✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-10

🎯TOPIC: JESUS THE LIVING BREAD



✝️TEXT: John 6: 22-59(NKJV)
6:22. On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone --
6:23. however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks --
6:24. when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
6:25. And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did You come here?"
6:26. Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
6:27. "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
6:28. Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
6:29. Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
6:30. Therefore they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?
6:31. "Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' "
6:32. Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
6:33. "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
6:34. Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always."
6:35. And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
6:36. "But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe.
6:37. "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
6:38. "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
6:39. "This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
6:40. "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
6:41. The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven."
6:42. And they said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, 'I have come down from heaven'?"
6:43. Jesus therefore answered and said to them, "Do not murmur among yourselves.
6:44. "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
6:45. "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.
6:46. "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father.
6:47. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
6:48. "I am the bread of life.
6:49. "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
6:50. "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die.
6:51. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."
6:52. The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this [Man] give us [His] flesh to eat?"
6:53. Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.
6:"54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is [h]food indeed, and My blood is [i]drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.


✝️STUDY: Jesus told His seekers that their motive was physical and not spiritual food. They demanded a sign from Jesus, citing the manna their fathers ate in the desert. Jesus told them that He is the true bread from Heaven. They asked for the bread and He told them He is the bread of life. They complained that He could not be the bread from Heaven and Jesus insisted that He is the living bread from Heaven which gives eternal life; and that the bread that He gives is His flesh. The Jews we were surprised at what He said but Jesus assured them that unless they tied His flesh and drank His blood, they had no life; whereas whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood has eternal life and will be resurrected at the last day. People seek Jesus today for what they want: Miracle, healing, academics, business, marriage or prosperity: and not for eternal riches. Many also focus on physical bread (food) instead of the living bread from Heaven. Christians should seek Jesus for eternal life. They should desire the living bread from Heaven and participate in the Holy Communion always. What are you seeking Jesus for? Do you have eternal life in you? If not, receive Jesus into your heart today.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give me this living bread, now and always Amen.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-11
(Quinquagesima Sunday)

🎯TOPIC: GOD IS HOLY



✝️TEXT: Psalm 99: 4-9(NKJV)
99:4. The King's strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
99:5. Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool -- He [is] holy.
99:6. Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
99:7. He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.
99:8. You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
99:9. Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the LORD our God [is] holy

✝️STUDY: We have a holy God who loves justice, equity and righteousness and is to be exalted and worshipped. Moses, Aaron and Samuel were among those who called upon His name, and He answered them. God speaks to His people, gives them testimonies, answers their prayers, forgives their sins and takes vengeance on their misdeeds. That is why our God should be exalted and worshipped where His presence is, because He is a holy God.
Holiness is an intrinsic part of God and Christians have been called by God to live a life of holiness in their speech and conduct (1 Pet. 1: 15). Living a life of holiness demands that you lay aside every form of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy or bad language. For you to grow in holiness, you need to be washed in the blood of Jesus, desire the pure milk of the Word of God and yield your life to the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit. Christians who want to be holy should seek the mind of Christ (Phil. 2: 5). Having such a mind will make you think and act like Jesus. So, think holy and live holy. Be holy for God is holy!

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Holy Father, grant me the grace to live a holy life in Jesus' name, Amen

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* MONDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* REAL DISCIPLES

*TEXT:* JOHN 6: 60-66

60. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”

61. When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?

62. What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?

63. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

64. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

65. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

66. From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

*MESSAGE:*

Many of the disciples of Jesus who heard Him speak about the need to eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to abide in Him (John 6: 56) considered it a very hard saying. Knowing that His disciples complained about what He said, Jesus made it clear that the Spirit gives life while the flesh profits nothing. He also said that His words are spirit and life; although some of the disciples did not believe what He said. He insisted that no one could come to Him except it had been approved by the Father. At this point, many of His disciples left and abandoned Him.

There are two types of disciples: _Real_ and _fair weather_ disciples. Real disciples stay with the Master no matter what, while fair weather disciples stay with the Master for a while and run away, when things get tough. Are you a real disciple of Jesus who stays with Him during the good and bad times, in plenty and scarcity, in joy or sorrow, and in poverty or riches? Or do you abandon your faith because of hardship, insecurity, childlessness, wealth, fame or position? Learn to abide in Christ irrespective of Your environment and circumstances (John 15: 4) and you will be a fruitful Christian.

*PRAYER:*
Father, help me to be a real disciple of Jesus no matter what. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY:*
God says

_'To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”'_ *John 8: 31-32*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* TUESDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY, 2024 _*{Shrove Tuesday}*_ *THEME:* MAKE A CHOICE

*TEXT:* JOHN 6: 67-71

67. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

68. But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

70. Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”

71. He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

*MESSAGE:*

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins. It is observed in many Christian churches by participation in confession and absolution in preparation for the beginning of Lent. In our text, we find Jesus asking the twelve if they wanted to also leave as the disciples that had done so the previous day. Peter answered that they were going nowhere because He has the words of eternal life and that they had come to believe and know that He is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus informed them that although He chose them, one of them was of the devil.

Our world is full of choices. The Christian life has to do with making a choice, moment by moment and day by day. You make a choice to become a Christian or a follower of Christ and you also make a choice to abide in Him. Jesus confronted His twelve disciples to make a choice of going away or staying with Him. Peter made the correct choice that they would stay with Him who had words of eternal life and also the Son of the living God. Have you made the choice of becoming a disciple of Christ? If you have not, make it today! Receive Jesus into your life (John 1: 12-13).

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to choose Jesus now and always. *Amen.*

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God says:

_"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."_ *James 1: 12*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* WEDNESDAY, 14TH FEBRUARY, 2024 _*{Ash Wednesday}*_ *THEME:* FIRST DAY IN LENT

*TEXT:* PSALM 51: 1-19

1. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.
2. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
3. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.
4. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.
5. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
6. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
9. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.
10. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.
14. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
16. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.
17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.
18. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.
19. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

*MESSAGE:*

In this passage, the Psalmist pleads for God's mercy and forgiveness. He acknowledges his sin against God and reminds Him that he was born in sin. He asks God to have mercy on him by:
(i) Washing and cleansing him from sin,
(ii) Creating a clean heart and renewing a steadfast spirit in him,
(iii) Not taking away the Holy Spirit from him,
(iv) Restoring his joy of salvation,
(v) Opening his mouth so that he would praise the Lord.

Today is Ash Wednesday or the first day in Lent when Christians are to look into their lives and sinfulness. Ash Wednesday is a holy day of fasting and prayer. Christians are expected to humble themselves before God during Lent by drawing closer to Him, confessing their sins, abstaining from food and drinks, and pleading with God for forgiveness and cleansing from their sins (1 John 1: 8-10). Decide to fast and pray from *6am* to *6pm* if you can, throughout this Lenten season. If, for any reason you cannot fast that long, you can start at *6am* and end by *12 noon* or *3 pm* , but make out a time to fast and pray this season. Your spiritual life will be greatly improved.

*PRAYER:*
Hear my humble cry O Lord; and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God says:

_"Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities."_ *Jeremiah 36: 6*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-15

🎯TOPIC: WAITING ON GOD



✝️TEXT: Psalm 52: 1-9(NKJV)
52:1. To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of David when Doeg the Edomite went and told Saul, and said to him, "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech." Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God [endures] continually.
52:2. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
52:3. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah
52:4. You love all devouring words, [You] deceitful tongue.
52:5. God shall likewise destroy you forever; He shall take you away, and pluck you out of [your] dwelling place, And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
52:6. The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, [saying,]
52:7. "Here is the man [who] did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, [And] strengthened himself in his wickedness."
52:8. But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.
52:9. I will praise You forever, Because You have done [it;] And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for [it is] good.

✝️STUDY: The wicked man boasts in evil, devises destruction, loves evil more than good, lies and loves deceitful words. But God shall destroy the wicked forever; remove him from his dwelling place and uproot him from the earth. The righteous shall see the end of the wicked and mock him for rejecting God and trusting in riches while sinning. But the righteous shall trust in God's mercy, praise Him forever in the presence of the saints for His goodness. He will also wait upon God.
The wicked person will sooner or later be punished by God if he continues in his wickedness. Therefore, Christians should not worry when the wicked seem to prosper and get along in life. It is important to know that God is good to people who wait for Him and it is good for one to wait quietly for God's salvation (Lam. 3: 25-26). Living a life of wickedness will lead to your destruction, so repent and seek God, and He will have mercy on you. Learn to wait on the Lord and seek His face in studying His word and communicating with Him in prayers. Your life will certainly be changed for the better.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Faithful God, please give me the grace to wait on You, Amen!

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_


*DATE:* FRIDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* SALVATION BRINGS JOY


*TEXT:* PSALM 53: 1-6


1. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good.

2. God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

3. Every one of them has turned aside; They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good, No, not one.

4. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call upon God?

5. There they are in great fear, Where no fear was,
For God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you;
You have put them to shame, Because God has despised them.

6. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zions! When God brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

*MESSAGE:*

The Psalmist defines a fool as someone who does not believe in God. Fools also live corrupt and abominable lives and do nothing good. When God seeks for people with understanding who seek him, He finds none because there is nobody who does good. Sinners do not have the knowledge of God and do not call upon Him. That is why they fear where there is no fear, they have been scattered by God and put to shame. There shall be rejoicing when God brings back the captivity of His people.

The mind of a fool has been taken captive by Satan. He cannot seek God because he is in bondage. However, if the wicked turns away from his sins and begins to do what is good and right, he will live (Ezek. 18: 27). Turn to God and pray so that He will bring you out of your captivity of anger, drugs, immorality, drunkenness, smoking, etc. Call on Jesus to set you free today (John 8: 36) and you will rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4: 4). Your salvation is the greatest gift you will ever have; seek it for God did not appoint you to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Christ (1 Thess. 5:9).

*PRAYER:*
Father, please set the captives free and cause Your people to rejoice. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God says:

_“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.”_ *Isaiah 61: 1*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* SATURDAY, 17TH FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* HAVE CONFIDENCE IN GOD

*TEXT:* PSALM 54: 1-7

1. Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength.

2. Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.

3. For strangers have risen up against me, And oppressors have sought after my life; They have not set God before them.

4. Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.

5. He will repay my enemies for their evil.
Cut them off in Your truth.

6. I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good.

7. For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.

*MESSAGE:*

The Psalmist prays that God will save him, vindicate him and hear his prayer concerning strangers and oppressors who seek to harm his life. However, he is confident that God is his helper, will uphold his life, and will repay his enemies for their evil by cutting them off. Then, he will freely offer sacrifice to God, and praise His name for being delivered out of trouble.

Some Christians become afraid and lose hope when the devil motivates people to rise up against them and to oppress their lives. But God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1: 7). Be confident that God is able to help you and give you victory over your enemies. You can build up your confidence in the Lord by reading, listening, studying, memorizing and meditating on the word of God. It is important to build your faith through the word of God (Rom. 10: 17). But remember to praise Him and offer a sacrifice of your time, talent and treasure when He delivers you.

*PRAYER:*
Father, I have confidence in Your ability to deliver me from my troubles. May Your grace be sufficient for me in Jesus' name, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God says:

_“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”_ *Jeremiah 17: 7*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-18
(First Sunday in Lent)

🎯TOPIC: THE BLESSED ONE


✝️TEXT: Psalm 119: 1-8(NKJV)
119:1. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!
119:2. Blessed [are] those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
119:3. They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.
119:4. You have commanded [us] To keep Your precepts diligently.
119:5. Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!
119:6. Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.
119:7. I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.
119:8. I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

✝️STUDY: In our text for today, the Psalmist writes about the blessed ones and the need for one to live according to the commandments of the Lord. The blessed one is holy, walks in God's law, keeps His testimonies, seeks God with the whole heart, hates sin and lives according to the will of God. The people of God are commanded to keep His precepts diligently, and if one lives by His statutes, one would not be ashamed. Rather, such a person will gladly praise God for His righteous judgments. The Psalmist also pays for God to direct him and not to forsake him utterly.
To be blessed means to be in an enviable position of receiving God's favour, as an extension of His grace. Many people desire to be blessed but God has already blessed the believer with spiritual blessings which outweigh earthly blessings (Eph. 1: 3). Believers have also been blessed because God chose them and adopted them into His family(Eph.1: 4-6). Do you want to be blessed by God? Then you must receive Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour and you will be sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1: 13)and become a member of God's family.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Jesus, I surrender my life to You today.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-19

🎯TOPIC: I WILL CALL UPON GOD



✝️TEXT: Psalm 55: 1-23(NKJV)
55:1. To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
55:2. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
55:3. Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.
55:4. My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
55:5. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.
55:6. So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
55:7. Indeed, I would wander far off, [And] remain in the wilderness. Selah
55:8. I would hasten my escape From the windy storm [and] tempest."
55:9. Destroy, O Lord, [and] divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
55:10. Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble [are] also in the midst of it.
55:11. Destruction [is] in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
55:12. For [it is] not an enemy [who] reproaches me; Then I could bear [it.] Nor [is it] one [who] hates me who has exalted [himself] against me; Then I could hide from him.
55:13. But [it was] you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
55:14. We took sweet counsel together, [And] walked to the house of God in the throng.
55:15. Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness [is] in their dwellings [and] among them.
55:16. As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me.
55:17. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.
55:18. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me, For there were many against me.
55:19. God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.
55:20. He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.
55:21. [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war [was] in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they [were] drawn swords.
55:22. Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
55:23. But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.

✝️STUDY: In this Psalm, David prays for God to attend to his complaints about his wicked enemies. If possible, he would prefer to escape to a far location to be at rest. He is greatly alarmed because he is being troubled by not even a real enemy but by his companion and acquaintance who worshipped God with him. In spite of the bad activities of this person, David says he will call on God to save him by praying three times a day. He also advises the righteous to cast his burden on the Lord who will sustain him in stability. He leaves the judgment of the wicked in the hands of God and says he will trust in Him.
There are lots of problems and challenges facing Christians today including insecurity, kidnappings, high cost of living, high rate of unemployment, food scarcity, poverty, high monetary exchange rate and corruption of the political class. We need to call upon the Lord to grant us solutions to these problems. We need o also pray for those in authority to rule with justice and the fear of God. Start praying today by calling upon the Lord.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: O Lord, help me to call upon You every day.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-20

🎯TOPIC: TRUST THE LORD



✝️TEXT: Psalm 56: 1-13(NKJV)
56:1. To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me.
56:2. My enemies would hound [me] all day, For [there are] many who fight against me, O Most High.
56:3. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
56:4. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
56:5. All day they twist my words; All their thoughts [are] against me for evil.
56:6. They gather together, They hide, they mark my steps, When they lie in wait for my life.
56:7. Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God!
56:8. You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; [Are they] not in Your book?
56:9. When I cry out [to You,] Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God [is] for me.
56:10. In God (I will praise [His] word), In the LORD (I will praise [His] word),
56:11. In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
56:12. Vows [made] to You [are binding] upon me, O God; I will render praises to You,
56:13. For You have delivered my soul from death. [Have You] not [kept] my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?

✝️STUDY: The Psalmist asks for God's mercy because of his enemies who fight against him, think evil plans for him, lie in wait for his life, and hound him all day. He knows that because God is forhim, when he prays to God, his enemies go away. He has decided to trust in God when he is afraid so that he will be bold to render praises unto Him. He will also praise God for delivering him from death to be alive in the land of the living.
As long as one is alive, there will be different types of enemies that will confront one. Some enemies are seen while some others are unseen. The Bible reveals that our real enemies are not human but principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places (Eph. 6: 12). Therefore, we need spiritual weapons that will pull down strongholds and cast down anything that exalts itself against God's knowledge (2 Cor. 10: 4-5). Are there forces of darkness disturbing you, your family, business, in your office, in your compound, or from your village? Put your trust in God as you put on the whole armour of God. He will fight your battles and give you victory.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Great and powerful God, help me to trust You at all times.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-21

🎯TOPIC: A PLEA FOR MERCY


✝️TEXT: Psalm 57: 1-11(NKJV)
57:1. To the Chief Musician. Set to "Do Not Destroy." A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until [these] calamities have passed by.
57:2. I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs [all things] for me.
57:3. He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
57:4. My soul [is] among lions; I lie [among] the sons of men Who are set on fire, Whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword.
57:5. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; [Let] Your glory [be] above all the earth.
57:6. They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They have dug a pit before me; Into the midst of it they [themselves] have fallen. Selah
57:7. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
57:8. Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.
57:9. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.
57:10. For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.
57:11. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; [Let] Your glory [be] above all the earth.

✝️STUDY: In this Psalm, David pleads for God's mercy because he trusts in Him. He seeks for God's protection from his calamities. He believes that God will send His mercy and truth to save him from those who want to destroy him. He also insists that his heart is steadfast in the Lord and that he will praise God among the peoples and sing to Him among the nations. Twice, he exalts and glorifies God for who He is.
In the Christian race, one is bound to experience difficulties, calamities, reproaches, and enmity from people. In all these cases, one should put one's trust in the Lord, cry to Him for help, run the Christian race with endurance, and look unto Jesus (Heb. 12: 2). Learn to first cry to God when you face serious challenges, before trying other options. Make God your priority by studying His word daily, praising His name and calling on Him in your prayers. He will surely deliver you. Are you going through a crisis in your life, family, work, church or country? Take it to the Lord in prayer. Make your plea for mercy and your situation will change for the better.

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Precious Father; may Your mercy shine upon me in Jesus' name. Amen.

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* THURSDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* GOD JUDGES WICKEDNESS


*TEXT:* PSALM 58: 1-11


1. Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones?
Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?
2. No, in heart you work wickedness;
You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.
3. The wicked are estranged from the womb;
They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
4. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent;
They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear,
5. Which will not heed the voice of charmers,
Charming ever so skillfully.
6. Break their teeth in their mouth, O God!
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!
7. Let them flow away as waters which run continually;
When he bends his bow,
Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces.
8. Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes,
Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun.
9. Before your pots can feel the burning thorns,
He shall take them away as with a whirlwind,
As in His living and burning wrath.
10. The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
11. So that men will say,
“Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the earth.”

*MESSAGE:*

The wicked are known by their actions which include acts of violence and speaking lies. The Psalmist prays that God will judge the wicked by breaking their teeth, melting them away, destroying them before they are born and removing them with a whirlwind. The effects of God's vengeance on the wicked are that the righteous shall rejoice and confess that there is a reward for the righteous from God who judges the earth.

All over the world, there are wicked people who seem to be getting away with evil. In some countries in Africa, wicked leaders promote acts of lawlessness with impunity. Violence, drugs, rape, kidnapping, bloodshed and insecurity are some of the fruits of wicked men in our land today. Even the youths now engage in evil such as idolatry in the name or cultural Revival, examination malpractice, fornication, abortion, etc., because they do not fear God. But a day of judgment of the wicked is coming. However, it will be well with the righteous (Isa. 3:10). You can be declared righteous today if you will confess all your sins, repent of them, and receive Jesus into your heart right now. Take that important action now and be saved.

*PRAYER:*
Father, cause me to examine my life and to make peace with You
today, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."_ *Romans 5: 1*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* FRIDAY, 23RD FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* GOD IS MY DEFENCE

*TEXT:* PSALM 59: 1-17

1. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me.
2. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men.
3. For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord.
4. They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine. Awake to help me, and behold!
5. You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors.
6. At evening they return,
They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
7. Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords are in their lips; For they say, “Who hears?”
8. But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision.
9. I will wait for You, O You his Strength; For God is my defense.
10. My God of mercy shall come to meet me;
God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.
11. Do not slay them, lest my people forget; Scatter them by Your power, And bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12. For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, Let them even be taken in their pride,
And for the cursing and lying which they speak.
13. Consume them in wrath, consume them,
That they may not be;
And let them know that God rules in Jacob
To the ends of the earth.
14. And at evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
15. They wander up and down for food, And howl if they are not satisfied.
16. But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.

*MESSAGE:*

Our text reveals that the life of the Psalmist is in danger and he asks God to deliver, defend, save, and be awake to help him. He calls on the God of hosts to punish, laugh at, scatter, bring down, consume and utterly destroy the wicked. Twice, he confesses that God is his defence and promises to sing praises to God concerning His power, mercy and strength.

When you are weak you should pray for strength. When pursued, you should seek for shelter or safety. David knew that in a time of adversity, he should wait upon God for his defence. When things get tough in your life, who do you run to? Some people depend on their friends, relatives, titles, position or wealth when faced with challenges. Some even go to idols for power and protection which sooner or later, disappoint them. Make God your hiding place and He will preserve you in the time or trouble (Psa. 32: 7). Do you feel weak and helpless because of your problems? Take it to the Lord in prayer and He will surprise you. Spend more time daily in reading and studying God's word and He will be your defence.

*PRAYER:*
Father, I lift my heart to You and make You my hiding place Jesus' name. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."_ *Psalm 18: 2*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* SATURDAY, 24TH FEBRUARY, 2024 _*{St. Matthias Day/Church of Nigeria Day}*_ *THEME:* GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

*TEXT:* PSALM 16: 1-6 _*(NKJV)*_

16:1. A Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
16:2. [O my soul,] you have said to the LORD, "You [are] my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You."
16:3. As for the saints who [are] on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."
16:4. Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten [after] another [god;] Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.
16:5. O LORD,[You are] the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.
16:6. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant [places;] Yes, I have a good inheritance.

*MESSAGE:*

Today is St. Matthias Day and also Church of Nigeria Day when we commemorate the 182 years Anniversary of our church in Nigeria. In our text, we see that David has a good relationship with God such that he trusts Him for his preservation, his goodness comes from Him, he delights in the saints, and has God as his inheritance. David is happy that he has a good inheritance from God.

David understood the importance of having a personal relationship with God, and it enhanced his love and trust for Him. Any believer that must go far in his Christian race must develop a strong and intimate relationship with the Lord. Christians have a wonderful gift from the Lord Jesus because it is in Him that we have obtained an inheritance according to the counsel of His will (Eph. 1: 11). Do you have a personal relationship with God? Is He your Father with whom you interact and communicate on a daily basis? If not, you should call upon the Lord Jesus right now to save you from your sins. Then you will become a member of God's family (John 1: 12-13). Try it now and talk to God in prayer!

*PRAYER:*
O Lord, I come to You today for adoption into Your family in Jesus' name. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"I will reward those who diligently seek Me with a heart of faith."_ *Hebrews 11:6*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Feb-25
(Second Sunday in Lent)

🎯TOPIC: GOD IS OUR HELP



✝️TEXT: Psalm 33: 17-21(NKJV)
33:17. A horse [is] a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver [any] by its great strength.
33:18. Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,
33:19. To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.
33:20. Our soul waits for the LORD; He [is] our help and our shield.
33:21. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.

✝️STUDY: The Psalmist states that a horse cannot provide safety or deliverance. At the same time, he is sure that God watches over those who fear Him and hope in His mercy. God delivers His people from death, protects them from famine, and helps and shields them. God's people shall rejoice because they trust in Him, and will experience His mercy because they hope in Him.
In a world full of wars, diseases, climate change, environmental disasters, corruption, scammers, ritual killers, sexual immorality, increasing population and high poverty rates, it is acceptable that men will need help. In countries with poor leadership, people will need both help and hope. However, in difficult times, some people seek help at the wrong places like going to native doctors, false prophets, prayer houses, and cult groups for protection, promotion or provision. Are you one of those Christians who patronise such unholy people when you have personal challenges? Remember that we are in the last days (2 Tim. 3: 1-5). God is the help and hope of all Christians. Make God your refuge, strength and a present help when there is trouble (Psa. 46: 1). Call upon Him today for your deliverance (Psa. 50: 15). Will you do so today?

✝️🙏PRAYER: Help me, O God, to trust and rely on Your help now and always, Amen.

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* MONDAY, 26TH FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* RESTORE US, O LORD

*TEXT:* PSALM 60: 1-12 (NKJV)

60:1. To the Chief Musician. Set to "Lily of the Testimony." A Michtam of David. For teaching. When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again!
60:2. You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.
60:3. You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.
60:4. You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah
60:5. That Your beloved may be delivered, Save [with] Your right hand, and hear me.
60:6. God has spoken in His holiness: "I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem And measure out the Valley of Succoth.
60:7. Gilead [is] Mine, and Manasseh [is] Mine; Ephraim also [is] the helmet for My head; Judah [is] My lawgiver.
60:8. Moab [is] My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Philistia, shout in triumph because of Me."
60:9. Who will bring me [to] the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?
60:10. [Is it] not You, O God, [who] cast us off? And You, O God, [who] did not go out with our armies?
60:11. Give us help from trouble, For the help of man [is] useless.
60:12. Through God we will do valiantly, For [it is] He [who] shall tread down our enemies.

*MESSAGE:*

David says in this Psalm that God is not happy with His people but he prays for restoration. The people were confused but God gave them a banner of truth for their deliverance. God speaks in holiness and rejoices because the earth is the Lord's and all its fullness (Psa. 24: 1). David wondered who will lead him to fight in Edom and quickly realises that it is God, who seems to have rejected them. However, he prays that God will give them help from trouble as the help of man is useless. He is very confident that through God, victory will be won over their enemies.

When a relationship has broken down and things are not going well, there is need for a restoration of peace so that normalcy would return. How is your relationship with the Lord? Is it strong and intimate or has it broken down or is it even non-existent? Let us ask God to revive and restore us in every area of our Christian life such as Bible study, prayer life, worship, evangelism, giving, hospitality, etc. How is your relationship with your wife or husband? Ask God for help today and He will surely restore you.

*PRAYER:*
Precious Father, I look unto You for help to restore my relationship with you and others in Jesus' name. Amen.

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"When your body fails, you have an eternal home waiting for you."_ *2 Corinthians 5:1*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* TUESDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* A PRAYER OF DAVID

*TEXT:* PSALM 61: 1-8 (NKJV)

61:1. To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David. HEAR my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.
61:2. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
61:3. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
61:4. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
61:5. For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given [me] the heritage of those who fear Your name.
61:6. You will prolong the king's life, His years as many generations.
61:7. He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, [which] may preserve him!
61:8. So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.

*MESSAGE*

In this Psalm, David prays and cries to God to attend to his prayer. Being overwhelmed, he cries that he will be led into God's presence. He confesses that God is his shelter, his strong tower, that he will dwell in God's tabernacle forever, and that he will trust in Him. He reminds God that He has given him a good heritage, long life, and has been preserved with mercy and truth. Therefore, he promises to praise His name and fulfil his vows to the Lord.

Although David was king over Israel and Judah, he brought out time to pray to God. In fact, he praised God seven times every day (Psa.119: 164). No wonder he is said to be a man after God's heart. Christians must form the habit of praying to God at all times, and not only when there is a problem. Jesus taught that men should pray always without fainting (Luke 18: 1). How is your prayer life? Is there still fire at your prayer altar?You can do like David and cry unto the Lord right now. Tell Him how you feel. Be open to Him and He will meet you at the point of your need.

*PRAYER:*
Grant me grace, O Lord, to pray always in Jesus' name. *Amen.*

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"Those who overcome will sit with My Son on His throne."_ *Revelation 3:21*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* WEDNESDAY, 28TH FEBRUARY, 2024 *THEME:* TRUST IN GOD ALWAYS

*TEXT:* PSALM 62: 1-12 (NKJV)

62:1. To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. Truly my soul silently [waits] for God; From Him [comes] my salvation.
62:2. He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [He is] my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
62:3. How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
62:4. They only consult to cast [him] down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, But they curse inwardly.
62:5. My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation [is] from Him.
62:6. He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [He is] my defense; I shall not be moved.
62:7. In God [is] my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, [And] my refuge, [is] in God.
62:8. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God [is] a refuge for us.
62:9. Surely men of low degree [are] a vapor, Men of high degree [are] a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They [are] altogether [lighter] than vapor.
62:10. Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set [your] heart [on them.]
62:11. God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power [belongs] to God.
62:12. Also to You, O Lord, [belongs] mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.

*MESSAGE:*

David, in this Psalm addresses himself, others, and God. Of himself, he says that he silently waits on God for his salvation, defence, expectation, strength and refuge. He is not happy with the wicked who destroy, lie and curse inwardly. He advises people to trust in God always and pray to Him, not to trust in oppression, not to hope in robbery, and not set their hearts on increased riches. He insists that power and mercy belong to God who rewards each person according to his work.

Every Christian should strive to know God, trust Him, obey Him, pray to Him, and build a personal, strong relationship with Him. This can be done by having an intentional Disciplined Daily Devotion (3Ds) when you rise up early to be with the Lord in Bible study and Prayers. Jesus Christ left us an example (Mark 1: 35). Others may put their trust in man, money, connections, beauty, position, power or in their ancestry but you, child of God, should put your trust in God always for He is faithful (Deut.7: 9; 1 Cor. 1: 9). Do you have a special need? Trust that the lord will meet you at the point of your need!

*PRAYER:*
Father; help me to trust in You always in Jesus' name. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"My promise of life is for you and for your family."_ *Acts 2:39*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* FRIDAY, 1ST MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* TURNING THE TABLE AGAINST THE CONSPIRATORS

*TEXT:* PSALM 64: 1-10 (NKJV)

64:1. To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
64:2. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
64:3. Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows -- bitter words,
64:4. That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
64:5. They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, "Who will see them?"
64:6. They devise iniquities: "We have perfected a shrewd scheme." Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.
64:7. But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded.
64:8. So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away.
64:9. All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.
64:10. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.

*MESSAGE:*

This Psalm is one of the prayers of David crying to God for judgment on the enemies of the righteous. It is a prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with an assurance that they will be destroyed and this will bring honour to God and give joy to the righteous. The whole of Psalm 64 has references to David's enemies who were persecuting, slandering, and giving him trouble. He prayed to God to preserve him from all their malicious designs (Psalm 64: 1-2); he described their character as men marked for destruction by their wickedness (Psalm 64: 3-6) and prophesied the destruction of the wicked which would showcase the glory of God and give courage to all His people (Psalm 64: 7-10).

The effect of the old enmity between man and Satan still lingers on today (Gen. 3: 15) but thank God for the assured victory for a child of God-the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Rom. 16: 20). Thus, we can tun the table on Satan and all our enemies only by becoming God's children. The Psalmist has outlined the steps to salvation in Christ Jesus, which is free. When we cry unto God, then our enemies shall turn back; this we know, for God is for us (Psalm 56: 9).

*PRAYER:*
Thank You Father for Your sure deliverance from the malicious attacks of the enemy. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
God Says

_"All My promises are fulfilled in Christ."_ *2 Corinthians 1:20*

*WELCOME TO THE MONTH OF MARCH 2024*

In this Month of Mercy, the Lord will have Compassion on you. He will forgive all your faults and open the flood gates of heaven unto you to bless your undertakings. Mercy shall turn your reproach to celebrations. God will silence all accusers set against you to bring you down. You shall rise from the ashes. _*Amen*_

*HAPPY NEW MONTH*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* SATURDAY, 2ND MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* MANIFOLD BLESSINGS

*TEXT:* PSALM 65: 1-13 (NKJV)

65:1. To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song. Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; And to You the vow shall be performed.
65:2. O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come.
65:3. Iniquities prevail against me; [As for] our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.
65:4. Blessed [is the man] You choose, And cause to approach [You,] [That] he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.
65:5. [By] awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, [You who are] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of the far-off seas;
65:6. Who established the mountains by His strength, [Being] clothed with power;
65:7. You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.
65:8. They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.
65:9. You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it.
65:10. You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth.
65:11. You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip [with] abundance.
65:12. They drop [on] the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side.
65:13. The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

*MESSAGE:*

Psalm 65 is another psalm written by David. It is a lyrical poem, that is, a psalm that can be said or sung. It begins with praises to God by describing Him as God of Grace (Psa. 65:1-4); God of Might (Psa. 65:5-, and God of Prosperity (Psa. 65:9-13). The praises show God as He who answers prayers, forgives all sins, and grants blessedness to those who come to His presence. The psalm also portrays the mighty acts of God in their entirety,“to the ends of the earth" (v.. Not only that, it describes the bountiful blessings of God.

God blesses us abundantly in so many ways - materially or through nature. He bestowed His blessings upon humanity through His grace which He offered to all mankind. Though we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3: 23), we have been justified freely by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ (Rom. 3: 24). These blessings are what is keeping the world alive. However, the blessing of forgiveness is not automatic - we have to come to the fount flowing with the blood of Christ that cleanses and makes us whole. Have you praised God today for saving you and for all His manifold blessings?

*PRAYER:*
Lord, lead me to the cleansing fount so I can be fit to praise you for your manifold blessings.

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"The earth belongs to Me and all that is in it."_ *Psalm 24:1*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Mar-03

🎯TOPIC: NOT TO US, NOR ANY IDOLS



✝️TEXT: Psalm 115: 1-7(NKJV)
115:1. Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.
115:2. Why should the Gentiles say, "So where [is] their God?"
115:3. But our God [is] in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.
115:4. Their idols [are] silver and gold, The work of men's hands.
115:5. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
115:6. They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;
115:7. They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.

✝️STUDY: Psalm 115 is one of the psalms used by the Jews during Passover celebrations and possibly sung by Jesus and His disciples the night He was betrayed, arrested, and crucified. The psalm ascribes all glory to God (not to self or idols), in all things. It excluded any forms of boasting (v.1); it makes no room for projecting self-merit or self-glory, but glory is centered on God.
Rick Warren began his best-seller book, The Purpose Driven Life with, “It's not about you.” This is the meaning of Psalm 115: 1 “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory.” Have we received any Mercy? Success? Glory? Grace? Say not, “The power of my hand has gotten this wealth" (Deut.8:17)nor, “For my righteousness, the Lord has done these great and kind things for me" (Deut. 9: 4). Our words should be,'Not to us Lord!' We must take courage in God that He alone can do what we are asking for and not any idol or god. For us to do this, however, we must have the right relationship with God. It is a life-long journey which does not happen overnight. We also like Jesus, must learn to pray, “Not my will, but yours be done!”(Luke 22: 42).

✝️🙏PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me in any way I trusted in idols or self-merit. Not my will Lord, but Yours be done.

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* MONDAY, 4TH MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* CHRISTS MESSIAHSHIP REJECTED BY HIS PEOPLE

*TEXT:* JOHN 7: 1-24 (NKJV)

7:1. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.
7:2. Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.
7:3. His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.
7:4. "For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."
7:5. For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
7:6. Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.
7:7. "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.
7:8. "You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come."
7:9. When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.
7:10. But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
7:11. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, "Where is He?"
7:12. And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, "He is good"; others said, "No, on the contrary, He deceives the people."
7:13. However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.
7:14. Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught.
7:15. And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?"
7:16. Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.
7:17. "If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or [whether] I speak on My own [authority.]
7:18. "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
7:19. "Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?"
7:20. The people answered and said, "You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?"
7:21. Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel.
7:22. "Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.
7:23. "If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?
7:24. "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

*MESSAGE:*

The Gospel of John and other Synoptic Gospels contain cases of Christ's rejection by the Jews. The evidence of this in our text corroborates the comment of John, the baptist: "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not (John 1: 11). On many occasions that Jesus performed miracles that should ordinarily have spurred the Jews to believe in Him as their Messiah, such as the healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5); healing of a man born blind (John 9); raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11), etc; the Jews rather responded with controversy and rejection. Paul would later show his dismay at the rejection of Christ as Messiah by his people and prayed for their salvation (Rom. 10: 1-2). The Jews were looking for a messiah that would deliver them from Roman oppression and establish their kingdom. They were also deceived by their wilful ignorance, familiarity, self-centeredness, self-righteousness and unbelief.

Many today also equate Jesus to prophets, religious founders and miracle workers and do not appreciate him as their Saviour and Messiah. It is not that they cannot believe; it is that they would rather not believe. It is not that they need more evidence; it is that they fail to act upon the plethora of evidence available to them. Are you denying the available truth about the messiahship of Jesus? Repent now before it is too late.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me never to deny You as my Messiah and Saviour now and always, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
God Says:

" _The grass will dry up and flowers will fall, but My Word will endure forever."_ *1 Peter 1: 24-25*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* TUESDAY, 5TH MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* JESUS THE LIVING WATER

*TEXT:* JOHN 7: 25-53 (NKJV)

7:25. Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill?
7:26. "But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?
7:27. "However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from."
7:28. Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, "You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.
7:29. "But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me."
7:30. Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.
7:31. And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this [Man] has done?"
7:32. The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him.
7:33. Then Jesus said to them, "I shall be with you a little while longer, and [then] I go to Him who sent Me.
7:34. "You will seek Me and not find [Me,] and where I am you cannot come."
7:35. Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?
7:36. "What is this thing that He said, 'You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come'?"
7:37. On the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
7:38. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
7:39. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet [given,] because Jesus was not yet glorified.
7:40. Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet."
7:41. Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee?
7:42. "Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"
7:43. So there was a division among the people because of Him.
7:44. Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.
7:45. Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"
7:46. The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"
7:47. Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived?
7:48. "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?
7:49. "But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."
7:50. Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them,
7:51. "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"
7:52. They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."
7:53. And everyone went to his [own] house.

*MESSAGE:*

Jesus' words in our text “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” alluded to the theme of the Messiah's life-giving blessings (Isa. 12:2,3:44:3, 4:58:11) Jesus used the term 'living water' in John 4:10 to indicate eternal life. In our text, He used the term to refer to the Holy Spirit. Wherever the Holy Spirit is accepted, He brings eternal life. He also empowered Jesus' followers to live a life of righteousness to gain eternal life.

Jesus Christ is the river of life and the fountain flowing freely everywhere and whoever drinks from it shall never be thirsty again. This is a great invitation for you to come and drink in order not to be thirsty again. Come to the river of life and drink to have everlasting life. The Holy Spirit is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. This is not automatic but one must thirst and empty every other desire so that the Holy Spirit can come and fill our vessels. The Holy Spirit does not dwell in a dirty place -we must be holy to receive a holy thing.

*PRAYER:*
Father; please give me the living water to drink so that I will not thirst again. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"Though the mountains vanish, My unending love will never leave you."_ *Isaiah 54: 10*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* WEDNESDAY, 6TH MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE

*TEXT:* JOHN 8: 1-11 (NKJV)

8:1. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
8:2. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
8:3. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst,
8:4. they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.
8:5. "Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?"
8:6. This they said, testing Him, that they might have [something] of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with [His] finger, as though He did not hear.
8:7. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."
8:8. And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
8:9. Then those who heard [it,] being convicted by [their] conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest [even] to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
8:10. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"
8:11. She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

*MESSAGE:*

It is a popular saying that 'to err is human, to forgive is divine.' This was true of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and brought to Jesus. The question that would come to mind was 'why was the man she engaged in the act with not brought to Jesus too?' The Scribes and Pharisees only brought the woman to tempt Jesus: Either to contradict Moses (Lev.20:10) and be condemned as a false prophet or to condemn the woman to death and be accused of usurping Roman authority. Jesus answered them that the one among them who was sinless should first cast a stone at the woman. Some think that Jesus was not condemning adultery but the idea was that since none of her accusers stayed to condemn her, He was not going to pass a sentence on the woman.

Jesus came to save men and not to destroy them. So, forgiving the woman and any other person who repents and turns from sin, was part of Jesus' obligation. However, this is not a license for us to continue to sin against God. Anyone who sins shall surely die. As Christians, we should not take the patience of God for granted; we must remember the command that all men everywhere should repent (Acts 17: 30).

*PRAYER:*
Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live above sin all the days of my life, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
God Says:

_"I have called you out of darkness into My glorious light."_ *1 Peter 2:9*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* THURSDAY, 7TH MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* JESUS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

*TEXT:* JOHN 8: 12-30 (NKJV)

8:12. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
8:13. The Pharisees therefore said to Him, "You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true."
8:14. Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going.
8:15. "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.
8:16. "And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I [am] with the Father who sent Me.
8:17. "It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true.
8:18. "I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me."
8:19. Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
8:20. These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.
8:21. Then Jesus said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come."
8:22. So the Jews said, "Will He kill Himself, because He says, 'Where I go you cannot come'?"
8:23. And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
8:24. "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am [He,] you will die in your sins."
8:25. Then they said to Him, "Who are You?" And Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.
8:26. "I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him."
8:27. They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.
8:28. Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [He,] and [that] I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.
8:29. "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."
8:30. As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

*MESSAGE:*

Our text today speaks of Jesus as the light of the world. In several places in the scripture, we see Jesus calling Himself different names. For example in John 15: 1, He called Himself the True Vine. In John 10: 11, He said he is a Good Shepherd. He is also the Door (John 10: 9) while in John 14: 6, He describes himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus' description of himself as the Light of the world implies that He is the source of illumination to the darkness that prevails in the world. Truly, the present-day world has been covered by gross darkness but God wants us to be the light in that darkness. As all terrestrial bodies receive their light through the illumination from the sun, in the same way, no believer can walk in the light without receiving their light from Jesus who himself is the light. That is why Jesus said, “For without me, ye can do nothing (John 15: 58). Any Christian who wants to shine must abide in Christ, else, such a believer would walk in darkness.

Believers are the light of the world and should live out Christian virtues for the world to see. It is our truthfulness that will expose errors and evils in the world. Jesus expects us to follow his footsteps by exhibiting good works to showcase the glory of God to the world (Matt. 5: 14-16). True followers of Jesus are not only the Light but must also walk in the Light. Let us arise to shine the light of Jesus and make Him known to the world.

*PRAYER:*
O Lord, grant me the grace to be a light to my generation, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
God Says:

_"I have chosen the weak things of this world to confound the strong."_ *1 Corinthians 1:27*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* FRIDAY, 8TH MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* ARE YOU REALLY WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE

*TEXT:* JOHN 8: 31-47 (NKJV)

8:31. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
8:32. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
8:33. They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How [can] you say, 'You will be made free'?"
8:34. Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
8:35. "And a slave does not abide in the house forever, [but] a son abides forever.
8:36. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
8:37. " I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.
8:38. "I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father."
8:39. They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.
8:40. "But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this.
8:41. "You do the deeds of your father." Then they said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father -- God."
8:42. Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
8:43. "Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.
8:44. "You are of [your] father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and [does not] stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own [resources,] for he is a liar and the father of it.
8:45. "But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.
8:46. "Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?
8:47. "He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."

*MESSAGE:*

Jesus said to the Jews,“If God were your father, ye would love me and do the works of Abraham (John 8:39-42). These Jews had claimed to have Abraham as their Father but failed to love and do the works of Abraham which were counted for him as righteousness. Today, many followers of Christ still dishonour God's word and claim to be children of God (1 Sam.2: 30).

Are you one of such people? If you are a Christian, but the fruits you bear do not tally with those of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5: 22-25), it means God is not your father but Satan. If your spiritual eyes are dim, you may not recognise the truth. More importantly, a carnally minded son or daughter is likely to lose both paternal privileges and rights just like the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32). Are you still under the management of the devil or perhaps, you have lost your sonship through carelessness, peer pressure, love of money, inordinate desire for positions or power, wrong association, etc? Our God is gracious. Repent and ask for forgiveness with godly sorrow. Your glory will be restored. Eternal life awaits you if you overcome the devil's end-time agenda. Pray that the tricks and plans of the enemy over you will fail in Jesus' name.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, please be merciful and deliver me from the power of the flesh and devil, _*Amen!*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
God says:

_"I delight to reveal My kingdom to those with a childlike heart."_ *Matthew 11: 25-26*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* SUNDAY, 10TH MARCH, 2024 {Lent 4} MOTHERING SUNDAY *THEME:* COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

*TEXT:* PSALM 18: 27-38 (NKJV)

18:27. For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.
18:28. For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
18:29. For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.
18:30. [As for] God, His way [is] perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He [is] a shield to all who trust in Him.
18:31. For who [is] God, except the LORD? And who [is] a rock, except our God?
18:32. [It is] God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.
18:33. He makes my feet like the [feet of] deer, And sets me on my high places.
18:34. He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
18:35. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
18:36. You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip.
18:37. I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.
18:38. I have wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet.

*MESSAGE:*

Psalm 18 is generally a thanksgiving by David for all the deliverances wrought in his life by God. The psalm helped him to keep the experiences fresh in his memory so as never to forget the mighty deeds of God. This psalm was first sung in 2 Samuel 22 when David was young, however, even at old age, he still remembered all the great acts of God. While reminiscing, David described God as He who repays a person accordingly (Psa. 18: 27), thus, establishing the biblical fact that we reap what we sow (Job 34: 11; Rom. 2: 6). He remembered God as He who lightened his darkness, and helped him to run and leap over the wall, girded him with strength and made his way perfect; made his feet like that of a deer, set him on high places and taught his hands to war (Psa. 18: 28-34). All these depict David's trust and total dependence on divine intervention in all his victories which kept Israel safe throughout his reign.

David's reliance on God throughout his life accounted for all his successes. Who do you depend on: Your efforts, intellect, or connections?Do you see God in all our endeavours? Do you accord Him all the honour due Him for both the 'little' and 'big' wins? Are you humble enough to count our blessings and encourage others to do so? If you do, it will surprise you what God has done.

*PRAYER:*
Quietly count, name and thank God for all your blessings today and always.

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"Your old life has died and your new life is hid with Christ in Me."_ *Colossians 3: 3*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2024-Mar-11

🎯TOPIC: MANIFESTATION OF GOD'S GLORY


✝️TEXT: John 9: 1-5(NKJV)
9:1. Now as [Jesus] passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.
9:2. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
9:3. Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
9:4. "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; [the] night is coming when no one can work.
9:5. "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

✝️STUDY: The passage for today presents a man born blind and living in great difficulty and pain. Usually, in Jewish thought, the blind must be suffering from the consequences of his or his parents' sin. This view is expressed in the question of the disciples. In their thinking, the man was simply suffering for the sin of his parents because he was born blind. According to Jesus, the man was not suffering for any sin although he did not state the source of the problem but pointed out that the problem of the man was destined to show forth the glory of God. Of course, this did not mean that God inflicted the problem on the man. The causes of human problems are many and sometimes complex. For instance, health problems of different kinds could be caused by diseases, misuse of the body, accidents, stress, birth defects arising from carelessness, and of course, attacks from enemies.
Jesus said no matter the problem, God's supreme authority and power are exercised over our situations, bringing about peace, calmness, and joy; His glory is manifested and people will rejoice. If we are passing through any kind of difficult and seemingly irreversible problems - debt, poverty, joblessness, ill-health; barrenness, marital discord-we must keep praying because if we do, we will experience His divine intervention.

✝️🙏PRAYER: Heavenly Father, mercifully intervene in my situation for a miracle, Amen.

Sincere Apologies to everyone following this tread to read the delay devotional, its not my intentions not to update.


But my phone has been bad all this while, just had to fix it and its good to be back!


Thank God for the gift of life.


God bless you all.

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* SUNDAY, 17TH MARCH, 2024 _*{Lent 5}*_ *THEME:* GOVERNOR FOR ALL NATIONS: HOPE FOR THE AFFLICTED

*TEXT:* PSALM 22: 23-29 (NKJV)

22:23. You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
22:24. For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard.
22:25. My praise [shall be] of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.
22:26. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!
22:27. All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You.
22:28. For the kingdom [is] the LORD's, And He rules over the nations.
22:29. All the prosperous of the earth Shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust Shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive.

*MESSAGE:*

Our text reveals the hope for the afflicted by stating that God does not despise their affliction neither does He hide his face from them, but his ear is attentive whenever they cried unto him for help. For this reason, the Psalmist declared that his praise shall be of the LORD who alone can listen to the afflicted and also deliver him from all his affliction. In order to solidify the hope of the afflicted in God, he also stated that the kingdom of the earth belongs to God, and He is the governor of the nation and as a result of this, God can deliver all the afflicted.

Whatever affliction you may be going through now, there is hope for you. If only you will cry unto God, the LORD will deliver you from all your affliction. That God is the 'governor among the nations' tells of His sufficient power to deliver those who will diligently take time to call unto him for help. As 'governor', God has everything under his control; principalities and powers are subject unto him, and once He arises to save, no power can stop or hinder him.

*PRAYER:*
Dear LORD, I acknowledge You as the governor among the nations. Please intervene in my afflictions, _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"When you pass through turbulent waters, I will be close to you."_ *Isaiah 43: 2*

*THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA _(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* MONDAY, 18TH MARCH, 2024 *THEME:* THE LORD, OUR GREAT SHEPHERD

*TEXT:* PSALM 23: 1-6 (NKJV)

23:1. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
23:2. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
23:3. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You [are] with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
23:5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
23:6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

*MESSAGE:*

When we take some time to ponder on the relationship of a shepherd and the sheep, our understanding will open as we catch a glimpse of the great privilege we have in Christ. David, as an experienced shepherd, introduced the LORD to us as a shepherd. He also enumerated the duties of a shepherd:A shepherd accepts the responsibility of providing for the sheep; he will look for and locate greener pastures for the sheep and also direct them to sources of water. It is his duty to restore the wearied among the sheep; He is there with them in time of trouble and danger; and without doubt, defends them against the enemy.

This reveals the true identity of our LORD and Master. He referred to Himself as “a good Shepherd (John 10: 11) who has even gone to the extent of giving his life for us. With his life given for us at salvation, the scripture assures us that God will, with Christ, freely give us all other things (Rom. 8: 31-32). When the time comes for us to walk through that valley of the shadow of death - when we are to cross the border of the present life to the great beyond, He will be there to comfort us if by then we have allowed him to be our shepherd and LORD.

*PRAYER:*
Give thanks to God for His shepherd role over your life, commit your specific needs unto Him, and ask Him to be your LORD and Shepherd forever.

*QUOTE FOR THE DAY*
God Says:

_"My anointing will teach you all you need to know."_ *1 John 2: 27*