The Word

Position is not possession and we ought to note that although we could be dispositioned, what we possess within can never be dispossessed no matter what the adversary tries to do. Moses' blessing to the tribe of Naphtali is to possess territories to the west and south as recorded in Deuteronomy 33:23 And of Naphtali he said: “O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south.” In as much as we have inner possessions like gifts and talents, we also have to possess territories by tapping into this divine blessing. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I decree I am a warrior and a conqueror. I take possession of my possessions in my health, marriage, career, business, education, and all spheres of my life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the favor of God satisfies me daily, and in this satisfaction, I triumph in all that I do. I declare this week and beyond to showcase the glory of God in my life in the Mighty Name of Jesus ...

The name Mordecai means "follower or servant of Marduk" or "belonging to Marduk". Mordecai was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. He was among the Jewish captives in Persia, and  a cousin to Queen Esther. Some Characteristics of Mordecai: ✔ Mordecai was among the  captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.   ✔ Mordecai was captured with his cousin Esther and he took responsibility to play the role of a foster father to her in Persia. We ought to be responsible in taking care of our siblings and others around us.   ✔ Mordecai i nforms Ahasuerus of a conspiracy against his life. Although he was not rewarded immediately he gloriously had his reward. We need to learn to protect lives and also trust God to reward us rather than expect something in return for the good we do.  ✔ Haman an official of King Ahasuerus was displeased by Mordecai's action not t...

Theme: You Have Understanding Text: 1 John 5:20&21 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. Our ability to comprehend the issues of life both physically and spiritually requires divine understanding. This understanding is in Christ Jesus who has come to uncover the mysteries of life to us in parables and stories. When we welcome Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour, we receive a new life in Him by the renewal of our minds to the knowledge of truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He bestows understanding to us to identify things that usurp us of our divine glory in Christ Jesus. In a dispensation where many things want to take our attention from the truth, we need to have a good walk with Jesus who is embodied with truth to guide us so that we can ea...

Theme: Don't Be Swayed Text: 1 John 5:19 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that anyone born of God is preserved from the antics of the wicked. The text for today enlightens us that the wicked one (the devil) has influence over the whole world and he negatively influences the world to go contrary to the purpose of God. The devil always presents deceitful theories beautifully to sway the world. An example is in the Garden of Eden where the devil deceived Eve that she would surely not die after eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It is recorded that the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave it to her husband with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked (Genesis 3:1-7). Dear beloved in...

Theme: The Wicked Cannot Touch You Text: 1 John 5:18 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. In a world where crime is on the ascendency, people are more concerned with security and so ensure that their homes a well secured and sometimes insured. But is the physical security enough? Absolutely no! We need to also safeguard ourselves spiritually. As we learned yesterday, every wrongdoing is sinful. In the text for today, we are informed those born of God do not sin but can overcome the edge of sin. Aligning to the will of God is a sure way to be secured from the wicked one. When you dwell in the shelter of the Most High God, the wicked cannot touch you and their antics against you shall never prevail. You are a child of God and His Fatherly protection shall never fail for He has said in Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I am He, a nd even to gray hairs I will carry you!  I have m...

Theme: Sin Text: 1 John 5:16&17 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. Sin is a transgression from the will of God. Whatever action we embark on that contradicts the purpose of God for our lives is a sin. The text tells us some sins lead to death while others do not. We are admonished to intercede for others so that they will be delivered from the snares of sin. Whether a sin leads to death or not, what we ought to bear in mind is that all wrongdoing is sinful. As we engage in correcting others, there is the need to pray for them too. This act of intercession is a demonstration of love and seeks to deliver a brother or sister from the path of perdition.  Let us Pray: Dear God, help me to intercede for those around...

Most of us have become a shadow of ourselves and we are living other people's lives because we want to fit into society. As a true child of God, you need to draw closer to God and develop a fellowship with God. Your life should revolve around having intimacy with God and living out as a bride to Jesus Christ the Bridegroom.  Ravi Zacharias in "I Isaac Take Thee Rebekah" made a remarkable statement that, "Become a man or woman of prayer... Let your heart and mind be kept close to the principal calling of your life, which is to hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness... Let the thoughts and intents of your heart be shaped and guided by time spent in His presence".

A close look at the life of lions with their cubs reveals that their cubs are trained and protected well as they move in company. The lions ensure there's enough for the cubs to feed on. P ower to influence and riches are in the Lord's Hands. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and His roar sends shivers to the spines of the wicked. Moses blessed the tribe of Dan in this manner in Deuteronomy 33:22 And of Dan, he said: “Dan is a lion’s whelp; He shall leap from Bashan.” Dear beloved in the Lord, if Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and Bashan is a place of wealth and fertile grounds it means that we shall move from glory unto glory without fear. We shall lack no good thing as our Master will provide for us daily and we shall leap into prosperity and abundance.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I take the form of the Lion of Judah and I am His cub. His roar shall sound anytime I open up to roar. I decree by the power of the Holy Spirit, I conquer every challeng...

Huram is a Hebrew masculine name which means free, highborn, pure, brilliant, or white-robed.  He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali (a woman of the daughters of Dan ), and his father was a man of Tyre. He was a bronze worker filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill in working with all kinds of bronze work. Some Characteristics of Huram: ✔ Huram had dual citizenship. His mother was an Israelite while his father was a Tyrian. Irrespective of one's origin God can still use the individual to do great works.  ✔ Huram was recommended by the King of Tyre to help King Solomon with the artistic works on the temple. We ought to perform our tasks well so that we can also be recommended for contracts.  ✔ Huram was a bronze worker filled with wisdom, understanding, and skills in working with all kinds of bronze. Livelihood skills are as important as white-colored jobs and must be embraced by all people for national development.    ✔ Huram gave a perf...

Theme: God Hears Text: 1 John 5:14&15 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. In Christ, we have the confidence and boldness to come before the presence of God to ask Him for anything. However, our requests must conform to His will. When we make our petitions to conform with the will of God, not ours, we triumph in the end. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed that if God is willing the cup be taken from Him but not His will but God's will be done and the Father's will prevailed. The end is a glorious resurrection and ascension to heaven. God hears every quest we put before Him and He knows the end from the beginning therefore, if the end of our request is disastrous, He will not grant it. However, if it will end in praise, He will answer. Whatever your request is, lay it before God a...

Theme: Continue to Believe Text: 1 John 5:13 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. In yesterday’s devotion, we learned that anyone who knows Jesus knows life, and no Jesus, no life. The text for today is the apostle's word of encouragement to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to keep believing in Him. Dear beloved in the Lord, you have the fullness of life as the Son has come that we may have life and have it in full. By believing in Him, nothing can usurp this life in you because the Lord Himself has freely given it to you. With Jesus, you can sail through any storm and emerge victorious.  Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, I believe in Your Son as my Saviour and Redeemer. I pray nothing shall distract my focus from this truth and may Your Holy Spirit fan aflame the gift of life in me so that I may glorify You daily. This ...

Theme: K no w Jesus, K no w Life Text: 1 John 5:11&12   11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  Eternal life is knowing  the only true God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent. Therefore, anyone who desires eternal life must know God and Jesus Christ. The text for today emphasized that he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. An inscription caught my attention while in town one day. It reads "Know Jesus, Know Life" but what really kept me thinking is the other meaning given in the inscription which is " No  Jesus, No Life". Indeed if you know and have a relationship with Jesus, you will have life and likewise, if you do not have Jesus, you have no life. Do you know or have Jesus?  Let us Pray: Almighty God, in You is the fullness of life and You freely give to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. I bel...

Theme: Do You Make God a Liar? Text: 1 John 5:10   10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the testimony of God of Jesus is far greater than any human testimony. Today's text goes further to tell us what we make of God if we reject His testimony of His Only Begotten Son who came to die for our sake. Truth proceeds from God and He has no lie in Him therefore if one fails to believe His testimony, that individual projects God as a liar. The contradiction in that is that such an individual rather embraces the deceit and lies of the devil. No one can make God a liar but rather the individual has allowed the devil to blindfold him from seeing and knowing the truth. The liberation of such an individual is in Christ Jesus, until he believes in Jesus the testimony of God, the scale that covers his eye...

Theme: The Testimony Text: 1 John 5:9 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.  Virtually every day, there is news of trending events in the world. The most longed-lived trending news in history is that which involved Jesus Christ. To get updated with what's making headlines in the news, we engage ourselves in listening, reading, and watching the news to get firsthand information. These are the testimonies of journalists and eyewitnesses and we are convinced by their testimony. The text for today enlightens us that the testimony of God concerning Christ is much greater than human testimonies. We ought to make time to study the Word of God and gain a deeper understanding of the witness of God which He has testified of His Son Jesus Christ.   Let us Pray: Dear God, grant me spiritual insight to accept Your testimony of Your Beloved Son Jesus Christ so that I can confidently proclaim...

To lead, one ought to be fair and just in relating to others. Moses' blessing for the tribe of Gad projected the tribe as a leader who conquers and executes justice. It is recorded in Deuteronomy 33:20&21  And of Gad, he said:  “Blessed is he who enlarges Gad;  He dwells as a lion a nd tears the arm and the crown of his head.  He provided the first part for himself b ecause a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there.  He came with the heads of the people;  He administered the justice of the Lord a nd His judgments with Israel.”  Anyone who desires to lead must desire this blessing from the tribe of God to excel in the home, workplace, community, nation, and the world at large.   Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, by the divine Hands of the Holy Spirit, my territories are enlarged and I am  poised like a lion  to tear off an army or a head that contends my glory. I decree I shall be the head, not the tail and I am strategically ...

Samuel is a masculine Hebrew name that means 'I have asked him of the LORD', or 'asked of God'. He was the son of Elkanah by Hannah. He was a prophet of the Lord and did marvelously in serving God. The first and second Book of Samuel is credited to him. He anointed the first king of Israel.  Some Characteristics of Samuel:   ✔Samuel's birth was miraculous as his mother sought the face of God fervently to have him. Whatever we want from God should be backed with faith and God will bless us with it.   ✔ Samuel's mother lent him to God after he was weaned. He ministered in the House of God as a child in a linen ephod and his mother annually brings him a little coat. We must dedicate our children to God and they shall grow in the true knowledge of God. ✔ As a child the Lord gave Samuel the vision of the destruction of Eli the priest's household. It was rare at his time to hear from God but God spoke with him. If we live according to God's will, He will revea...

Theme: Three Genuine Witnesses Text: 1 John 5:7&8 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that there existed three testimonies of Christ through water, Blood, and Spirit. Today's text gives accounts of three witnesses in heaven and on earth about Jesus Christ. Amazingly these three have been well delved into in yesterday's devotion. In heaven the witnesses are the Triune God; the  Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit who manifested in glory on the earth as Water, Blood, and Spirit. As we studied yesterday, the Father spoke after Jesus Christ's baptism that He is His Beloved Son. By His own Blood, Christ bore witness of Himself when a drop of His Blood upon touching the earth did miraculous things; the earth shook, the curtain to the t...

Theme: The Testimony About Jesus Text: 1 John 5:6 6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness because the Spirit is truth. In the previous devotion, we learned that anyone who believes in Jesus is a child of God possesses a love for all, and is also an overcomer. The text for today gives an account of who Jesus is. It is written that every fact shall be sustained and confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. In revealing who Jesus is, three testimonies are credited to His identity: water, blood, and the Spirit. The first testimony about Christ is revealed by water during His baptism at the Jordan when the Spirit of God came down like a dove and settled upon Him and the heaven was opened and a voice spoke saying "This is my Beloved child in whom I AM well pleased".  John pointed to Him to be the Messiah whom He prepared the way for (Refer to Matthew 3:13-17).  The second te...

Theme: You are an Overcomer Text: 1 John 5:4&5 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  In yesterday's devotion, we learned that obedience to God's commandment is an expression of love towards Him and His children. Being a child of God comes with great opportunities that often are challenged by evil battles. One of the great opportunities in the Lord is the power to overcome the evil of this age. Dear beloved in the Lord, every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. Jesus said to His disciples "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20)." Our faith in Jesus Christ grants us the victory to overcome every cha...

Theme: Loving God Text: 1 John 5:2&3   2 By this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that to be born of God is to believe in Jesus Christ and to as well love the Father and His children. The text for today enlightens us further on what it takes to love God and His children. Most often people think love is just an expression. They are totally wrong because love is hard work, that is to say, love is of an action more than just mere words expressed. In the Lord, expression of love is seen when one is obedient to the commandments of God. Amazingly, the commandments of God are not burdensome which means if we align with Him, we can easily keep to these commandments. Dear beloved in the Lord, how well are you keeping the commandments of God? If you love God you will seek to please Him and if you l...

Theme: Born of God Text: 1 John 5:1 5 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.  The joy of a new birth cannot be fully explained as the joy is unspeakable. Likewise when there is a new convert in Christ, such a person is seen as a newborn baby in the Lord. To be born of God is to believe that Jesus is the Messiah and to surrender to Him completely in every area of one's life. The new nature characterized in the newborn is love. The newborn loves unconditionally both the Father and His  children (that is all believers in Christ). Dear beloved in the Lord you cannot be born of God and not show love it simply means you are still far off. Open up the door of your heart for the Lord to transform you as you accept Him as your Messiah.   Let us Pray: Almighty God, I believe Jesus is the Christ, and in Him lies my redemption. Please take away the old nature of rage and unforgiveness...

There's no day we do not travel either long or short distances. In each journey, we hope to return home safely. Moses blessed the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar to have safe journeys and be secured in their homes. This is recorded in Deuteronomy 33:18&19 And of Zebulun he said:  “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, a nd Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.” When we enjoy peace all around, we are easily able to influence others to give honor to God. It also brings prosperity in all that we do. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Lord shall prosper the travels of my family and me. Our homes shall be peaceful and prosperity shall dwell continually in them. Our testimonies shall draw many to the gates of the Lord to seek refuge. I decree by the power of the Holy Spirit that my family and I shall enj...

Hannah is a female Hebrew name that means favor or grace. Hannah was the first wife of Elkanah and he treasured her above Penninah. She was a woman of faith and she gave birth to Samuel whom she dedicated to the service of God.  Some Characteristics of Hannah:  ✔ Hannah follows her husband each year to Shiloh to worship the Lord. This is an indication that she was faithful in following the Lord despite her childlessness. We ought to understand that God's timing is not that of man and so we must serve Him faithfully for He rewards those who serve Him diligently.  ✔ Hannah was given a double portion of the sacrifice by her husband due to that, Penninah would taunt her and she would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. This however gave her strength to seek the Lord in her predicament.  ✔ In Hannah's deep anguish, she cried bitterly as she prayed to the Lord the priest Eli had mistaken her to be drunk. The assurance from Eli made her heart gladden and she we...

Theme: God, Help Me Text: Psalm 79:9 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake! In one way or the other, we often get distressed by the overwhelming issues of life either in our personal life, that of others, marriage, health, family, workplace, or in our community. We all look up for relief and openly or secretly cry out for help. Our help can only be secured in the Lord. The psalmist called on God his salvation to deliver His nation from the oppression of the wicked. In our dispensation, Jesus is our salvation and He protects us in the glory of His Name so that when we call the Name Jesus, deliverance comes for us. The Name of Jesus is above every name in the heavens and on the earth. If we mention the Name, every tongue confesses He is Lord and knee bows to His glory. Dear beloved, trust God in Christ Jesus to deliver you from every form of satanic attack. For His Name's sake, He will ...

Theme: Be Baptized Text: Acts 10:48 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. In yesterday's devotion, Peter asked what could hinder the Gentiles from being baptized. In the text for today, he commanded they be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Jesus gave the disciples the command to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This baptism brings divine unity between the Triune God and the new convert. It is not just enough to get baptized, one must learn to grow in the faith. These Gentiles requested that Peter stay with them so that they could learn and be well-informed about the things of the Lord. Dear beloved in the Lord, be diligent to present yourself approved to God by studying the Word of God and living according to it. Let not your baptism be in vain but rather join true believers to study the Word and to apply it daily.  Let us Pray: Thank You, Lord, for the grace of baptism. Stir in me...

Theme: Can Anyone Forbid?  Text: Acts 10:46b&47 Then Peter answered,  47   “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we  have? ” In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the Gentiles had received the gift  of the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues and to magnify the Name of the Lord. The text for today is Peter's response to what will hinder the Gentiles from being baptized. Many of us have clouded our judgment with tradition and outdated principles such that we are unable to embrace changes. God is not static and has shown in the text that, He shines His light of redemption on anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter asked a remarkable question;   “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit   just as we   have? ”  Dear beloved in the Lord, can anyone hinder the Lord's blessings over your life? Never! Therefore, li...

Theme: The Gift  Text: Acts 10:45&46 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that, while Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles in Cornelius' house. Today's devotion is an explanation of what the Gentiles had experienced. Those of the circumcision got the clue that, the Gentiles have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The first sign of the gift of the Spirit was speaking with tongues. The Holy Spirit gave them the utterance to speak languages other than their native dialect. It was not by their personal ability to speak other languages but rather by the works of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has diverse gifts that He freely gives to anyone who avails to His prompting and leading. Do you desire the gift of speaking in ...

Theme: While Still Speaking Text: Acts 10:44 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.  For the past few weeks, we have been studying the encounter in Cornelius' house where the apostle Peter had been sharing the Good News with these Gentiles. The text for today enlightens us that, while Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles who heard the message. Dear beloved in the Lord, the divine manifestation of the Holy Spirit knows no boundaries when spirits are availed for His presence. Cornelius with the other Gentiles availed to the leading of the Holy Spirit and so He supernaturally manifested in them. The Holy Spirit is ready to work out for Your good even before you make a request but a hardened heart cannot allow it. Talk to God about your hardened heart and ask Him to give you the heart of flesh so that you can align with His Spirit.  Let us Pray: Come Holy Spirit and take control over my sp...

In the previous devotion, we looked at an aspect of the blessings over the tribe of Joseph. We will conclude with their blessing in today's devotion as recorded in Deuteronomy 33:15-17 "W ith the best things of the ancient mountains, w ith the precious things of the everlasting hills, w ith the precious things of the earth and its fullness, a nd the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.  Let the blessing come ‘on the head of Joseph a nd on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.’  His glory is like a firstborn bull, a nd his horns like the horns of the wild ox;  Together with them h e shall push the peoples t o the ends of the earth;  They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, a nd they are the thousands of Manasseh." This blessing bestows the best portion in all spheres of life over the tribe of Joseph who have been sold by his brothers. It is an encouragement to us that no form of pain or affliction shall deny us our blessings. Declare, "In the N...

  The name Elkanah is of Hebrew origin which means “God has purchased” or “God has created”. He was a man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. Elkanah was the father of the prophet Samuel. He had two wives; Hannah and Penninah. He is mentioned to be a devoted man who goes to Shiloh to worship the Lord annually.   Some Characteristics of Elkanah: ✔ Elkanah is a descendant of Ephriam one of the sons of Jacob. The Bible often tries to build a family tree of most characters. This serves as a reference to know the background of people.   ✔  Elkanah had two wives. It is possible he married Penninah the second wife when Hannah could not take seed. However, she made the home a living hell for Hannah. It is good to wait on the Lord and seek His face in all crises as He solely has the answer to our challenges in life.       ✔  Each year E...