The Word

Theme: The Ripple Effect Text: Genesis 38:11 11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. Previous devotions have taught us that two sons of Judah offended God by their actions and were killed. They left a widow behind without a child. The next brother in line to provide an heir is Shelah. However, Judah was afraid he might end up losing all his sons so he asked Tamar to return to her father's home until his son was of age. Dear beloved, the fear Judah had, isn't from ours when issues of such nature should happen. The wicked actions of Er and Onan have harmed Tamar's reputation. The innocent one is now being feared as a weapon of distraction. It is not only in marriage that we have the ripple effect of spouses. The ripple effect is when one thing causes other things to happen. Within our communities and ...

Theme: Irresponsible Living Text: Genesis 38:8-10 8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went into his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He killed him also. Yesterday's devotion taught us that wickedness ruins as evident in the life of Er. The text for today is a continuation of the life of the sons of Judah. As custom demands, if a man dies without having a child, his brother is to sleep with the widow and make heirs for his late brother. However, Onan was reluctant to impregnate his brother's wife but ready to have sexual pleasure with her. The act of Onan can also be classified as wickedness. He felt uneasy about providing an heir to his late brother but never felt so in his sexual gratification this is why the...

Theme: Wickedness Ruins  Text: Genesis 38:6&7 6 Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him.  Yesterday's devotion taught us that Judah began life on a wrong turn unlike his father Jacob. He repeated the same for his son Er when he was of age to marry. Er married Tamar likely a Canaanite woman. The text reveals that Er was wicked but never mentioned what he did. It could be that his upbringing did not shape him to fear and honour God. If God had to take his life, it means his wickedness might be of the extreme. Dear beloved in the Lord, the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. Wickedness is a sin and when it is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Let go of every wicked way lest it ruins you completely.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, have mercy on me. Please purge my wickedness and grant me a steadfast spirit to ...

Theme: Humble Beginnings Text: Genesis 38:1-5 38 It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. 2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went into her. 3 So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him. Judah is the fourth son of Jacob, born to him by Leah. After Judah and his other brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, he separated himself from his brothers to settle with Hirah the Adullamite. In his quest to settle down and have a family, he married Shua, the Canaanite, and had sons with her. Unlike his father who travelled to marry from his relations, he followed the footsteps of his uncle Esua by marrying a Canaanite woman. Starting a family requires ma...

Theme: Divine Confirmation Text: John 10:40-42 40 And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41 Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” 42 And many believed in Him there. Life is full of stories and promises. Each day we awake to either one or both but we ought to look for the truth. John the Baptist proclaims He who comes after him will be greater than he (John the Baptist). Some took it as a tale whilst others felt otherwise. In all this, they did not really believe what John said until they encountered the Messiah. Despite John the Baptist being unable to perform any miracles or signs except to lead people to repentance, his words were taken as true because what he said about the Messiah manifested accordingly. This stirred up the faith of many to believe in Jesus. Dear beloved in the Lord, just like John the Baptist, you may not have i...

Fulfilment arises when one progresses gradually to a better height in every step taken for success. However, if in the course of advancing it rather turns out the reverse, how sorrowful and awful the circumstance becomes. It is written in the Gospel of John 1:16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. In other words, from His abundance, we have all received one gracious blessing after another. Grace is what we need to move from one height to another.  Declare, in the Name of Jesus Christ, my family and I abide in the abundance grace of God in our rising and lying down, in our going out and coming in, and both home and abroad. Grace speaks and breaks protocols in our favour. Our year shall showcase the grace of God daily in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Jesse is a neutral-gender Hebrew name that means God exists. He was the son of Obed, a grandson of  Boaz and Ruth. He is named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He is the father of David.  Some Characteristics of Jesse: √ Jesse could be said to be polygamous as David was of a different woman. As Christians, we must avoid polygamous marriages as it goes contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ.  √ Jesse was a man of Jewish tradition. In the Jewish tradition, the youngest wouldn't unless the eldest received his portion. So when asked to bring his sons he arranged them by age until David was chosen.  √ The prophet Samuel visited him to anoint one of his sons in Bethlehem.  √ Jesse had three sons who were warriors in Saul's army. His youngest son later became king of Israel, and the reign of David's descendants ended with Jesus Christ. We need to also train our children to be patriotic.  √ King Saul sought permission from Jesse to allow David to be his arm...

Theme: Believe the Works Text: John 10:34-39 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? 35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” 39 Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. Previous devotions have taught us that Jesus' audience doubted His Sonship. They even attempted to stone Him because He said; "I and My Father are One". The text for consideration highlights that we ought to believe in Jesus' authority by the works He has done. Dear beloved in the Lord, your life might seem unfulfilled but don't let it t...

Theme: Stone Throwers Text: John 10:31-33 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” Previous devotions have taught us that those who listened to Jesus had weird responses to His message. In the text for today, they intend to stone Him on account that He said He is God (I and my Father are One). These stone throwers accepted Jesus on grounds of miracles whereas they failed to embrace His authority as the Son of God. Dear beloved in the Lord, how are you embracing the message of the Lord? Are you selective in responding to the word of God? Once that attitude begins to manifest in you, then note that you're possessed with the spirit of stone throwers. As you evaluate your relationship to God's Word, assess how othe...

Theme: Unsnatchable  Text: John 10:27-29 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.” Yesterday's devotion taught us that those who failed to identify Jesus as the Messiah were blindfolded by doubts because they were not part of the sheepfold. The text for considering today accounts for how those of the sheepfold are kept. We shall look at some characteristics of the sheep that belong to Jesus. First, the sheep hears the Lord's voice and follows Him. To be kept in the sheepfold, obedience is required to be sustained. Hearken to what the Good Shepherd is saying and walk accordingly.  Second, the sheep receive eternal life. Abiding with the Lord implies that you shall not perish, but the reverse ...

Theme: Doubt Blindfolds Text: John 10:22-26 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked into the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.  Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. Although Jesus' audience have seen the great signs and wonders God has performed through Him yet they were uncertain about His Lordship. The evidence is clear yet doubt has blindfolded them so they could not be convicted. In response to the quest to know if He is the Christ, Jesus said they doubt or disbelieve because they are not of His sheepfold. Dear beloved in the Lord, there might be people in your life who doubt your capab...

Theme: Ungodly Contention  Text: John 10:19-21 19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” It hurts badly for people to know the truth yet contend it. This has been the plight of Jesus' audiences. At one point they are pleased with his works but are quick to switch to question His authority when they seem not to understand Him. When Jesus addressed Himself as the Good Shepherd and outlined what He has done to merit that, there arose a contention about His works and words. Some Jews accused Him of being possessed by a demon or even mad. Therefore they tried to distract those that listen to Him. However, within that group, others doubt if He is demon-possessed for one possessed cannot perform the miracles Jesus did specifically for them healing the blind. ...

In a dispensation where men have become more crafty in their ways, one ought to be careful lest he falls prey to the device of the wicked. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent is portrayed as if it was concerned about the woman's well-being. However, it came for a different purpose. Genesis 3:1-5 states, Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  Declare, in the Name of Jesus I am delivered from any deceit that would affect me negativel...

Esau is a Hebrew name that means hairy or rough. He was the eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca, and his twin brother was Jacob, who was later named Israel. He is also known as Edom and is the head of the Edomites.  Some Characteristics of Esau:  √ Esau was red at birth and covered with a thick coat of hair, which is why he was named so. Names have meaning and significance. Ask your parents why you've been named as such.  √ Esau was a hunter and his father loved him because of his games.  √ Esau sold his birthright for Jacob's red stew. He failed to apply wisdom because of hunger.  √ He was polygamous. At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon. But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah. He later married Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, with the hope of pleasing his parents. He had many sons with his wives.  √ Esau's younger brother defrauded him of their father's ble...

Theme: Embrace Divine Power  Text: John 10:17&18 17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” The ability to lay down ones life and take it again is solely in Christ. Some individuals have tried to be put to death so they can resurrect again but they failed woefully. Charms could be used by these individuals to prevent bullets, cutlass wounds, and other weapons from penetrating them, but once they die, they have no power to resurrect. However, Jesus have demonstrated that He has power even over death itself. He laid down His life through the death on the cross and took it by means of the resurrection on the third day. Death could not hold Him captive for He is the Lord of Lords. Dear beloved in the Lord, entrust your soul to Christ so that He will grant you eternal life....

Theme: The Shepherd's Voice Text: John 10:14-16 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My sheep and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so, I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Yesterday's devotion taught us two distinct characteristics between the good and bad shepherd: protection and ownership. The text for consideration tells us that the Good Shepherd is identified with His flock.  It's not difficult to make out the voice of someone you're so familiar with. This is the analogy Jesus is making in this text. The Lord knows the flock that is His and those that are not. Amazingly the cross has brought all the flock to one shepherd. There's therefore no distinction in the body of Christ because we are all the same in Him. His voice speaks grace, mercy, love, compassion, and the gi...

Theme: The Shepherd's Life Text: John 10:11-13  11  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.  In the text for consideration, Jesus introduces Himself as the Good Shepherd. This presupposes that there are two categories of shepherds: the good and the bad. What characteristics distinguish the good shepherd from the bad one? We shall look at two distinctive characteristics.  First, the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. As indicated in the text, when danger looms, the bad shepherd seeks to protect his life instead of the sheep, so, he flees. Jesus was not afraid to offer His life for us on the cross at Calvary to pay for our debts of sin. He willingly gave His life so t...

Theme: More Abundant Life Text: John 10:10 10 The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. Yesterday's devotion gave a clue to today's text. The Lord Jesus enlightened us that the thief showed up earlier but his counsel has been rejected because the truth manifested timely. The devil came for three purposes: steal, kill, and destroy. The devil came to steal us from the protective hedge of God so that he could have access to kill us and our expectations. Then he can destroy us since there's nothing to hope for again. However, Jesus came so that we may have more abundant life. The life Christ offers is eternal. It has no expiration therefore it yields an abundance of good health, blessings and prosperity that is beyond human imagination. In Christ, we are delivered, protected and provided for divinely so we shall lack no good thing.    Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for ...

Theme: Jesus is the Door Text: John 10:7-9 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.  Our entry and exit in this world is through a divine door. This door is Jesus for it is written, all  things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men (John 1:3&4). Hearkening to the Lord's voice delivers us from the destructive tactics of the devil. The devil entered the Garden of Eden to distort human glory, he is the thief that came to preach lies to Eve in Eden. Although he succeeded in leading man to disobey God's instruction, the fallen man recognised that he was deceived:  And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”  The woman said, “T...

Good health is paramount in all things. If you're not in good health, you cannot enjoy life to the fullest. Agree with me to pray for good health as we desire the fulfilment of our expectations using 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. Declare, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I entrust my health and family into the Hands of God. Almighty God, deliver us from any form of hereditary, chronic, and acute illnesses by the potent Blood of Jesus Christ. I humbly request the Holy Spirit to flush out every deposit of sickness in our bloodstream, organs, and entire body. I decree sickness cannot fashion against us again in the Name of Jesus Christ. By the unfailing presence of God, I decree we shall be in good health all throughout the year and beyond. Our health shall not fail and by the efficacy of the covenant in Christ Jesus, healing locates us now and forevermore in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

In today's devotion, we shall study the giants mentioned in the Bible. The first record of giants is in Genesis. In those days, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times. Subsequently, other giants such as giants of Gath, Anakim, and Emim were mentioned in the Bible.  Some Characteristics of the Giants: √ The Nephilites: They are believed to be children of the sons of God who impregnated women of the earth. Due to their stature, they were heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.  √ The Giants of Gath: These giants relate to the Philistine giant Goliath whom David killed. Goliath is said to be over nine feet tall. He was killed by David with a stone slung into his forehead. The second Philistine giant Ishbibenod nearly killed David in battle but was killed by Abishai son of Zeruiah. The third Philistine giant was Saph who was killed by S...

Theme: Desire Understanding  Text: John 10:6 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Understanding is the ability to comprehend, have insight, or have good judgment. Jesus' audience did not understand His illustration of how the devil gains access to their lives dubiously and how He, Jesus, enters through the door. Dear beloved in the Lord, you need insight on how to strategically position yourself this year and beyond lest the devil destroy you. Ask God for understanding of all He will reveal to you this year.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, grant me understanding in every step I take this year and beyond. May I be enlightened on the devil's antics and overcome all his deceits. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: The Strange Voice Text: John 10:5 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. Yesterday's devotion taught us that, the Lord will lead us out by His voice because we are familiar with it. However, today's text reveals to us that there's a voice we are not familiar with, which is the strange voice. This strange voice is the voice of the devil and his agents. I remember growing up, whenever our parents had to leave for evening programs, we were asked to lock the door and could only open it when we heard their voices. Amazingly, it's been useful because strangers come and knock on the door or even try to influence us to open the door, but we refuse simply because we know them not. Dear beloved in the Lord, never heed strange voices (the deceitful voice of the devil). Flee from ungodly counsel, sexual sins, corrupt practices, and the kinds. Don't get enticed by them.  Let us Pray: Almighty Go...

Theme: God Will Take the Lead Text: John 10:4 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yesterday's devotion taught us that Christ knocks at the door to our life and if we welcome Him, He will lead us. Today's text reiterates what the Shepherd of the sheep does for His flock. He leads us out and divinely orders every step we take. Dear beloved in the Lord, God does not just bring us out to leave us to our fate rather He ensures that He guides us to greener pastures. As stated yesterday, God will call us for a blessing but we must first be discerning to hear Him when He calls lest we miss our blessings. Follow the Lord this year and you'll acquaint yourself with His voice. The Lord will lead us out this year to prosper our marriage, children, careers, businesses, projects, contracts, health, and all other areas of our lives. Seize the opportunity to experience this supernatural encounter by aligning with ...

Theme: The Shepherd of the Sheep Text: John 10:2&3 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him, the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  Yesterday's devotion taught us that we ought to be discerning as people might try to enter our lives through unapproved doors. The text for today introduces us to the Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ. Unlike the devil and his agents who enter into the sheepfold through dubious means to compromise security, Jesus enters through the door opened by the doorkeeper. Dear beloved, you're a doorkeeper to your heart, soul, spirit, and body. Jesus knocks at the door to your life, and when you open it, He makes His way into your life. When you establish a good relationship with Christ, you do not need to struggle to discern his voice and lead in life. In this year 2025, you need the leading of Christ to triumph. In this year and beyond, there's a mir...

Theme: The Door   Text: John 10:1 10  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."  Doors grant us access and in a digital age as ours the traditional keys are giving way to digitalised ones. It simply means you will be denied access if you do not have the conventional keys or a passcode. This can also apply to our own lives but have we for once considered those we've granted access to our lives and those we've not? The text for consideration alerts us that some pass dubious means to enter into the sheepfold (our lives). These people are termed as thieves or robbers. Why are they given such a mean name? Dear beloved in the Lord, their purpose in our lives is not for good but evil. They have evil intent to usurp what rightfully is ours. The thief never enters the sheepfold to give security but rather to compromise it. As the year 2025 has begun, reflect on the people ar...

Today is the first Sunday in the year 2025. Most of us have written down numerous resolutions for the year. Unfortunately, in the years past most of these resolutions could not be attained fully because we gave up along the line. However, there's good news for this year referenced Proverbs 16:1-3 "The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established". It is also recorded in Proverbs 4:13 "Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life". Dear beloved in the Lord, if we diligently seek God with our resolutions, we shall have a glorious end.  Declare, in the Name of Jesus Christ I lift up prayer over my life and family and ask God to be with us in our resolutions for 2025. As we prepare in our hearts what we desire for 2025, may the perfect will of G...

The name Simeon means "He (God) has heard," "He who hears," and "listening" or "hearing". In Jerusalem, Simeon was mentioned only in the Gospel of Luke as a devout man . There's nothing said of him to be a priest.  Some Characteristics of Simeon: √ Simeon was a just and devout man. Although he did not hold any position in the temple, he was a just and devout man. We must emulate Simeon to serve God faithfully irrespective of our position in the church.  √ Simeon was awaiting the Consolation of Israel. He trusted God to fulfil what He had promised. In all things, we should be encouraged when the going gets tough that God will perfect His will in our lives.  √ Simeon had the Holy Spirit upon him. The absence of the Holy Spirit makes service lifeless. We must invite Him to fill us so we can be divinely directed to the true way of life. The same Holy Spirit led him to the temple when baby Jesus was brought there.  √  Simeon received a revelation ...

Theme: Continually Seek God Text: Psalms 105:4-6 4 Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. 5 Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given, 6 you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, His chosen ones.  We learned in yesterday's devotion to rejoice in the Lord with songs and hymns. The psalmist in today's study verses calls on us to continually seek the Lord. The triggers to us continually seeking the Lord are the wonders He has performed, the miracles we have experienced, and the rulings God gave us concerning our lives. We are also privileged to be descendants of Abraham through Christ's covenant Blood. Let nothing sway you from seeking the Lord because all the blessings and riches we desire in life lie in Him. Seek the Lord wholeheartedly in your marriage, nurturing your children, your education and that of your children, your career and businesses, and all other spheres of life because yo...

Theme: Rejoice in the Lord Text: Psalms 105:1-6 NLT 1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. 2 Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. 3 Exult in His Holy Name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. 2025 has begun to the glory of God, and we are honoured  to be a part of it. Our hearts ought to rejoice and honour God for the great things He has done. The psalmist stated that our thanksgiving should proclaim God's greatness and what He has done. Apart from testifying about God's mighty works, we can also declare them in songs. Songs and hymns are the quickest means to declare God's mighty works. Dear beloved in the Lord, when you sing a song or hymn, be sure to know the lyrics so, you can be guided to honour God through hymns and songs.  Let us Pray: I give thanks to You Almighty God. I will declare Your marvellous works in my life. I shall proclaim Your works to the world and I shal...

Psalms 105:1-6 NLT [1] Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. [2] Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. [3] Exult in His Holy Name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. [4] Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. [5] Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given, [6] you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, His chosen ones. AMEN!