The Word

The name Rahab means spacious place in Hebrew. Indeed her name had a great impact on her because she got a place with the children of promise (Israel) when the walls of Jericho came down. She was a prostitute but feared God. She is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Some Characteristics of Rahab:  √ She is well-informed about her surroundings. If she were to be aloof or unconcerned, she would not have heard much about the God of Israel. We must learn to read and listen to the news and get abreast with happenings in the world. √ She was wise. She knew what to put her allegiance in when chances were created. She chose to fear God than the king of Jericho. She hid the spies because she feared their God. We should learn to fear God than mortal men for God has the power to destroy both body and spirit.  √ She understood the essence of the covenant and established it with the spies. She even requested a sure sign from them in order to save her household and she followed the ins...

Theme: God Will Comfort You Text: 2 Corinthians 7:6&7   6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me so that I rejoiced even more. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that when we are troubled on all sides we should respond with the power of God because He can deliver directly or use any of His vessels to do so. The Apostle Paul was comforted by the coming of Titus and the news he brought concerning the desire of the Corinthians to meet with Paul and their penitent response to the Apostle Paul's rebuke. God is always in the business of bringing comfort and encouragement to anyone who trusts in Him in good and bad moments. Dear beloved in the Lord, God will bring you good news that will bring a turnaround in your situation if you look to Him in all circumstances. If you mak...

Theme: Troubled on Every Side Text: 2 Corinthians 7:5 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, and inside were fears. Our conflicts in life are not just the external battles vincible to all but there are also internal battles that we fight each passing day. It was not different with the Apostle Paul and his associates in the Lord. A troubled mind and body do not have peace to rest. Dear beloved in the Lord, we need to respond to these battles with the power of God to overcome them. When issues of life seem to overwhelm us, we need to trust God for the better. What are the conflicts and fears of your life? They are not greater than God and His plans of divine escape so present them before God and ask Him to intervene. God can directly settle that issue or use any of His vessels to bring relief. If you are troubled on all sides, cast the burden on the Lord.  PRAYER: Thank You Lord that the troubles o...

 Theme: Build Confidence  Text: 2 Corinthians 7:4   4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulations. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the Apostle Paul loves the Corinthians and is ready to die and live together with them. His relationship with the Corinthians is established on the grounds of trust. We also need to trust other believers, especially the infant Christians. If we trust them, we will develop confidence in them which will stir up zeal in us to do more with them in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Most of us often give up on our discipleship or apostleship because nothing seems to encourage us to push further. We need to look out for the little things they do right and praise them for it. As we do this we build confidence not only in them but also in ourselves a driving tool to be encouraged to do more even when we are surrounded by troubles...

Theme:  Die and  Live Together Text: 2 Corinthians 7:3   3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.  In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we must not open our hearts to people who do wrong to us, corrupt, or cheat us in any way. The Apostle Paul in today's text clarifies the issue and makes a stance that his point raised is not to condemn the Corinthians but one that is done in love. We ought to learn from this that, whenever we are counseling or giving pieces of advice to others, it does not mean we are better off than them but rather an expression of our love towards them so that they can make the right choices in life. Just as the Apostle Paul has the Corinthians in heart, we must also show love to all brethren and be concerned about their well-being ready to go the length and breath of life with them so that they can remain faithful to the Lord in all things. To die together and li...

Theme: Open Your Heart Text: 2 Corinthians 7:2 2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.   In a dispensation where crime has increased and people use different kinds of tricks to dupe and usurp others, the letter of the Apostle Paul should serve as a guide to how we make room for people in our hearts. He identified three things why the Corinthians ought to open up to him and his associates in the Lord: They have not wronged, corrupted, or cheated anyone. We have to watch out for these in the people whom we give attention to. A nyone whose intent is evil towards you, leads you to sin against the Lord, or takes advantage of you is not worth opening your heart to. Be vigilant so you do not end up hurting yourself. However, we must open up to those who will lead us on the path of the Lord and who seek the best in life for us.   PRAYER: Lord, let Your Word guard my heart so that I may be mindful of giving room to unfri...

God's purpose for everyone who believes in Christ Jesus is to bring praise and honour to His Holy Name. The Apostle Paul stated this in Ephesians 1:12 "T hat we  who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory". The Jews were first to trust in Christ and so should be to the praise of His glory this same works for our dispensation for all true Christians (not the lip service types or churchgoers/Bible carriers who fail to reflect Christ in deeds). Make this declaration over your life; I declare Christ as Lord over my life and I believe in Him as my Perfect Saviour.    I disassociate from any company that profane the Name of God and take up the righteousness of Christ.  My way of living brings praise and honour to the Name of God. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my praise life to God's glory shines divine grace over my health, marriage, children, career, finances, projects, and every field of my life throughout this week and beyond. AMEN!   

 Jabez means sorrowful or born in pain. He was named by his mother out of the circumstances surrounding his birth when she said he shall be called Jabez because “I gave birth to him in pain.” He, however, asked God to change the situation in his favour and God honored his request.  Some Characteristics of Jabez: √ He is from the clans of Judah.  √ He was born in pain and named to that effect. √ He was a man of prayer and trusted the God of his ancestors (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) to help change his situation for good. √ His prayer is of significance to the Christian faith:  “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”  • We ought to pray for the blessings of God over our lives and not envy others in any way. Whatever we desire must be asked in prayer in humility and God will do mighty things in us. • He also asked for the enlargement of his territory not...

Theme: Perfecting Holiness Text: 2 Corinthians 7:1 7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. God has called us into his marvelous glory but we cannot abide with Him in sin. We need to do away with sin and pursue the will of the Lord in preparation for His second coming.  To prepare for the Lord is to cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit. The filthiness of the flesh is evident for everyone to see. These include; drunkenness , fornication, adultery, idolatry, murder, gossiping, stealing, and all the carnal works stated in Galatians 5:19-21.  Once we practice this fleshly filthiness, it blindfolds us spiritually by making us weaker and exposing us to practicing evil by stripping us of our spiritual garments.  Resist these evil practices and put on the new garment in Christ Jesus. This garment of purity and holiness makes us walk in the wa...

Theme: Overcome Evil Text: Romans 12:21 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. The past few days' devotions have encouraged us to choose the path of the Lord in dealing with our enemies: no revenge, live at peace with all, have good regard for things, and help our enemies in times of need. The summary of all that we have learned so far is in the text for today - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. We are called to not succumb to the dictates of evil thoughts or actions either within us or from others around us (those who seek evil for us). The lifestyle to adopt is to surmount the evil with good thoughts and deeds in the Word of God.  To overcome evil with good, we need to first work it out from within (our mind and heart) for from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Allowing the Holy Spirit to have His will in us creates the avenue for us to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22&23). According to Nicky...

Theme: Shame Your Enemy Text: Romans 12:20 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” The conscience of those who deliberately hurt us is never at peace whenever they see us, to worsen it, is when we try to give them a helping hand. The Bible describes our act of helping as heaping coals of shame (fire) on their head. As said yesterday, if we surrender our vengeance to God it does not bring any consequence on us rather we find peace within. While we enjoy peace of mind, the wicked feels the reverse (unrest in spirit). Therefore, dear beloved in the Lord, if your enemy is in need be of help to him/her.  PRAYER: Almighty God, please give me the courage to help my enemies genuinely devoid of pride. Holy Spirit divine, shape me to be calm as the dove but wise as the serpent in dealing with my enemies that Your coals of fire may heap upon their heads in the Name of Jesus Christ have I pr...

Theme: Vengeance is Mine Text: Romans 12:19   19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we should live peaceably with all. The text for today continues to enlighten us more to not avenge. It is sometimes very tempting to repay those who harm us if we have the upper hand over them. However, we are cautioned to not do so. In the past, the Israelites were to create cities of refuge to provide asylum for perpetrators of unintentional manslaughter  (for those who  accidentally killed another to prevent the avenger of blood from killing them). Usually, such innocent individuals could only return to reunite with their families after the death of the high priest ~ Numbers 35:22-25. In our dispensation, the cities of refuge have been built in our hearts through the love of Christ. Therefore, we are  not to avenge ourselves but rather...

Theme: At Peace with All Text: Romans 12:18 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  The Prince of Peace has thrown an invitation to us to come make home with Him but we cannot enter His gates with hatred. It takes an understanding mind, heart, and spiritual maturity to know how to handle people who maltreat us or seek evil for us. Choose peace and live peaceably with all men irrespective of their actions toward you. Jesus teaches us that "Blessed are the peacemakers, f or they shall be called sons of God. The mark of sonship is peace. May this mark be identified on us wherever we may find ourselves. PRAYER: Dear God, peace is the fruit of the Spirit and I desire fervently to have it. Let peace take root in me and may I always choose peace in all that I do. Holy Spirit divine help me to live peaceably with all men. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!   

It is in Christ we find out who we are and what we are living for. This shapes our perspective of life not only in this physical presence but a glorious future beyond this age. In the future to come, we will share in Christ's inheritance.  Ephesians 1:11 states "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will".  Declare, "I have obtained the divine inheritance of God through Christ. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ according to the will of God for my life. Therefore, I am filled with an abundance of the heritage of God and lack no good thing in the Name of Jesus Christ. My week is blessed and my inheritance in Christ speaks for me in every sphere of my life in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ". AMEN!   

The name Lois means most desirable or better. She was the mother of Eunice and the grandmother of Timothy. She was described by the Apostle Paul as a woman with sincere faith. Much has not been said of her but below are some lessons to learn from her: √ She has faith in God. She was a Jew who was not ashamed of her faith in God. The apostle Paul identified her sincere faith because she was open about her faith. √ She has the divine gift of nurturing. She passed her faith to her daughter and grandson. We need to pray for grace to nurture our children well.  √ She lived and fulfilled the meaning of her name "Most desirable". Every Christian desires to nurture their children in the faith as she did.  Supporting Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5

Theme: Have Regard for Good Things  Text: Romans 12:17 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Have you ever been hurt by someone? What did you do? The text for consideration tells us what to do when people hurt us. We must not repay evil for evil. Do not think of hurting the person in return. God is not pleased with repaying people with evil. What He expects of us is to have regard for good things in the sight of all men. It is only by the leading of the Holy Spirit we can have good thoughts towards those who have caused us harm. When we are being led by the Holy Spirit, He transforms us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19–20). May the Lord help us to think and do good at all times even when we are challenged by evil. PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for the times I have paid those who hurt me evil for evil. Take hold of my life Holy Spirit and mak...

Theme: Same Mind  Text: Romans 12:16   16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Our struggles in life often have to do with us trying to project ourselves above others. The fall of Lucifer came about as a result of what he thought of himself (I will ascend... I will... Isaiah 14:12-21). Lucifer was brought to nothing because of the "I will - pride and cynical behaviour in him". Likewise in the parable of the rich fool, his concern was on "I will..." forgetting that the harvest is the Lord's (Luke 12:13-21). The Apostle Paul expounds that we should agree with believers (have the same mind) before God. Our talk should not advance "I will.." rather it should be "We will...".  Humility should be a part of us not only in deeds or words but deep in our hearts and minds. Some people appear humble on the outside but deep inside is arrogance and ...

Theme: Rejoice and Weep with Others Text: Romans 12:15   15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. There are basically two sides to life at every stage; we could face the good times or the bad times. Whatever it may be, we need to embrace it in light of what it presents. If those around us have good news, then join in the celebration and rejoice with them. Likewise, if bad news surfaces weep with them. If you do not respond well to people's plight, you may be seen as unfriendly or mean. In some settings, you could even be tagged as an evil person which is not a good mark of a Christian. Do not just present yourself to rejoice or weep with others, be involved by helping them and give your support in kind or cash to support such individuals in their moment of joy or sorrow. Be the Christian that rejoices with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  PRAYER: Dear God, I desire an awakening in me that stirs up my spirit to know what to do for my fa...

Theme: Bless and Do Not Curse Text: Romans 12:14 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. The Christian journey as we mentioned in previous devotions is never a challenge-free one but God is ready to go through with us with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The text for study today is enlightening us not to be revengeful but rather forgiving by reciprocating the love of Christ to the undeserving in our lives. When people are hostile to us or treat us badly, we must not respond with hatred but rather, we need to show love: Bless those who persecute you. To bless is to show favour, kindness, or better still seek good things for them. Never desire evil to befall them in any way. Just as Christ offered Himself, we are called to offer ourselves to relate well with all irrespective of their attitude towards us. The key is, to be good even to the most mean soul around you.  PRAYER: Dear God, I come before You to seek forgiveness for the wrong I have done especially throug...

 Theme: Hospitality Text: Romans 12:13 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. In previous devotion, we learned what is expected of us as Christians. Today's text is encouraging us to be hospitable. Within every congregation are the rich, poor, healthy, and the sick. The poor and sick ought to be given attention so that provisions can be made for them. We must care for such people and show them love. Aside from these individuals, we ought to also welcome visitors. The Apostle Paul is entreating us to learn to pursue the act of cheerfully and willingly opening doors for visitors. We should not be hostile to others or discriminate against visitors whether they are rich, poor, known to us or not. May the Lord equip us with the spirit of hospitality to do what is expected of us in His Vineyard. PRAYER: Dear God, stir in us the desire to meet the needs of others and to welcome guests among us. May we do all these in humility and love that our light may sh...

God has a purpose for our existence and He will perfect it to the latter if we humble ourselves to His marvelous will.  Ephesians 1:9&10 states; "H aving made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him". We know the plan of God is in Christ Jesus therefore we must follow Him to partake of this great purpose. Declare in the Name of Jesus Christ, thank You Lord for making known Your secret plans to me that You will gather all things in Christ Jesus on the Day of the Lord. I declare I shall never miss the mark of salvation. I shall attain heaven by Your grace and in Christ my Name has been written in the Book of Life. I am a son/daughter of the harvest of heaven and my soul is united with Christ. I pronounce heavenly blessings over my life, family, church, frie...

The name Judas means praise and he was a disciple of Jesus that was less spoken of. To distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, he is often introduced as Judas, not Iscariot. He had many names to which he was called; Judas son of James, Thaddeus, Lebbaeus, or Jude.  Some Characteristics of Judas Thaddeus: √ He was a disciple and an apostle of the Lord. Like Judas, we can still serve God without desiring fame or recognition. √ He asked Jesus a question to gain a clearer understanding of His promises;  “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” (John 14:22). The response of Jesus to that enlightens us all that love is the bedrock of the Christian faith - love God (in doing this you will love everyone unconditionally and God will make His home with you).  √ He was listed among the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. May we also be listed for good works in the Lord.  √ He is believed to have written the Epistle of Jude. His letter educa...

Theme: The Strategies of Life Text: Romans 12:12  12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer The Christian life is not a complete daily troubled-free life there are days we are in the valley and other times on the mountain. The latter is a moment of pleasantness, most Christians prefer this kind of life to the former. Who doesn't want good days? No one! It is, for this reason, that the Apostle Paul expounds we need to develop the strategies of hope, patience, and steadfastness in prayer.  We are admonished to first, rejoice in hope: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12). Therefore, we need to understand the power in whom (God) we hope knowing nothing is impossible with Him. This should gladden our hearts and make us rejoice while we hope in the Lord for the manifestation of our desires.   Second, be patient in tribulation:  Weeping may endure for a night...

Theme: Be Diligent  Text: Romans 12:11 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we should be affectionate towards others. Today's text is a good guide to being spiritually alert at all times. The Apostle Paul expounds that the Christian should not lag in diligence (fail to be alert or up to task). To be diligent means to be careful and persistent in work or effort. As Christians, we ought to work hard but be careful with how we go about it. This can be achieved if we are fervent in spirit (spiritually awoken and active) and serving the Lord (accept tasks in the church and accomplish them well. The responsibilities in the home and communities are also to the Lord so must be done well). Don't just be a work-alcoholic but blend it with spirituality through fellowship with the Holy Spirit.  PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be diligent in all that I do. Equip me for every good work in Your Vineyard, my home, communit...

Theme: Be Affectionate  Text: Romans 12:10 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor of giving preference to one another In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we must love without hypocrisy. Today's text enlightens us to be affectionate. To be affectionate means being warm, tender, and loving. The ability to welcome others irrespective of their ethnic background, social status, or level of Christian maturing is a sign of showing affection. If we can make our places of fellowship more convenient and loving, we will attract more souls for Christ rather than making it a hostile place where there is no mercy or affection for the well-being of others. An atmosphere devoid of cynical behaviors is what the Apostle Paul is drawing our attention to so that we can give preference to one another. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, touch our hearts and minds with the love of Christ that we may be affectionate to all. May the power of pride and selfishness over us be ...

Theme: Love Without Hypocrisy Text: Romans 12:9 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. The mandate of the Christian is to love as Christ loves him/her. To love is a great work than just uttering it. 1 Corinthians 13 gives a comprehensive description of what love is all about. Today's text is a summarized version of 1 Corinthians 13 of what love should be among Christians. First love must be expressed and acted on devoid of pretense (hypocrisy). We ought to love wholeheartedly rather than display facial love and then betray or stab those we claim we love. We also have to love by putting checks and balances in place to correct or discipline those we love so that they will not go astray. The second and third summary given about love in the text is to hate evil and stick to what is good. Whatever is evil must be abhorred completely without any justification as to why it must be considered. In so doing, we cling to what is good living to please God ...

Theme: Making Good Use of Our Gifts Text: Romans 12:7&8 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. There exist diverse gifts within the body of Christ that no individual is left out. In the text for consideration, the following gifts have been mentioned; ministering, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and showing mercy. Each gift ought to be used well to bring benefit to the church. None must be sluggish or extort money from others in the discharge of these services. Dear beloved in the Lord, if we make good use of our gifts the church experiences growth both physically and spiritually. Learn to redirect the glory to God by taking clues from Luke 17:10 ~  So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to...

The sin of one man brought a separation between God and the human race. However, the blood of another brought about redemption and has opened the door to great riches in God to us who believe.  Ephesians 1:7&8 states; "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence". The grace of God (unmerited favour) abounds towards us in all wisdom (fear of the Lord) and prudence (spiritual enlightenment). Declare in the Name of Jesus Christ, I walk in the fear of God and in all spiritual enlightenment because I have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb of God. I walk the redeemed life of Christ and am no longer a slave to sin. Therefore the unmerited favour of God speaks in my health, finances, marriage, family, ministry, projects, education, and in every sphere of my life. I decree my week is filled with the manifestation of God's grace towards me in wisdom a...

Miriam has diverse meanings which include; drop of the sea, bitter, beloved, or wished-for child. She was the sister of Moses and Aaron by this she is a Levite. She is also described as a prophetess of the Lord   Some Characteristics of Miriam: √ She played a significant role in saving the life of baby Moses. When the daughter of Pharoah found the child on the water, she boldly came forward to ask if she should look for a nanny for the child and went to call their mother. Family should be our paramount duty so that if the family is well established it can have a great impact on the growth of the church. √ She exalts the name of the Lord for delivering the Israelites from Pharoah at the Nile by leading the women in glorifying God. We ought to be true worshippers of God and His praise should continually be on our lips. √ Despite her faithfulness to the Lord, she became jealous of Moses and spoke ill of him which was displeasing to the Lord so He (God) struck her with leprosy. However...

Theme: Use Your Gift Wisely Text: Romans 12:6   6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith The Lord has bestowed diverse gifts on us to the benefit of the body of Christ (church). However, such gifts must not be abused but rather used wisely to bring honour and glory to the Father Almighty. This does not also mean we should not put our gifts to use by being careful or fearful of what others' opinions may be. What we are tasked to do is to use them according to the proportion of our faith. As we mentioned yesterday, we always ought to consider the infant and mature Christians in the usage of our gifts and not forget the unbelieving heart (the unconverted). The text for today emphasizes prophecies. We should only prophesy what the Lord has put in our mouths and not our own words or imagination lest we mislead others or the prophecy never materializes. Remember God is not a confusi...