The Word

Theme: Do You Worship in Vain?  Text: Mark 7:6-8 6 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honours Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”   Manuals are attached to items to ensure their proper usage for optimal efficiency. However, when the instruction is ignored, the user will soon destroy the item and will have to incur costs on either repairs or purchase a new one. This can apply to our Christian journey. If we decide to set aside God's laws and hold fast to the traditions of men, then our hearts will not be aligned with God's purpose for our lives. It is in vain to offer God lip service. What He requires of us is to be obedient.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, deliver ...

Theme: Tradition of the Elders  Text: Mark 7:5 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” Previous devotion taught us that the Pharisees and Scribes hold their traditions in high esteem above the laws of God. Their question to Jesus in today's text clearly reveals their heart: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” The tradition of hand washing was instituted by the elders. Dear beloved in the Lord, in our dispensation, hand washing as a tradition may not be relevant in our denominational places of worship, but rather aligning our ways according to the dictates of our denomination above what God values. Some try to promote their denomination above others, which is not different from adhering to the tradition of the elders. Jesus has instructed us: "Be one, just as I AM one with the Father." A...

Theme: Special Washing Text: Mark 7:3-4  3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.   Yesterday's devotion taught us that the Pharisees and Scribes were finding fault with Jesus because His disciples didn't wash their hands before eating. Instead of purifying themselves for the purpose of God, they are engulfed by traditions. They are meticulous about the tradition of washing hands rather than the Lord's laws. Dear beloved in the Lord, let us seek to please God rather than man-made traditions. Washing in itself isn't a bad idea, but the rationale of the religious leaders wasn't appropriate. May the Holy Spirit enlighten our hearts to be purified to serve God faithfully.   ...

Theme: Fault Finding Text: Mark 7:1-2  7 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. 2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. The Pharisees and Scribes have been on the neck of Jesus for a long time. Their grounds for accusing Jesus were that some of His disciples did not wash their hands before eating. Unfortunately, their evaluation of Jesus was all wrong. First, they had already made up their mind about Jesus to discredit Him as a teacher. Second, they did not evaluate Jesus against the measure of God’s Word. They evaluated Him against the measure of their religious traditions. One of the Jewish rituals is hand washing. It is a ceremonial rite to ensure readiness to eat. They believe this will prevent people from defiling themselves by eating with unclean hands. Their fault-finding was just to prove a point: Jesus isn't as religious as people think. De...

Who do you call on in moments of distress? Guess your most loyal family, friends, and associates. I bring you Good News about a dependable companion who won't fail if you call on Him. It is written in Romans 10:13, "For, everyone who calls the Name of the Lord shall be saved." Dear beloved in the Lord, this is a great opportunity to seize and call on the Lord.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus, I am secured on all sides for the Name of God protects me. I will continually call on the Lord to save me from fear, ungodliness, poverty, sickness, attacks of any kind, failure, and any kind of evil. AMEN!" 

Lydia is a Greek name that means "beautiful one" or "noble one". She was a merchant of expensive purple cloth. She was a believer in Christ.    Some Characteristics of Lydia: √ Lydia was from Thyatira but resides in Philippi, a major city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. √ Lydia was a merchant of expensive purple cloth in Philippi. She sold for a living, which must be an example for us to find genuine work in life.  √ Lydia was a believer. It was said that she listened to the Apostle Paul, and then the Lord opened her heart, allowing her to accept what Paul was saying. She was baptised with her household. She lived out her faith to the fullest. Let us learn to walk the talk of faith.  √ Lydia was hospitable and invited the apostle Paul and his companions to her house. She persuaded them to be her guests, saying, “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged them until they agreed. What h...

Theme: You Shall be Satisfied Text: Psalms 17:15 15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalms 17 has been a prayer of David, in which he trusts God to deliver him and grant him salvation. The closing verse is a prayer of hope in the resurrection. Dear beloved in the Lord, in Christ, we attain the righteousness that qualifies us in the presence of God. As Christ has assured us, we shall see the Father in Him and shall partake of His glory. Therefore, we have hope not only in this world but in the New Jerusalem, which shall come down from heaven. God shall satisfy the desire of our souls now and in eternity. Look to Him and you shall be satisfied.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, which qualifies me to see You. I pray my Name be written in the Lamb's Book of Life so that on the Day of the Lord, I shall be satisfied with eternal life. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!...

Theme: Your Life is Delivered Text: Psalms 17:13-14 13 Arise, O Lord, confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword, 14 With Your hand from men, O Lord, from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possessions for their babes. When we walk closely with the Lord, He keeps watch over our lives and delivers us from every evil. It is only what the Lord permits that shall prevail in our lives. Dear beloved in the Lord, we must emulate the psalmist's attitude, not to take matters into our own hands but rather hand it completely to God, because vengeance is His. One thing we must also bear in mind is not to allow the pleasure of this age to cloud our judgement like the wicked who want to have everything, forgetting there's a day of reckoning. Whatever the Lord bless you with, bless others with it as well. May the peace of God ...

Theme: A Chance to Attack Text: Psalms 17:10-12  10 They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly. 11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, 12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.   Yesterday's devotion taught us that we are the apple of God's eye and He will protect us from the wicked. It is difficult to pinpoint those who want our downfall, especially those who pretend to seek our good. The psalmist speaks of how the wicked are insensitive and pompous. The wicked have schemes to trace every move we make and to attack us. As a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places, so are the wicked. Therefore, we must avoid loopholes that they can use against us.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, deliver us from the wicked who are eager to attack us by any chance. Please, watch over our steps lest we dash our feet a...

Theme: The Apple of God's Eye Text: Psalms 17:8-9 8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, 9 From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. We hold a special place in God's heart because He created us in His very image. The psalmist requested that the Lord keep him as the Apple of His eye. In Christ we are the apple of God's eyes. Just as birds keep their young under the shadow of their wings from predators, we must also seek refuge in our God from the wicked who oppress us. Dear beloved, some unfriendly friends surround us. It will take only the grace of God to spot such evil people. Therefore, let us draw closer to God and seek His Holy Spirit's assistance to disarm the plots of the wicked around us. Let us Pray: Almighty God, keep me as the apple of Your eye and hide me under the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who oppress me as well as from the deadly enemies who surround me. This I ask in the Name o...

Theme: Rescued  Text: Psalms 17:7 7 Show Your marvellous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. .  Ever wondered why Jesus was willing to suffer and die on our behalf? He did it out of love to save us. The psalmist also knows that God is loving and kindhearted. Dear beloved in the Lord, our joy is complete solely in Christ Jesus. Trust God to rescue you out of every situation in life. No one has ever been disappointed by God for relying on Him.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, rescue us from those who rise up against us. May Your unfailing love be shown to us in wonderful ways towards us. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!    

The ability to move about peacefully without facing legal actions is a desire of everyone,  especially for foreign residents. Dear beloved in the Lord, God's assurance for Jerusalem can be a means to petition the throne of mercy for divine intervention in your situation, wherever you may find yourself. Psalms 87:5 And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her.” May the spiritual adoption in Christ open doors for you to enjoy as a citizen wherever you find yourself.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, my family and I shall enjoy the right of citizenship and the Almighty God shall bless and establish us. AMEN!"  

The name Elisheba has its origins in the Hebrew language and is derived from two elements, "El" meaning God, and "sheba" meaning oath. Thus, the name Elisheba holds the profound meaning of "God is my Oath." Elisheba was the wife of Aaron the priest and a sister-in-law to Moses and Mirriam. Family must not be limited to only the married couples. The extended family must be considered.  Elisheba was the mother of Aaron's sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. She played a great role in supporting her husband to raised their sons for the priesthood. Whether we are mothers or fathers, we must be involved in nurturing the children around us.  Elisheba might be a supportive wife that's why there was no ill record of her. If she had done something to hinder her husband's role as priest it would have been recorded. Aside that, if she had shown any rebellious lifestyle it would have been mentioned in the Bible. Let us learn to be responsible.  What h...

Theme: Hear Me, Lord Text: Psalms 17:6 6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Listening enhances communication and helps build relationships, as well as confidence. The psalmist knows that God isn't deaf to his prayers. Therefore, he calls on the Lord with confidence that He should incline to his prayers. Dear beloved in the Lord, there are moments we feel God is far away, but that's when He is actually near. You don't have to shout. All you have to do is call on Him with an honest heart. Our loving Father will answer you just as He did for David. Whatever is troubling you, call on God and He shall intervene.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, hear my cry for help. Please answer our requests in marriage, nurturing of our children, education, careers, businesses, finances, health, and all other areas of our lives. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: Your Footsteps Won't Slip Text: Psalms 17:5 5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. A walk with God keeps us in the right direction. When we are surrounded by troubles, we ought to look up to God for guidance lest we stumble. The Holy Spirit is with us to uphold our steps in God's path so that our footsteps may not slip. Constant study of the Word of God and prayer is the sure way to obtain grace to sustain us through every slippery ground.   Let us Pray: Almighty God, uphold my steps in Your paths that my footsteps may not slip. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: Do Not Transgress  Text: Psalms 17:3-4 3 You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. 4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Yesterday's devotion taught us that God knows and sees all things. David continues to show that his heart and mind are far from evil in today's text. The presumption is that this Psalm was written after his numerous attempts to spare King Saul's life, despite the King's evil intent towards him. Dear beloved in the Lord, we ought to watch and not allow people's attitude towards us to cause us to sin or fall into wickedness. Resolve not to permit evil out of your mouth due to the deeds of others. The secret to overcoming the lures of sin is to keep God's Word in our hearts and avoid the path of ungodliness. Invite the Holy Spirit to make home in you so that y...

Theme: My Vindication Text: Psalms 17:2 2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. Yesterday's devotion taught us that David prayed an honest prayer for justice. In today's text, he requests that God vindicate him. Honestly, it is only God who can declare one's innocence if there are no witnesses or proof. Dear beloved in the Lord, whatever challenges you face in life, learn to trust God to be vindicated. It is also well to live an upright life. Your upright life will crown you with victory even when your adversaries plot against you. May the Lord declare you innocent in the court case, attack at your workplace, community, and family.    Let us Pray: Almighty God, I come before Your presence for vindication. Please, declare me innocent, for You alone see those who do right. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

Theme: Honest Prayer  Text: Psalms 17:1 17 Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.  Prayer is a means of communicating with God: we pour out our hearts to Him, and He responds. The psalmist David calls on God to hear his prayer because it is petitioned through honest lips. It implies that what he is laying before God has no deceit in it. Dear beloved in the Lord, let us also have honest hearts that petition the throne of God without lies. Let us evaluate our lives and be sure we are imitating Christ in every way. The prayer of David is a plea for justice. In our world where corruption is sweeping justice under the carpet, we must pray and ask God to answer us by helping us. May the Lord answer your honest prayers.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for another opportunity to pray. Lord, hear my prayer for justice and send forth help in all the land. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

  A walk with Jesus brings a turnaround in our lives. He is the key to every door that we desire to enter through. Dear beloved in the Lord, even in your unqualified state, God can use you immensely. When the apostle performed signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus, their audience marvelled because they were of no standard academically or religiously to do that. However, their opponents soon learned they had been with Jesus. It is written in Acts 4:13-14 N ow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. May this be your portion henceforth, that your opponents cannot do anything against the works of your hand and life.  Declare, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit has qualified me in life for signs and wonders. Many will marvel at the outco...

Micaiah is a Hebrew name which means, 'who is like Yahweh?' There are quite a number of people named Micaiah in the Bible, some of the priestly and royal descendants of Judah and Israel. However, our focus will be on the prophet Micaiah.  Some Characteristics of the Prophet Micaiah: √ Micaiah was the son of Imlah. His identity is linked to his father, although no records of his mother have been given. Keeping a good record of our family tree is key to easily tracing our ancestry.  √ Micaiah was a prophet of the Lord. He didn't speak of his own accord but rather spoke what the Lord had given him utterance on: He said, "As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak". We must yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  √ Micaiah was hated by King Ahab of Israel because he did not prophesy good concerning him. This purely shows that Micaiah was not a "face pleaser" but rather feared God.  √ Micaiah was sarcastic. When King Ahab asked if th...

Theme: Absolutely Nothing!  Text: Romans 8:38-39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Previous devotions have established guidelines on the love of God and how we have found favour in His sight. As we saw yesterday, in Christ we have conquered everything. In concluding this chapter, we are told nothing has the power to separate us from God. Irrespective of the form of a thing, whether good or bad, beautiful or ugly, holy or unholy, present or yet to come, height or depth, or anything created can interfere with God's love towards us. God is true, and He does not relent in His promises towards us. Therefore, dear beloved in the Lord, choose God today and forever for a glorious end.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for the assurance that nothi...

Theme: You're a Conqueror Text: Romans 8:37 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Today's text builds upon our previous devotions. The word 'yet' contracts what was to what is in our lives as children of God. Despite the troubles and challenges, we must recognise that those troubles and challenges come to redefine who we really are, rather than suppress us. Therefore, we have this assurance that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. The love of Christ has given us victory in all things, even victory over death. What then can contend with the glory of God's love in our lives? Absolutely nothing! The contention may come, but be assured you're more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.   Let us Pray: Almighty God, I'm grateful for Your love divine that crowns me with victory in all things. Lord, may my heart be steadfast in every circumstance, knowing that victory is mine by Your help. I decree I am more than a con...

Theme: Inseparable Love Text: Romans 8:35-36 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long;  We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yesterday's devotion taught us that the Lord, who justifies and judges, have acquitted us of every form of condemnation. God carried out the plan of wiping our slate clean of sin through His love.  The love of Christ is unconditional and expressed genuinely. Therefore, nothing can change God's love towards us. Irrespective of the circumstances of our lives, whether tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword, God is faithful and will continually love us. When we are under attack because of our faith, may we be encouraged by the perseverance of the early church and stand firm.   Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for loving me unconditionally a...

Theme: Divinely Acquitted Text: Romans 8:33-34   33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.  To be acquitted, according to the Oxford Dictionary, implies to free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty. The Ultimate Judge is the Lord God, and He determines who is guilty or not. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour, God drops every charge against us. Therefore, no contrary opinion will be accepted as a charge against us. If God does not hold a charge against us nor condemn us, nothing can do otherwise. Christ, our advocate, is constantly interceding on our behalf.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for not pressing any charge against me or condemning me. Spirit of Christ, take absolute control over my will so that I may please the Father in all...

Theme: God Will Freely Gift You Text: Romans 8:32 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  The priceless gift of all time is Jesus. He was the only Begotten Son of God. Out of love, God gave Him to take away our sins through His death on the cross. If God has shown us this great love, then there's nothing He won't provide for us. Dear beloved in the Lord, if the most precious gift was given freely to us, then God can't hold back the little things we ask for. Petition the Throne of God today with your requests.  Let us Pray: Almighty God, thank You for the amazing gift of Christ Jesus, my Saviour. I lay my needs before You today, and I ask that You provide for me according to Your riches and perfect will. This I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!  

If we align our ways with those of God's, we shall always have the best in life. The woman of Shunem who welcomed Elisha into her home was cautioned by the prophet to relocate so as not to experience the great famine that would last for seven years. She did as instructed, and after the famine was over, God still performed the miraculous to strategically position Gehazi in the royal place to give an account of the great things Elisha had done. One such example was the boy Elisha brought back to life. As Gehazi was giving the account, the woman came in to request her fortune be restored to her, and she was asked if Gehazi's story was true, which she affirmed. It is recorded in 2 Kings 8:6 that,  So the king appointed a certain officer for her, saying, 'Restore all that was hers, and all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now.' May this be your portion.  God will do more than this for you if you put your faith in Him. Declare, "In the ...

Gehazi is a Hebrew name which means valley of vision, valley of sight, depressed vision, or diminished sight. He was a servant to Elisha. But unlike his master, who took a double portion of Elijah's anointing, Gehazi ended terribly on a sad note.  Some Characteristics of Gehazi: √ Gehazi was an observant servant of the prophet Elisha. It is recorded that he suggested to Elisha the Shunemite woman be given a son when they wanted to show appreciation. Gehazi outlined the plight of the woman and her husband, which triggered Elisha's swift response. We must also be observant as we carry on our duties.  √ Gehazi was responsible for running errands for the prophet Elisha. When the rich woman was coming to see Elisha on account of her son's death, Gehazi was sent to inquire of her if everything was well. He carried out his task well.  √ Gehazi was sent by the prophet Elisha. Elijah said to him, “Get ready to travel; take my staff and go! Don’t talk to anyone along the way. Go qu...

Theme: Who Can Be Against Us?  Text: Romans 8:31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? We face opposition each passing day, but the most troubling opposition is with our faith. If we entrust our lives to Christ, we are not assured of a rosy life but rather one that challenges our faith in the Lord. We are asked to pick up our cross and follow the Lord. However, the most interesting thing to note is that once we are united with the Lord, He is for us. You can't be evil and think God is for you in that regard. His presence with you is dependent on your abiding in His will after being born again. Therefore, if we are in agreement with God, nothing can stand against us. It is recorded that when the eyes of the servant of Elisha were opened, he realised there were more angelic forces on their side than their adversaries (refer to 2 Kings 6:16). Dear beloved in the Lord, the wicked cannot harm you if the LORD is for you.  Let us Pray:...

Theme: The Chain of Glorification Text: Romans 6:29-30 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. God is the greatest architect. He has a divine plan for virtually everything from its inception to the end. His plan for man is evident in His eternal chain for salvation in today's text. This chain is beautifully woven between being foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified by God. While we were made in secret, God knew us and has great plans for us. Despite the shortcomings of the fallen man, God has predestined that we shall have the image of Christ reflected in us. Our lives are transformed into a divine dimension after death, for we shall experience the resurrection just as our Messiah. God has called us His children, and the se...

Theme: All Things Work for Our Good Text: Romans 8:28 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Yesterday's devotion taught us that the Holy Spirit helps us to pray for God's will to be done in our lives. The text for today throws light on the essence of seeking God's will. The Lord's will stirs up the course of our lives to bring us to an expected end. Things turn around for our good. Note that not only some things but all things work together for our good. Through Christ Jesus, we are called according to God's purpose, and in obedience, we demonstrate our love for the Father. Although our personal strife to attain holiness is difficult, when we align with Christ and embrace His righteousness, the love of God stirs up in us the more. This love rejuvenates all things to work for our good, whether in marriage, academics, the workplace, community, finances, businesses, projects, heal...

Theme: The Will of God Text: Romans 8:27 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  Yesterday's devotion taught us that in our weakest moments, when we can't pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. Today's text throws light on how the Holy Spirit takes up intercession on our behalf. The heart and mind are essential in our life journey. The Lord searches our hearts and knows what is in there. Therefore, the Holy Spirit's intercession guides to the fulfilment of God's will. God's will is perfect and without flaws. Jesus demonstrated to us how to seek the will of God in all situations in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me. Yet not as I will but as You will (Matthew 26:39)". God's will prevailed and He attained resurrection on the third day. May we yield to the Lord's will in all things.  Let us P...