The Word

Theme: What's Your Stumbling Block? Text: Revelation 2:14&15 14 But I have a few things against you because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.  In previous devotion, we learned that the Lord acknowledged the works of the church in Pergamos. However, in the text for today, the Lord brings to light the detestable things they do in His sight. Idolatry is a despicable thing in the sight of God. Engaging in worshipping the creation other than the Creator is not right we dishonour God in doing so. The church in Pergamos was also reprimanded for its corrupt deeds of twisting the truth or justice, it also could said to have tried to hijack the destiny of people so as not to prosper them in the things they ought to prosper in as Balaam was...

 No man does not need help. Everyone needs help either physically or spiritually sometimes both. The only means to get genuine help is in the Lord. He will deliver you from the wicked as He cannot be bribed to cause you harm. The psalmist knew of this and declared in  Psalm 54:4&5 "God is my helper!  The Lord is the provider for my life.  My enemies spy on me.  Pay them back with evil.  Destroy them with your truth!" Declare, "O God, in You I seek help for my life, family, spouse, children, health, career, business, ministry, projects, and all spheres of my life. Provide for me Lord and make me exceedingly prosperous. May the eyes of the wicked that spy on me be gouged out and consumed into ashes by the fire of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord's truth crown me with victory and put my adversaries to shame this time forth and forevermore in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

The name Rhoda means "rose". She was a servant girl who lived with Mary the mother of John Mark. She was only mentioned once in the Bible for her significant role in Acts 12:12-17. Some Characteristics of Rhoda: ✔ Rhoda stayed with Mary the mother of John Mark. We must understand that it is no crime to serve others for we will get the reward if we do not faint.   ✔  Rhoda was dutiful and diligent. She answered  as Peter knocked at the door. Likely, she often answers everyone who knocks at the door, so she is just doing her normal chores. We must serve well so that we do not miss opportunities that may come our way. Rhoda had her name mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles simply because she went to answer the door you can never tell what yours might be.  ✔ It is recorded that Rhoda was able to recognize Peter’s voice. As we relate with others either at home, neighbourhood, community, church, or workplace, we must learn to know them well. Cultivate the habit of re...

Theme: Hold Fast in Faith Text: Revelation 2:13   13  "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells." The Lord is omniscient and He knows us individually. God knows what we do openly and secretly. In the text for consideration, the Lord stated that He knows the works of the church of Pergamos and all that happens in their habitation. The church of Pergamos held fast to the Name of the Lord and did not deny faith in God even when faced with death. The church of Pergamos was located among idolaters and people who detest the message of the Lord. To prevent the church from holding on faithfully, some members of the church like Antipas were put to death. Dear beloved in the Lord, can you hold fast to the Lord faithfully in times of adversity? It is not just by word of mouth but rather the test of our spiri...

Theme: Epistle to Pergamos Text: Revelation 2:12 12  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword' In our previous devotion, we have looked at two great churches - Ephesus and Smyrna. Today's focus will be the Lord's letter to the church of Pergamos. The Lord addressed Himself as the One who has the sharp two-edged sword. The sharp two-edged sword is the Word of God which went out of the mouth of the  Son of Man  in Revelation 1:16. The Word of God  is living, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart ( Hebrews 4:12 ). When the Lord's Word comes forth we ought to understand that it is intended to cut through without any resistance to bring to light what is hidden.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, Your Word is truth and light as a sharp two-edged sword. Please help me ...

Theme: The Lord Shall Answer You Text: Psalm 18:4-6 4 The pangs of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. 5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears. The psalmist was in a distressed situation where he had been surrounded by death:  pangs of death,  floods of ungodliness,  sorrows of Sheol,  snares of death, and  distress. Dear beloved in the Lord, circumstances around us can make us feel death is choking us on all sides. Sickness, wickedness,  torrents of destruction, pain, disappointment, and all forms of evil happening in our lives or environment can destabilize us. What we ought to do is to cry out to God for help as the psalmist did. No one has ever called on God for help and has been disappointed. God hears and listens to every prayer we offer eith...

Theme: You Shall Overcome Death Text: Revelation 2:11 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”   Death is inevitable therefore, we ought to think of it at any given point of our lives. After being admonished, The church in Smyrna is urged to heed the Lord's command. Dear beloved in the Lord, we must adhere to what the Spirit communicates to us through the Word of God. The essence of adhering is that we shall divinely escape the hurt of the second death. On the Day of the Lord, deliverance shall come for those who have faithfully kept to what the Spirit instructed however those who were disobedient shall be hurt by the second death where there will be gnashing of teeth. The first death is a separation of the body from the spirit however, the second death is the torment of the spirit in the unquenchable fire of hell.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, I pray for Your grace of obedience ...

Theme: Be Faithful Text: Revelation 2:10 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Our lowest moment often comes with fear; fear of the unknown. This often shakes the foundation of our faithfulness in the Lord.  To be faithful means remaining loyal and steadfast. The test of loyalty and steadfastness is evident in how one can withstand trials or difficult moments.  The church in Smyrna is been encouraged by the Lord to not fear what it will suffer. In a dispensation where evil is seen as normal and the church faces diverse attacks, we need to remain faithful to receive the crown of life. Dear beloved in the Lord, the prison of our dispensation is where we are put under conditions that terrify us or uncomfortable because of our beliefs. Fear not for  the testing ...

There is potency in names and some names can open doors for you. Some names in history are automatically of high goodwill to those with such names. Aside from the human names with goodwill, there exists a name that is a strong tower and uncompromised security. This name is Jesus'. The psalmist employs God's name in prayer in Psalm 54:1&2 " Save me, O God, by Your name, a nd vindicate me by Your strength.  Hear my prayer, O God;  Give ear to the words of my mouth".  Declare, "I am saved and defended in the Name of Jesus Christ, therefore, I trample underfoot every orchestration of darkness against my life, family, marriage, children, finances, career, businesses, projects, and all spheres of my life. By the enabling glory of the Holy Spirit,  I decree  God shall give ear to my prayers and all my expectations shall be met beyond my imagination. I am blessed in all spheres of my life in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!"       

The name Sennacherib means  "sin has replaced the brothers". He was the King of Assyria at the time Hezekiah reigned in Jerusalem. He was victorious over many nations, making him pompous to defile the Sovereign God.  Some Characteristics of  King Sennacherib: ✔ King Sennacherib defeated many nations including Israel and some fortified cities of Judah. King Hezekiah of Judah attempted a peace treaty with him but it did not end well. We must understand that victory comes from God and not from one's own strength. ✔  King Sennacherib adopted a strategy of putting fear in his prey before attacking. He sent his officials to Jerusalem with this message  “This is what King Sennacherib of Assyria says: Why are you so confident as you live in Jerusalem while it is blockaded?... Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you or persuade you like this. Don’t believe him. No god of any nation or kingdom could save his people from me or my ancestors. Certainly, your God will not re...

Theme: You Are Rich Text: Revelation 2:9 9 I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  Our world is suffering almost every passing minute and to survive one must decide whether to conform to the dictates of the world or align with the will of God. That is deciding between physical riches or spiritual riches. Choosing the former is what many have embraced thereby engaging in corrupt practices to amass wealth for themselves. This should not be what we as children of God should go after but rather aligning to the will of God in obedience. The church in Smyrna was outwardly poor but spiritually rich because it chose the path of truth and light over the deceitful dark path of sin. Dear beloved in the Lord, nothing is hidden from God therefore whatever you do in the closet will be revealed on the Day of the Lord. The Lord acknowledged the works, tribulation, and poverty...

Theme: Epistle to Smyrna Text: Revelation 2:8 8  And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life The next church we will discuss today is the church of Smyrna. The Lord Jesus Christ addresses Himself as the First and the Last, He who was dead and came to life. Indeed, Jesus was in the beginning, for He was God's spoken Word that brought everything into being; "Let there be...". He will also bring everything to an end on the Day of the Lord where He will gather together the faithful saints. Christ  died for our sins, but He is alive, for He rose for our justification, and lives to make intercession for us. Through His death, Christ purchased our salvation to attain eternal life. Dear beloved in the Lord, this letter to Smyrna is to our dispensation as well as we await the return of the Lord the second time. How worthy would you present yourself before the First and Last, He who was dead and now lives...

Theme: Saved from the Enemy Text: Psalm 18:1-3 18 I will love You, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;  My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. By no fault of David, he became an enemy to King Saul who sought every means to eliminate him. Likewise, there are people out there who have made themselves our enemies ready to attack us by all means. Our secured protection is solely in God who is our strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of our salvation, and stronghold. If you divert your security from the Lord, then you have automatically sold yourself to destruction. Call upon the Lord and He will rescue you. The Lord is worthy to be praised therefore let your testimonies sing His love and mercies for God will never fail to save you from your enemies.  Let us Pray: Almighty G...

Theme: The Reward of Life Text: Revelation 2:7 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” The Lord's Word comes freely to all to listen. When we hear the Word, we need to apply wisdom and act promptly on what it says. The caution to the church of Ephesus also applies to our dispensation: " He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". To heed the Word of God implies obedience to its teaching and living to serve and please God truthfully. In obedience, we must return to our first love, then, we shall overcome and partake of the Tree of Life. The tree of life in the Paradise of God has angels charged to it to prevent the fallen man from eating its fruit. An assurance is given here that anyone who  overcomes Christ will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. This is a pr...

Theme: Detesting the  Nicolaitans  Deeds   Text: Revelation 2:6 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Detesting what God detests is a sure way to draw closer to Him and have a good relationship. Although the church in Ephesus was said to neglect its first love, a compliment was given in this text that they also hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans indulge in idolatry and adultery. These deeds are detestable to the Lord and He has warned the church not to engage in them. Dear beloved in the Lord, yearn for the will of God in all things and do well to disassociate with any act of sin. The deeds of the Nicolaitans are sinful therefore never entertain any deeds of theirs in your life.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, open my eyes to know the deeds of the Nicolaitans and help me to hate them as You do. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!     

 God crowns us with glory at each given time of our lives. If we accept our flaws and look to Him, He will deliver us from our weaknesses and crown us with victory. Joshua whom satan accused was adorned with a clean turban according to the command of God. Zechariah 3:5 ~  And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by. Dear beloved in the Lord, do not look for a better tomorrow elsewhere aside Jesus for He will adorn you from head to toe with victory.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I receive a clean turban on my head to be the head, not the tail. To conquer and triumph in all spheres of my life. The clean turban on my head equips me with knowledge, wisdom, understanding, ideas, concepts, and insightful vision to do great exploits. By the power of the Holy Spirit, every filthy garment on me has been set ablaze and I put on the clothes of glory in Chr...

Our study shall be on the man of Gadara recorded in Luke 8:26-39 & Matthew 8:28-34. Unfortunately, his real name was never given in the passage except for  Legion  the demon that lived in him. He encountered Jesus, was delivered from the powers of darkness and was tasked to proclaim what the Lord had done for him.  Some Characteristics of the Man of Gadara: ✔ The man of Gadara was mad and evil-possessed as well. He  wore no clothes, nor lived in a house but in the tombs. In as much as we see the insane physically unclothe and have no regard for it if one is spiritually insane, such a person is no different from this man. We need to ask Christ to clothe us spiritually.     ✔ The demon in the man controls him and decides his fate. It is stated that oftentimes, the demon  seized him while he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Failure to allow the power of Go...

Theme: First Love Text: Revelation 2:4&5 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the first letter to the churches was sent to Ephesus and the church was praised for keeping to diligence and hating the works of darkness. Despite its great characteristics, God states His displeasure for forsaking its first love. The phrase "left your first love" seems to suggest the church in Ephesus parted ways with its first love likely by actions over time. Our first love is Jesus Christ and when we surrender to Him, we often put up good habits and desire the Lord's will above ours. However, the pressures of life and sometimes complacency make us feel we are still what we used to be while building up spiritual maturity: Being fert...

Theme: The Ephesus Christian Text: Revelation 2:2&3 2  I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Walking with Christ requires that you become spiritually alert and sensitive to your environment. This is what the Christians in Ephesus possess. Take note that the church is not a building but individuals that make up the body of Christ. Collectively and individually, Christ knows each and every one of us either publicly or secretly. The church in Ephesus has been identified for  what it has done,  how hard it has worked and how it has endured. As children of God, we ought to work hard for the Lord and to endure through the thin and thick of life knowing He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. In as much as we ser...

Theme: A  Prime  Letter  Text: Revelation 2:1 2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands This chapter of Revelation opens with a letter to the church of Ephesus the first of its kind from the Supreme One to His church. It is revealed in this text that every church has an angel assigned to it: either a physical or spiritual one that is the head of the church or a spiritual messenger of God. We must ask God to open our eyes to identify the angel assigned to our church. Jesus the sender of the letter addresses Himself as "He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands". The seven stars  are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Jesus describes Himself as One who holds the seven stars in His right hand because He has authority and His unfailing...

Theme: Love Abides Forever Text: 1 Corinthians 13:13 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. The text for consideration is the final verse about love. Over the weeks gone by, we have learned much about love and compared its efficacy with other gifts of the Spirit. Today's text admonishes us to abide in faith, hope, and love however the greatest of these is love. David Guzik commented on this final verse stating that t he three great pursuits of the Christian life are not “miracles, power, and gifts” but rather faith, hope, and love. Though the gifts are precious, and given by the Holy Spirit, they were never meant to be the focus or goal of our Christian lives. Instead, we pursue faith, hope, and love.  What is your Christian life focused on? What do you really want more of? It should all come back to faith, hope, and love. If it doesn’t, you need to receive God’s sense of priorities and put your focus where it belongs.    He f...

Theme: Face to Face Text: 1 Corinthians 13:12 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. The glorious presence of God is a land we all yearn to see someday. For now, what we experience is a foretaste of what will come. The reflection of this amazing presence is dim because as we studied in previous devotion, we have not yet attained perfection. As the Israelites could not see Moses face to face because of his countenance after speaking with God, so is our imperfection not paving the way for us to fully grasp the glorious presence of God. However, the day of the Lord is an opportunity to be with the Lord face to face. Our fellowship with the Father shall be perfect and we shall know Him fully.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, now I  see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, and all that I know now is partial and incomplete. Thank You for the gift of Your love in Christ Jesus so...

No one goes out in a garment of filth if not others may mistake him for a lunatic. The garment of filth can restrict your access to great opportunities and deny you the joy of life. This was the case of Joshua in Zechariah 3:3&4 "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.  Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him, He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”"  Dear beloved in the Lord, the garment of filth represents sin, sickness, reproach, stagnation, setbacks, depression, and all the evil vices of the wicked against your life. However, if you entrust your life to Jesus Christ, He will remove this garment of filth from you and clothe you with rich robes. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, every garment of filth in my spiritual life, marriage, health, family, finances, career, business, and all sphere...

In last week's devotion, we learned that the name Amaziah means "Jehovah makes mighty; the Lord protects; strength of Jehovah". We looked at the priest Amaziah last week but we will focus on the King of Judah for our study today.  Some Characteristics of King Amaziah: ✔ Amaziah was the son of King Joash of Judah and h is mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.  He began to reign in the second year of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel at age twenty-five. He r eigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem.   ✔ Amaziah did what was right in the sight of God although not as David did. We should use our position in society or the workplace to bring honour to God. ✔ As soon as Amaziah had firm control over the kingdom, he executed the officials who had killed his father, the former king. But he didn’t execute their children. He obeyed the Lord’s command written in the Book of Moses’ Teachings: “Parents must never be put to death for the crimes of thei...

Theme: Letting go of Childishness Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. There is a child in everyone but the ability to know when to let it go is prominent. Our previous devotion has been enlightening us on choosing love over spiritual gifts. Christian maturity comes with letting go of childishness. A childish Christian cherishes the gifts of the spirit above dwelling in love with his neighbour. When such an individual attains spiritual maturity he gains insight into what is more profitable thereby choosing love over things. Dear beloved in the Lord, do you still struggle to love freely? That is the spiritual childishness at play in you. Invite the Holy Spirit to stir up the love of Christ in you so you can let go of childishness. Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, not rude, not easily provoked, not quarrelsome, and not disobedient.  Let us Pray:...

Theme: Attaining Perfection Text: 1 Corinthians 1:9&10 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that there's an end to everything. The text for today gives a further overview of this analogy. The human nature is full of imperfections but with God, there is always perfection. Our knowledge is partial and our ability to speak what God has revealed is also partial. This simply means there are some secret things we know nothing about making our knowledge imperfect. The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those revealed belong to us and our children forever. Perfection is attained in Christ Jesus. His second coming will eradicate every imperfection then we can attain perfection in Him. Don't be all puffed up because you have some certificate or skills for these are all imperfect or better still incomplete knowledge. Let us Pray: Dear...

Theme: There's An End to Everything Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away To everything in existence, there would surely come an end. That is, they would cease to exist. Just like how human beings die and are no longer present so would the gifts we have one day would cease. Whether be it the gift of prophecies, tongues, or knowledge they would cease at a point in time to give way to the perfect ceaseless presence of God. The only thing that would not cease is love for that is the true nature of God. When we appear before Him in His glory, love will bind us to Him, not our spiritual gifts. Dear beloved in the Lord, in as much as we desire to be filled with the gifts of the Spirit, we should understand that building a good relationship with the Lord is the utmost thing to do for that is what sums up the entirety of the law.  Let us Pray...

Theme: Virtues of Love Text: 1 Corinthians 13:7 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. In our previous devotions, we have looked at all that entails love. The text for consideration will look at the virtues of love. These virtues are bears, beliefs, hopes, and endures all things.  Love is said to bear all things because it never gives up nor does it focus on the wrong done but rather covers it to avoid fueling evil and unforgiveness. Love believes all things therefore it  never loses faith. Love also hopes all things thereby trusting God for better days ahead. Love endures all things no matter the  circumstance it strives to remain pure and true. In our walk with Christ, we can only be identified as His followers if we love as He has loved us. We can best fulfil this by displaying the virtues of love in our daily lives. According to  David Guzik, t here is a reason why Paul put this chapter amid his discussion of spiritual gif...

Theme: Love Rejoices Text: 1 Corinthians 13:6 6  Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth  Today's devotion focuses on what love rejoices in and not. To rejoice is to show great delight or joy in something. Love delights in truth but does not take delight in iniquity. Lies, deceit, and evil manipulations must not give love shades of grey but rather love must remain resolute to the truth. Purity is a component of love and so we must rejoice in it by doing away with ungodly living. Keeping the truth away from those we love is wrong for when the truth is revealed we will weep instead of rejoicing.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, make me rejoice in the truth and avoid the works of iniquity. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!   

The unwelcoming and unpleasant moment of life is being accused by an adversary. The devil has been an accuser of the brethren from the beginning of the age. Zechariah 3:1&2 " Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”" Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I overturn every negative and demonic judgment that has been passed against me and my family by the Blood of the Lamb of God. I decree, the Lord rebuke every evil agenda against our destinies and grant us victory over the accusations of the wicked. I decree we are a brand plucked from the fire by the saving Blood of Jesus Christ. I decree we are saved and will remain saved in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!