The Word

Theme: Remission of Sins Text: Acts 10:43 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the second coming of Christ will be to judge the living and the dead. The judgment will be an account of all that we have done here on this earth whether good or evil. Therefore repentance is required of us to have a good standing on that day. To God's glory, our sins shall be pardoned in Christ. If we welcome Jesus into our lives as our Lord and personal Saviour, we receive the remission of sins not some sins but all sins. Dear beloved in the Lord, are you struggling with regrets from something sinful you have done? Turn to Jesus today and speak with Him. Confess that sin to Him and believe that He is the only One who holds the key to your forgiveness. The time is now to repent for after death, you cannot plead for mercy. Let us Pray: Gracious Father, I come before Your presence an...

Theme: Preach the Word Text: Acts 10:42 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.  In the previous devotion, we learned that the apostles encountered the risen Lord and He dined with them. The text for today states that the apostles have been tasked to preach the word to people and to testify about the authority given to Jesus. This mandate has also been given to us to preach the Good News to the end of the earth. The key thing to preach is the second coming of the Messiah. His second coming is to judge the world comprising the living and the dead. We need to reach out to everyone without discriminating that a time will come when we will account for the life we have lived. Let us make every moment count with good deeds and fulfilling the will of God for our lives. Save a soul by preaching the word. Let us Pray: Lord, grant me the strength to preach the Word about Your second coming. M...

Theme: Divine Communion  Text: Acts 10:40&41   40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.   A good fellowship with the Lord requires a mutual relationship with Him where we freely share our feelings and thoughts with the Lord. The resurrected Christ was encountered by those who had been chosen beforehand by God. These are individuals who had a good standing with the Lord by living according to His will and purpose for their lives. The apostle Peter reiterated that they encountered the risen Christ with an opportunity to dine with Him. We dine with the Lord anytime we partake of the Eucharist, therefore, we must approach the table with reverence. A divine communion with the Lord has a positive impact on our lives and transforms our spiritual perspective as evident in the life of the apostle Peter.   Let us P...

Theme: True Witnesses Text: Acts 10:39&40a 39  And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him to life on the third day. The miracles Jesus performed were evident for all to see especially the apostles since they were always in company with Him. However, despite His good deeds He was betrayed, crucified on the cross, died, was buried, and raised to life on the third day. Although we might not have witnessed the great works of Christ yet the miracles we experience personally and that of our loved ones serves as a basis for us to testify about Jesus Christ. If we can testify on the wonderous works of God, we can be true witnesses in our small way to reach out to people who desire for a miracle. God is still in the miracle business and your case is no difference for with Him all things are possible.  Let us Pray: Dear God grant me the lips of testimony to testify about Your ...

Theme: Where to Find Peace Text: Acts 10:36-38 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Cornelius, his household, and the others who were waiting for Peter had gathered with one mind that they were in the presence of God and were ready to hear all the things commanded by God. The text for today is Peter's message about the Good News. The Good News is that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. We cannot find peace anywhere apart from Jesus for he has stated in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be trou...

Moses blessed the tribe of Joseph in an awesome way that we shall take a portion of the blessing today and later deal with the rest. The blessing is recorded in Deuteronomy 33:13&14  And of Joseph he said: " Blessed of the Lord is his land, w ith the precious things of heaven, with the dew, a nd the deep lying beneath, w ith the precious fruits of the sun, w ith the precious produce of the months". The land is a symbol of the fields of our lives (all areas of our lives that is marriage, children, health, finances, etc), and the works of our hands. We ought to decree that our land be blessed with heavenly gifts and may we have every reason to be thankful to God that He has blessed us beyond measure. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, may the land of my health, marriage, family, children, ministry, career, business, investment, projects, education, and all spheres of my life be blessed by the Lord w ith the precious gift of dew from the heavens  and water from bene...

The name Penninah is a traditional Jewish name, meaning "precious stone" or "pearl" in Hebrew. She was the second wife of Elkanah a rival to Hannah. She was only briefly introduced in the early chapter of the first Book of Samuel. Some Characteristics of Penninah: ✔ Penninah was the second wife of Elkanah and was blessed with children. It is the Lord that blesses couples to have children so all couples should look to God for the fruit of the womb. ✔ Penninah yearly goes to Shiloh with her husband and children to pray to God. This suggests that she knows God and has a relationship with Him. We must also approach the presence of God daily with thanksgiving and prayers. ✔ Penninah was never satisfied with the portion of meat her husband gave to her and her children. Elkanah often gives a portion of the meat to her and her children but to Hannah a double portion. We ought to learn to be content with whatever we are given so that we do not envy others.     ✔  Peninna...

Theme: God Shows No Partiality Text: Acts 10:34&35 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. We serve a Living God who is just and does not in any way show partiality because His judgment is right and fair. In Christ, He has openly given access to His presence so that we can boldly approach Him. If we open the doors of our hearts to Him and welcome Him in, He will come in and dine with us. He accepts those who fear Him and who keep to righteousness. God is calling unto us to be obedient and to resist the urge to sin so that we can supernaturally encounter Him. Cornelius a Gentile encountered the Lord whereas some Jews never had the opportunity.  It does not matter where you come from, if only you will surrender to God and live according to His will and purpose for your life, He will ensure He honors you like Cornelius. Note that just as He bl...

Theme: You Have Done Well  Text: Acts 10:30-33 30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now, therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned that Peter was welcomed into a gentile home and to debunk the notion that Jews have nothing in common with the Gentiles because they are regarded as unclean, he narrated his trance and declared God has made us all clean in Christ Jesus. In the text for today, Cornelius expressed his appreciation by telling Peter...

Theme: Redefining our Association Text: Acts 10:27-29 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” The Jews have no association with the Gentiles and it is unlawful to be found in their homes. So when Peter realized that there were more Gentiles in the home of Cornelius he made known the unlawful act but was quick to batter that argument with the Word of God that,  God has shown him that he should not call any man common or unclean. This refutes the argument that some people are unclean. God in His infinite wisdom has redefined our association with others in Christ Jesus. In Christ, we have all been made clean and anyone who believes in Je...

Theme: I'm also a Man Text: Acts 10:2526 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” In a world where fame is the order of the day, most people are very desperate to gain fame irrespective of what it takes. Right from the house of God to the world the desire for fame takes deeper roots than faith. When the apostle Peter arrived at Cornelius' house, he was welcomed in an unusual way. Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. Peter's response is an act of humility knowing well that God is the only one that must be worshipped. Dear beloved in the Lord, we are just mortal men and must humble ourselves. When the eye of your understanding is enlightened, the advancement of the gospel takes priority over gaining fame. Let the attitude of the apostle Peter take root in you to give honor to God and resist any urge to take God's glory or hon...

  Theme: The Awaited Visitor Text: Acts 10:23&24 23  Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day, Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.   24  And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.   Have you ever had to wait for guests or visitors that you have been expecting? I guess every sound you hear makes you feel they are here. You become eager and anxious on their arrival. In the previous devotion, we learned that the men Cornelius sent arrived safely where the apostle Peter was lodging and they were welcomed in. The text for today, talks about their journey back to Caesarea. It seems the journey from Joppa to Caesarea is two days which was why Cornelius knew just when to set his house in order before the arrival of Peter. Dear beloved in the Lord, we need to also develop a strategy to always be prepared and not be ...

Our declaration of blessings over our week will be focused on Moses’ blessings on the tribe of Benjamin. It is recorded in Deuteronomy 33:12 that, Moses said of Benjamin,  “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, w ho shelters him all the day long;  And he shall dwell between His shoulders.”   This blessing is effectual in our dispensation as God has demonstrated His love to us through Christ Jesus. Declare, “God loves me and He has given me the precious gift of Christ Jesus. The Name of Jesus is my shelter and I dwell securely in Him therefore no harm shall come near me. My family and I are preserved by the Blood of the Lamb of God from every form of evil and harm. I declare open heavens over our week and the release of supernatural protection in our going out and coming in, and in our lying down and rising up in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!   

The name Publius is believed to be of Latin origin and usually given to males which means "of the people". He is only mentioned in Acts 28:7-10 when there was a shipwreck and he welcomed the apostle Paul and his team to his home. Some characteristics of Publius: ✔ Publius is said to have an estate. His estate served a significant role in hosting the apostle Paul. Whatever we have, we should learn to share with others. ✔ Publius was the chief official of the island of Malta. He used his position to do good rather than evil. Some of us want to lord our positions over others and to belittle people. However, he used his title to welcome people who had suffered a shipwreck. Let us try in our small way to identify people in some challenge and give a helping hand.    ✔ Publius was hospitable. The apostle Paul stated that he welcomed them and treated them kindly for three days. To be able to host people for three good days without charging a thing is purely an act of love an...

Theme: Divine Instruction Text: Acts 10:21&22 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”  In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the angel instructed Peter to go meet the men downstairs without doubting anything. In the text for today, Peter meets up with the men and gets to acquaint with them and to know their mission. The response of the men affirms what the angel told Peter that he had sent them. Dear beloved in the Lord, if you are spiritually conscious, you will never fail any divine instruction concerning your marriage, conception, nurturing of children, family, ministry, businesses, career, projects, and other areas of your life. There is...

Theme: Doubting Nothing   Text: Acts 10:19&20 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise, therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned that Peter was perplexed about the trance he had, and just then the men Cornelius sent arrived at where he was lodging. The text for today concerns the voice of the Holy Spirit instructing Peter. The Holy Spirit is our guide and He instructs us in truth therefore we need not doubt His leadings. He was right to inform Peter that three men were seeking to meet him downstairs. Cornelius sent three men; two of his household servants and a devout soldier to go quickly and ask Peter to come to his house. The Holy Spirit enlightens us that, it is not Cornelius that sent these men but rather He did. Dear beloved in the Lord, the Holy Spirit can use anyone to relay a message to us so we must learn not to underrate...

Theme: Are You Perplexed? Text: Acts 10:17&18 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.  In yesterday's devotion, we learned that Peter had a trance and was asked to kill and eat unclean animals on a sheet but he objected and was told not to call what God has made clean as unclean. In today's and subsequent devotion, we will explore the aftermath of the trance and how God has divine reason for the trance Peter had. When Peter became conscious of himself, he became perplexed about the trance. Have you ever been perplexed about something unusual? I guess your response would be of course. We all have been perplexed by the unusual issues of life one way or the other. But our response determines the result or outcome of what we are perplex...

Theme: You Are Cleansed Text: Acts 10:13-16   13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that while Peter awaits to be served food he fell into a trance where a great sheet descended to him filled with unclean animals. Today's text continues with what transpired when the sheet got to Peter. Behold, a voice came to him saying,  “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” However, Peter responded  “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”  At the time of the trance, Peter was still clinging to the Levitical law not to eat unclean meat. What he failed to recall was what Jesus said that defilement comes from within rather done eating unclean food: Ma...

Theme: The Trance  Text: Acts 10:10-12   10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven open and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. In our previous devotion, we learned that at the hour of prayer, Peter went to the rooftop to pray. The text for today follows that at that time, he was starving, and while he awaited the food to be served, he fell into a trance. The physical hunger of the apostle Paul provided a spiritual provision in the trance. However, on this sheet are all the unclean animals of the earth,  wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. It is written of these creatures that they must not be eaten for they defile a man and make him unclean. Why then will such animals be offered on a great sheet bound at ...

Our righteous deeds shall not go unnoticed in the presence of God. In blessing the Levites, Moses recalled their zealous act for the Lord and sought the blessings of God upon them to continually present offerings to the Lord. The main blessing of focus for today is found in Deuteronomy 33:11 “Bless his substance, Lord, and accept the work of his hands; Strike the loins of those who rise against him, and of those who hate him, that they rise not again.” This kind of blessing is to wipe out every adversary to the Levites by hitting them where it hurts most. You can also pray this blessing over your life and that of your family.  Declare, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, my skills, concepts, and ideas are blessed and the works of my hand shall be desirable. I shall not fail but rather succeed in all that I do. I decree by the power of the Holy Spirit the loins of my adversaries are crushed to never rise again against me and my family. The overcomers’ anointing locates me and my family th...

Gideon is a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin that embodies the potency of will which means " Hewer, feller, one who cuts down, or warrior". He was the son of  Joash the Abiezrite from the tribe of Manasseh. He became a Judge of Israel when the Midianites oppressed his nation. He was nicknamed Jerub-baal and was listed as one of the heroes of faith in the Book of Hebrews. Some Characteristics of Gideon: ✔ He encountered an Angel of the Lord while threshing wheat in the winepress. The Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to his father, and declared unto him “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”   ✔ His response to the Angel's word implies he knew the mighty works the Lord had done in Israel. However, he was not pleased the Lord had forsaken and delivered them to the Midianites. Read the Bible and seek for understanding by the Holy Spirit.  ✔ He gave excuses for not being able to rescue Isra...

Theme: Pray Text: Acts 10:9 9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.  Prayer is communicating with God. The beginning of the chapter informed us Cornelius encountered an angel in the ninth hour of the day which was a time of prayer. The text for today states that at the sixth hour which is about noon, Peter went to the rooftop to pray. Prayer opens doors and reveals the ways of the Lord to us. God is not an author of confusion which is why before the men Cornelius sent could reach Peter, the Lord made known to him what was about to happen. In our subsequent devotion, we will learn how God handled the whole situation and gave each party His message. Dear beloved in the Lord, pray ceaselessly for your miracle is on the way. The secret to unlocking the closed doors of your life is to pray and you will awesomely experience the supernatural.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, grant me the zeal for p...

Theme: Act Promptly  Text: Acts 10:7&8   7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.  In yesterday's devotion, Cornelius was asked to send for Simon Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ who was at Joppa to instruct him on what to do. The text for today is the action taken by Cornelius in response to the angel's message. He did not waste time at all but called three people - two of his household servants and a devout soldier to narrate what had happened. We need to identify key people in our lives that we can share vital issues with. People who will be willing to share in our joys and sorrows. If we fail to identify such people, we will walk this journey alone or with people who are only interested in what they can get from us. Take a moment to identify friends and fami...

Theme: Send for Simon Peter Text: Acts 10:5&6 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” In yesterday's devotion, we learned that Cornelius a devoted man encountered an angel of God who told him his prayers and almsgiving had come as a memorial before God. In the text for today, the angel delivers a message to him on what he ought to do. He is to send for Simon Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ. Simon Peter had a good relationship with Jesus before and after he was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven. He was filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost. He had carried on zealously to preach the Good News to the end of the earth. He was in Joppa for ministry business and stayed with Simon a tanner whose house is by the sea. One thing to note is, that he probably preferred to be near the sea because of how easy i...

Theme: A Memorial Before God Text: Acts 10:3&4 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.  God watches and knows everything we do whether good or bad and He determines how to reward or punish us. In yesterday's devotion, we learned but the good nature of Cornelius and how he had a good relationship with both God and men. Today's text is his encounter with an angel of God that brings glad tidings his way. Encountering the angel of God was not by chance but rather because God had looked favorably on him for his charitable deeds. At the time he encountered the angel, it was the time of prayer that is around three o’clock in the afternoon. This means he was praying when he had the vision. We ought to pray always and never cease to have constant...

Theme: Are You Cornelius? Text: Acts 10:1&2 10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God always. Cornelius was a Roman army officer who lived in Caesarea. Despite his status in society, he devoted himself to the fear of God rather than to taking pride in his title. He is described as a devoted man who feared God with his household. He made a conscious effort to ensure his household was not left out in obedience to God. Just like Joshua, he has resolved to serve the Lord with his household. Dear beloved in the Lord, we need to determine our families, friends, and neighbors are not left out in the fellowship with God. Cornelius did not just reverend God but also gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God. The Cornelius' lifestyle is a fulfillment of the commandment to love God and neighb...

No one has ever been happy he has been rejected by a loved one. It is a painful experience that Moses experienced when his own people exposed him to have killed an official of Pharoah. His final blessing for the tribe of Judah highlights their unity, sufficiency, and to conquer their enemies as recorded in Deuteronomy 33:7:  And this he said of Judah: “Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people; Let his hands be sufficient for him, and may You be a help against his enemies.” Dear beloved in the Lord, your home, family, workplace, community, denomination, nation, and the world at large need unity, sufficient resources, and the grace to conquer every challenge life poses.  Declare, "By the covenant in Christ, I tap into the blessing of the tribe of Judah and decree that the unified Spirit of God unites my family and the roots of discord are uprooted and burnt into ashes. O Lord, open the windows of heaven and rain the blessings of sufficiency in our marriage, ed...

The name Ehud is a Hebrew name for males which means love, pleasant, and united. Biblically, three people were mentioned as Ehud - a descendant of Benjamin, the son of Bilhan, and a deliverer of Israel. The first Ehud mentioned who was a descendant of Benjamin, is believed to have been given other names such as Ehi, Ahiram, Aharah, Ahoah, Ahiah, and Aher. The second person called Ehud was the son of Bilhad whose father was Jediael. The third Ehud existed in the days when Judges were used to deliver Israel from its oppressors.  Although much has not been written about them all, the latter shall be our focus for study.  Some Characteristics of Ehud the Judge: ✔ The Lord raised Ehud to deliver Israel after the death of Othniel the son of Kenaz who delivered Israel from the tyranny of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. God's deliverance knows no boundary for He uses whomever He desires. Avail yourself and God can use you to deliver your family and society. ...

Theme: The Spirit Given Text: 1 John 3:23&24 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this, we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that if we approach God in godliness, we shall receive whatever we ask. Today's text elaborates on the kind of relationship we shall establish with God if we believe in Jesus Christ. Accepting Jesus opens the door for us to fulfill God's commandments. His Word teaches us to love as He loves us and to abide in truth. The Holy Spirit is given that we might have a Guide, Counsellor, and Teacher to lead us in the path of salvation. The Holy Spirit also bore witness of our sonship and He is our advocate. We cannot accomplish God's mandate without the help of His given Spirit. May you never lack the presence o...

Theme: Your Request Shall be Granted   Text: 1 John 3:20-22 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that if we genuinely give in love with truth, it can stand the test of time. Today's text further states that the guiltless shall boldly stand before God and ask Him for their desire and it shall be granted. When your conscience begins to judge you, understand that God is greater than your feelings, and he knows everything. Do not allow worldly sorrow to consume you but rather open up to God and confess your sins to Him.  The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which la...

Theme: The Assurance of the Heart Text: 1 John 3:18&19 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.  In yesterday's devotion, we mentioned our love ought to be demonstrated by acts of compassion. Today's text further emphasized deeds to show love rather than just mere utterances. Love must be demonstrated not only in deeds but companied with the truth. Our deeds of love should never be a show-off or done in pretense because if it is not done in truth it cannot stand the test of time. Love shown in deeds and truth gives us an assurance to boldly stand before the LORD confidently. Our conscience does not condemn us but we have the inner peace both before men and God. May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened to love in deeds and truth.  Let us Pray: Forgive me Lord when I have tried to please people rather than honor Your divine instruc...