The Word

Theme: Earthly Wisdom Text: James 3:14-16 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  Yesterday's devotion taught us that, wisdom is doing good and in humility. The text for consideration today gives us insight into how early wisdom operates. It is bitter, self-seeking, sensual, and demonic. Earthly wisdom aims at projecting one's ego and pride. It envies others and sets out with evil intent to degrade those who have achieved higher than them. This is what degenerates into confusion and evil plots to terminate lives. The outwit schemes to manipulate others and to outsmart them are purely earthly wisdom. We ought to flee from such kind and to seek godly wisdom. Earthly wisdom distracted justice and lies against the truth. The guilty pays money to escape puni...

Theme: Wisdom is Good  Text: James 3:13 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. Wisdom comes from fearing God and understanding is attained through wisdom. Conducting one's self uprightly requires wisdom to distinguish good from evil. It also guides us to do good devoid of pride. Dear beloved in the Lord, humility is a sign of wisdom whereas arrogance and pride set in motion foolishness. Charles H. Spurgeon posits, “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”  Let us Pray: Almighty God, I lay before You my folly and ask for Your wisdom. Guide me to wisely do good in pure humility. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: What Do You Have?  Text: James 3:11&12 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. The analogies on the spring water and the plants are to teach us that you cannot give what you do not have. One can only give what he has. A fig tree cannot beat olives, and neither can grapevine bear figs. These trees can only produce their very own fruits not any other. Likewise, the opening of spring water cannot give out both sweet and bitter water. It can only yield one. Dear beloved in the Lord we cannot say we are Christian and behave unchristianly. We must emulate Jesus the Living Spring that gives life to anyone who drinks from Him. His sweetness must fill and overflow in us so that we can touch and transform lives to the glory of God with our words.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, take my bitterness and give me Your sweetness. Tr...

Theme: Not to be So Text: James 3:9&10 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.  Previous devotions have taught us how destructive the tongue can be. The text for consideration today informs us that the tongue we honour the Name of the Lord with is what we use again to curse others. This must not be so because it defies the Lord's glory in us. We are made in the likeness of God; therefore, when we release curses over other people, we are dishonouring God. May our lips be filled with the right utterances at all times. Dear beloved in the Lord, studying the Word of God and meditating upon it influences our word choice. Therefore, let us employ this mechanism so that we may utter words that bring honour to God. Let us Pray: Almighty God, to You I commit my tongue and seek that Your praise shall fill it. May...

Theme: Untamed Text: James 3:7&8 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Keeping pets and other domestic animals requires taming lest they destroy properties and lives. No matter how wild a dog is, its owner can tame it. However, the tongue is unnameable. The tongue is restless and evil. A restless tongue is always in motion speaking, it stirs up sin as it says more. Dear beloved in the Lord, too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut (Proverbs 10:19). You do not give a response to everything, consider its necessity and whether it will please God. The tongue seems unnameable, yet silence is the best weapon to tame it. Can you restrain yourself from talking carelessly the whole day? Give it a try today.    Let us Pray: Almighty God, set a seal over my mouth at all times. May the seal only give way ...

 

Our character for study today shall be Abigail. There are two known women in the Bible named Abigail. One is the Mother of Amasa, a sister to David, and the other is the wife of Nabal, who later married King David. Our focus today will be on the latter. The name Abigail means "father of exaltation" in Hebrew  but is commonly taken to mean "my father's joy" or "my father is joy." Some Characteristics of Abigail: √ Abigail was the wife of Nabal a scoundrel. She later married David after the death of Nabal.  √ Abigail is said to be beautiful and intelligent. Beauty should not be defined solely by physical appearance but also by intelligence to make one outstanding.  √ Abigail swiftly saved her home when she heard her husband had disrespected David's men. Her timely intervention calmed David, and he did not carry out what he intended to do to Nabal.  √ David praised Abigail for her swift action saying: "Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has ...

Theme: Tongue Set on Fire Text: James 3:5b&6 See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell. Our devotions for the past few days have been on the tongue. Today, we shall consider the tongue a fire. Fire serves both good and bad, and so is the tongue. The destructive work of fire is evident during the Hamathan season. A little fire can set ablaze hectares of land and properties. The tongue destroys homes and lives by just a word or an unwholesome statement. Dear beloved in the Lord as previous devotions have taught us, we must learn to season our hearts and minds with the Word of God so that from their overflow shall proceed godly, warming, and thoughtful words to heal and comfort others. We see a clear distinction between the tongues at the Tower of Bebel and on the Day of Pentecost. While the fo...

Theme: The Rudder Text: James 3:4-5a 4   Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.  5   Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Yesterday's devotion taught us that the horse's head is controlled by bits in its mouth by the rider. Today, we shall look at another example of how the tongue fashions in our lives. The tongue is likened to a rudder.  A rudder is a primary control surface that steers a ship by redirecting water flow around the hull. It's a flat piece of wood or metal attached to the ship's stern. The rudder just like the tongue is a small piece of the whole ship however, it determines where the ship sails to. So, the tongue to the human body. The tongue can either sail us to greatness or disgrace. Never belittle the power of the tongue for in it lies life and death.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, touch my tongue with You...

Theme: Bits in Horses' Mouth Text: James 3:3 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Yesterday's devotion taught us that the tongue is the entire body walking on slippery ground and if we can control it, we can be perfect. The text for consideration today makes an analogy with how a horse rider controls a horse with bits in its mouth.  Bits are used in horse riding to control the horse's head and movement by applying pressure to the horse's mouth.  The bit, bridle and reins function together to give control of the horse's head to the rider. In our Christian perspective, the bits shall represent the Word of God. Daily reading and meditation on the Word of God control what we conceive in our hearts and minds. The overflow of what the heart and mind contain flows from our mouths just like the horse avoiding the bits from mounting pressure on it gently obeying the rider's command. Dear beloved in the Lord, what g...

Theme: A Perfect Man Text: James 3:2 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in words, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.  Have you ever found yourself saying something that seems inappropriate at the moment? How was your audience's response and how did you feel about their reactions? I guessed you felt embarrassed. Choosing the right word for an occasion is key to retaining your audience's attentiveness. Oftentimes, people justify their misplaced words as a slip of the tongue. The tongue is the entire body walking on a slippery ground. There's the need for balance lest you fall (the wrong utterance proceeds from your mouth). This presupposes that we stumble in many things and words are no exception. However, he who can escape it is a perfect man.  Jesus is one perfect Man taking clues from His responses to the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees. They wanted to trap Him by inciting Him teaching people not to pay taxes to Caesar....

Theme: Teachers Text: James 3:1 3 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.  Our focus in the days ahead will be on James's epistle, specifically the third chapter. In the text today, we are admonished that many of us should not become teachers because the teacher receives a stricter judgment. Who then is a teacher? A teacher guides, educates, mentors, and serves as a role model. The best and most good teacher is Jesus Christ. He is a complete model of what a teacher should be. The teacher talks a lot to communicate with his learners. The ability to coordinate what is spoken and the action taken determines how the teacher influences his learners. Not many of us can walk the talk of faith diligently. In subsequent devotion, we shall learn more about the tongue.  Aside from talking, the teacher is often an arbitrator who settles disputes. The arbitration will always end with a judgment. For just as he judges, criticises...

Life is a battle and we must not approach it in weakness. We ought to seek strength from God to rise above the obstacles. David trusted the Lord and began his reign by battling with his adversaries to secure his territories. It is recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:9 And David became more and more powerful because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was with him. Declare that the Lord of heaven's armies is with me in the name of Jesus Christ, and as a result, I am given the strength to become more and more powerful in every area of my life. Amen!

Perez is a male Hebrew name that means  “breach,” “burst forth,” or “breakthrough.” He was a twin and is mentioned in Jesus Christ's genealogy .  Some Characteristics of Perez: √ Perez is the son of Judah by Tamar his daughter-in-law. Perez was also mentioned in listing the ancestors of Jesus Christ.  √ Perez is a twin and his brother is Zerah.  √ Perez broke through although his brother's hand was tied with the scarlet at birth. God has a plan for each soul here on earth so we must strive to pursue that rather than chasing the wind.  √ In blessing Boaz, the people blessed him by the other of Perez in accordance to his breaking through at birth: "May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the Lord will give you from this young woman". √ Perez is the father of Hezron and Hamul. His sons were prominent, and their descendants were four hundred and sixty valiant men.  √ There's no record of the death of P...

Theme: The Perez Anointing Text: Genesis 38:29&30 29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. 30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah. Yesterday's devotion taught us that position is not possession. One of the twins brought his hand out to take the first position little did he know his position did not give him possession of the firstborn. The other twin breaks through to be the first to come out. Dear beloved in the Lord, others can take the lead but to possess the position, it takes the grace and mercy of God. In amazement, the midwife asked “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Likewise, will those who ridicule you be amazed when the Hand of God grant you your heart desires. You are a Perez, not Zerah. You'll not rush to shame but rather break thr...

Theme: The Scarlet Thread Text: Genesis 38:27&28 27 Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. 28 And so it was when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” Rewards can be very motivating in sports. The winner is given a medal or some other agreed-upon reward in sports . It is not only evident in sports but also in every aspect of life. The text for today is the birth of Tamar's twins. A scarlet thread was tied to the one that brought his hand out to avoid the mistake of not knowing which of the twins came first. In our dispensation, baby tags are used on newborns to prevent swaps or for easy identification. In subsequent devotion, we shall know the baby's fate tagged with the scarlet thread. Dear beloved in the Lord, position is not possession. Therefore, we ought to balance the two lest having served in that positio...

Theme: Judging Righteously Text: Genesis 38:26 26 So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again. Previous devotion taught us that Tamar sent the pledge Judah gave her to him to identify the owner. Upon receiving the items Judah acknowledged his wrong. Judah did not allow pride or ego to cloud his judgment but rather pointed to the role he played in leading Tamar to take such a drastic step to get pregnant. Dear beloved in the Lord, don't be quick to point people's wrong without considering yours. Let us learn from Judah to never push blame to others if we are guilty. Let us Pray: Almighty God, forgive me for employing the full rigour of the law on defaulters but failing to in my own case. Grant me sound judgment to act righteously. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: The Evidence Text: Genesis 38:24&25  24 And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.” So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” 25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.” Evidence is needed to determine whether an offender is guilty or not. Without evidence, it is difficult to prove if an offender is guilty. In the case of Tamar, she was found pregnant while a widow. This offence is punishable by death and there is no clemency to it. Judah did not hesitate to give the command that she be burnt to death. However, the pledge he left behind was sent to him to identify the owner. Dear beloved in the Lord, the Lord has taught us to remove the log in our eyes so we can see clearly to r...

Theme: Letting Go Text: Genesis 38:23 23 Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed, for I sent this young goat, and you have not found her.” Previous devotion taught us that Judah's friend searched for Tamar but did not find her. He returned to inform Judah what happened. The text is Judah's response to Hirah. Two key things can be identified in the text: one, let go, and two, avoid shame. Surprisingly, the men in the region stated clearly that there was no harlot in the area. This informed Judah to respond, "Let her take the pledge". We must learn not to always want to have our own way. There are moments when we must learn to let go.  Judah understood the consequence of looking for a harlot is derogatory to his reputation. Dear beloved in the Lord whatever we must do to avoid shame we ought to. Never permit the avoidable to ruin you. Let us Pray: Almighty God, guide me to know when to let go and when I must avoid shame. Holy Spirit, be with ...

Answered prayers gladden our hearts and if we have faith, we can receive all that we ask. It is recorded in Matthew 21:22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it. Declare, by faith, I decree, whatever I've laid before God in prayer, I receive answers in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

The name Jael, originating from Hebrew, means Mountain Goat. In Hebrew culture, the mountain goat symbolizes agility, bravery, and independence. She was Heber's wife .  Some Characteristics of Jael:     √ Jael was the wife of Heber the Kenite. She was identified by her spouse. We ought to acknowledge and honour our spouses.  √ Jael went out to meet Sisera and said, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don’t be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. She acted as though hospitable but had a contrary intent. Be mindful of unknown invites.  √ Jael offered Sisera milk when he requested water to quench his thirst. Although she was setting the ground to attack her prey, her act of generosity is evident.  √ Jael's warm reception given to Sisera made him relax. Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, ...

Theme: The Futile Search  Text: Genesis 38:20-22 20 And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. 21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?” And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.” 22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.” Previous devotion taught us that, Judah left his signet, cord, and staff as a pledge with Tamar for a young goat. Today's text focuses on the attempt to redeem the pledge. Judah's friend searched for the harlot but could not find her. Dear beloved in the Lord most people have also taken a wrong turn in life and have searched in futility for things they can't lay hold of. In an attempt, some lost their dear life while others have been reduced to ridicule. There is a route you think you're familiar with b...

Theme: The Pledge  Text: Genesis 38:16b-19 So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?” 17 And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.” So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?” 18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?” So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her and went in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood. Previous devotion has taught us that the pleasure of sexual sin is deadly. The text for consideration is a bargain between Judah and his supposed harlot. Tamar asked Judah what he had in exchange for the pleasure. Judah assured a young goat from his flock which at the moment wasn't present. Taking loans from credit facilities requires collateral. The collateral serves as security for loan repayment, to be forfeited in the event of a default. This was the analogy Tamar us...

Theme: Deadly Pleasure Text: Genesis 38:15&16a 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot because she had covered her face. 16 Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law.  Previous devotion taught us that Tamar played a smart move on Judah who denied her the right to his son Shelah. Judah knew her well in her widowhood clothes but not when she was covered in a veil. Judah who had lost his wife and was being comforted decided to go to Timnah to shear the sheep. Sad to say, he had a sexual edge. Unfortunately for him, the supposed harlot is no other person but his daughter-in-law. Dear beloved in the Lord, a temporal pleasure can have dire consequences. Judah has the means to remarry yet decides to go into a harlot. The pleasures of sexual sin expose you to STIs or STDs, soul ties, and defilement of the temple of God (your body). We are admonished by the wise saying of the teacher in P...

Theme: The Game of Deceit  Text: Genesis 38:13&14 13 And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife.  Previous devotion taught us that Judah asked Tamar to return to her father's house   until Shelah came of age  for fear of losing a third son . Unfortunately, Judah had no intention of allowing Shelah to marry Tamar. Tamar played a smart move on Judah. Upon hearing Judah was heading to Timnah to shear the sheep, she took off her widowhood clothes and dressed as though she wasn't a widow. In subsequent devotion, we will learn how Judah fell for her game. Dear beloved in the Lord, do not think you can always outsmart others. If your intentions become known, a different tune will be played ...

Theme: The Loss  Text: Genesis 38:12 12 Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.  The greatest loss is the death of a loved one. Judah had seen the death of his two wicked sons and for fear of the third, sent the widow away to stay in her father's house. However, in the process of time, death laid its icy hands on Judah's wife. This might have devastated Judah as his beloved wife would no longer keep him company. He observed the necessary rites required and after everything, he sought to change the environment to clear his mind off his pain. Judah has the habit of relocating whenever he is troubled at a place. He did the same after he and his other brothers sold Joseph. Amazingly his friend Hirah the Adullamite has been a good companion to him. Dear beloved in the Lord, no one is an island that's why we need to keep our friendships. Ask...

Faith is required to fuel every believer to pilgrim through this earth holding on to what God has promised even if it does not make sense. The father of faith, Abraham is known for this principle. It was counted for him as righteousness as recorded in Romans 4:20&21 "He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform". Dear beloved in the Lord, what has the Lord promised you? Activate your faith and embrace the promises. Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, my faith is activated therefore I shall not waver at the promises of God through unbelieve. By the efficacy of the Blood of the Lamb of God and the ever presence of the Holy Spirit, I receive strength to keep hope alive through faithful worship. O God, You are not a man to lie or relent on Your promises therefore, I am fully convinced there shall be performance in my life, mar...

Rebecca is a Hebrew name for girls which means to tie, to bind, or to secure. She was the daughter of Bethuel and a sister to Laban. She comes from Abraham's family as his niece. She married Isaac the son of his uncle Abraham.  Some Characteristics of Rebecca:  √ Rebecca is described as beautiful, of marrying age, and a virgin. She did not allow her beauty and her age to corrupt her to fornicate. She kept herself well and every child of God must emulate that.  √ Rebecca was generous to Eliezer, her uncle Abraham's servant. Her generous life also displayed how hardworking she was, giving water to camels until they had had enough.  √ Eliezer compensated Rebecca with a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists. If we work hard, we will get a great reward.  √ Rebecca gave Eliezer an assurance of getting a place at her father's house and he was welcomed in because she spoke to her family.  √ Rebecca agreed to marry Isaac and followe...