The Word

Theme: Divine Intercession Text: Romans 8:26 26 Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  There are days we are physically, spiritually, and emotionally drained, and we do not have the right words to pray about. We are lost and can hardly petition the throne of grace. During this moment, the Holy Spirit takes up the matter and intercedes on our behalf. This spiritual intercession includes but is not limited to speaking in tongues. An extraordinary flow of worship and prayer flows freely from us to comfort our weary souls. The burden in our hearts is lifted in an unexplainable way. Have you ever felt totally lost within (emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually) only for a song to spring out of your heart, mind and spirit? That's the groanings of the Holy Spirit interceding on your behalf. Be united with the Holy Spirit in a...

There are areas of your life that are moving slowly. You need to assess these areas and ask God to grant you divine speed. The prophet Elijah, overtook king Ahab by the power of God when the first rain fell after a while. It is recorded in 1 Kings 18:46 "Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel."  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ I receive special strength from God to overtake anything that represents the chariots of Ahab in my life. I decree my family and I shall not be hindered anymore because the special strength of God is turning things around in our favour. AMEN! 

Omri is a boy's name of Hebrew origin that can be interpreted as “pupil or servant of the Lord,” “bound by Yah,” and “the Lord is my life." He was an army commander and king of Israel. He did what was evil in the sight of God.  Some Characteristics of Omri: √ Omri was an army commander of Israel until Zimri committed treason by killing King Elah. The Israelites proclaim him as king over Israel in their camp. The lesson to learn from this is that God can uplift us when we least expect it. Omri never thought of becoming a king; he became one by God's grace.  √ Omri had to contest the kingship with Tibni, whom a fraction of the Israelites chose as king instead of Omri. It is recorded that the men of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni, so he was killed in battle, and Omri became king. A lesson from this is that sometimes we must prove our worth to possess our possessions.  √ Omri was the sixth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He became king in the twenty-seventh ...

Theme: Hope  Text: Romans 8:24-25 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Yesterday's devotion taught us that Jesus is the firstfruit of the Spirit, and by His resurrection, we shall also be resurrected to a glorious liberty. The text for today speaks about our hope as we await the appearing of the Lord. This hope is a fuel of faith. Faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The best analogy to this hope is pulling a surprise on people. If we should communicate what we intend to do for them, there's nothing to hope for because they already know about the surprise. However, if the surprise just happens, we totally take the people unawares. Dear beloved in Christ, no one knows when the Lord's Day shall come, but we all eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Let us Pray: A...

  Theme: Firstfruit of the Spirit Text: Romans 8:23 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Yesterday's devotion taught us that all creation is expectant of the glorious liberty. The text for today focuses on the expectation of the children of God. Dear beloved, for us to live is Christ, and to die is gain. In this physical body, it inhibits the seed of corruption, which the accuser uses to discredit us. However, when the incorruptible appears, then our bodies shall be transformed to meet the standard of our Saviour. The firstfruit of the Spirit is Jesus. He was the first to resurrect and lives forever. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us to ensure we also attain that glorious liberty of divine resurrection. Live each day in divine hope of a better future in Christ Jesus.   Let us Pray: Almighty God, may Your ...

Theme: The Glorious Liberty Text: Romans 8:20-22 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Yesterday's devotion taught us that creation has an earnest expectation of the revealing of the sons of God. Today, we shall delve into why this is so. The Lord's creation was an incorruptible one until man compromised it with sin. The sin of Adam brought about a drastic shift from liberty and the presence of God to a hostile, corrupt creation. As we learned yesterday, it is not only human beings that await this liberation but also other living creatures. In recent times, we have seen how global warming, the destruction of vegetation and animal habitats have been issues of concern. This challenge ...

Theme: The Earnest Expectation Text: Romans 8:19 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. Everyone has expectations for one thing or another in life. Yesterday's devotion taught us that the future glory far exceeds the suffering of the present. This glory is what the entire creation is earnestly expecting. The creation is not limited to men but includes animals and virtually everything God created. In tomorrow's devotion, we shall learn much about why creation is eagerly awaiting the revealing of the sons of God. Dear beloved, Christ is the answer to being a part of the children of God. Accept Him today as your Lord and personal Saviour, and you shall not be denied the future glory to be revealed.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, in You all creation looks for a better life. I pray You fulfil the earnest expectation of all creation. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: Future Glory Text: Romans 8:18 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Life presents us with the past, the present, and the future. We know what the past and present hold because we have seen or experienced them. However, no one has seen or experienced the future. Paul compares the present suffering of the Christian to the glory which shall be revealed in the Christian. Dear beloved, if we face challenges, persecution, rejection, or suffering because of the Gospel or our faith in Christ, we are admonished not to fix our eyes on the present suffering, but rather to consider the future glory that will be revealed in us, not to us. That means we have this divine glory inbuilt in us by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, this glory need not be revealed to us but rather revealed in us. The future glory far outweighs this present suffering.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You that we sha...

God is Sovereign, and He holds the key to our uplifting. If we displease God by living recklessly and ungodly, we are sure to face God's wrath. However, if we come to penitence, He will wipe clean the slate of our iniquities. The psalmist knew the Lord determines what becomes of both the wicked and the godly. This is recorded in Psalms 75:10: 'For God says," I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly."' Dear beloved in the Lord, this is a strong point to pray and ask God to honor His Word.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, may the strength of the wicked be broken from its source. I received a divine increase of power to do great exploits in all areas of my life. I shall disarm the wicked by the power of God upon me. AMEN!  

Abishag means "My father strays or a wandering father". She was a young Shunammite woman who was brought to David to care for him in his old age. She hails from Shunem.  Some Characteristics of Abishag: √ Abishag was a beautiful girl. She possessed both physical and inner beauty. Her physical beauty matched her character. Beauty must be inside out.  √ Abishag was a virgin. She met the qualities the King's official demanded: "Let us find a young virgin to wait on you and look after you, my lord." Beloved, let us flee from fornication, adultery, and all forms of sexual sins.  √ Abishag was chosen to keep King David warm. Her duty was to lie in the arms of the king to keep him warm. Many consultations may have been conducted before she was chosen. This means people are watching us, so we must live exemplary lives as Christians.  √ Abishag is said to have taken good care of the King. She looked after the King and took care of him. We must learn from her to be dilige...

Theme: Heirs  Text: Romans 8:16-17 16 For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.  To be heirs implies being legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death. Globally, many people have inherited the wealth of others upon their passing. It comes with joy, but that's a temporal inheritance, as death can equally deny the individual the right of ownership. However, as children of God, our Saviour died, was resurrected on the third day, and sent the gift of the Holy Spirit as a seal to our legal right to His inheritance. Yesterday's devotion taught us that we can confidently call God our lovely Father (Abba! Father). This qualifies us to partake in God's inheritance. We must not embrace this with a carnal perspective where heirs are willin...

Theme: Abba Father Text: Romans 8:14-15 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” A family can be either by blood or by adoption. Adopting a child requires a legal process to establish a legitimate right for the child. This is how we have been spiritually adopted as children of God. Once we accept Jesus through baptism and avail ourselves to be led by His Spirit, we qualify as children of God. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ has sent to us, clears every doubt in us on our adoption and grants us the courage to declare openly that we are children of God. This text illustrates the joy and confidence of an obedient child who, without doubt or fear, can confidently point to his father and the family he belongs to. If we are led by the Spirit of God, this same confidence is given to us to cal...

Theme: Needless Obligations Text: Romans 8:12-13 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  Yesterday's devotion taught us that Christ's righteousness has made us right with God, even though we could not fulfil the rigorous requirements of the law of Moses. By His righteousness, we no longer satisfy the gratification of the flesh but rather resist every urge of it. Beloved in the Lord, we owe nothing to the sinful nature. The obligations of the sinful nature are needless because its end is death. Dear beloved in the Lord, do not oblige to sexual sins, lies, drunkenness, orgies, idolatry, and any detestable deed. To overcome the flesh, we must open up to the Holy Spirit. When we avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit, we adhere to God's instructions with eas...

Theme: Christ Lives in You Text: Romans 8:10-11 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. The greatest scene in history is the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection have been foretold. He conquered death and rose on the third day. This is the message of salvation which has been preached over the centuries. Christ's resurrection is an assurance to us that we, too, shall be raised to life, just as He has. Yesterday's devotion taught us that our walk with Christ is Spirit-led rather than fleshly. We walk not by the dictates of the flesh but rather by the leading of the Holy Spirit, bearing fruit of the Spirit. In our human flaws, we see the power of ...

Theme: The Spirit of Christ Text: Romans 8:9 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now, if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  In life, whatever we claim as ours is often sustained if backed by the law. There is a legal requirement to ascertain marriage, family, contracts, education, and almost every sphere of our lives. No matter how you love a child, if the child isn't legally yours, you need to adopt him or her to be a family. This is the light that today's text is throwing at us. Those who abide in the flesh have no legal backing in Christ. In baptism, we have the legal seal in Christ. Dear beloved in the Lord, we are not controlled by our sinful nature. We are controlled by the Spirit if we have the Spirit of God living in us. His Spirit equips us to live worthy of our calling in Christ. However, remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all....

  Victories bring us immense joy and fulfilment in life. Everyone desires to be victorious in all spheres of life. As David comes to the end of his life, he recalls all that God has done for him, particularly his victories over his enemies, the battles he fought, and the challenges he faced in life. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 22, specifically verse 36: "You have given me Your shield of victory; Y our help has made me great." When the Lord hands over the shield of victory to you, nothing can defeat you. You will pass through every difficulty victorious.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, God has given me the shield of victory. His help will enable me to excel in all areas of my life. My week is safe and secure all day and night. AMEN!"      

The name Ziba in Hebrew means "statue or pillar". Other jurisdictions explain the name Ziba to mean "army, fight, and strength". He is a character who displays loyalty, deception, and the complexity of human nature in relationships .  Some Characteristics of Ziba: √ Ziba was a servant of King Saul. He served King Saul until David became King after Saul's death.          √ Ziba was called upon when King David wanted to know if there was anyone left in the house of Saul whom he could do good to. Being a chief servant, he had all the detailed information David needed. We must also be observant in discharging our duties.  √ Ziba discredited Mephibosheth before David on account that he was crippled and lives in Lo-debar. His narration is to tell King David that even if he is willing to show kindness to Jonathan's son, he is unfit to be in the palace, but King David followed his own instinct.  √ Ziba was made to serve Mephibosheth and his children after...

Theme: Pleasing God Text: Romans 8:8 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Yesterday's devotion taught us that if we know Jesus, we know life. For in Him we have peace and life. The text for today speaks about pleasing God. To please God is to walk according to the Spirit rather than in the flesh. Anyone who walks by the dictates of the flesh cannot please God because his deeds are detestable and abominable unto God. Galatians 5:19-22 clearly spelt out the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Pleasing God requires that we bear fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are you pleasing God?  Let us Pray: Al...

Theme: Life and Peace Text: Romans 8:6-7 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. All the human race desires is peace. Peace of mind is priceless and also a great tool for longevity. A distorted soul finds no peace because it is restless. This is what has been pointed out in today's text. If one exists outside the will of God, he is lifeless. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. If you know Jesus, you know life. Likewise, if you have no Jesus, you have no life (K NO W JESUS; K NO W LIFE). Many have the notion that settling in the will of God is forfeiting the enjoyment of life. However, it is the reverse because God is the giver and sustainer of life. In Him we find peace that quiets all the noise and uncertainties in our lives.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, I have been a living...

Theme: What's Your Mind Set On?  Text: Romans 8:5 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Our minds are controlled by what we set for them. The imagination and thoughts we feed our minds play back in our life choices. Setting your mind on fleshly desires soon stirs the urge to satisfy them. Likewise, setting your mind on the Spirit sets aflame the zeal to please the Lord. What have you set your mind on? If you live by the flesh, you'll focus on its desires, whereas if you are attentive to the Spirit's direction, you'll bear the fruit of the Spirit.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, my mind has been far from Your will and Spirit. I come to You this day that every carnality in me be extinct and the life of the Holy Spirit be set ablaze in me to walk according to the Spirit. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: The Righteous Requirement Text: Romans 8:3-4 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  Yesterday's devotion taught us that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ who walk according to the will of the Spirit. Jesus' death on the cross has wiped clean our slate of sin and given us a chance to live righteously. The law of Moses, which we have learned, was difficult to keep, as a breach in one commandment violates the entire law. For the righteous requirement of the law to be fulfilled, Jesus came in human nature to lay His life for us. He who knew no sin was nailed to the cross for sinners:  One man should die for the people rather than for the whole nation to be dest...

Theme: No Condemnation in Christ Text: Romans 8:1-2 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. The human race has lived in condemnation from the time of Adam until Christ came to die for all, and He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. By this act, the writer of Romans tells us that there is therefore,  NOW no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. The emphasis on NOW is to admonish us that salvation is attained right in this life before the Day of the Lord. To be in Christ means walking in accordance with the will of the Holy Spirit. Resisting any urge to walk in the flesh or attain self-righteousness. The law of Moses binds us to sin and death for a breach in one is a breach in the entire law. Death is the penalty for breaching the law. However, Chr...

Troubles can sometimes deny us the peace of mind and joy we desire. Usually , times of trouble or hardship are meant to shape us into  better people. The psalmist said, God has permitted his hardship, but will soon rescue him (Psalms 71:20). He further stated in Psalms 71:21, "You will restore me to even greater honour and comfort me once again". Dear beloved in the Lord, let us agree with the psalmist and declare we shall be restored and comforted.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Lord shall restore me to even greater honour and comfort me once again. My week is divinely secured, and no calamity shall come near me and my household because God's solace shields us. AMEN!" 

Today's study shall focus on two brothers: Recab and Baanah. The name Recab means "rider, or charioteer" whereas his brother's name Baanah means "son of affliction or son of grief".  Some Characteristics of Recab and Baanah: √ Recab and Baanah were from the tribe of Benjamin and are identified as the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite in the Bible. This throws light on their origin. Everyone has an ancestry and should learn to discover more about their family history.  √ Recab and Baanah were among King Ishbosheth's raiding army, serving as captains. Ishbosheth was son of King Saul, who was made king after the death of his father.  √ Recab and Baanah, on hearing of the death of the army commander Abner, perceived that the kingdom of Ishbosheth was in danger. To gain favour from King David, they killed Ishbosheth one afternoon in his room by stabbing and beheading him. This act was cruel and must never be emulated.  √ After killing Ishbosheth, Recab and Baanah...

Theme: Real Authority Text: Matthew 7:28-29 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority, quite unlike their teachers of religious law. For some weeks now, we have been studying from Matthew chapter seven. Jesus introduced diverse themes in His teaching in this chapter. As His teaching comes to an end, the audience sees a clear distinction between His teaching and that of the teachers of the religious law. Jesus taught with real authority. Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Jesus spoke with inherent authority and the authority of God’s revealed Word. According to C. H. Spurgeon, “Two things surprised them: the substance of his teaching, and the manner of it. They had never heard such doctrine before; the precepts which he had given were quite new to their thoughts. But their main astonishment was at his manner: there was a certainty, a power, a weight ab...

Theme: House Built on Sand Text: Matthew 7:26-27 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Previous devotion taught us that the wise build on a solid rock. Today's text continues with the unwise. Anyone who fails to adhere to Jesus' teaching is unwise or foolish. He lives a careless life and has no regard for the outcome. Building on sand implies he relies on perishable things for security. Houses are our shelter and protection. Building it in sand is a disaster that will surely waste all his resources. His foundation is weak and can easily ruin him because he rejects the Saviour's teaching. The troubles of life can overwhelm him: When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. He will fail under pressure, because his strength is too sma...

Theme: A House Built on Solid Rock Text: Matthew 7:24-25 24 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. Jesus has been teaching on various topics in this chapter, and He brings it to an end. He draws a clear distinction between those who pay heed to His teaching and those who do not. In today's text, we shall look at those who adhere to His teaching. Jesus likened them to a person who builds on a solid rock. The Word of God is full of wisdom, and when we delve into it with diligence, it equips us for every good work. The wise won't waste his building materials through negligence when his house is being constructed, but will ensure that everything goes well. The solid rock mentioned is Jesus in our spiritual perspective. When the torrent of life issues overwhelms us, t...

Theme: True Discipleship Text: Matthew 7:22-23 22 On judgment day, many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Yesterday's devotion taught us that the mere use of the Lord's name is not enough; we must establish a lasting and impactful relationship with Him. Today's text discusses the events that will unfold on the day of judgment. On that day, every form of hypocrisy will be done with. All who hide behind the mask of preaching or prophesying for their selfish gain will be exposed. Many have turned their ministry into what they can gain rather than doing the Father's will. Some boast of the powers they have, forgetting the source. Others also use diabolic means but present it as though it is of the Lord. They will all be exposed on the judgment day when the Lord shall declare, ‘I never knew yo...

Theme: Lord! Lord!  Text: Matthew 7:21 21  Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.  Establishing a relationship with Jesus goes beyond mere utterance. One must demonstrate in every way that there is indeed a lasting and impactful relationship with the Lord. Many have become lip-service Christians rather than being true disciples. With their lips, they praise the Lord and hallow Him, yet their hearts are very far from the discipline of the Lord. In hypocrisy, they call on the Lord but have forgotten that the Lord searches the heart and knows the intent in it. Dear beloved in the Lord, making use of the Name of the Lord while here on this earth will serve the purpose for which you're making your demands, but it won't be so on the Day of the Lord. On that day, the only true and faithful children of God will be ushered into the Kingdom. We are therefore admonished ...

Toils without gain often create pain and unfulfillment. However, when your toils are profitable, you'll be fulfilled. The psalmist proclaimed a blessing over all who fear the Lord in Psalms 128:1&2, saying, "How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labour. How joyful and prosperous you will be!" You can't be an obedient child of God and not be joyful in the Lord. Although the world will rise against you, you shall triumph because God is the One who sustains you.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, I am joyful in obedience to God's Word. I shall enjoy the fruit of my labour and be prosperous in all spheres of my life. AMEN!"