The Word

Amaziah means "Jehovah makes mighty; the Lord protects; strength of Jehovah". Four individuals are named in the Bible as Amaziah: a Levite; the King of Judah; the father of Joshah; and an idolatrous priest. Our focus for study today shall be on the latter.  Some characteristics of Amaziah the priest at Bethel: ✔ Amaziah gave a wrong report about the prophet Amos to Jeroboam king of Israel. We need to authenticate pieces of information before circulating them. Giving false information has devastating  consequences .  ✔ Amaziah disrespected the prophet, Amos saying “Go, you seer!  Flee to the land of Judah.  There, eat bread, a nd there prophesy.  But never again prophesy at Bethel, f or it is the king’s sanctuary, a nd it is the royal residence.” Contrary to his assertion, Amos was a farmer before the Lord called him to deliver His message to  the Israelites. This implies Amos was not prophesying for financial benefit as Amaziah claimed. ...

Theme: Love is Not Text: 1 Corinthians 13:5 5  Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil In yesterday's devotion, we learned that love is patient and kind but not jealous, boastful, or proud. Today's devotion will continue with what love is not. First, love is not rude as ill manners are not healthy for our relationships. To be rude is to be disrespectful to others. If we love others we must not be rude to them. Second, l ove does not seek its own. Seeking one's own interest implies not regarding the interest of others.  Dear beloved in the Lord, don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Third, love is not provoked. Provocations can be very irritating so no one wishes to be provoked. If love is indwelled in us, we would not provoke others or be provoked. Fourth, love thinks no evil.  Love will put away the hurts of the past instead of clinging to them. Love  does not store up the memory ...

Theme: Love  Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up In previous devotions, we learned that if we have spiritual gifts, give all we have to the poor, or offer to die for others without love it is nothing. The text for consideration spells out what love is and not. Love is patient and kind. Love endures all things and is tenderhearted towards others. The test of love is the ability to endure and show mercy when the receiver does not deserve it. Love is not jealous, boastful or proud. Love is none of these three things outlined because their act leads to a deadly end due to unnecessary competition. Jealousy makes us hurt others, boastfulness makes us self-centred, whereas pride destroys relationships. Dear beloved in the Lord, embrace what love stands for and shun what it is not.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, I ask for the spirit of patience and kindness so that my love for others can be...

Theme: Unprofitable Care Text: 1 Corinthians 13:3   3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Charitable deeds done with an intent other than love are nothing or unprofitable. We are admonished to be cheerful givers and to take care of the poor amongst us. If we decide to bestow all our goods to feed the poor as a means of showing off, the blessing of the Lord does not locate us for we have received our rewards from men (refer to Matthew 6:1-4). In the same vein too if we offer our bodies to be burned but have no love, it profits nothing. Jesus laid down His life out of love an acceptable sacrifice for the remission of sin.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, grant me a willing spirit to do my charitable deeds in love. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!       

Theme: Prophecy, Knowledge & Faith Text: 1 Corinthians 13:2   2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. In yesterday's devotion we learned that if we can speak the language of men and angels but have no love, we are clanging cymbal. The text for consideration considers having the gift of prophecy, knowledge, and faith without love. Life is a mystery and no one can be certain of what the next seconds or minute will bring talk of hours, days, months, or the years ahead. Possessing these gifts in life is an added advantage as t hese gifts are required to foretell the future, gain insight into the past as well as the mysteries of life, and have hope in the Lord respectively which cuts across every sphere of our lives. Although these gifts are important, they become nothing without love. The love of God knows no boundary and has no limitati...

Theme: Clanging Cymbal Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels but have no love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. Love is an ingredient we cannot afford not to season our relationships with. Although speaking in tongues is important in ministry, the absence of love makes the gift of tongues sound like a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. Speaking in tongues without love is a useless noise or empty words. Therefore, it is important to season your ministry and all other relationships with love so that when you speak the language of men and angels, it will not sound as noisy or an empty word to the hearer, who will only focus on your cold attitude and mean way of life.  If you want your words to be valued let love fill your heart. Let us Pray: Lord, touch my heart and fill it up with Your love so that whether I speak the language of men or angels, it will not become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. This I ask in the Name...

One key characteristic of the Christian life is to be generous in all spheres of life to bring honour and glory to the Name of God. A powerful prayer the apostle Paul prayed for the church in Corinth is for the church to be enriched in all dimensions so that they can always be generous:  2 Corinthians 9:11&12 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I shall be enriched in every way so that I can always be generous. I decree I shall meet the needs of people with my resources and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I am blessed to be a blessing in all spheres of my life in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!    

The name Matthew is of Hebrew origin which means "gift of God, or gift of Yahweh". He is also called Levi the son of Alphaeus. He was a disciple of Jesus and the Gospel of Matthew is accredited to him. Some Characteristics of Matthew: ✔ Matthew was a tax collector. His main job is collecting taxes for the Roman authorities. He got rich by taking taxes from his own people, often by taking more than he should have.    ✔ Matthew was a disciple of Jesus Christ. While at post working,  Jesus called Matthew  to follow Him.  Matthew left his tax booth right away to follow Jesus. He left behind the source of his wealth, choosing instead to follow the Savior. He left his safe and comfortable job to go on a journey, face hardships, and die for his faith. He left his old life to start a new one with Jesus. All we need is Jesus in our lives.  ✔ Matthew held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with...

Theme: Acceptable Words Text: Proverbs 10:31&32 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Knowing what to say and when to say it is of the essence as the right word uttered at an opportune time brings life and joy to the listeners. The righteous are equipped with divine wisdom and can speak acceptable words at any given time  because they are filled with the spirit of discerning . However, the lips of the wicked are perverse. No one will encourage wicked utterance against their lives therefore, they will shut their mouths.  Aside from being physically rebuked from speaking, God can spiritually also shut the mouths of people who utter evil words. A typical example is when God frustrated the counsel of Ahithophel and his advice was rejected. Dear beloved in the Lord, note that from the abundance of the heart, the mouth s...

Theme: Not Disturbed  Text: Proverbs 10:30 30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.  The earth is the Lord's and everything thereof and He makes it available for anyone who believes in Him. If you diligently follow the Lord, you will never be disturbed by the plots of the wicked against you because you know God is faithful to grant you victory. However, the wicked have no assurance of liberty as there is no inheritance for the wicked in the Lord. Evil people can only partake of this grace if they repent and walk in the Light of God. Abiding in sin denies you your peace to possess what is rightly yours. If you don't want the storms of life to disturb you, seek God's righteousness in Christ Jesus. Let us Pray: Dear God, envelope me in Your righteousness so that my ways please You and I shall not be disturbed. Guide me to possess my possessions in the Name of Jesus Christ have I prayed. AMEN!

Theme: Divine Strength Text: Proverbs 10:29 29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. In a world of increasing ill health and other forms of life's challenges, everyone is seeking means to get fit and secure. Some have resulted in dieting, exercising, or a combination of both. However, there is a more appropriate means to gain strength which is found in the way of the Lord. Jesus is the way and in Him the righteous draw strength to withstand the darts of the wicked - Let the weak say I am strong (Joel 3:10b). Taking the way of the Lord gives us an assurance of divine strength as stated in Isaiah 40:31 " But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint". On the other hand, the wicked have no hope of being strengthened as their path leads to destruction. Failing to walk in the way of the Lord ex...

Theme: Divine Prospect Text: Proverbs 10:28 28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Each passing day of our lives is carried with the hope of achieving something worthwhile to satisfy physical or spiritual needs. For the righteous, there is hope to live even after death. Life never ends for the righteous as he looks forward to a glorious eternal life with the Sovereign God. For this reason, the apostle Paul stated "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain". However, the wicked do not have this hope as their expectation will perish. A good example is the rich man and Lazarus: While the rich man failed to be hospitable to his miserable neighbour Lazarus, after death, he was more miserable than Lazarus and begged for just a drop of water to quench his thirst. There awaits the wicked an eternal damnation whereas the righteous will be glad in the Lord's presence.  Let us Pray: Dear God, have mercy on me and blot ou...

Theme: Prolonged Life Text: Proverbs 10:27 27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. God is the giver of life and takes it at any time He deems fit to do so. His joy is seeing His beloved children enjoy prolonged days on the earth in victory and taking dominion over the earth. However, He is not pleased with wickedness, therefore the lives of the wicked are shortened. As it is written, the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Over the years, I've understood that God is more interested in our salvation than what we can offer Him. I take this clue from Luke 15:7  Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one especially wicked person who repents (changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance. Do you desire a prolonged life? Then fear the Lord. Let us pray: Lor...

You cannot give others what you do not have. It implies you need to have something to offer it. God is a great provider and He always provides for His children such that they are generous. This is recorded in 2 Corinthians 9:10 " For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you".  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I declare the Lord as my Shepherd so I shall lack no good thing. Just as God provides for the farmer, my toils shall not be in vain. I decree the Lord will provide and increase resources in my marriage, education, career, business, finances, projects, and all spheres of my daily and I shall cheerfully give to support others in need. My supply chain shall never fail henceforth in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!  

The name Nathan is of Hebrew origin which means “given,” "he gave," and "gift of God,". There are two people named Nathan in the Bible; the prophet of God and one of the sons of David by Bathsheba. Our study today shall focus on the former. He was a prophet in the reign of King David and played a significant role in transforming the king.   Some Characteristics of the Prophet Nathan: ✔ Nathan delivered the Lord's message to David concerning his desire to build a temple for the Lord. When King David decided to build a temple for the Lord he confided in the prophet who gave the go-ahead but later God spoke to him to tell David one of his sons would rather build it. It is sometimes difficult to give a contrary opinion after giving someone full support on an agenda. However, this never deterred the prophet Nathan from relaying the message of God to the king.      ✔ Nathan reproves David for his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. The prophet Nathan used...

Theme: Irritants  Text: Proverbs 10:26 26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him. Have you ever had to work with lazy people? I guess you felt irritated all the time when they failed to play their part in the assignment given to them. The proverb for study today likened the lazy man to vinegar and smoke. The sourness of vinegar and the tendency to have teary eyes  while around smoke  are quite irritating to anyone who encounters such an ordeal. A perfect example of a lazy person is in the parable of the talents. Amazingly, the one with the least talent did nothing to add value to his talents but rather had an excuse to give about the master's attitude (Refer to Matthew 25:24-28). Dear beloved in the Lord, if you are lazy note that you are an irritant to others so get up and get busy with your responsibilities. Do well to also gently point out to others who are lazy the effect of their sluggishness. Let us Pray: Dear God, I...

Theme: The Storms of Life Text: Proverbs 10: 25 25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the fears of the wicked will be fulfilled however,  the hopes of the godly will be granted. The text for today continues to look at what befalls the evil and the godly. The whirlwind symbolizes storms of life or troubles that befall us. The storms of life hit both the wicked and the righteous however, the wicked have  no foundation to stand on when it comes. The wicked stands as a building without a solid foundation that comes crashing when hit by a storm. On the other hand, the righteous man's foundation is in Christ Jesus therefore no storm of life can crash him. The godly have a lasting foundation as they are established on the Rock of Ages. Dear beloved in the Lord, if you desire an everlasting foundation, walk the talk of faith in Christ Jesus.  Let us Pray: Dear God, please ...

Theme: Hopes Granted Text: Proverbs 10:24 24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. The heart of the wicked is restless and constantly in fear and panic because they know their deeds when brought to light will ruin them completely. They know well their deeds are evil and undesirable in society however, they do it anyway. Their misdeeds run from murder, covetousness, slander, malice, satanic plots, conspiracies, blackmail, bribes, corrupt practices, adultery, and the things of the flesh. As they carry out these diabolic deeds they also dread the consequences of their actions. The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;  He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, w ill suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.  On the other hand, the desire of the righteous will be granted. God will ensure that what the righteous hopes for shall not be denied even if it tarries. The  hopes of the godly will be granted for G...

Theme: Living Wisely Text: Proverbs 10:23 23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. In a dispensation where crime is ascending, most people no longer care what happens to their neighbours. Often people turn to take delight in filming crime and sharing on social handles for fun. The proverb today states that doing wrong is fun for a fool. Do you take pleasure in encouraging and doing evil for fun? Dear beloved in the Lord, it is time to rethink and live wisely. Anyone with wisdom sees evil for what it is and avoids it entirely. Living wisely implies putting things right and knowing the distinction between evil and good and when to discourage and encourage them respectively. For  living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. Let us Pray: Father, take away from me the desire to do wrong for fun,  but rather ignite in me the spirit of living wisely. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!     

Theme: Blessed with Riches Text: Proverbs 10:22 22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Understanding that every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning makes us direct all successes to the glory of God. The source of wealth is God and when He blesses us with riches, we are also endowed with wisdom to make good use of these riches. Many rich people are miserable and feel great sorrow along with their riches as they have to think of how to get more wealth, how to ensure they sustain this wealth, and the fear of losing it by the slightest mistakes they make. These fears and sorrow can be taken care of if one establishes a good relationship with God. Job was restored far better than what he lost because he kept faith in God. On the other hand, the young rich fool lost his life sorrowfully because of his cynical mindset. If you desire wealth without sorrow, look...

The ability to help others sometimes is influenced by what you have to offer. If you lack the means to support either financially or the technical know-how, it will be difficult to give good assistance. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, the apostle Paul's prayer is that "God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others". May this grace locate you right now in the Name of Jesus Christ. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I decree God will generously provide all I need and there shall always be excess to cheerfully share with others. I decree the Holy Spirit is at work in me to equip me with the requisite skills, concepts, and ideas to be an answer to the cry of others. This week and beyond is true evidence of God's grace of abundance in all spheres of my life in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Our character study today shall be on the biblical figure Sosthenes. Sosthenes is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning "safe strength". The name has been mentioned twice biblically, first as a Corinthian ruler and secondly as a supporter of the apostle Paul .  Some Characteristics of Sosthenes: ✔  Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue probably concurrently with Crispus who became a Christian with his household. The ruler of the synagogue was the man chosen to care for the physical arrangements of the synagogue services. This implies, Sosthenes was rendering a good service in the synagogue. ✔ When  Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment but Gallio did not give them a listening ear and threw them out of the courtroom. Unfortunately, Sosthenes was grabbed by the crowd and beaten but Gallio paid no attention. In our line of duty, we are likely to face some challenges bu...

Theme: Words of Encouragement  Text: Proverbs 10:21 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. When words are spoken at the right place and time, lives are touched and transformed for the better but the reverse is true if words are not uttered rightly. Sharing the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ with others and enlightening them on the essence of heeding the message, is an encouragement. Control your lips to utter words that bring life if not you will never escape the consequence of your words. This proverb categorically states that fools die for lack of wisdom. Wisdom is in the knowledge and fear of God so seek to align your ways to the Lord's. Let us Pray: Touch my lips with Your burning fire Lord so that the words that proceed from my lips shall be seasoned to feed many. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!    

Theme: Choice Silver Text: Proverbs 10:20 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. The tongue of the righteous is very desirable as the words that proceed from it are heartwarming. The words of the righteous do not cause harm but rather give encouragement and good counsel, making them choicest silver. These words are produced from a heart that cherishes and values others and seeks to gladden their hearts and leave lasting memories behind them. However, the heart of the wicked devises evil intentions and has nothing worth offering. Dear beloved in the Lord, groom your heart with the Word of God to stir up joy in others through your utterances. Note that the heart of the wicked is worth little and we must reach out to such individuals to draw them closer to the Sovereign God. Let us Pray: Lord I pray the Holy Spirit to take control over my utterances and guide me to utter words that are of the choicest silver. Heal my heart and equip ...

Theme: Multitude of Words Text: Proverbs 10:19 19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. A person who talks too much will soon veer off from a godly speech to satisfy his listeners whose ears are tingling to hear more. The more you talk, the more likely you are to say unwholesome things. Therefore, it is important to apply the principle of being swift to hear but slow to speak; listen more and speak less so that you are not tempted to utter words of folly. You are wise if you restrain your lips from speaking because you might save the day with your silence. The chaos that would have been kindled by your words has been avoided simply because you chose not to talk. This does not in any way suggest one must be aloof. However, it is teaching that we should be mindful of what we say especially when we become too comfortable talking with our companions. Choose your words wisely and avoid too much talk. Let us Pray: Dear God, restrain my lips fro...

Theme: A Liar & a Fool Text: Proverbs 10:18 18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. Pretence is a destructive tool that erodes truth in an individual's heart and leaves behind gullies of hatred that produce lying lips. People who have ulterior motives or are revengeful are often portrayed as though they have forgiven whereas they are just waiting for an opportune time to cause harm. If you hide hatred, you are a liar. A liar is good at spreading false and unsupported accusations against others to discredit them before others. Today's proverbs say,  whoever spreads slander is a fool. Therefore every liar is a fool too. Dear beloved in the Lord, never give room for malice, unforgiveness, vengeance, slander and the like for they will make you a liar and a fool.  Let us Pray: Dear God, please remove far from me bitterness, hatred, slander, unforgiveness, and revengeful thoughts. Deliver me from lying lips and foolishness. Make me wise Lo...

Theme: Life!  Text: Proverbs 10:16&17 16 The labour of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin. 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.  Our world provides us with two sides of existence; good and evil. To each of these, there is always an outcome. The outcome is determined by what has been done. The labour of the righteous is life-giving that is to say, t he earnings of the godly enhance their lives. However,  evil people squander their money on sin. Godliness is attained in obedience to the instructions of God. Therefore, people w ho accept discipline are on the pathway to life,  but those who ignore correction will go astray. How do you respond to correction? If you embrace it and heed it, you will enhance your life and those associated with you.  Let us Pray: Thank You, Lord, that righteousness gives life and this is found in Christ Jesus. Help me to embrace correction so that I ...

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God (Psalm 90:1&2). Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, fear has no hold over me because the only voice I hear is the voice of truth in Christ Jesus that says I must be strong and courageous not afraid or dismayed for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go. I decree I shall not be frightened. I shall trample underfoot whatever rises against me and my family as lion or serpent (strong or cunning) for we hold fast to the Lord in love and we know His saving Name; Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!  God will answer us when we call and He will be with us in every challenge to rescue and honor us. God will satisfy us with a long life and show us His salvation in Christ Jesus. AMEN & AMEN!" Supporting Scriptures: Joshua 1:8&9; Psalm 90:1&2; & Psalm 91

Our study for today shall be on the persistent widow. Although her name was not given, the parable is full of lessons and we ought to learn from her. She was a widow in an unnamed city as recorded in Luke 18:1-8.  Some Characteristics of the Persistent Widow: ✔ She lost her husband who was to stand up to defend her course. In life, we ought to understand that, a time will come when those who stand for us might either rise against us or may not always be with us. We ought to learn to defend our own course with little or no help. Violence is not the key though.    ✔ She sought justice at the right place. She went to the unjust judge in the city saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary'. We ought not to take the law into our own hands no matter how unfavourable it is going against us. We must seek justice in the house of God or better still from the court like this widow.  ✔ It is recorded that she kept pushing her way for justice such that the unjust judge decided...

Theme: Rich Man's Wealth Text: Proverbs 10:15  15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty.  The wealth of the rich is their fortress for riches to some level provides security and necessities. It is often difficult for the rich to be cheated or disadvantaged in life unlike the poor whose poverty leads to their destruction. What the rich can do with ease the poor struggles and often takes lots of time to achieve. There is a good side to riches that must be embraced with hope.  Let us Pray: Abba! Father, bless me with divine riches so that I can use it for Your glory. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!    

Theme: Store Up Knowledge Text: Proverbs 10:14 14 Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Knowledge is basically about  facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. It is the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. We need to be abreast with issues of life and also be ready to learn. In so doing, we gain wisdom that makes us potentially fit in both our spiritual and physical spheres of life. However, if we reject knowledge, we are only destroying ourselves. Dear beloved in the Lord, you can never tell where you might find yourself someday but if you store up knowledge in academia, livelihood skills, spiritual maturity, and other spheres of your life, you can quickly fit in than to be found wanting. Do not allow ignorance to lead you near destruction. Let us Pray: Almighty God, it is written anyone who lacks wisdom should ask and You shall give freely. I ask for wisdom. Please help me to store up wis...