The Word

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Not unto us but to You alone I God be glory, honour and adoration for the grace of sustaining us to this day. We have tasted and seen Your marvellous Handwork. In this faith, we humbly proclaim boldly what You said in Mark 11:24 " Therefore I say to you,   whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." In the Name of Jesus Christ as the nineth month comes to an end and we are being ushered into the tenth month, may the heavens be opened in our favour. May the chains, cords, and limiting factors in every area of our lives be broken. By the covenant Blood of Jesus Christ, we are victors in all that we do to the glory of God. AMEN!

Theme: How Long?  Text: Nehemiah 2:6 6  Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. In yesterday's devotion, Nehemiah laid his request before the king. In today's text, the king would like to know how long he will be gone. Dear beloved in the Lord, time is precious and so must not be wasted on things that are not worthwhile. Nehemiah was but a servant and he cannot neglect his duties, it was for that reason the king requested to know how long it will take him to return. Nehemiah gave a definite time to return. We ought to learn not to abuse the privileges that come our way. Do not forget it took Nehemiah a whole season after hearing about the devastating nature of the walls of Jerusalem to be granted this permission. Which means he had calculated well what it will take to succeed (Nehemiah 1:1b&2:1). Ask yourself how long will it take t...

Theme: What Do You Request? Text: Nehemiah 2:4&5 4  Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”  So I prayed to the God of heaven.  5  And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favour in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned to present our case well from Nehemiah's approach. We will continue to look at his approach to seeking the king's help. When asked what his request was, Nehemiah did two things which we will look at below. ¶ He prayed to God before answering the king. We need not open our mouths without first seeking God's approval. He prayed in his heart that God may intervene. We also ought to pray whenever we have a request to be met. Prayer brings to life what seems dead or not fruitful. ¶ The second thing he did was to seek the king's approval willfully not under compulsion. He puts it this way;  “If it ...

Theme: Present Your Case Well Text: Nehemiah 2:2c&3 So I became dreadfully afraid,  3  and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?” In yesterday's devotion, we saw how the king was concerned about Nehemiah's countenance. Today's text is based on his response to the king. He never allowed his fears to prevent him from presenting his case before the king. Rather he employed a good strategy to find favour before the king. Let's identify his strategies and how we can employ same in our lives; ¶ He honoured the king;  May the king live forever! We must learn to give honour to whom honour is due.  ¶ He went straight to the point. Avoid beating around the bush when you need assistance from people. Be focused and present the issue as it is. ¶ His pain was for a worthy course. He was concerned about the city the ...

Theme: Sorrow of Heart Text: Nehemiah 2:1&2b 2  And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.  2  Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” Nehemiah had heard about how the wall of Jerusalem has been ruined. He mourned, fasted and prayed to the Lord God Almighty to look upon His people with mercy in the first chapter. It took a whole season before the King noticed his countenance while serving and asked him,  “Why is your face sad since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.”  We need to learn to serve faithfully and diligently so that when we come to need, our superiors, colleagues, and those around us can be ...

I will praise the Lord at all times; My mouth will continually praise Him. I will boast in the Lord; Let the oppressed hear and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me. Let us praise His Name together. I sought the Lord’s help and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. It is written; "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the  Lord , The shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places". I decree in the Name of Jesus Christ, I am happy because the Lord has saved me. The Lord is my Shield and Sword in times of help. Therefore I trample the adversaries underfoot. AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 34:1-4; Deuteronomy 33:29

The name Elizabeth means my God has sworn. She was the daughter of Aaron, the wife of Zacharias and the mother of John the Baptist. She was devoted to the things of the Lord and was fast advanced age but had no child. However, the mercy of the Lord found her and she conceived a son in her old age. Some characteristics to learn from Elizabeth;  * She was faithful to the Lord even while she was childless. We ought to be grateful to the Lord in all things and as well remain faithful even if things are not going well with us. * She secluded herself for five months from people when she realizes she was pregnant. We need to learn that not every stage of our lives needs to be broadcasted.  * The Holy Spirit filled her and she proclaim great blessings upon the Blessed Virgin Mary. If we allow the Spirit of God to have His way in our lives, we shall be filled with blessings divine.  * She was hospitable. She welcomed Mary into her home for three good months. We must be hospitable ...

Theme: Born Free Text: Galatians 4:29-31   29  But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so, it is now.  30  Nevertheless what does the Scripture say?  “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for   the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”   31  So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. Dear beloved in the Lord, let not your heart be troubled when many persecutions come your way for those of the flesh have constantly waged war with we who are born of the Spirit. Be encouraged in the Lord that you have a godly inheritance but those in bondage have no such inheritance in the Lord. In Christ, we have this divine inheritance because we have been liberated from every woe of life. We are no longer slaves to fear, discouragement, disappointment, distress, and all the evil happenings around us ...

Theme: Children of Promise Text: Galatians 4:28 28  Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.  Dear beloved in the Lord, the promises of the Lord is Ye and Amen! He assured Abraham of giving him an heir of his blood not from Eliezer. This came to pass in Isaac, not Ishmael. Isaac the child of promise has opened the way to welcome anyone who believes in Jesus Christ to also become a child of promise. We are therefore children of promise like Isaac. Walk and manifest in the promises of God by declaring daily who you are in Christ Jesus. PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for always keeping to Your promise. Help me to walk boldly in Your promise for me in life that I may diligently follow You all the days of my life in the Name of Jesus Christ have I prayed. AMEN!

Theme: Mother of All Text: Galatians 4:26&27   26  but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.  27  For it is written:  “Rejoice, O barren, you  who do not bear!  Break forth and shout, you who are not in labour! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.” The new Jerusalem is the assured home for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. It shall be the motherland for all whether Jews or Gentiles that are in Christ. We shall rejoice in that glorious land for our current situations (suffering, pain, mockery, rejections, depression, etc) will not define us. We shall have an identity of the new Jerusalem, we shall be fruitful. Our joy shall be exceedingly great and we shall be for signs and wonders.  PRAYER: Dear God, I pray Your gladness fills my heart. In the Name of Jesus Christ I declare every desolate field of my life receives a divine touch and new identity. I possess my possessions in the Lord....

Theme: Mount Sinai, a Place of Bondage Text: Galatians 4:24&25   24  which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—  25  for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— In previous devotions, we've seen the concept of Hagar being the bondwoman whereas Sarah is the freewoman. Today's text gives insight into Hagar as a symbol of Mount Sinai. A place where the children of God were under the law and obliged to obey every command thereof in the law. Hagar was helpless when she was thrown out of her master's home; so were the children of Israel weak and without the strength to keep the law as a bridge in any part of the law, renders the Israelites not worthy of keeping the whole law. You can't keep part of the law, it must be wholly kept. The law enslaved and kept Isreal in bondage as Israel has no willpo...

Theme: Born of the Flesh or through Promise Text: Galatians 4:23 23  But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise In our previous devotion, we looked at whether we are in bondage or freedom. Those who live in bondage are of the flesh and are controlled by the passion of this age. This is through about every one of us: we were born of the flesh through natural birth. But to have eternal freedom comes from the spiritual. This kind of birth is in yoking to Christ and embracing the promise of God about Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that who soever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. To be born through the promise is to be born again.  PRAYER: I surrender to You o God, accept my heart and will. Holy Spirit divine lead me on the path of freedom so that I may never walk the path of bondage in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Supporting ...

Lord God Almighty, I confess to You this day my fears, doubts and anxieties coupled with deeds not worthy in Your presence. In Christ, I believe and trust my sins are wiped off. I ascribed my faith to the psalmist Asaph and declare; " Help us, O God of our salvation,  for the glory of Your name;  And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins,  for Your name’s sake!" God, send help quickly in every area of my life for the glory of Your Name's sake that men may not make a mockery of You my Lord and God. May Your deliverance in Christ Jesus be evident in all aspects of my life. I  give You thanks and praise even now and forevermore in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Supporting Text: Psalm 79:9

Leah was the first daughter of Laban. She was given to Jacob in marriage in place of her younger sister Racheal because she was still not married so her younger sister cannot marry before her. Her husband's love for her was not like his love for her sister. God blessed her womb and she gave birth to sons and a dughter.  * Leah was the first to give Jacob sons * She named her children with divine wisdom * She had seven children for Jacob; six sons and a daughter.  * She gave her maid Zilpah to Jacob as a wife and she bore three other sons for her.  * She is acknowledged with her sister to be builders of the house of Israel, because of the many children she bore for Jacob.  * She could also be said to be someone who hopes in the Lord judging by how she named her children.  SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Genesis 29:16-35; 30:9-31; 31:4;14&17; 33:2-11 & Ruth 4:11

Theme: In Bondage or Freedom? Text: Galatians 4:21&22 21  Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?  22  For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman . The law was given to serve as a guide but became a bond as a flaunt of one renders the others observed null and void. Hagar the slave Sarah was given to her master Abraham by Sarah to lay with him. She conceived and gave birth to Ishmael. He was the first son of Abraham but was born by a bondwoman and was not the child of promise. Hagar lost her right with Abraham when she disobeyed Sarah or mocked her. The law disqualifies but the liberty in Christ Jesus qualifies. Sarah is the freewoman who was qualified to have the child of promise.  PRAYER: Open the eyes of my understanding that I may walk in Your liberty. Help me to accept my freedom in Christ Jesus. AMEN!

Theme: Until Christ is Formed Text: Galatians 4:19&20 19  My little children, for whom I labour in birth again until Christ is formed in you,  20  I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Our Christian life is becoming more of being like our pastors or church leaders (i.e.how they dress, talk, physical appearance, etc) than the image of Christ. New converts need to be modelled into the image of Christ than being brainwashed by the traditions of the church. Like the Apostle Paul, we need to nurture the baby or infant Christians among us until Christ is formed in them. We cannot leave them to their fate, we ought to be there and guide them in love.  PRAYER: Come Holy Spirit and strengthen us where we have fallen. Help us to be renewed in mind and heart and be completely transformed into the image of Christ. Equip us to also nurture new converts to Your glory in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Be Zealous in Good Things Text: Galatians 4:17&18 17  They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.  18  But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. In a fast-growing technological age where information is just a tap of a button away, both truth and lies are spread widely across the globe. The church suffers when lies are twisted and fed within its walls. The Apostle Paul realized how the legalistic intention was to persuade the church, not in love but to make the church follow its dictates. We ought to be circumspective and not allow the deceits of the age to manoeuvre into the Church. Let us train both young and old to have an assertive attitude to stand for the truth even when they are alone. May we be zealous for good works in all areas of our lives.  PRAYER: Father in heaven, guide our hearts even as we mingle with the people ...

Theme: Others' Weaknesses  Text: Galatians 4:13-16 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.  14  And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God,  even  as Christ Jesus.  15  What then was the blessing you  enjoyed?  For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.  16  Have I, therefore, become your enemy because I tell you the truth? We all have weaknesses that weigh us down deeply whether in our physical body, or emotions. So we ought to think of others to have such weaknesses that's a huge toll on them. Although the Apostle Paul in yesterday's devotion asked the church to imitate him, today he tells of his weakness and that the church has played a great role in bearing with him. Do not despise others' weaknesses rather accept them and help them deal with ...

Theme: Become Like Me Text: Galatians 4:12 12  Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I  became  like you. You have not injured me at all.  We ought to encourage each other to imitate Christ. However, our character plays a greater role in ensuring this becomes easy for all believers. Paul entreat the church to imitate his zeal for the things of God and his passion for the Lord when he encountered Him on the way to Damascus. Experience also helps us to counsel others to go the right way. Indeed the Apostle Paul had walked ignorantly in the flesh so he knew how it was without Christ (being blinded by an unworthy passion to defend tradition). Although we are not perfect yet we can live exemplary lives for others to emulate and glorify God.  PRAYER: Dear God, grant me grace to live worthy of my calling in Christ Jesus that I may influence others to draw near to You. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be holy and acceptable in Thy sig...

Praise the name of the  Lord !  Blessed be the name of the  Lord  from this time forth and forevermore!  From the rising of the sun to its going down t he  Lord ’s name is to be praised.  The  Lord  is high above all nations,  His glory above the heavens.  Who is like the  Lord  our God? It is written, " Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents". Father in the Name of Jesus Christ, I decree let there be a release of penitent spirit into the heart of the church to bring true repentance within its walls. May those with doubt receive faith to carry on faithfully in the service of God.  May the backsliders be visited by the Spirit of God and transformed into the true image of God. May the blasphemous be pardoned and redirected to the path of light. May this week and beyond be filled with divine encounters to transform every heart to Chri...

Zimri was the king of Israel but reigned for only seven days. He conspired and killed the then king Elah to ascend the throne. However, he set the palace ablaze and died in the flame when Omri who was chosen by the people to lead Israel, led all of the Israelites who were with him to Tirzah and laid siege to Israel’s capital.  * Zimri used unjust means to attain the status of King. Killing a superior or colleague to attain a position will not give you a long reign. You will not escape the punishment. * Zimri was known as a traitor. Evil deeds leave an ugly identity but good deeds attract a beautiful identity.  * Zimri also killed the entire royal family so none contest the position. Murder is displeasing in God's eyes do not commit it.  Supporting Scriptures: 1 Kings 16 & 2 Kings 9:31

Theme: Season Observers Text: Galatians 4:10&11   10  You observe days and months and seasons and years.  11  I am afraid for you, lest I have laboured for you in vain. What is your role in the church, family, or community? Are you just a ceremonial figure? Then you need to wake up. In Christ, you need to be dutiful and not just an observer of seasons. If you still pay attention to things that do not bring glory to God, then you are not up to the task of Kingdom works. You need to be active at all times for the Lord in the church, family and community to draw souls to the Lord.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord for enlightening me to diligently seek You than being a ceremonial figure in Your presence. Help me flee from the pleasures of astrologers (horoscopes), fortune telling, orgies, and enchanters' tales. Come, Holy Spirit guide me to serve the Lord well in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Known By God Text: Galatians 4:8&9 8  But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.  9  But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?  You never know you are doing something the wrong way until you are enlightened. This enlightenment enhances your ability and ensures you attain perfection. Anyone who does not know the Lord God Almighty serves  things which by nature are not gods; thus serving the creature instead of the Creator. But when the knowledge of the True God comes, it equips one for every good work as the old nature is filled with weaknesses and beggarly elements in bondage. God knows you so walk in His will. AMEN: Thank You, Lord, that You know me by name and have chosen me to be a part of Your marvellous Kingdom. Help me to do away with a...

Theme: Abba, Father! Text: Galatians 4:6&7 6  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  7  Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. God is our Father, a lovely one of course and He has put in place measures that will ensure we are confident in coming close to Him. The Holy Spirit is a seal He has placed on our hearts to divinely connect to Him boldly. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we call God Abba, Father! In the previous devotions, we have learned we have been adopted through Christ.  Therefore we are no longer slaves (for God has not hidden anything from us as He makes known to us all his ways) but sons, and if sons, then heirs of God through Christ.  PRAYER: Abba! Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit into my heart. Help me to build a better and lasting relationship with You in all a...

Theme: The Adoption Text: Galatians 4:3-5 3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.  4  But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  5  to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. In yesterday's devotion, we learned an heir who is not of age does not differ at all from a slave. This also applies to infant Christians or new converts. We continue today to look at the grace found in Jesus to become His co-heirs to God's glory. In Christ, we have received the grace of adoption as sons (children) to God. Before Christ, the law was in full operation, and it was difficult to lay hold of the promise as it exposes flaws in humanity. The elements of the world are the very things that hinder us from matching up to the standard of the law. However, Christ fulfilled the law that we may divinely not fal...

Theme: The Appointed Time Text: Galatians 4:1&2 4  Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,  2  but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.  Parents try all possible means to leave an inheritance for their children. Unfortunately, if either or both parents die before the children become of age, they do not automatically take over the inheritance until an opportune time. The time of waiting is likened to a slave. These children have no control over how their inheritance is being used as the guardians or stewards determine what these children will eat, wear or even sleep. Dear beloved in the Lord, being an heir is not enough, you need the grace to grow and take over your inheritance. There could be legal documents as to what age you have rights to your inheritance, but if the Lord does not keep you safe, it could be usurped or you may even be killed....

Unto You Lord God Almighty do I ascribed praise, honour and adoration to. Your ways are wonderful and marvellous. Who is like unto You among the gods? You have never relented in any of Your promises towards mankind. You have diligently watched over Your Word to accomplish it in our lives. Blessed be Your Name even now and forevermore.  I declare in the Name of Jesus Christ, I disassociate from every ungodly counsel, the path of sinners and the seat of the scornful. I reject the curses and death, due to disobedience to the command of the Lord. I choose the love of Christ in my heart this day, therefore, I have blessings divine and life. I possess my possessions. As it is written; the righteous shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, whose leaves do not wither and whatever he does he prospers, I declare by my connection to Christ Jesus, I am righteous and so will never lack any good thing and I will prosper in all that I do to the glory of God's Name in Jesus' Name. AME...

Manasseh was the son of King Hezekiah and he became king after the death of his father. He was twelve years old when he began to rule. He did not follow his father's good ways but rather did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. He committed all forms of idolatry and never gave reference to God. It as while under captivity he called to the Lord and the Lord heard his prayer. He later lived a righteous life until he died. Some lessons from Manasseh's character; * He never regarded the power of God until in bondage. We must learn to have fellowship with the Lord at all times and not when we feel like it. * Evil altars were raised by him to profane the Name of the Lord. Jesus is a true and authentic altar on which we must lay our sacrifices.  * He had a change of mind about who God is. He then knew the Lord was God when his prayer was answered. We need to know all things are possible with God.  * He was influential in leading others astray. He seduced Judah and Jerusalem into id...

Theme: The Lord's Truth Text: Psalm 117:2 2  For His merciful kindness is great toward us,  and the truth of the  Lord  endures forever.  Praise the  Lord ! In yesterday's devotion, we learned to be thankful than to murmur. The Lord deserves to be praised. The psalmist continues in the next verse on the nature of God that reveals who He is. God is merciful, His Word is truthful and endures forever. His truth is, that His lovingkindness is renewed each morning towards us. With an open arm, the Lord is ever ready to welcome anyone who turns to Him wholeheartedly. Praise the Lord! PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your merciful kindness towards the world. Take glory for preserving and sustaining our lives. Help us to trust and walk in Your truth at all times. May our lives reveal Your glory in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Praise the Lord! Text: Psalm 117:1 117  Praise the  Lord , all you Gentiles!  Laud Him, all you peoples! It's day one of the ninth month of the year, hallelujah! Grace has found us and allowed us to be a part of this month. Do not begin the month by murmuring or complaining about what you have not yet achieved. If you've already started change that storyline to praising the Name of the Lord. The psalmist is calling on all to praise the Lord. Let us laud Him who can do all things for us for He will never fail nor disappoint us. He is faithful to the end in all things. PRAYER: May Your Name be hailed high in all places my God and King. I worship Your Holy Majesty as I lay down my crown to hallow Your Sovereignty. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! AMEN!