The Word

Theme: Arise From the Dead Text: Ephesians 5:14 14  Therefore He says:  “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Most people have become lukewarm in their Christian life. Such people can be said to be asleep in the Lord. They are not zealous for the Kingdom's work but rather the works of darkness. We are called to wake up from sleep (become spiritually conscious) and rise from dead works so that the eternal light of Christ will illuminate our path.  PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, my Light and Righteousness deliver me from dead works and guide me to Your eternal light. In Your Name have I asked. AMEN!

Theme: Made Manifest by Light Text: Ephesians 5:13 13  But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Yesterday's devotion admonished us to have nothing to do with the works of darkness as they are shameful acts. Today's text enlightened us on why such works of darkness must never be mentioned among us. These deeds are uncovered by the Light of God. The works of darkness can only be exposed by the presence of the light (the light in us that must shine to show our good works). This Light's presence identifies the wrongs in society and redirects those in darkness into His very good path. May the light in us uncover and drive the evil work of darkness in our family, workplace, community and the world.  PRAYER: The Light of God that gives life to all men coming into the world, manifest in me. Open the eyes of my understanding to uncover every work of darkness. Guide me to bring light where there is darkness in the Na...

Theme: Unfruitful Works of Darkness Text: Ephesians 5:11&12 11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  12  For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.  In yesterday's devotion, we learned we ought to possess the entirety of the fruit of the Spirit; goodness, righteousness and truth. Today's text admonishes us to have no fellowship or association with the unfruitful works of darkness. The unfruitful works of darkness are deeds that contradict the fruit of the Spirit such as lies, covetousness, orgies, fornication/ adultery, witchcraft, wickedness, murder, sowing the seed of discord, anger, bitterness, etc. These deeds are shameful to speak about so must not be mentioned among us nor should we be tagged by any. PRAYER: Father, help me to resist every edge to go the path of the unfruitful works of darkness. May such deeds never be a part of me in the Name of Jesus C...

Theme: Fruit of the Spirit  Text: Ephesians 5:9&10 9  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),  10  finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we are light and so must shine to the world. Today's text speaks about the entirety of the fruit of the Spirit of God; goodness, righteousness and truth. As children of light, we must manifest the spirit of goodness (do good and yearn to let good prevail), righteousness (have the righteousness of Christ that we may overcome the pride of the flesh that we may not boast of our deeds but appreciate the work of the cross of Christ), and truth (that we may know the Truth and be liberated from every form of the deceit of the evil one). This fruit of the Spirit will aid us to know  what is acceptable to the Lord and act accordingly.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Come Spirit of God and fill me with ...

Theme: You are Light Text: Ephesians 5:8 8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Before we came to the knowledge of Christ and walked with Him as His friends, we once walked in darkness. We must never go back to darkness but rather let the light of Christ in us shine. We can only walk as children of light if we let our light shine before men so that they may see our good deeds and then give honour to God. Dear beloved in the Lord, shine brighter each day in all your ways. PRAYER: Abba! Father, in You I shine brighter and brighter as You are the source of my light. Help me to keep shining in all good deeds for such have You equipped me to do. Thank You for leading and guiding me in Your Everlasting Light in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

I thank You, Lord, for those who wait on You are never disappointed nor put to shame. I wait for the  Lord , my soul waits,  and in His word I do hope It is written;  “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the  Lord !   Thus says the Lord  God  to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.   I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I  am  the  Lord .” ’ ” In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, I speak to every dry bone (challenges) in my life to hear the Word of God, your end has come and I'm coming out victoriously. I receive solutions to every challenge to add value to every sphere of my life to the glory of God. AMEN! Supporting Scripture: Psalm 130:5 & Ezekiel 37:4-6

Leah gave her maid, Zilpah to Jacob to bore children with him. She gave birth to a son whom Leah named Gad because she said, "How fortunate (A troop comes)!" Gad is the seventh son of Jacob and has not been mentioned much in person biblically.   Some Characteristics of Gad √ He was the seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah √ Jacob blessed him saying; “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, but he shall triumph at last. Indeed his generations were great warriors  √ Moses also blessed the generation of Gad by saying: “Blessed is he who enlarges Gad; He dwells as a lion and tears the arm and the crown of his head. He provided the first part for himself because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there. He came with the heads of the people; He administered the justice of the  Lord  and His judgments with Israel.” Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 30:9-11; 49:19 & Deuteronomy 33:20&21

Theme: Do Not Parktake in Evil  Text: Ephesians 5:7 7  Therefore do not be partakers with them. Previous devotions have enlightened us to avoid the path of evil and empty words that deceive or mislead us in life. Today's text is emphasizing we must not be partakers in these evil acts. In what ways do we partake in these evil acts? We become partakers when we encourage others to do them, we promote them by sharing them on our social handles, commit these evil acts, and fail to rebuke those committing these evil acts.  PRAYER: Dear God, empower me to submit to You and to resist the devil and all his enticing evil acts. I declare in the Name of Jesus Christ I will never be a partaker of evil. AMEN! 

Theme: Be Not Deceived  Text: Ephesians 5:6 6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  It is very embarrassing if you have to be misled only to find out the truth in a bizarre way. How will you feel knowing you are nearing your destination only for someone to give you a different direction taking you some kilometers far from the very place you are heading to? Disappointing and disheartening isn't it? Most people who fail to keep in God's Word are deceived by the wicked one and his agents with empty words. Such people will incur the wrath of God if they do not repent. Studying the Word of God and applying it in our daily lives is a sure way to avoid being deceived or misled.  PRAYER: Holy Spirit divine, my Guide and Teacher instruct me in truth that I may not be deceived with empty words. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I escape the wrath of God in His enabling grace. AMEN!

Theme: Inheritance in Christ Text: Ephesians 5:5 5  For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. To inherit from the Lord requires us to have an established relationship with Him. Just like sharing in the inheritance of family members, who were willed based on the relationship with the deceased. A stranger (having no relationship with the deceased) cannot be written in a will. So will all who continue to dwell in sin; i.e. fornicators (sexually immoral persons), unclean persons (those who defile their garment of righteousness), the covetous (those who take what belongs to others unlawfully), and idolaters (those who worship idols or have prioritized material possessions above God) not inherit anything in the Kingdom of God and Christ. Self-reflect on this question: Do you have any inheritance in Christ?  PRAYER: Dear God, You have freely opened the door to Your Kingd...

Theme: Fitting or Not Fitting? Text: Ephesians 5:3&4 3  But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;  4  neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Yesterday's devotion admonished us to be imitators of God; let love take absolute control in all things so that we can be identified as children of God. Today's text focuses on what is fitting and not in our walk with God. As dear beloved children of God, we are to do away with sin no matter how enticing it could be. When the edge to fornicate, defile our spiritual garment, greed, envy, jealousy, teasing, and ungodly discussions the carnal man will deem entertaining should not be a part of our lifestyle. We ought to assess our lifestyles to determine whether it is fitting or not for the Kingdom of God. We are called to worship the Father in holiness and as well...

Theme: Imitators of God Text: Ephesians 5:1&2 5  Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  2  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. An imitation is an act of copying or following one who serves as a model. To be imitators of Christ means to copy the lifestyle of Christ and set Him as a model in all we do. Christ's way of life is built on unconditional love for all irrespective of one's status. This love must be a part of us not only to those who do good to us but equally to those who do evil to us. In doing so, men may identify us as children of the Most High God. This acknowledgement brings honour to the Name of God and is a  sweet-smelling aroma   to Him.  PRAYER: Dear God, I desire to know You more and to live as Christ. But most often, the pressures of life choke me so hard around I compromise this lifestyle. I pray for th...

I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,  for You have considered my trouble;  You have known my soul in adversities. As it is written; “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs to it and are safe.” I declare this day I take refuge in the Lord therefore I surmount every form of attack and plot of the wicked. I am safe and secure in the Name of the Lord and so I triumph. This is my testimony in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 31:7; Proverbs 18:10

Naphtali is the second son of Bilhah Rachel's maid. Rachel gave him the name Naphtali because she said,  "With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed."  Some Characteristics of Naphtali  √ He had four sons; Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. √ His father's blessing for him is; "Naphtali is a doe set free, who bears beautiful fawns. √ His father's blessing manifested in the prophecy of the Prophet Isaiah; But there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time, he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time he has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. √ Much has not been said of Naphtali but records of his generation have been well noted.  Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 30:7&8; 46:24; 49:21; Isaiah 9:1;

Theme: Avail to Receive Grace Text: Proverbs 3:34&35 34  Surely He scorns the scornful  but gives grace to the humble.  35  The wise shall inherit glory,  but shame shall be the legacy of fools. Today concludes our devotion of Proverbs chapter three. More lessons have been learnt and the concluding verses tell us what God does to both the scornful and humble, and the wise and fools. God scorns the scornful; the scornful thinks and feels others worthless especially the poor or less endowed. God scorns the scornful because he/she has no regard for God's creation(man). However, He gives grace to the humble; anyone who honours Him in humility and regards His masterpiece as worthy. Choosing the path of humility makes one wise and so will inherit glory from God. On the other hand, choosing the ways of the scornful makes one a fool and its product is shame.  PRAYER: Dear God, purge every scornful behaviour in me and let humility take root in me. I pray Your gr...

Theme: House or Home? Text: Proverbs 3:33 33  The curse of the  Lord  is on the house of the wicked,  but He blesses the home of the just. In yesterday's devotion, we learned we must not be perverse in our ways. Today's text gives a good distinction between the outcome of taking the path of the wicked and the just. The wicked can never build a home but houses; they acquire possessions but are unable to bring their families together as there is no peace among the members of the family. However, the just received the blessings of God and enjoy every possession acquired in unity as a family. Choose the path of the just and build homes to the glory of God. PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for making me just in Christ Jesus. I pray every blessing in Christ locates all spheres of my life. I declare curses in my life, family and ministry are cast out in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: Do Not be Perverse Text: Proverbs 3:31&32 31  Do not envy the oppressor,  and choose none of his ways;  32  For the perverse person is an abomination to the  Lord ,  but His secret counsel is with the upright. The perverse person is an abomination to the Lord. Who then is a perverse person? A perverse person is corrupt or has turned away from the path of truth. His ways are contrary to the Word of God. Whether the person is an oppressor, abuser, and/or tyrant, the person is perverse and his ways are displeasing to the Lord. We are called to love and bear the fruit of righteousness. Therefore, if we act wickedly towards others and are cynical, we have taken the path of the perverse. The secret counsel  of the Lord (the mind of God concerning matters of life) is made known to the upright. The upright walk in the will of God whereas the perverse to the contrary. Avoid the lifestyle of the perverse.  PRAYER: Dear God, se...

Theme: Avoid Devising Evil Text: Proverbs 3:29&30 29  Do not devise evil against your neighbour,  for he dwells by you for safety’s sake.  30  Do not strive with a man without cause  if he has done you no harm. No one is an island, we all need people around us to make life worth living. Therefore, we are admonished to be good neighbours other than evil ones. An evil neighbour devises evil against others with or without cause. A person who is bitter towards others plots evil against them. Usually, the spirit of unforgiveness can stir the flame to devise evil in us as well as strive.  We are each other's keepers and so we need to co-exist peacefully. Avoid looking out for ways to bring down your neighbours. If you endanger your neighbour's life, note that you have equally exposed yourself to prey to the wicked.   PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for teaching us the right way to co-exist. Please help us to forgive even when it's hard to do so and clear e...

Theme: Don't Withhold Good  Text: Proverbs 3:27&8 27  Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due  when it is in the power of your hand to do so.  28  Do not say to your neighbour,  “Go and come back,  and tomorrow I will give it,”  When you have it with you. We are called to do good just as our heavenly Father has been good to us. Good deeds must be mentioned among us because we have been equipped for every good work. To withhold good means to hinder the process of doing good. If it is within our power to help, we must not hesitate to do so. As you withhold good, you equally close the door to your blessings. The hand that gives is blessed.  PRAYER: Dear God, teach me the path of righteousness. Help me to do good to all for You have equipped me for such purposes. May I never withhold good from those to whom it is due that my blessings may not be hindered in the Name of Jesus Christ have I prayed. AMEN!

Faithful God, I adore You for never relenting on any of Your promises. Glory be to Your Name from generation unto generation. I have seen and tasted of Your lovingkindness and can testify of Your benefits. Hallelujah!  It is written; "But the path of the righteous or just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day". It has been said of Uzziah that he sought God in the days of Zechariah and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I decree and declare I have made my choice to serve the Lord, therefore, I will continually increase more and more and my path will become brighter and brighter. I shall prosper in all things and be exceedingly prosperous in every area of my life in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!  Supporting Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 26:5 & Proverbs 4:18

Our study today will be on the fifth son of Jacob in the person of Dan. Dan is the first son of Bilhah. Bilhah was the maid of Rachel whom she gave as a concubine to her husband Jacob when she realised she could not have any child of her own. Rachel gave him the name Dan because she said, God hath judged me and hath also heard my voice, and has given me a son.    Some Characteristics of Dan √ There was no record of his family life except for his only son mentioned to be Hushim √ He is the founder and head of the tribe of Dan √ Dan's blessings from his father Jacob is; " Dan shall judge his people  as one of the tribes of Israel.  Dan shall be a serpent by the way,  a viper by the path,  that bites the horse’s heels  so that its rider shall fall backwards.  I have waited for your salvation, O  Lord !" √ This blessing did manifest in his tribe as some judged Isreal i.e. Sampson Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 30:1-6; 46:23; 49:16&17 ...

Theme: Do Not be Afraid  Text: Proverbs 3: 25  Do not be afraid of sudden terror,  nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;  26  For the  Lord  will be your confidence  and will keep your foot from being caught. Our Father in heaven is faithful to keep to His Word that He will protect us from every form of harm. We ought not to be afraid of sudden (unannounced) terror nor of the troubles of the wicked when it comes. God always make available a way of escape just so He can deliver us. When we trust in the Lord, we build confidence to resist the threats of the wicked. We no longer hear the devil but the voice of God that gives us assurance and courage. What can separate us from the love of God? Absolutely nothing! Be of good cheer for our Saviour, has overcome the world and its troubles. We are never alone. Emmanuel! God is with us! PRAYER: Thank You Lord that in You I will never be afraid of the evil one. Let Your voice echo every promise of Y...

Theme: You won't Stumble Text: Proverbs 3:23&24 23  Then you will walk safely in your way,  and your foot will not stumble.  24  When you lie down, you will not be afraid;  Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. We are continuing our devotion on wisdom. Yesterday, we learned about sound wisdom and discretion. When we are guided by sound wisdom and discretion it keeps us on the right way in life and makes us safe. Wisdom guides us not to stumble because we know where to step (make rightful decisions). Confidence is built in us taking away every form of fear in our life journey. When we trust the path of God and permit His will above ours when  we lie down, we will not be afraid;  Yes, we will lie down and our sleep will be sweet. PRAYER: Thank You Lord for impacting Your wisdom in us. Where reason failed grant unto us faith to trust Your wisdom in us and to honour Your ways and will. May we not stumble in life. This we ask in the Name ...

Theme: Sound Wisdom & Discretion  Text: Proverbs 3:21&22 21  My son, let them not depart from your eyes—  Keep sound wisdom and discretion;  22  So they will be life to your soul  and grace to your neck. Previous devotions enlightened us on what wisdom does. We are admonished in today's text to keep sound wisdom and discretion. Anything that does not promote sound wisdom and discretion must never be given room. Sound wisdom and discretion is often spiritually related than verbally; The kind of wisdom that distinguishes good decisions from worthless ones or baseless arguments and is life-saving.  PRAYER: Dear God grant unto me sound wisdom and discretion through this life's pilgrim that my life will bring honour to Your glorious Name in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Wisdom in Creation Text: Proverbs 3:19&20 19  The  Lord  by wisdom founded the earth;  By understanding, He established the heavens;  20  By His knowledge the depths were broken up,  and clouds drop down the dew. A quick review of the beginning of creation by God revealed the earth was void and without form as the Spirit of God hovers over it. Then God said let there be Light and there was Light. By wisdom, God founded the earth; He knew exactly where plants, animals and water bodies ought to be and the limit for the water bodies. His understanding established the heavens and their bodies: The sun and moon know their place likewise the stars and none fails to perform that to which it was assigned. I see better insight into today's text in Nicole C. Mullen's song "My Redeemer Lives".  PRAYER: Mighty God who has kept everything in creation under control. May Your wisdom, understanding and knowledge fill out hearts so that we may...

Theme: Wisdom, the Tree of Life  Text: Proverbs 3:17&18 17  Her ways are ways of pleasantness,  and all her paths are peace.  18  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,  and happy are all who retain her. We have been learning about wisdom for some days now. We've learned on the proceeds of wisdom, wisdom is precious, and wisdom enriches life. Today's devotion will enlighten us on wisdom as the tree of life. A choice or decision is made whenever we desire to have wisdom and the same applies to retaining it. Wisdom ensures we prevent war and strive for peace especially in times when the decision to choose between violent and peaceful existence presents itself. Wisdom as a source of life gives us the understanding that peace builds but violence destroys. Where wisdom abides there is the pleasantness of life and happiness.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the gift of wisdom in our life journey. May ...

Blessed be Your Name Lord God Almighty for the power of Your ever presence in our pilgrim on this barren land. Lord, You have loved us and kept our feet from falling. Our God Most High who never sleeps nor slumbers. Our hallelujah is in the Name of the Lord. It is written, "The  Lord  is your keeper; The  Lord  is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The  Lord  shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The  Lord  shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore". In the Name of Jesus Christ, I declare this promise of God to see fruition in my life and all that is mine and we triumph over every obstacle in the path of our success. This is settled in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Supporting Scripture: Psalm 121 

Judah is the fourth son of Jacob by Leah. He is the founder of the tribe of Judah by the blessings of his father Jacob that the sceptre shall never depart from Judah.  Some Characteristics of Judah; √ Judah was a shepherd just like his father and brothers. √ When the intention to kill Joseph was raised, he objected and asked he is sold than for them to soil their hands with their brother's blood.  √ He played the harlot with his daughter-in-law Tamar. To avoid disgrace he left his staff, the seal and its cord with her after he came to redeem his pledge but was told there was no harlot in that place √ He was quick to point out his fault when we realized his daughter-in-law was more righteous than him.  √ He was a protective father which was why he doesn't want Shelah to have anything to do with Tamar after losing two of his sons.  √ He is also the father of Perez and Zerah  √ His father's blessings on him were favourable and it opened the door for the Messiah to ...

Theme: Wisdom Enriches Life  Text: Proverbs 3:16 16  Length of days is in her right hand,  in her left hand riches and honour. In the last few days, we've been learning about wisdom. Today's text gives us insight that wisdom enriches life. Wisdom enriches our lives by making us conscious of our environment and the dangers thereof. In the right hand of wisdom is the length of days while riches and honour are in the left hand. Wisdom will grant unto us the ways to live long and in good health preparing us for eternal life, as well as bless us with riches and honour. PRAYER: Thank You Lord for granting unto me wisdom that I apply to how I live my life. May Your riches and honour locate me and all that is mine in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Wisdom is Precious  Text: Proverbs 3:15 15  She is more precious than rubies,  and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Yesterday we learned the proceeds of wisdom are valuable. Today's text enlightens us that wisdom is more precious than rubies. Simply telling us wisdom is priceless! Not even our many desires can be comparable to attaining wisdom. Wisdom is a treasured possession that we must never trade with anything no matter how charming it may be.  PRAYER: Dear God, grant me wisdom that I may not trade it for anything and may I treasure it as a priceless possession in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Proceeds of Wisdom Text: Proverbs 3:14 14  For her proceeds  are  better than the profits of silver,  and her gain than fine gold. Yesterday we started learning about wisdom. We learned that all choices in life whether spiritual or physical require wisdom to come out with the right option. The outcomes of the choice we made are the proceeds of wisdom. The proceeds and gains of wisdom are more precious than anything of physical value. Money can't pay off the good wisdom brought our way. The proceeds of wisdom have opened divine doors of good health, financial breakthroughs, advancement, sound judgment, marital success, and lots of benefits to anyone who has it. PRAYER: Abba! Father, open my eyes to the proceeds of wisdom in my life and that of others so that I may always desire wisdom from You in all that I do in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!