The Word

The sons of Sceva were only mentioned in chapter nineteen of the Acts of the Apostles . Although their names were never mentioned, they were seven brothers from the same father.  Some Characteristics of the Sons of Sceva: √ Sceva, a Jewish chief priest was the father of these brothers. Although a Jewish chief priest, his seven sons failed to learn from him. These brothers were clearly extorting from the vulnerable until they were disarmed by the evil spirit that attacked them.  √ The sons of Sceva were amongst the  itinerant Jewish exorcists who took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Until you connect to the Lord, you cannot employ His Name effectively. Do not call on the Name of the Lord in vain.  √ The sons of Sceva were attacked by a demonic spirit that questioned their spiritual status: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in w...

Theme: A Pure Heart  Text: 2 Timothy 2:22 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  The Christian must have a pure heart as Christ in relating with others so that it can be reflective in his communion with the Lord. We are called to flee youthful lusts. Youthful lusts describe the desires and temptations that are especially prominent when someone is an adolescent or young adult. Sexual temptation, illicit pleasure of the flesh, and a longing for fame and glory often mark one’s youth. We must not encourage or entertain the youthful lusts aforementioned. As much as we flee from bad things, we must as well pursue the good. To overcome lustful urges, we must pursue righteousness by embracing the ethical standard of Christ, not that of the world. Pursuing Christ's righteousness diligently enhances our faith, and stirs up love, and peace in us. Our motive either towards our fellow humans or God is...

Theme: Equipped for Every Good Work Text: 2 Timothy 2 21 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that there are both vessels for honour and dishonour in the Lord's house. The text for today admonishes us to cleanse ourselves from vessels for dishonour. This change will grant us the opportunity to become vessels for honour. As stated yesterday, we ought to live to please and serve God. Dear beloved in the Lord, availing to serve God in the smallest way we can make us useful for God. The Lord equips us for every good work when we are willing to be used by Him. Irrespective of your field of work, you can attain perfection if you rely on the empowering grace of God. He will establish you and crown you with victories.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, I plead the cleansing Blood of Jesus to wash me clean from every guilt. I ask for the e...

Theme: Vessel for Honor Text: 2 Timothy 2:20 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour.  Growing up, there are plates and cups set aside for visitors. These items are only washed, used for visitors, and kept safe for another opportune time. The apostle Paul used a similar analogy but with a great house, the Lord's. In the house of God, there are vessels of gold and silver and wood and clay. We are the vessels in the house of God. Our services in the house determine whether we are vessels for honour or dishonour. If we present ourselves worthy in Christ, that's living to please and serve God, we shall be vessels for honour. However, if we are lukewarm, then we shall be vessels for dishonour. Which vessel are you?  Let us Pray: Almighty God, have mercy upon me for not availing myself as a vessel for honour. Holy Spirit help me to live to please and serve God all the days of my life. Thi...

Theme: You're Known  Text: 2 Timothy 2:19 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” In a fast-growing world, our lifestyles are dependent on connections. Our way of life has become like a web, getting the best out of life depends on an influential individual who knows you. However, there's a better foundation in Christ Jesus that breaks barriers and there's no discrimination. Dear beloved in the Lord, you're known to God and He has great plans for your life. Irrespective of the perils of life and how crafty people of the world intend to frustrate the truth of the Gospel, do not compromise. We are admonished to depart from sin because the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Therefore, God won't disappoint us.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for uniquely identifying me as Your child. I commit m...

Theme: Strayed from the Truth Text: 2 Timothy 2:17b&18 Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Yesterday's devotion taught us that we should not entertain worthless utterances as they lead us to sin. Today's text gives an example of worthless talk concerning the resurrection. Hymenaeus and Philetus were converts of the apostle Paul but failed to learn from him. Dear beloved in the Lord, the Saviour of our souls shall return to judge both the living and the dead on how they lived their lives. Be not deceived that the Day of the Lord has come already. Jesus' return is unknown to anyone therefore be on guard lest you are swayed from the truth. Let every action you take reflect the truth and the will of God. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in Him, shall have eternal life. However, if we are swayed from the truth, we shall no...

In our previous devotion, we commenced the priestly blessings. Numbers 6:25 states, "The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you." Dear beloved in the Lord, when the Lord makes His face shine upon us, we reflect the image of Christ. We are not damned before God because the precious Blood of Jesus speaks pardon on our behalf. The Lord will also show us His mercy and care for us favourably.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus the Lord favours me and my household favourably. The gracious power of God makes right every wrong in our lives. Let there be light in all spheres of our lives in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

The name Bartimaeus is derived from two Aramaic words - "bar" (בַּר) meaning "son of" and "tame" (טָמֵא) meaning "unclean, or defiled". So the meaning of the name Bartimaeus is “son of the unclean”. He was the blind son of Timaeus.  Some Characteristics of Bartimaeus: √ Bartimaeus was a blind man. Although he had no sight yet he had vision. He knew his healing was certain and complete in Christ. Let us possess this attitude to rely on God in all things.  √ Bartimaeus was also a beggar. His livelihood depended on the alms he received from people. His calling out to Jesus to have mercy on him implies that he wasn't happy with his circumstances.  √ Bartimaeus was determined. Although rebuked by people who could see not to worry the Messiah, yet he kept shouting the more: "Son of David, have mercy on me!". We must emulate Bartimaeus and not give up when we are challenged in life.  √ Bartimaeus understood the principle of parting with th...

Theme: Worthless Talk  Text: 2 Timothy 2:16&17a 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Yesterday's devotion taught us that we ought to present ourselves approved to God in all we do. The text for consideration today enlightens us to shun ungodly talk. The more we talk the more likely our utterances become ungodly. Therefore, we are admonished to shun profane and idle babblings. Worthless talk or profane and idle talk refers to anything that takes our focus off the gospel and God’s Word. Our utterance is said to be profane or idle because it contradicts the purified Word of God. Although people are enthused to hear such utterances, they have no lasting value. Like cancer, worthless talk spreads speedily no wonder social media promotes it as trending. If the Word of God is shared on social media handles, it takes a great period to trend. However, profane and idle babblings trend easily at...

Theme: Present Yourself Approved  Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that we must not give room for distraction as we walk with the Lord. Today's devotion will focus on presenting oneself approved before God. To show ourselves approved by God, we ought to be diligent. Our diligence manifests in how we carry out our responsibilities. We must work hard so that the outcomes of our labour when examined would not be embarrassing. If we serve God poorly, we shall be ashamed to present ourselves approved to Him. If we seek approval from human beings, we cannot please God as the world is filled with corruption. Whether we occupy positions in the church, family, workplace, or the community we must serve well. In so doing, we rightly divide the Word of truth. Though perfection in understanding God’s word is impossible, and should never be...

Theme: Don't Be Distracted Text: 2 Timothy 2:14 14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. In our previous devotion, we learned the faithful sayings of the apostle Paul. In the text for consideration, we are admonished not to allow distractions to sway us off our purpose-driven life in Christ. In as much as we keep to our fundamentals of faith, we ought to remind others to stand firm in the Lord. Unprofitable arguments should not be encouraged or promoted. The ultimate goal of our faith is to know and preach Christ. It is unprofitable to argue about the traditions of denominations, contradictory views of liturgy, and misconceptions of the fundamentals of our faith. If the wrong thing is communicated to the infant Christian, it will ruin him but when the truth is spoken, it stirs up faith. May we fill our conversations with the Word of God rather than lay down human principles so that we can draw...

Theme: Faithful Saying III Text: 2 Timothy 2:13 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Today's devotion concludes with the three faithful sayings of the apostle Paul. The third saying states, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." Indeed, our fallible nature often makes us deviate from God's purpose for our lives. Despite our display of faithlessness when burdened by circumstances, God remains faithful. The faithfulness of God is unchangeable because He is not a man. Dear beloved in the Lord, the nature of God is faithfulness; therefore, He cannot deny His very nature simply because we have failed to meet His expectations for our lives. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. Approach God knowing that if you open up to Him, He will welcome you home like the prodigal son. God is faithful! Let us Pray: Faithful everlasting God, I lay before You my faithlessness and I ask that You stir up Your unw...

Theme: Faithful Saying II Text: 2 Timothy 2:12 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. In our previous devotion, we mentioned that we shall be learning about three faithful sayings of the apostle Paul of which we learned the first one on dying with Christ. In today's devotion, we shall look at the second saying: "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. The Lord's path to victory was not rosy. At the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed if it is possible the cup should pass Him by but not His will but rather the Father's will be done. Teaching us to learn to endure to reign with Him. We are not called to a ministry of ease but the Lord is faithful to see us through if we do not give up. A possible means to endure is not denying who the Lord is to us. Denying Christ is embracing the devil. Jesus said it plainly: But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is...

The amazing priestly blessings of God are recorded in Numbers 6:22-27. God intended to have His Name on us, which is why He gave Moses this priestly blessing. The twenty-fourth verse states, "May the Lord bless you and protect you." This informs us that God will bless and protect us in all things. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, the blessings of God in marriage, conception to full term and safe delivery, nurturing of godly children, education, career, business, investment, projects, good health, and longevity locate me and my family. We are secured on all sides by the protective Blood of Jesus; therefore, no harm shall come near our tent all the days of our lives in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!"

In today's devotion, we shall learn about Armageddon. The word Armageddon is of Hebrew origin and is believed to be associated with the Hebrew word Har-Megiddo, which means Mount Megiddo. It appears only once in the Bible. Armageddon is a symbolic location for a final, climactic battle between good and evil. It describes what happens after God pours out the sixth bowl of wrath, one of the many plagues that permeate the Revelation narrative, where the Antichrist, false prophets, kings, and rulers of the world gather to fight Christ. The exact time of Armageddon is not known, as no definite time has been given in the apocalypse of John, the apostle of Jesus Christ. We must be watchful and keep our garments pure for the Day of the Lord. The Battle of Armageddon is described in more detail in Revelation 19:11-21, where it portrays a dramatic confrontation between the armies of good, led by Jesus Christ (the rider on a white horse), and the armies of evil, symbolically represented by th...

Theme: Faithful Saying I Text: 2 Timothy 2:11 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. In today's devotion and subsequent devotions, we shall learn three faithful sayings of the apostle Paul. We shall take the first one for today's devotion. The faithful saying states, "For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him." What does it mean to die with the Lord? To die with the Lord could imply suffering with Him, putting to death sin and living wholly for Christ, and martyrdom. To suffer with Christ, we avail ourselves to doing good even if it will cause us to lose temporary pleasures with family, friends, and colleagues. In so doing, we do not compromise our faith, as we are resolute to please God. Dying with Christ also implies putting to death the passion for sin when we are baptized. During our baptism, we were buried with Him through death, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, w...

Theme: Enduring All Things Text: 2 Timothy 2:10 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the apostle Paul suffered in chains for the sake of the advancement of the Gospel. He continues to talk about his pain in the text for today with the aim of ensuring a better place for the elect. Salvation is found solely in Christ Jesus, which comes with eternal glory. It is expected that every elect shall enjoy this glory. If we love God, we shall demonstrate this by being concerned about the well-being of others, especially when it comes to their salvation. This is what the apostle Paul did by enduring all things so that those of the Christian faith shall not be discouraged. We ought to also be mindful of how we make decisions concerning our faith. The least mistake can jeopardize the salvation of others. Endure the shame, reproach, insults, critici...

Theme: The Point of Chains Text: 2 Timothy 2:9   9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.     In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the apostle Paul admonished us to remember our fundamentals in Christ Jesus. Today's text speaks on the suffering endured by Christians who diligently and faithfully walk the talk of faith. This suffering is literally termed the point of chains. The apostle Paul suffered greatly and was imprisoned because of the Gospel. However, this did not deter him from proclaiming Christ. Dear beloved in the Lord, there are many Christians in situations similar to the apostle Paul, such as imprisonment, rejection, beatings, and sometimes murder. Despite all these mishaps, the Gospel remains the longest-lived Holy Book. No one can chain the Word of God. The chains that bind us should not hinder the spread of the Gospel. Let us Pray: Almighty God, I lay my chains before You and as...

Theme: The Fundamentals Text: 2 Timothy 2:8 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel The Christian life ought to be walked with a divine understanding of the fundamentals of faith. These fundamentals are built on the truth and proof of God's power. These fundamentals include, but are not limited to, Jesus's ancestry and resurrection. Jesus is a seed of David in fulfilment of God's promise to David that one of his sons would be enthroned forever. This promise is fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The text further refers to scripture to mention the resurrection of Christ. Indeed, Christ is not dead but alive and reigning with God. Affirming faith in Christ requires a believer to know these fundamentals to avoid being misled by deceitful doctrines.  The apostle Paul calls on us all to remember our fundamentals of faith.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, open the eyes of my understanding to know the truth of the Christian fundamental...

Theme: Understanding in All Things  Text: 2 Timothy 2:7  7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. In our previous devotion, we learned that the apostle Paul explained three illustrations of the Christian life: a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Each of these three occupations requires great perseverance to succeed. He calls on Timothy and us all to reflect on all that concerns these three illustrations. As we reflect, he prays that the Lord grants us understanding in all things. It simply means that without understanding, it is difficult to keep faith. Where reason fails, faith ought to be applied, and divine understanding will equip us for that. Let us Pray: Almighty God, Grant us understanding in all things so that we shall not deviate from the truth and Your will. This we ask in the Name of Jesus. AMEN! 

Being generous provokes the supernatural to manifest when all things seem impossible. The act of giving helping hands can present itself when least expected like in the case of the widow of Zarephath. She was assured that the supernatural would manifest if only she would serve the man of God the first from her little flour. What do you have to offer others? Generously do it and God shall open the door of your abundance. 1 Kings 17:13&14  And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterwards make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”  The flour bin can represent any provision in your life be it marriage, children, education, career, businesses, projects, etc... that shall never lack because you heeded God's voice.   Declare, "In ...

Melchizedek means King of Justice. He is the King of Salem and a priest as well. He is also referred to as King of Salem which means means King of Peace.  Some Characteristics of King Melchizedek: √ Melchizedek's beginning and end of life is unknown. He surfaces in Genesis when Abraham paid a tithe to Him and there's nothing about what happens to him afterwards. There's no record about His parents or ancestors.  √ Melchizedek is believed to foreshadowed Jesus. He is said to resemble the Son of God. The Son of Man is Jesus Christ.  √ Melchizedek is a priest without interruption and without successor. There's no record of His priesthood being interrupted or being succeeded by anyone just as Jesus is our ultimate High Priest that entered the Most Holy Place once and for all.  √ Melchizedek is said to be Jesus. The psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” This priesthood does not follow the Levitical order that...

Theme: The Farmer's Joy Text: 2 Timothy 2:6 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.  In yesterday's devotion, we learned that an athlete can only be crowned winner if he abides by the rules to the end. In today's devotion, we shall learn about the farmer's joy in tasting his harvest. The farmer produces food for consumption and his work is very tedious. The heat of the sun and the cold of the fields all have a great effect on the health of the farmer but that does not deter him from working hard on his farm. There's no recognition of the farmer in society unless it is on Farmers' Day. The point here is that a faithful servant of God is not given recognition in society as a celebrity. Therefore, do not get discouraged when you are not noticed as you serve God or do good.  Hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labour on the farm as they harvest. Likewise, will the determined in the Lord be the first to receive...

Theme: The Athletic Rule Text: 2 Timothy 2:5 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that a good soldier does not seek his interest first but rather the nation he serves. The text for today teaches us to have the mind of a winner using the athletic rule. In athletics, unless one follows the rule to the end, it is impossible to be crowned as the winner. There are no shortcuts to winning as an athlete ought to be diligent and abide by the rules to the finish line so as not to be disqualified. Dear beloved in the Lord, we ought to keep to God's requirement if we desire to receive the crown. We cannot continue to put up with sin and expect God to understand we are but humans. Christ was like us but did not fall for sin so we also must strive to please God in our deeds. Sin disqualifies us in the race of life so keep to God's Word and rule so that you can receive the victor'...

Theme: A Good Soldier Text: 2 Timothy 2:3&4  3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  In yesterday's devotion, we learned having an uninterrupted succession comes with teaching others rightly. The text for today uses a soldier to illustrate how we ought to endure hardship in life whether as Christians, couples, students, and business partners amongst others. Soldiers do not serve their own interests but rather the nation or people they have sworn to serve. Practically, the soldier's desire is not gratifying his will but rather the will of the nation. Likewise, are we called irrespective of who we are either as ministers of God, parents, couples, teachers, children, business associates, etc... to first consider God and others by not allowing our selfish interest or gain to distract our objectivity in being respo...

Theme: Teach Others Text: 2 Timothy 2:2 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. In yesterday's devotion, we learned that the apostle Paul admonished Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The text for today is a continuation of the admonishment to teach others what he received from him. One amazing thing about teaching is that the more you teach the more you improve your ability to easily recall and as well learn. Timothy is not just to teach anything but rather the truth. In this text, it is clear that passing on sound knowledge either in the church, home, or community is essential. We ought to train others to fill the gaps so that whether we become incapacitated or die, the young ones will take over from us and train others to build a strong uninterrupted succession. Have you trained anyone to take over from you? What exactly are you impacting: is it the truth or no...

Theme: Be Strong in Grace Text: 2 Timothy 2:1 2 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  Grace is an undeserved favour which comes purely and solely from our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul's second epistle to Timothy his beloved son in Christ begins with an admonishment to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Having a wavering spirit in serving God leads to destruction. It is for this reason the apostle Paul urges Timothy to be strong. Strength comes from God and He bestows it on anyone who avails to advance His Kingdom. God gives power to the weak  and strength to the powerless.  The ceaseless pressure of society and work makes even the youths weak and tired,  falling into exhaustion and leading to complicated issues in their health such as  hypertension .  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength by the refreshing anointing of the Holy Spirit to  soar high on wings like eagles, ...

The reward of hard work is evident likewise, the outcome of being sluggish or slothful. Whether in the church, home, workplace, or the community we must work hard to earn approval. Those who want a quick means to the top, often get there and have nothing worthy to offer. 2 Timothy 2:15 states, "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth". Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ I extinct every sluggish behavior in me. I declare I have the spirit of diligence to work hard in serving God, family, career, community, and the nation. I decree I shall not be ashamed of my works but rather, receive divine approval and great reward. I resort to speaking the truth in all my dealings. This is my declaration and I know it shall be pleasing and acceptable to God in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!"

Today, we will devote ourselves to the character study of Hymenaeus and Alexander. The name Hymenaeus means "God of marriage; hymeneal; wedding song; nuptials." The name Alexander means "Man's defender, warrior."  They were all Christians but missed the mark due to false teachings.  Some Characteristics of Hymenaeus and Alexander: √ They were Christians. The two believed in Christ and had fellowship with the believers in Ephesus. We must learn not to neglect the assembly of the righteous.  √ Hymenaeus and Alexander, with their companion Philetus, engaged in worthless arguments and led many astray with their false teaching. They left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. We must dedicate ourselves to serving God diligently rather than engaging in unnecessary arguments that corrupt our behaviour.  √ Hymenaeus and Alexander were handed over to Satan by the a...

Theme: You Are Enthroned Text: Revelation 3:21&22 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  Today's devotion brings to a climax the epistles to the seven churches and concludes with an assurance to the church in Laodicea. Early on, the church in Laodicea was described as lukewarm and admonished to repent. Anyone who repents by overcoming lukewarmness and becoming zealous for the Lord is assured Christ's Throne. When kings, queens, and government officials are inducted into office, it is eye-catching. They are not just offered seats but are adorned to suit the position. Likewise, will Christ adorn us and enthrone us on His very seat if we persevere and overcome lukewarmness. Do not harden your heart when the Holy Spirit speaks to or instructs you on any issue. Hearken to His leading so that you can sit on the Lord...