The Word

Theme: Come and See! Text: John 1:46 46  And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  Philip said to him, “Come and see.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned Philip invited his friend Nathaniel to come and encounter the Lord. Today's text is Nathaniel's response to the invitation. He asked if anything good can come out of Nazareth. Indeed there has never been any significant record of Nazareth in history until the Lord came out of it. Until the Lord come out of your situation, you can make anything good out of it. Do not feel or think nothing good can come out of your humble beginnings or that of others if you are in the Lord. Never undermine anyone or allow anyone to despise you. Have a positive mind like Philip and declare come and see, what the Lord cannot do does not exist. May your testimony be come and see, in the Name of Jesus Christ.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord for enlightening the world You are good at making what human beings think is n...

Theme: Follow Jesus Christ  Text: John 1:43-45 43  The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him,  “Follow Me.”   44  Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.  45  Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” In our vast growing technological age, virtually everything happens on social handles. Most people follow celebrities with who they have never had any close relationship with or are known by these celebrities. Yet people subscribe and follow their handles for updates. We need to follow Jesus Christ and subscribe to the reading of the Bible. In the preceded verses, a brother encounters the Lord and invites his brother to do the same. However, in the text for consideration, a friend reaches out to the other saying;  “We have found Him of whom...

Bless the Lord o my soul and worship His Majestic Name. Great and awesome is the Lord God Almighty who was, is and is to come. The Lord that never changes, to You alone be glory, honour, adoration, and thanksgiving.  It is written; "For You are my rock and my fortress;  Therefore, for Your name’s sake,  lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,  for You are my strength.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit;  You have redeemed me, O  Lord  God of truth" (Psalm 31:3-5). My Father! My Father, for YouName'sme sake, lead me and guide me in all that I do. I pray the Blood of the Lamb of God to raise a standard against any contention in any area of my life. I am snatched by the power of the Holy Spirit from any evil conspiracy, plots, schemes, strategies, or attempts to destroy me and my family in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Zacharias was a priest of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Zacharias means God remembers.  Some Characteristics of Zacharias; √ He was a blameless man who walked according to the command of the Lord.  √ Though God fearing yet he had difficulty in having a child with his wife because she was barren and very old. √ He burns incense in the Lord's temple  √ He encountered the Angel Gabriel during one of his priestly duty at the hour of incense.  √ As human as he was, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him when he saw the Angel.  √ His response to the message of the Angel, unfortunately, came with a consequence. This is because he did not believe the message.  √ However, after serving the punishment (being mute and unable to speak) he glorified the Name of the Lord.  √ He named his son John √ The Spirit of God used him to proclaim the Messiah's coming and the role John...

Theme: A Stone Text: John 1:42 42  And he brought him to Jesus.  Now when Jesus looked at him, He said,  “You are Simon the son of   Jonah.   You shall be called Cephas”  (which is translated, A Stone). No one encounters Jesus and remains the same. Peter encountered Him and had a change of name. Cephas is translated as a Stone. Stones are building blocks. And so the church was built through Peter on the Day of Pentecost. If we wholeheartedly present ourselves to God, He will use us to build our families, church, communities and every sphere of our lives.  PRAYER: Lord God, make me a stone to Your glory. Give me a change of identity and may Your will be accomplished in my life in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Evangelize  Text: John 1:40&41 40  One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.  41  He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). The purpose of the Kingdom of God is for all who are welcome into it to evangelize to others and bring them to God's marvellous Kingdom. Andrews started the work of evangelism from his home by calling his brother Simon Peter to tell him about the Messiah. How well are you telling others about the Messiah? You can do so by sharing the Word of God with them, letting your life walk the talk of the Gospel.   PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have given the command that we make disciples of all nations. Empower me like Andrews to courageously declare to my family, friends, neighbours and everyone I have found the Messiah. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Remain in Christ Text: John 1:35-39 35  Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.  36  And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”  37  The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  38  Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them,  “What do you seek?”  They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”  39  He said to them,  “Come and see.”  They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). If you are to be told the gentleman passing is the Lamb of God (the Messiah), what will you do? Andrews did the best thing, that is to ask where the Lord stays and remain with Him. This year, purpose in your heart to stay with the Lord. In deciding to do so, you are changing your destiny and that of your family (you are erasing the evil label on you...

Theme: Seen and Testified  Text: John 1:32-34 32  And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.  33  I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  34  And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” In the courtroom often evidence is needed to prove one is either guilty or not. It is therefore of the essence to have evidence at all times. John though is the voice that paves the way in the wilderness for the Messiah, yet he does not know Him. His evidence is,  ‘Upon whom he sees the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ God is a true God therefore the eyes of John the Baptist have been opened to see the dove descend upon the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord grant you the eyes to...

Theme: Behold! The Lamb of God Text: John 1:29&31 29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  30  This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’  31  I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water." John had not yet been given the revelation of who Christ is so, he went ahead to baptize to catch a glimpse of Him. He never claimed the glory of the Messiah because he knew His Blood is needed to redeem the human race.  Restitution of sin is in the blood of rams and bulls before Christ. However, this is a  continuous sacrifice so long as a man sins, he will need the blood of animals to cleanse himself. The Lamb of God is Jesus Christ, and through His death on the cross, He has wiped the slate of our sins clean. The Lamb was slain to clothe the fallen...

Glory be to the Lord God Almighty who is my Light and Salvation. For in Him, I shall fear no harm or evil.  The  Lord  is the strength of my life; Of  whom shall I be afraid? Absolutely nothing! Hallelujah!  For it is written; " 5  For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.  6  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the  Lord (Psalm 27:5&6) ." By the power of the Blood of the Lamb of God, I decree every orchestration of the wicked against my family and I is nullified. My family and I are protected from the wicked because we are hidden in Christ Jesus. Our praise shall continually go up to the Lord God Almighty all the days of our lives in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Suppor...

John the Baptist is the child of Zacharias and Elizabeth, begotten in their old age when the Angel Gabriel made it known to Zacharias at the hour of incense. He is the voice that cried in the wilderness saying make straight the way of the Lord. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. Some Characteristics of John Baptist: √ He was born and raised by righteous parents. √ He was the voice of the one crying in the wilderness saying make straight the way of the Lord. √ John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. √ As his name implies, he baptised many in the river Jordan after preaching repentance unto them.  √ He also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized √ He bold declare he is not the Christ; “After m...

Theme: The One Text: John 1:26-28 26  John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.  27  It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”  28  These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Giving honour to whom it is due has been the hallmark of John the Baptist. He gave a vivid account of why Jesus Christ is preferred above him. To mention he is not worthy to loose His sandal strap means, Christ is Superior and Great such that it will require a mandate to be able to draw closer to Him. The fallen man requires a bridge to crossover to God and Christ is that One Bridge. When you get to the Jordan (the place of your penitent), you need Christ to crossover to God. He is the One that can grant you access to the Royal Kingdom of God.  PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to know You are the One who can t...

Theme: Why? Text: John 1:24 24  Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.  25  And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” Have you ever been caught up trying to explain to people why things are carried out your way? Sometimes, the "why" of others often discourages most people from the furtherance of their God-given mandates. John the Baptist after telling his audience he is neither of the people they presume him to be, questioned why he baptised people. Keep in mind, those who question every action of yours might not necessarily have your interest at heart but looking for loopholes to attack you. Know the limit you can go with everyone around you in disclosing details about yourself.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord for exposing the witty and cunning device of the wicked to me. Help me to refrain from disclosing everything about my life to unfriendly friends in my life in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!...

Theme: The Voice Text: John 1:23 23  He said: “I  am  ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:  “Make straight the way of the   Lord ,” ’  as the prophet Isaiah said.” In yesterday's devotion, the audience of John the Baptist wanted to know who he is. Today's text is the response to all their question. He said he is the voice of the one crying in the wilderness saying make straight the way of the Lord. The wilderness is our wretched lives of sin, damnation, death and emptiness as darkness has engulfed us. He came to call us to repentance so our hearts can be prepared to welcome the Messiah. We can now answer the question, who are we? We are the expressed image of Christ (the duplicate of Christ). Christ's Spirit rules and is at work in us. Do not harden your heart when the voice cries out to you. PRAYER: Thank You Lord for sending the voice to call me out of darkness to Your marvellous Light. Holy Spirit, give me a nudge not to harden my heart. By t...

Theme: Who Are You? Text: John 1:21&22 21  And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  22  Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” In yesterday's devotion, we mentioned that John the Baptist was honest and never in any way attempted to usurp the title of Jesus Christ. Today's text is proof of who he was. He was asked if he is Elijah, a prophet, and what has he to say about himself. Have you ever taken the pain to quiz yourself about what you think you are? Who are you? The answer can only be best given if you know your place in Christ. You are nothing without Christ.  PRAYER: Dear God, open the eyes of my understanding as John the Baptist that I may know who I am. Give me the courage to boldly declare who I am in the Name of Jesus Christ have I asked. AMEN!

Theme: I Am Not the Christ  Text: John 1:19&20 19  Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”  20  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” John the Baptist has been an honest man even to death. Looking at how much the people of his dispensation revered him yet he failed to usurp the glory of Christ shows his sincerity to the service he has been called to. Priests and Levites from Jerusalem were sent to him to know who he was. He plainly said, "I AM NOT THE CHRIST". Do you have the willpower to direct God's glory to Him? Ask God to help you in this regard. PRAYER: Dear God, I seek the honest heart of John the Baptist that I may direct Your praise and honour to You unfailingly. This I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Give thanks to the God of heaven, His love endures forever. O Israel (replace with your name), put your hope in the LORD, both now and forever. He had put a new song in my mouth. Praise our God. Many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord. Hallelujah! It is written, "Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backwards and brought to dishonour". By the Blood of the Lamb, I am shielded from the plots of the wicked and confusion has been released into their evil camps. My week is filled with grace and favour in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 131:3; 136:26; 40:3&14

Eliezer of Damascus is the oldest servant in Abraham's house. He was the one Abraham thought the Lord will select to inherit him but the Lord declined him. However, he played a significant role in finding a wife for Isaac.  Some Characteristics of Eliezer; √ He was a loyal servant in charge of all things in the house of his master Abraham.  √ He entered into a covenant with his master to find a wife for Isaac  √ He kept the covenant and did just as his master has instructed.  √ He trusted God to help him fulfil his master's desire of finding a wife for Isaac. A simple but powerful prayer opens the way for him; And he said, O  LORD  God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. √ He was careful to carry out the errand before eating. Most people have failed to meet the targets set for them because of food. √ He is skilful in narrating events. He never misses a word in his narration to Nahor and h...

Theme: Grace for Grace  Text: John 1:16-18 16  And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.  17  For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  18  No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. Moses led Isreal out of bondage under the law, in the law grace is activated in the Israelites by good deeds that gave them the power to overcome their enemies every step of the way. This means good deeds attract it but in Christ, the gracious blessings of the Lord are not by works lest any should boast. Grace is unmerited favour which is solely in Jesus Christ. Since grace does not fail or disappoint, it is always accompanied by truth. So Christ came to hand over grace and truth to us to assure us that, He will always favour us even if we fail to meet the requirement and that's the truth. In this truth, Chr...

Theme: Preferred  Text: John 1:15 15  John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” John the Baptist knows the limit of his ministry and that is what made him down to earth. He has never tried to usurp the Saviour's glory or fame. He was a true witness and so his testimony about Christ is unquestionable. He witnessed Christ is preferred before him and He was before him. Oh, mine! The catch from this witness is that Christ the firstborn cannot be denied the right to be ranked higher than any man or angel in the Kingdom of God irrespective of His age at the time of this witness because Christ has been in the beginning. If we believe in Him then we share in the right to be preferred above those in the world because we have the mark of exceptional grace speaking over our lives.  PRAYER: My Saviour and Messiah who is preferred above all, I pray the manifest gra...

Theme: Full of Grace Text: John 1:14 14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. The word is Jesus and He came to dwell with the human race and He revealed the glory of God. After His baptism, the Holy Spirit declared His Sonship and status as the Beloved Son of God with whom He is well pleased. His existence with the human race and His ascension to heaven bestowed grace on us. He is full of grace and truth. You can't walk with Christ and not enjoy exceptional grace in all spheres of your life. GRACE breaks the protocols and grants access to grounds you do not qualify to tread.  PRAYER: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forevermore. AMEN!

Theme: The Right Text: John 1:12&13   12  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:  13  who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Rights can only be enjoyed if you are part of something or an association. Have you ever been pressed and needed a place of convenience badly only to be told staff use only? I guess you didn't see that as important at that moment but later did. We can only have the right to be called children of God if we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Saviour. This right is not by human standards but by the standard of God. It breaks the yoke of bondage, sin, limitations, contentions and any other argument as a child of God. The choice is yours to enjoy the right as a child of God.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord for giving me the chance to receive You in my life. May I not belittle the right I have as a...

Theme: He Was in the World Text: John 1:10&11 10  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  11  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. There is much evidence to show Christ came and lived in this world. His lowly beginning of being born to a carpenter and laid in a manger made it hard for the carnal mind to accept Him as the Saviour of the world. Even before taking the form of man, Christ existed for the world was made through Him. The children of promise (the Jews) did not even welcome Him home since they were blinded by their expectations. Christ is knocking at the door of your heart. Will you let Him in? PRAYER: Dear God, open the eyes of my understanding so that I may wholeheartedly welcome You into my life. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Give unto the  Lord , O you mighty ones, Give unto the  Lord  glory and strength.  Give unto the  Lord  the glory due to His name; Worship the  Lord  in the beauty of holiness. For it is written, " The voice of the  Lord  shakes the wilderness; The  Lord  shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the  Lord  makes the deer give birth, and strips the forests bare; And in His temple, everyone says, “Glory!” In the Name of Jesus Christ, I declare the voice of the Lord shakes whatever ought to be shaken in my life and family. By His voice whatever ought to see light is begotten and anything that prides itself around us is stripped of its pride in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: PSALM 29

The Magi are wise men who saw the star of the Messiah and decided to look for Him and worship Him with their gifts. By God's grace, they found Him after facing the challenges of locating Him. ¶ They were wise men who were conscious of happenings around them. They said,  “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” ¶ Though wise, they made the mistake to enter Herod's palace in search of a Jewish King born. This informs us the wisdom of man has limits.  ¶ They never saw the star again until they came out of the palace of Herod. If we fail to come out of the place of pride, comfort zone or daydreaming we can never see the star (the purpose we are pursuing).  ¶ They were greatly overjoyed when they saw the star and in locating the King they worshipped Him. No one encounters God and remains the same. There is always good news to return with.  ¶ They presented gifts to the King. We must also pre...

Theme: The True Light  Text: John1:8&9 8  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  9  That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. Yesterday's devotion highlighted John the Baptist as a witness to Jesus Christ our Saviour. We continue today to know the Light and His essence in our lives. Jesus is that true Light that gives us life;  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. So long as we have God's breath in us, we ought to know His Light indwell us. May we live to please Him in all that we do. PRAYER: Thank You Lord for enabling me to have life through Your marvellous Light. True Light of God, guide me in the path of righteousness in Your Holy Name have I prayed. AMEN!

Theme: A Witness Text: John 1:6&7 6  There was a man sent from God, whose name  was  John.  7  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. John the Baptist came to bore witness of the Saviour of the world. He came to prepare the hearts of many to believe in the Lord. Likewise, we have also been mandated by our Lord to bear witness to the end of the earth. In serving the Lord, may we learn to direct honour to Him than to ourselves. We should know our task is just to witness not to claim the glory of the Sovereign God. PRAYER: Stir in me Lord the spirit to witness Your Kingdom and take away any form of pride in my heart so that I may serve well in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme:The Light Shines in Darkness  Text: John 1:4&5 4  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  5  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. I often get carried emotionally at funerals where final rites are performed before burial. One statement always struck me; "The sun shall not give you (the dead person) light in the day nor the moon by night". Jesus is the resurrection and the life, in Him is the fulness of life. His life brings light to anyone who believes. Darkness can by no means stand the presence of light. If we have Christ then every form of darkness will be extinct in our lives.  PRAYER: Light of the world, shine in every area of our lives. May every darkness be extinct in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Through Him Text: John 1:2&3 2  He was in the beginning with God.  3  All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made.   In yesterday's devotion, we learned the Word of God had been with the Lord from the beginning and by the Word all things came to being (Let there be.... or Let us make...). Through Him, all things were made. This established the power of the tongue; it can build or ruin depending on how it is employed. The Word of God is the source of all things. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be built and by His power can we pull down strongholds. Through Him, all things become possible bringing an end to all impossibilities.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord that through You I am made wonderfully and perfectly. I pray Your Word to be settled in all areas of my life and may I always proclaim this ought to be God in all circumstances. This I asked in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: The Word  Text: John 1:1 1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The inception of all things began with the Word of God; "Let there be Light". It is out of God's Word creation began. The Word is identified with God. His expression has been conceived in His thought and heart before it was spoken. Once uttered (Let there be... or let us make...) the door of creation was opened; the act of transforming the void nature of the universe into a pleasant state. It is solely the Word of God that can transform us therefore let us draw near to listen to Him. PRAYER: Dependable Word of God, have Your way in my life. Order my steps and bring me to a fulfilling ground in the Name of Jesus Christ have I asked. AMEN!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!   This is what the  Lord  says:  “Those who survive the coming destruction will find blessings even in the barren land, for I will give rest to the people of Israel.” I declare in the Name of Jesus Christ, irrespective of the crisis surrounding me, the blessings of the Lord will never fail to locate any area of my life daily, weekly, monthly and beyond. As the year 2023 begins, I receive the rest of the Lord. AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 150:1&2;6 & Jeremiah 31:2