The Word

Theme: Be Determined  Text: Ruth 1:18&19 18 When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her. 19 Now the two of them went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Nothing comes with ease in life; one must struggle to achieve success. In yesterday's devotion, we learned Ruth's response to Naomi was unselfish and self-giving. This convinced Naomi that she (Ruth) was determined to go with her. Dear beloved in the Lord determination is needed to move to the next level. An undecided mind cannot be determined. Ruth knew exactly what she said to Naomi and was willing to journey with her no matter how hard it is to reach Bethlehem. These two ladies were welcomed to Bethlehem with joy because they were determined to return to Bethlehem. Whatever you have purposed to do, ask God to guide you to do it well to bring honour to the Nam...

Theme: Inseparable Except for Death  Text: Ruth 1:16&17 16 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned Naomi encouraged Ruth to also return to her people and gods as Orpah. The text for consideration is her response to her mother-in-law. Ruth's response is an indication of the agape love we are admonished to show to our fellow brothers and sisters. She is ever ready to go the length and breadth of life with Naomi until death does them part: She was ready to follow, lodge, be family with Naomi, and serve her God. Real love is often hard, inconvenient, and costly; but true happiness only comes to those who care about others at some cost to th...

Theme: Your People & God Text: Ruth 1:15 15 And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” In the previous devotion, we learned Orpah decided to hearken to Naomi's advice to return home and remarry. Naomi in the text for today is encouraging Ruth to do the same. She mentioned two categories of persons her daughters-in-law should return to; people and gods. She is enlightening Ruth on the balance of life; That is we all need to identify ourselves with human beings and spiritual beings. We must not just exist but ensure we guard both our physical and spiritual relationships. How well are you relating with others and God?  PRAYER: Dear God the works of Your Hands display a variety of harmony in nature. Help me to have a good relationship with You and my fellow human beings. May I not forget my home but work at improving living conditions in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord— Your salvation according to Your word. Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your word. You have promised Your Holy Spirit as a Comforter, Teacher, Advocate, and an empowering One in the lives of all who believe in You. He comes with gifts that You promised to endow us with. In the Name of Jesus Christ, we decree by the power of the Holy Spirit that we partake fully in the gifts of the Holy Spirit on this day of Pentecost.  We speak life, peace, and favour into the week and we declare it shall end in praise to the glory of Your Name. AMEN & AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 119:41;73&74; Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21

The name Naomi means pleasant or gentle. She was the wife of Elimelech and the mother of Mahlon and Chilion. She is a Bethlehemite from the linkage of Judah. She and her husband traveled to Moab with their children when famine struck their land. Unfortunately, she lost her husband and sons to death in Moab. She later heard it was well in her homeland so she traveled back home.  Some Characteristics of Naomi; √ She was a kindhearted mother-in-law. If not, her daughters-in-law would have not opted to follow her to her homeland. √ She also displayed a genuine concern for her daughters-in-law by thinking of how long they would have to wait if she should have sons again. She asked each to go back home and find a good husband.  √ She is an emotional person. When the women came to welcome her back home, she said they should call her Mara (bitterness) because she returned home empty. √ She was responsible. She asked to know where her daughter-in-law gleaned and got to know it was with...

Theme: Meditation Text: Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the  Lord , a nd His law he meditates day and night. Meditation is essential for all children of God as it helps to reorient our lives.  However, not many Christians have the desire for medication. Ravi Zacharias puts it;  “Many Christians have so busied themselves with programs and activities that they no longer know how to be silent and meditate on God’s word or recognize the mysteries that are in the Person of Christ.” PRAYER: Dear God I need a renewal of mind and heart that I may yearn more to meditate upon Your Word. Thank You, Lord for enabling me the spirit of meditation in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer, and God delivers by prayer (Edward McKendree Bounds).  Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue (Adam Clarke). Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts (Mother Teresa) Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure (Dwight L. Moody). I think the reason we sometimes have the false sense that God is so far away is because that is where we have put him. We have kept him at a distance, and then when we are in need and call on him in prayer, we wonder where he is. He is exactly where we left him (Ravi Zacharias).

Theme: Orpah's Chapter Ends Text: Ruth 1:14&15 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned Naomi asked her daughters-in-law if they can restrain themselves from marrying as they await her to have sons until they become of age. In response, Orpah bade her mother-in-law goodbye with a kiss. She had not in any way made a wrong decision but had paved the way for God's will to be accomplished. If she had journeyed on with Naomi and Ruth, Ruth cannot marry Boaz because the eldest daughter-in-law must marry first before the younger. Her chapter came to a close as Ruth's continued. Do not get envious when the end of your chapter opens a breakthrough door for others. If you continue to stay when you have to exit, you will compound troubles for yourself a...

Theme: Would You Restrain Yourself? Text: Ruth 1:13  13 would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!” Have you ever been at the dining table with a variety of foods on the table and yet you can't eat because you are waiting for guests? I know how tempting it is to keep staring at the food for over an hour. If you don't restrain yourself the aroma might cause you to start eating before the guests arrive. Emotionally and psychologically this is the picture, Naomi painted to her daughters-in-law. She asked them would you restrain yourselves from having husbands while she gives birth to other sons? Dear beloved in the Lord, would you be able to restrain yourself from the possible temptations to come your way based on the choices you are making? This is a soul-searching question therefore be mindful of the answer you giv...

Theme: Be Empathetic  Text: Ruth 1:11-12 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons There are moments in our lives we feel we've come to a dead end of the predicament that has befallen us. But one thing can bring a spark of life and that is hope. Naomi knows she can only hope in her God for the divine transformation of her situation.  However, she sees her breakthrough to be a setback to the progress of her daughters-in-law. Widows are married to surviving siblings or family relations to continue with the lineage of the dead. But in the case of Naomi, her sons are dead and she is empathetic for Orpah and Ruth how long they have to wait for her sons hoped for to grow to marry them. That is why she edges them to return each to her peo...

Glorify the Lord with me; Let us exalt His Name together. Those who look to Him are radiant; Their faces are never covered with shame. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who [reverently] fear Him, and He delivers them.  My Lord and Saviour, according to Your Word, "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it". In the Name of Jesus Christ, I lay my burden of life, marriage, children, career, education, finances, businesses, projects, health, and every area of my life that needs to be fixed. Thank You for answering me. AMEN & AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 34:3;5&7 & Jonh 14:13&14

Martha means lady or mistress of the house. Her name fits her personality as she was preoccupied with much serving when Jesus came to her home. Her siblings were Mary and Lazarus. Some Characteristics of Martha; √ She was hospitable. She welcomed the Lord and His disciples to her home and served them well √ She was sincere with her emotions by voicing out her grievance of Mary not helping her  √ She failed to choose the right thing for the Lord's response to her was, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." √ She met Jesus and grieved about Lazarus' death; If You were here Lord, my brother wouldn't have died.  √ She believed in the resurrection and trusted God can answer every request of Christ. √ When Jesus asked the stone to the tomb be removed, she lamented there would be a stench since it has been four days since her brother died.  Suppo...

Theme: Surely Text: Ruth 1:9&10  9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.” So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” Have you ever made a promise you were certain to fulfill? Some of us affirm our promises with words that encourage our listeners; we make phrases like surely,  certainly, I cross my heart amongst others. The daughters-in-law of Noami were ready to go with her despite her blessing them to go and remarry. Emotions often sway us to commit ourselves to things we cannot fulfill. We need to be extra careful during this moment so as not to entangle ourselves.  In subsequent devotion, we will find out if both daughters-in-law kept to their word. . PRAYER: Abba! Father, help me to be mindful of my utterances so that I may not dishearten others. Thank You, Lord for constructing me in Your Word. AMEN!

Theme: Letting Go! Text: Ruth 1:8 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.  Ever had to part ways with loved ones? What was it like? I guess it was heartbreaking accompanied by tears. In yesterday's devotion, we learned Naomi made up her mind to return to her homeland and just as she was leaving, her daughters-in-law decided to go with her. She knew she had nothing to offer them than to let each return to her mother's house to be free to remarry. We need to learn when to let go so we don't burden ourselves. She seeks the blessings of God over them teaching us, we must seek good things for others even if they would be of no use to us again. Do not just let go add a blessing. PRAYER: Dear God, I want You to help me to let go of anything that I need to set free. I pray Your blessings shall flow from my lips to such individuals or situations in the Mighty Nam...

Theme: Journeying Home Text: Ruth 1:6&7 6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that Naomi lost her husband and sons in the land of Moab in the quest for greener pastures. Having heard that God has visited her homeland she decided to return home. We need to evaluate our lives and know when to return home (when to let go of what is taking our peace, how we used to live or relate with God). She set out with her daughter-in-laws the surviving wives of her sons; we need to learn not to set out alone but with those close to us.  PRAYER: Father guide me in the way everlasting that I may not forget Your path of truth. Help me Lord in all my ways in the ...

Theme: Left Behind Text: Ruth 1:3-5  3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband. Ever lost a loved one? If you have, you will know the vacuum they leave behind and unerased memories that linger on. In yesterday's devotion, we learned about Elimeleach and his nuclear family seeking greener pastures in the country of Moab and they remain there. The opening text for today, States that Elimelech died leaving behind Noami and their two sons. Unfortunately,  her sons also died ten years later leaving their mother and widows behind. This tragic event encountered by Noami left her empty for she was left behind. In subsequent devotion, we will learn about what Naomi did when she lost her husband and sons.  PRAYER:...

Theme: Seeking Greener Pasture Text: Ruth 1:1&2 1 Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. Everyone wants the best in life and this has been what has pushed many to move to other jurisdictions to find greener pastures. The story is not different in the case of Elimelech. He moved his family to Moab in anticipation to have a better life. Just like Elimelech, most of us often forget home when things are going on well with us. The foreign land becomes our home and we settle completely neglecting our extended family; Elimelech went to the country of Moab and remained there. We need to remember there is no place like ...

MOTHER! When others called her fetus a thing She said that's my child When they said it was a mistake  She said that's my miracle  Nine-month is just but a day to her She was ready to take the risk of delivery either naturally or by the knife For her joy is in hearing the cry of her baby Sleepless nights and tiring day does not make her hate her children but makes her embraces them more  Some called her barren, others say she can't be a mother But why can't she be? She nurtured many children and gave them a home of their own Her food was not just hers It was for all in her neighborhoods Is that not the heart of a mother?  A woman that guides, secures, and provides basic necessities (food, shelter, and clothing) to others deserves to be called a mother. On this day, may the Lord grant every woman the heart of a mother to train her children, orphans, and any child that encounters her in life.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I will open my lips and testify of God's goodness and lovingkindness towards my family and me. The Lord is good let every lip declare He is good indeed. He never relents on any of His promises for He is careful to fulfill them as He purposed it to be. Hallelujah!    It is written that when Elizabeth saw the Blessed Virgin Mary; "Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." I stand on this Word to declare whatever plan the Lord has for my life shall be fulfilled and I shall enjoy my labour. Whatever ideas or concepts and opportunities I conceive shall be blessed to produce a great and excellent harvest that I shall be exceedingly prosperous in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! Supporting Scripture: Luke 1:42&45

The prophet Jonah is commonly known as the runaway prophet. His name means dove and he is the son of Amittai. The Lord sent him to Nineveh to warn them of the doom ahead of them due to their sins but he chose to flee from the presence of God. Some Characteristics of Jonah; √ His intent to run away from God's presence revealed that none can run away from God √ He was fast asleep while the ship he boarded to Tarshish was battling with the tides √ He saved the lives of others by asking them to cast him into the sea when the lots cast fell on him √ He is the only man to have been swallowed by a fish for three days √ He prayed to God in the belly of the great fish and God answered him. This teaches us God listens to prayers anywhere it is offered sincerely √ God commanded the fish to vomit him out on dry ground and it came to pass as such  √ He entered Nineveh and proclaim all that the Lord commanded him to tell the people in three days √ It hurt him God did not punish the people o...

Theme: God Alone! Text: Jude vs 25 25 To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion power, both now and forever. Amen Who is like unto our God? There's none like Him and never can anyone be like Him. He alone is wise; His wisdom surpasses all and is revealed in His marvelous creation.  He, therefore deserves the glory (praise and worship are His), majesty (He is the King of kings), dominion (He is the Sovereign God), and power (He has influenced over all things and situations) now and forevermore. Take time and listen to Joyful Way Incorporated's song titled "God Alone!" PRAYER: “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand; The earth swallowed them. The Lord shall reign forever and ever.” AMEN!

Theme: Kept From Stumbling  Text: Jude vs 24 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy  In one way or the other, we often lose our balance in our lives activities. When we stumble we lose the right of possession, respect, honour, dignity, marriage, children, finances, businesses, career,  and valuables. This does not only apply to our physical world but we can also stumble in the spiritual realm where the enemy finds an opportunity to accuse us and make us unworthy to be pardoned. However, we have a good assurance if we are in Christ for He can keep us from stumbling. His Blood atones for our guilt and washes us clean presenting us as faultless before the glorious presence of God. Romans 8vs1 states;  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  There is more ...

Theme: Make a Distinction  Text: Jude vs 22&23 22  And on some have compassion, making a distinction;  23  but others save with fear, pulling  them  out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Our world is turning upside down, people want to take advantage of others; some have device means of extorting money from people whereas there are genuine poor people who need help. For us to make a good distinction, we ought to know the needy amongst us and be compassionate to such individuals. In doing so, we will not feel duped and reluctant to help the needy.  Aside from being compassionate toward the physical needs of people, the salvation of their souls should be of our interest too. In obedience to the Great Commission, we must evangelize to the souls that are perishing. We must hate what defiles them (any form of sin), not the perishing souls. If we can distinguish these needs of others, we will he...

Theme: Keep Yourself  Text: Jude vs 21 21  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. We are very particular about how to keep things of value. People go to every length to ensure the safety of their precious pieces of jewellery, cars, houses and all possessions they have acquired in life. There is something far better and priceless than those possessions which is the love of God. We are admonished to keep ourselves in the love of God. In His love, we can attain salvation or eternal life as stated in John 3:16&17. We must constantly seek the mercy of our Lord for His mercies win us the favour and blessings from His Throne.  PRAYER: Merciful God, look upon me with kindness and guide my steps not to deviate from Your precepts of love. Thank You for giving me the gift of love in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Theme: Build Yourself  Text: Jude vs 20 20  But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit In a fast-growing technological age, one must be abreast with new trends so as not to be found wanting in any way. The sure way to meet up with new trends is to build yourself up through education. As Christians, we are admonished to build ourselves up on our holy faith. If we train ourselves in the Word of God, we will surely build up faith. In difficult moments our faith will give us comfort in the promises of God and we shall attain victory. We are to also pray in the Holy Spirit. If we pray in the Holy Spirit, our prayer life and intercessory prayers will be guided by the Holy Spirit; We will be led by the Holy Spirit on what to pray about.  PRAYER: Breathe upon me Holy Spirit and stir up my faith in You. Help me to build my faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit. This I asked in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

My heart rejoices in the wonders of my Lord and King in all my pains. Thanks be to God! He gives me victory through Jesus Christ. It is written; "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD". In the Name of Jesus Christ, I lay every burden, strategy, opportunity, concept, idea and all that will give me advancement before my Lord and King. I declare victory on all sides as the Lord fights for me. My week is filled with divine testimonies. This is established according to the perfect will of God. AMEN & AMEN! Supporting Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:57; Proverbs 21:31

Dinah is the only daughter of Jacob bore to him by Leah his wife. She was defiled by Shechem (Hivite prince) the son of Hamor the Hivite.  Some Characteristics of Dinah √ The name Dinah means judged or vindicated. She was really vindicated by her brothers in the house of Shechem √ She was the only girl among her siblings. √ She mingled with the daughters of the land (the Hivites). Her story teaches us we all need companions, but if we fail to associate with the right people it will endanger us √ Shechem abused her sexually. Her brothers avenged the wrong done to her by killing all the Hivite men while they were all sore. It is unlawful to abuse others √ She was freed from the house of Shechem by her brothers Levi and Simeon. Victims of abuse deserve love and care. Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 30:21 & 34

Theme: The Last Days Text: Jude vs 18&19 18  how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.  19  These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we ought to remember all that we have read, heard or have been taught from the Word of God in our fellowship. The text for today outlines what to expect from the ungodly in the last days. One characteristic of the ungodly is mockery; they mock the gospel and walk by the dictates of the flesh. Because they are not guided by the Holy Spirit, they contradict the Word of God giving rise to confusion within the church. Beware of such false individuals in the church and do not fall prey to their deceits.  PRAYER: Awaken the church Spirit of the Living God from the deceits of the ungodly who twist the truth. Expose their deeds and let there be light in all that we do in the Name of Jesus...

Theme: Remember  Text: Jude vs 17 17  But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ We live in a world where virtually everything is moving at a fast pace and we seem to forget things easily because of our busy schedules to meet the demands of the day. Most of us even forget to pray, have Bible study or even have quiet time with God. But the text for today is enlightening us that as Christians we need to remember the things we've read, heard or were taught during our fellowships. We must not forget them. Do you remember the topic or Biblical texts used at your last meeting? I guess you've forgotten them and trying hard to recall them. The best way to be on guard is to remember the Word of God that has been shared by the brethren.  PRAYER: Dear God, when You pilgrim with the Israelites to the land of promise, You often speak to them to remember how You've delivered them and they must teach Your law to their children ...

Theme: Gaining Ungodly Advantage  Text: Jude vs 16 16  These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. In a world where virtually all activities are geared towards competition, everyone is looking out for a competitive advantage over rivals. What we need to know is, this when not done well becomes ungodly. In the past few days, we have been assessing the lifestyle of the ungodly in the church. Today's text gives an account of how the ungodly gain an advantage over people. They are noted for excessive complaints without finding any good whatsoever the godly do. They use flattery words to deceive people to side with them. Beware of such individuals around you.  PRAYER: Dear God, wake me up from the deceits of the ungodly and may they not cunningly take advantage of me in anything but rather make me wise to expose their evil deeds in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN...

Theme: God's Judgement  Text: Jude vs 14&15 14  Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,  15  to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” Enoch was a righteous man and he walked with God and he was not because God took him (Genesis 5:21-24). His prophecy will be fulfilled on the Day of the Lord. On that glorious day, while the godly rejoice, the ungodly will be convicted of all their ungodly deeds. We ought to disassociate from ungodly ways as well as blasphemous utterances against God. We need Christ to live righteously and to please God.  PRAYER: Dear God, have mercy on me that I may escape the wrath to come upon the children of disobedience. Lord, as Enoch walked with You, teach me to also...

Theme: Dirty Spots in Fellowship Text: Jude vs 12&13 12  These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;  13  raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. When the ungodly or unrepentant find their way into our fellowship, they become dangerous not only to themselves but to the entire body of Christ. On the outside, they appear as though godly but their inside is rotten. The text today gave several illustrations of their nature within the church: √ They are greedy and selfish: They do not have regard for the needs of others but for themselves √ They are hypocrites:  ¶They appear as though to bring the church to life but rather deny it life (clouds without rain). ¶The...