The Feast of Bloodshed Text: 2 Samuel 13:28&29 28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, “Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and each one got on his mule and fled. We are continuing with the story of the children of David; Absalom and Amnon. The invitation has been honoured, and like we learnt yesterday, some people only attend programs to gratify self than to ensure the purpose of the gathering is achieved. Amnon being the target would only be attacked when his heart is merry with wine. For he would have been too weak to attack back. Absalom gave instructions to his servants; first watch, and then take instruction. Dear beloved in the Lord, the adversary always watch every step you take. You're being watched until you can b...

Theme: The Evil Invitation   Text: 2 Samuel 13:23-27 23 And it came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 Then Absalom came to the king and said, “Kindly note, your servant has sheepshearers; please, let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom urged him; so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. In yesterday's devotion we learnt how Absalom comforted his sister Tamar and how he never said any bad or good word to Ammon for the evil he did to his sister. Today's devotion gives an account of what happened after two years. Absalom in silence was plotting evil to r...

Theme: Hold Your Peace  Text: 2 Samuel 13:19-22 19 Then Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her robe of many colors that was on her, and laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly. 20 And Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 22 And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. Grief sets the mind and heart in motion either to hold one's peace or not. Tamar put ashes on her head, tore her rope of many colours, laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly expressing her grief and sorrow over what Amnon did to her. Dear beloved in the Lord, you need to also do same when your honour is tainted. However, the prophet Joel has given us a pr...

Theme: The Worse Evil  Text: 2 Samuel 13:16-18 16 So she said to him, “No, indeed! This evil of sending me away is worse than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. 17 Then he called his servant who attended him, and said, “Here! Put this woman out, away from me, and bolt the door behind her.” 18 Now she had on a robe of many colors, for the king’s virgin daughters wore such apparel. And his servant put her out and bolted the door behind her. In yesterday's devotion, we looked at love or lust from Amnon's behavior after raping his sister. We continue today on the worst evil he did to her. Having satisfied his lustful desires that left him empty, he decided to drive her away since there's nothing left of her for him to have again. Tamar warned him not to send her away because it's the worse evil. Your body and  soul are what figuratively represent Amnon and Tamar. Don't allow the flesh (body) to control your soul. Avail yourself for the Holy S...

Theme: Love or Lust Text: 2 Samuel 13:11-15 11 Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!” Many people in the world have ruined their lives because of lust and not due to love going wrong in their lives. Amnon mistaken his lusts for love and foolishly followed the advice of his cousin to his self destruction. Tamar's attempt to ...

Theme: Pretence Text: 2 Samuel 13:6-10 6 Then Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill; and when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let Tamar my sister come and make a couple of cakes for me in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.” 7 And David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Now go to your brother Amnon’s house, and prepare food for him.” 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was lying down. Then she took flour and kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked the cakes. 9 And she took the pan and placed them out before him, but he refused to eat. Then Amnon said, “Have everyone go out from me.” And they all went out from him. 10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom.   The deadliest weapon in life is pretentious being. Pretence is an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true. Ha...

Theme: The Crafty Mind  Text: 2 Samuel 13:3-5 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. 4 And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” 5 So Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’ ” Today's devotion is a build up on yesterday's, where we studied on ungodly feelings. We will be looking at the crafty mind today considering the advice of Jonadad to Amnon. It is dangerous to confide in the wicked or ungodly for counsel. You will be given a crafty advice that will ruin your life. The crafty always have plans that looks so convincing but leads to destruction when carried out. (Prove...

Theme: Ungodly Feeling  Text: 2 Samuel 13:1&2 13 After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her.  It's another day and we will be looking at ungodly feelings from the storyline of Ammon and Tamar both children of David from different mothers. An ungodly feeling is a stimulation which in the first place does not please the Lord and it is destructive to the one having such feelings. What you feel in the flesh when not properly controlled brings disaster than the pleasure that stired up the feeling. Ammon is the first son of David whereas Tamar is the sister of the third son on David (Absalom). The desire of Ammon over Tamar was ungodly; having sexual thoughts and feelings for his sister. Dear beloved in the Lord, let us not just limit this discussion to sexual sin, ...

Theme: God's Divine Help Text: Isaiah 41:10 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. God has been in the business of helping man from the time of creation to even this very day. Even the fallen man could not clothe himself well (he sew leaves to cover himself and his wife) but God did not look down at their sins but their well-being so He made clothes from the skin of animals to cover them.  If God said you should not fear, be hundred percent assured that, He meant it. His ever presence is with us at all times. He is the omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient God from of old to this very day. He will strengthen you in all things if you rely on Him to see you through. The Righteous Right Hand of God brings glad tidings to those that depend on Him.  Dear beloved in the Lord, what is your burden or predicament in life? Do you feel empty and without any help? Go...