TOPIC: God's Mercy At Work

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

TEXT: GENESIS 3:14-24

Key Verse: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

God is extremely benevolent. It was at the same scene where He made punitive pronouncements on man for his disobedience in heeding Satan’s counsel that the Lord disclosed His plan of redemption from the Fall. He said, “And I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shall bruise his heel.” That was God’s sentence of judgment on the serpent.

It is a prophecy of the ultimate victory of God over Satan and evil; victory for mankind. This was to happen through spiritual battle between the “Seed” of the woman (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the “seed” of the serpent (Satan and his followers). God’s promise here is that Christ would be born of a woman and would be “bruised” through His crucifixion. But He would rise from the dead to completely destroy Satan, sin and death for the sake of the redemption of the human race.

We are reminded that sin does not go without punishment. We need to depend on God and continue to obey Him since the contrary has its terrible consequences (Genesis 3:16-19). The general picture we are presented in Scripture is that God designed our redemption right from the beginning. The Bible says: “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways and live? I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves and live ye” (Ezekiel 18:23,32).

The sinner who exhibits godly sorrow, retraces his steps like the prodigal son back to God (Luke 15:11-32) and obtains forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ will not perish. Irrevocable death sentence awaits people who continually reject Christ and die in sin.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 1-10

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s punishment for sin on earth is meant to save man from eternal doom.

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TOPIC: Brevity of Life

"Thursday, April 02, 2015"

*TEXT: JUDGES 12:7-15*

*"Key Verse: “And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead” (Judges 12:7)."*
For every man, life is short and uncertain. Only the near-approach of death is ever so sure. The great object in the minds of all men therefore, should be to live a life that counts for eternity. We need toendeavour to leave memories of how we lived, served and died in the will of God.
Jephthah was rejected by others but God still drew him nearer to be used. God would use anyone who forsakes sin and draws closer to Him. Through his boldness and faith in the God of Israel, Jephthah obtained great deliverance for Israel against the Ammonites. He was a man of his word, even when those words cost him much pain. His steadfastness is a virtue believers ought to imbibe today.
Although Jephthah died after only six years of his victory over the Ammonites, that victory brought peace that lasted over 31 years to Israel. The three judges that ruled immediately after Jephthah, had no wars to fight for their reigns were peaceful.
However, Israel soon went back to their sinful lifestyle afterwards. The three succeeding judges passed away quickly after their respective short reigns that God might again visit Israel for their sin and backsliding. When iniquity abounds in the land, and righteous leaders become few, it is a sign that evil days are near.
The lessons in today’s passage are many. First, we must realize that life is short. No matter how long we live, it cannot be compared to endless life hereafter in a desirable or undesirable destination. Second, it is unwise to bask endlessly in the joy of any earthly victory or success but direct our gaze to a more serious and solemn consideration of our eternal home and what qualifies us for eternal bliss with God. Third, we must endeavour to make peace between man and God at all times.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 11 - 18*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The righteous is taken away from the wrath to come."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: The Saviour’s Evangelism Formula

Friday, April 03, 2015

TEXT: MATTHEW 4:23-25

Key Verse: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23).

Decapolis was region made up of ten cities in Syria of Bible times. Considering its mega city structure with enclosed walls that encouraged the people to gather in one place, it offered a very good setting for the delivery of the gospel to many people in one place. The Bible record about where we read today is that shortly after converting Peter, Andrew, James and John, our Lord Jesus Christ went where the multitudes were assembled to preach to them.

According to Matthew 4:25: “And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan”. Earlier, He had gone about all Galilee to preach and teach kingdom truths in their synagogues; He was also prepared to go as far as Syria where people “brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

We learn from the Lord that itinerancy is part of the responsibilities of a preacher of the gospel. He must make the entire land his pulpit aside preaching in the church. But he must also go to meet the people wherever they are and satisfy their urgent spiritual need. That is the essence of the gospel project, DAWN – Discovering A Waiting Neighbour.

Jesus did not wait for them to come to Him first; nor did He concentrate on the synagogue. Thereafter, they trooped to Him for divine blessings.

Every believer should follow the Lord’s formula of Discovering A Waiting Neighbour.We must be Christ-like in carrying out the great commission (Matthew 28:19,20).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 19 - 23

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Effective soul-winning requires leaving your comfort zone.

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TOPIC: Complete Victory For Complete Rest

Saturday, April 04, 2015

TEXT: ESTHER 9:13-19

Key Verse: “Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows” (Esther 9:13).

The powerful anti-Semitic Haman hatched a malicious plot to exterminate the Jews. Misrepresenting the Jews before the king, he cunningly obtained a royal approval to deal ruthlessly with them. He drafted a terrible decree to kill all the Jews and affixed the king’s seal on it. The decree was circulated to all the Medo-Persian provinces to mobilize executioners. The ethnic cleansing and genocide would have been dastardly if hatched.

The decree was reversed through divine intervention. Haman was hanged in the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Another decree was signed by the king empowering the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.

On the appointed day, the Jews slew their aggressors in Shushan and all the king’s provinces. In Shushan, 500 men were slain by the Jews. Esther’s request here for a repeat of the exercise in Shushan the following day was not borne out of bloodthirstiness but to forestall a potential mistake.

Following the counter edict from the king, some of the Jews’ enemies went into hiding only to resurface the next day when the edict would have expired. Those murderous men remained a threat to the Jews. On that 2 nd day, 300 of them were killed in Shushan and the bodies of Haman’s sons were publicly hanged upon the gallows to deter others from repeating their evil. Thus did the Jews eliminate all their enemies and had rest.

In our fight against Satan and sin, nothing less than total victory will do. Take nothing for granted. Deal with every present and potential threat to your soul’s well-being.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 24 - 30

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The sin you spare will never spare you.

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TOPIC: Beloved, Yet Afflicted

"Sunday, April 05, 2015"

*TEXT: JEREMIAH 8:13-22*

*"Key Verse: “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” (Jeremiah 8:22)."*
The children of Israel were the apple of God’s own eyes. They were the beloved of God. In love and faithfulness, the Almighty honoured His promises to their fathers from generation to generation. Special favours of God had always been showered upon them; yet, they remained very unstable in their relationship with Him.
In our text, God shows His displeasure over their stiff-neckedness and sinful disposition. God said: “I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them” (Jeremiah 8:13). The Almighty so much afflicted them that their health, which they had taken for granted, began to decline.
As His people, the Almighty has made provisions for our good health and other good things of life. But most believers are not enjoying these privileges partly because of disobedience. Many have sat through several revival programmes where other people had their sicknesses healed and other needs of their lives met. Yet, they remain in their troubles because God is not pleased with them.
The children of Israel, in the text, lamented that they “looked for peace but no good came, and for a time of health and behold trouble” (verse 15). According to them, despite the manifestation of God’s healing power and great provisions, they did not see their signs. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved” (verse 20).
To enjoy God’s blessing, we must humbly return to Him , repent of sin and accept His offer of salvation through faith in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Then shall we be able to enjoy the fullness of His fatherly love.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 31 - 35*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Blessings always flow from a robust relationship with God."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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Topic: Away With Merchandise

Monday, April 06, 2015

TEXT: JOHN 2:14-16

Key Verse: “And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:16).

The palaces of kings and princes are not where the subjects buy and sell. Certainly, it is not a place for common activities. Christ found in God’s temple at Jerusalem that selling of sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices and changing of foreign currency into Jewish money were permitted contrary to His word and will. Christ therefore purged the temple by driving out those who profaned it and overturned the money-changers’ tables. He was displeased with those who misused their religious privileges for worldly gain. It is sacrilegious to buy and sell in the house of God. Today, the premises of some churches have been turned into mini-markets on Sundays or other worship days. This realization should therefore make us walk orderly, humbly, soberly and holy at all times whenever we go to God’s house.

Moreover, if the physical temple was cleansed by Christ, the cleansing of spiritual temples of God which we are is of utmost importance. Any human temple that will be indwelt by God must be free from sin. Freedom from outward and inward sins are obtained through prayer of faith for salvation and sanctification experiences. God has given us promises concerning these spiritual experiences that will free our lives from everything that defiles. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Genuine Christianity is predicated on righteous and holy living and preaching of the sound gospel. A situation whereby the Christian fellowship is subtly turned into a business network, rendezvous or place of merchandise is offensive to the sacredness of the gospel. True saints of God do not condone sin or support its practice.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 36 - 38

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is wisdom to shun sin like the proverbial plague.

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TOPIC: He Knows

"Tuesday, April 07, 2015

"*TEXT: EXODUS 2:23-25; 3:1-10*

*"Key Verse: “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7)."*
“I believe in love even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God even when He is silent” were weighty words found on the wall of a prison cell in Europe. Some sufferers do feel that God does keep silent in trying moments when they think they need Him most. Daniel was imprisoned in the lion’s den for a night and Paul the apostle many times but none of them felt deserted by God.
From the text, the Israelites grew in number after the death of Joseph. The new Pharaoh that emerged at that time conveniently chose to forget Joseph’s contribution to the Egyptian economy and his good legacy. He decided to punish Israel with a view to breaking their will and reducing them to slaves in the process. The Israelites now facing pain and agony under the Egyptian oppressors cried out to God. He responded by assuring them that He has heard and seen their hard bondage and sorrows. He sent Moses as a deliverer on remembrance of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Many want to know why God allows suffering today. ‘If God is a loving God’, they say, ‘He would not allow natural disasters, floods, famines, earthquakes, mudslides and wars to kill thousands of people. They forget that some mishaps people suffer are the consequences of the sins they had committed. Obtaining divine intervention in such situations will also be hard, for God says in Isaiah 59:1,2 that iniquities separate sinners from Him and prevent His intervention in their lives.
The assurance we have as children of God is that whatever we face today, God sees, hears, knows and understands. He knows the oppressors and the obstacles they put in our paths. God will protect and deliver us from all evil and make everything to work out for our good and His glory as we abide in Him.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 39 - 43*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is always ready and waiting for you."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: Total Dependence On God"

Wednesday, April 08, 2015"

*TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1-13*

*"Key Verse: “And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and ... wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (1 Samuel 1:11)."*
Our text reveals the tragedy of polygamy and the reward for total dependence on God. The Lord, from the beginning, made the marriage institution to be one man and one wife. But Elkanah had two wives – Hannah and Peninnah. The trouble that ensued from this mistake was beyond his imagination, as Peninnah, who had children for him, made life unbearable for Hannah.
Although Elkanah loved her, Hannah was always in bitter tears, looking up to God for a day of joy. She knew her help could only come from God and she profusely poured her soul to Him in prayer. Hannah’s stance is unlike those who visit herbalists and other ungodly places to seek children. She would rather pray than seek such help. It was only her lips that moved when she was praying. Eli, the priest, misconstrued her to be drunk. Eli’s situation is a lesson that we should be sure of our facts before drawing any conclusion.
The crisis in Elkanah’s home presents a picture of many polygamous families today, where wives see themselves as rivals and children take sides with their mothers, culminating in unhealthy relationships at home. Some wives would even go the extra length to employ diabolical means to eliminate other wives and their children.
This is partly why polygamy is completely off limits for the people of God. To avoid the pitfall of Elkanah therefore, make sure you marry according to God’s absolute will. As Hannah depended upon God as the only solution to her challenge, make sure you wholeheartedly rely upon Him to give you children and He will see you through.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 44 - 50*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Reward for absolute faith in God is always huge."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: Great Faith For Crumbs

Thursday, April 09, 2015

TEXT: MARK 7:24-30

Key Verse: “And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs” (Mark 7:28).

Many Christians pray to God in a commanding and assertive tone that suggests that He has become either their debtor or errand boy in their supposed exercise of faith. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Genuine faith comes with humility, a sense of dependence and calm repose.

When the Syrophenician woman came to the Lord Jesus Christ seeking healing for her sick daughter, she was armed with genuine faith. Indeed, in Matthew’s account of the incident, Christ described her faith as “great”. What made her faith great? Christ had just got to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon and checked into a house where He craved privacy. There came this desperate woman whose faith in Christ could not be barred by any human protocol; she sought Jesus out. Even Christ’s seemingly reproof did not dampen her faith. Christ said, “Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.” By this, He meant that the benefits of His ministry was first directed at the Jews and He was not yet done with them. And she was a Gentile and therefore unworthy of such benefit at that time. She accepted her status as a “dog” but unleashed her great faith at securing “the children’s crumbs.”

This woman’s faith had humility, a sense of dependence, confidence and importunity. No wonder Christ instantly healed her daughter. She got more than crumbs! If you desire audience at the throne of grace, you must come to God with the same attitude of genuine faith. Yes, as his children, God has given us various promises and privileges, but we must not approach Him rashly o r
arrogantly. God is neither our debtor nor our messenger. Our faith and prayer must show absolute dependence on Him as our Benefactor and Father.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 51 - 60

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Great faith works with no fanfare.

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TOPIC: Invincible Fortress

Friday, April 10, 2015

TEXT: PSALM 46:1-5

Key Verse: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Man always seeks refuge in physical structures, worldly ideas and projects that have proved unhelpful. For instance, man attempted immortality outside God’s plan, with the ancient alchemists once trying to produce the fabled elixir of life to arrest death and make man live on earth forever. It was, and remains, a futile approach in the face of the challenges the human race has experienced.

The power and ability to confront the fears, uncertainties and adversities of life are found in God. He is the invincible Fortress! God is the true and lasting Refuge from the danger the world has brought on itself through sin. He is the veritable security from the storms of life. He is always on the side of those who trust Him to take care of all their anxieties.

He is “a very present help in trouble”. God is available for His people and wants us to call upon Him in times of need. He does not want His people to run helter-skelter seeking help in gods or philosophies that cannot deliver or comfort. Our God has a “river” that continually flows with His grace, glory and power; water that refreshes the believer and makes him stand when others are falling in trying times.

In the midst of great natural disasters, evil tidings, persecutions, political upheavals, apostasy, economic recessions, violence, conflicts and wars and all other Satan-induced unrest, “will not we fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof... the LORD of hosts is with us”.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 61 - 67

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is always available to help.

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TOPIC: Flee Obstinacy

Saturday, April 11, 2015

TEXT: LAMENTATIONS 2:1-10

Key Verse: “The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation” (Lamentations 2:5).

Stubbornness is being unreasonably determined to persevere in a course against good advice. When a man decides to maintain such a disposition towards God and shuns His warnings and entreaties, this standoff will result in his undoing.

For many years, God sent His word through His prophets to Judah that they should repent and turn to Him. Yet, the people resisted not only the prophets but also the entreaties from God.

In our text, God’s justified wrath had come upon the land. All the inhabitants of Judah, men, women, children, princes and rulers languished as the invading enemy army plowed through the land with the sword and their instruments of war to destroy the cities because of their obstinacy against God. The former beauty, glory and pride of Judah suddenly became eclipsed by a cloud of gloom that spread over the whole land. The cities were destroyed; stately-built mansions of the rulers, the palaces, fortresses and defense towers were all pulled down while the king, the princes and the inhabitants of the land were taken as captives by their enemies. Disobedience to the word of God is stubbornness that has grave consequences.

Stubbornness begins when we say. “I will only believe if I receive a miracle” or “I will yield my heart but not now” or “I have a particular goal I want to achieve first”. When we know what God wants and refuse to do it, we demonstrate stubbornness and rebellion. If we continue to harden our hearts, it will develop into hardness of heart that will eventually incur His severe judgment.

Stubbornness will keep you from doing what is best for your soul, and make you invoke unmitigated disaster. Therefore, when God’s message comes to you, there is but one thing to do: just obey.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 68 - 71

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The stiff-necked can never be innocent.

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TOPIC: Incomparable Covenant

Sunday, April 12, 2015

TEXT: HEBREWS 8:10-13

Key Verse: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people” (Hebrews 8:10).

God’s thoughts towards His people are always thoughts of peace, progress and prosperity, to make us happy here and hereafter. He made covenants with His people under the Old Testament dispensation and gave them the terms and conditions to be fulfilled in order to enjoy the promised blessings.

A covenant is a formal agreement or contract between two or more parties. Definitely, when the conditions attached to the covenant are met, God fulfills the promises.

Unfortunately, the children of Israel were not faithful to God in that they breached the covenant He made with them. Their unbelief, disobedience, rebellion and backsliding made the old covenant not to be fulfilled. Therefore, God promised a new covenant with better promises with His people. This new covenant is faultless and well ordered in all things.

God cannot lie and His promises can never fail. This new and perfect covenant is established upon better promises. All who truly lay hold on it shall always be preserved by the power of God. In this new covenant, we have promises of assistance, acceptance, progress, preservation in grace and holiness, and glory in heaven at last. Every need of your life as a child of God is adequately taken care of by God. He cares for you and promises to “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. But be sure you are a real child of God because these promises in the new covenant are children’s bread which cannot be handed to strangers.

Do not forget, “The Lord will give (you) grace and glory and no good thing (healing and health, purity and power, provision and prosperity) will He withhold from them that walk uprightly

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 72 - 77

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s promises are cast in stone through Christ.

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TOPIC: Let The Fire Fall

Monday, April 13, 2015

TEXT: LEVITICUS 9:17-24

Key Verse: “And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces” (Leviticus 9:24).

The mention of “fire” generally elicits scary feelings. Anyone who has witnessed the gutting of a building by fire will definitely feel so. But fire is very vital to our survival. Apart from its primary uses for warming, cooking and lighting, fire plays a fundamental role in the generation of electricity that we use every day. Yet, in God’s economy, fire plays another unique role – it symbolizes God’s presence, power and purity.

Today’s text captures one of those occasions where God manifested His presence through fire. Aaron and his sons had just been consecrated as high priest and priests respectively after seven days of purification. On the eighth day, they, under the instruction of Moses, started their priestly functions by offering various sacrifices for sin offering, burnt offering and peace offerings to the Lord. When Moses and Aaron came out from the temple, they blessed the congregation of Israel.

After this, God manifested His glory before the people and caused fire to consume the sacrifice on the altar, signalling acceptance of their offerings and approval of the whole process as His will. Nothing can be more delightful than to know that your offering to God has been accepted or having His approval in whatever you do. Among other instances, God confirmed the acceptance of Abraham’s sacrifice by a flaming touch, commissioned Moses in a burning bush and answered Elijah by fire. Notice that the fire that consumed the sacrifice here was not contrived by man as obtained in most modern church altars that lack God’s presence, power and purity.

Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. Beyond this experience, it should be our goal, in every fellowship or sacrificial service rendered in the name of the Lord, to ensure that He is satisfied with us. We must do everything in His own way and with pure motives to receive divine approval.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 78 - 79

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Endeavour to get God’s fire of approval.

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TOPIC: Seeking Christ Diligently

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

TEXT: 1 KINGS 10:1-13

Key Verse: “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard” (1 Kings 10:7).

Addison Adamu grew up in a strict Muslim family in Ghana. Getting converted to Christianity was like the highest degree of crime. But one day, a friend of his invited him to a Christian healing service and, Adamu, out of curiosity, gave it a serious thought. “I was very curious to go,” he recalled. “Those who came with their crutches started abandoning them and were screaming and shouting, ‘I am healed! I am healed!’ That shook my idea about Jesus Christ that He’s just one of the prophets. That day, I accepted Him as my Lord and my personal Saviour.”

The inquisitiveness and unrelenting effort, which the Queen of Sheba exhibited while seeking Solomon’s fame and how he gave honour to the Lord, as our text discloses, should form the fulcrum of the genuine Christian’s love for Christ. The stories she heard about Solomon’s wisdom and wealth, to her, were not enough. So, she sought a firsthand experience. She travelled a very long distance, notwithstanding the stress and discomfort on the way, to visit Solomon. Eventually, she found out the truth and praised God, who made Solomon king.

On arrival, she presented her gifts to Solomon, who equally gave her great presents. You need to hand your sins of hatred, wickedness, lies, backbiting, gossips, fornication, adultery, and idolatry to the Lord and obtain His gift of forgiveness.

What efforts are you making to fully consecrate, know and serve the Lord better than ever? Has little discomforts lessened your love for God? Christ acknowledges such sacrificial efforts with reference to the Queen of Sheba. “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” No sacrifice is too much in seeking and receiving the fullness of Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 80 - 84

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: To find God, seek Him diligently with the whole heart.

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TOPIC: Jesus Makes The Difference

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

TEXT: HEBREWS 9:1-10

Key Verse: “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing” (Hebrews 9:.

Today’s reading clearly establishes a world of difference between life without Christ and life with Him as the Dispenser of grace. It is the difference between the old covenant God had with the children of Israel and the new one He has established with those washed by the Blood of Jesus through repentance and faith in His Son.

The first covenant had “ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary... in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make (the priest) that did the service perfect...” (Hebrews 9:1,9). Whereas the high priest was strictly forbidden to enter the holy of holies (the presence of God) except in the yearly Day of Atonement, Christ’s death and resurrection have opened up unimpeded access to the throne of grace.

Why there was restricted access to God then was to prepare the minds of worshippers for the fulfillment of the promise of the better covenant that was to come through our Lord Jesus Christ. This was accomplished when Jesus Christ died as the final Sacrifice for sin. This is the import of the Cross at Calvary which symbolizes the new covenant. The first one was a shadow of what believers in Jesus Christ are enjoying today. Now we have unhindered access to the throne of grace, not because of our work or ability to keep the law to God’s satisfaction but by the great work accomplished by God through Jesus on the tree of Calvary.

The marvel here is this, long before God unveils any programme, He would first cast its shadow so that the discerning followers of His works would have an orderly and perfect understanding of His ways. God is a God of order who does nothing haphazardly. There are no coincidences with Him. He plans and watches over His works for a full and perfect implementation (Jeremiah 1:12).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 85-88

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You must have Christ to stand out from the crowd.

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TOPIC: Jesus Makes The Difference

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

TEXT: HEBREWS 9:1-10

Key Verse: “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing” (Hebrews 9:8 ).

Today’s reading clearly establishes a world of difference between life without Christ and life with Him as the Dispenser of grace. It is the difference between the old covenant God had with the children of Israel and the new one He has established with those washed by the Blood of Jesus through repentance and faith in His Son.

The first covenant had “ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary... in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make (the priest) that did the service perfect...” (Hebrews 9:1,9). Whereas the high priest was strictly forbidden to enter the holy of holies (the presence of God) except in the yearly Day of Atonement, Christ’s death and resurrection have opened up unimpeded access to the throne of grace.

Why there was restricted access to God then was to prepare the minds of worshippers for the fulfillment of the promise of the better covenant that was to come through our Lord Jesus Christ. This was accomplished when Jesus Christ died as the final Sacrifice for sin. This is the import of the Cross at Calvary which symbolizes the new covenant. The first one was a shadow of what believers in Jesus Christ are enjoying today. Now we have unhindered access to the throne of grace, not because of our work or ability to keep the law to God’s satisfaction but by the great work accomplished by God through Jesus on the tree of Calvary.

The marvel here is this, long before God unveils any programme, He would first cast its shadow so that the discerning followers of His works would have an orderly and perfect understanding of His ways. God is a God of order who does nothing haphazardly. There are no coincidences with Him. He plans and watches over His works for a full and perfect implementation (Jeremiah 1:12).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 85-88

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You must have Christ to stand out from the crowd.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

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TOPIC: Jesus Makes The Difference

Wednesday, April 15, 2015
TEXT: HEBREWS 9:1-10

Key Verse: “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing” (Hebrews 9:.

Today’s reading clearly establishes a world of difference between life without Christ and life with Him as the Dispenser of grace. It is the difference between the old covenant God had with the children of Israel and the new one He has established with those washed by the Blood of Jesus through repentance and faith in His Son.

The first covenant had “ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary... in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make (the priest) that did the service perfect...” (Hebrews 9:1,9). Whereas the high priest was strictly forbidden to enter the holy of holies (the presence of God) except in the yearly Day of Atonement, Christ’s death and resurrection have opened up unimpeded access to the throne of grace.

Why there was restricted access to God then was to prepare the minds of worshippers for the fulfillment of the promise of the better covenant that was to come through our Lord Jesus Christ. This was accomplished when Jesus Christ died as the final Sacrifice for sin. This is the import of the Cross at Calvary which symbolizes the new covenant. The first one was a shadow of what believers in Jesus Christ are enjoying today. Now we have unhindered access to the throne of grace, not because of our work or ability to keep the law to God’s satisfaction but by the great work accomplished by God through Jesus on the tree of Calvary.

The marvel here is this, long before God unveils any programme, He would first cast its shadow so that the discerning followers of His works would have an orderly and perfect understanding of His ways. God is a God of order who does nothing haphazardly. There are no coincidences with Him. He plans and watches over His works for a full and perfect implementation (Jeremiah 1:12).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 85-88

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You must have Christ to stand out from the crowd.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

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TOPIC: Human Depravity

Friday, May 1, 2015

TEXT: GENESIS 4:8-24

Key Verse: “And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10).

The burdensome consequences of the fall of man in Eden are beginning to show in the offspring of Adam and Eve in our text today. Cain offered an unacceptable fruit of the ground. He became angry as God accepted that of Abel, his brother, namely “the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.” He was embittered with Abel and killed him, committing the first recorded murder in the Bible.

We learn of another “first” among the early descendants: “And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.” He became the first to reject God’s ordained principle of monogamy (Genesis 2:18). Bequeathed moral corruption is steadily revealing itself through the Edenic fall.

God’s punishment on Cain demonstrates the Creator’s unmatched concern for those who suffer because of their commitment to righteousness. Their persecution is known to God. He will act on their behalf to redress the injustice done to them.

If the blood of Abel could so move God to bring judgment upon the slayer, the precious blood of Jesus, the Son of God, would cause God to do immeasurable more for those who trust in the power of the blood (Hebrews 12:24).

When “Cain went out from the presence of the LORD”, he and his descendants established another “first”: they became the experimental parents of human civilization cut off from God. Rather than humble himself in godly sorrow, Cain, like all unrepentant sinners sought to be independent, refusing to submit to the Almighty.

The sinner should retrace his steps and penitently make his way back to God by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour in order to escape imminent judgment from heaven.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 10 - 11

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God saves the sinner only through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

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TOPIC: He Is Ever Present

Saturday, May 02, 2015

TEXT: NUMBERS 10:1-10

Key Verse: “And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies” (Numbers 10:9).

Several years lay ahead of the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai as they journeyed to the Promised Land. They were savouring thirteen months of freedom from hundreds of years of bondage in Egypt. God saw the years ahead and what they would be encountering in the hands of the enemies in the territories they would be passing through.

So, in our passage today, God is revealed as directing them on how to call for assembly of worship, assembly to meet their leaders and assembly to go to war. Moses was directed to make “two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece... that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps” (Numbers 10:2).

This arrangement was to ensure order and unity in their midst. No one or group was expected to form a gathering away from the main congregation. Movement from one location to another must be done as one united body so that organizing them could be done under one authority. This would allow Moses to impart God’s word under one umbrella, with no risk of different camps emerging where false and personal doctrines might creep in to destabilise the faith of the people.

God will help His people when they are in trouble and they call on Him to intervene. He will give them His grace and protection. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers..., when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2). Trust God. His promises are yea and amen in Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 12 - 13

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Draw close to God in prayers; and He will move on your behalf.

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TOPIC: Character Of A Christian

Sunday, May 03, 2015

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:1-6

Key Verse: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

John Hill Aughey, one of the notable gospel ministers, said: “Holiness consists of three things separation from sin, dedication to God, transformation into Christ’s image. It is in vain that we talk about the last, unless we know something experimentally about the first.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in today’s text, pointed out some salient issues about Christian conducts. When a great multitude followed Him, He went to the mountain, where He taught them what they should know about true fellowship with God, which obviously would make them enjoy life on earth and in heaven.

Remarkably, Jesus pointed out that nobody would be able to make heaven without being poor in spirit. Heavenly-minded people should not be haughty, but be humble and lowly. They must acknowledge their spiritual wretchedness, bewail their guilt and thirst after God. For those who mourn for their poor spiritual state, Jesus assured that they will be comforted and filled with happiness. Their godly sorrow would enable them have true repentance, become watchful of everything they do and continue to depend on God wholeheartedly.

Jesus equally taught of the benefit of meekness, pointing out that those who quietly submit to God and bear all insults patiently would inherit the kingdom of God. Those who are meek would always live peaceably with everybody. These teachings of our Lord are still relevant to us today. Our desires of spiritual blessings must be earnest. At every moment, we should be friendly with everyone, not being proud or feel that we know more than others.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 14

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Nothing so clearly discovers a spiritual man as his treatment of an erring brother.

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TOPIC: The Lord Knows

Monday, May 04, 2015

TEXT: JUDGES 13:1-7

Key Verse: “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son” (Judges 13:3).

When we are assaulted with diverse trials and temptations, and we hope for divine intervention in our situation, we are not allowed to take our arguments to man or try to seek relief in strange places, for the God we serve knows about our needs in details and is willing to help us.

Our text reveals divine knowledge of the delayed hope of childbearing afflicting the family of Manoah. “Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not…” This bit of personal information about Manoah’s wife announced by the mouth of a “stranger” must have come to her with doubt and a sudden shock. But we need not be surprised. God is aware of all that we go through. Our cries and secret prayers are heard by Him. He also knows the reproaches of enemies against each of His children.

Our God has great compassion for people who wait on Him. Though, our wait for Him may seem long, He will surely answer and comfort us. The angel of the Lord that came to Manoah’s barren wife showed sympathy but also gave a blessing – “…thou shalt conceive, and bear a son”. It may appear that the desired answer is long awaited; but when it comes, it will not only soothe our pain, it will also give us a future blessing, joy and hope.

As we wait for our promised blessings which must surely come at God’s appointed time, we need to separate ourselves from all sin and impurities so that we may receive the blessing. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 15 - 16

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He cares for you.

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TOPIC: Wanted: Burden Bearers

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

TEXT: EZRA 9:5-15

Key Verse: “And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens” (Ezra 9:6).

John Calvin, an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation, stated: “Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own. To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them.”

Ezra, a prophet of God, never disobeyed the Lord. In humility, he went before Him for the Jews, praying as if he was involved in their sin. He was deeply sad about the sin of his people, which, he said, had swept over them like a flood that could reach up to the heavens. He noted that the Jews had lived in sin all through their history, which was why their enemies defeated them, killing some and making slaves out of others.

Ezra acknowledged that notwithstanding God’s kindness to the Jews, they still did not obey His laws. As the former owners of Canaan were not obedient to God, doing wicked things, God told the Jews to completely separate themselves from these other nations and not to marry them. Yet, the Jews did not obey Him. They did the same things, which their forefathers did. Ezra knew that they had no excuse for their actions.

Today, the same situation still befalls many Christians. Some have completely enmeshed themselves in sin, paying little regard to God’s feelings. God sent Jesus, His only begotten Son, to rescue us from our sin. Yet, not many people have utilised this great opportunity. You can only have a right relationship with Him when you live within the framework of His commandment. There is still an opportunity today. If you turn to Him with a humble and sincere attitude, He will forgive you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 17 - 18

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Greatness is measured in terms of selfless service rendered to others.

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TOPIC: Compassion And Action

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

TEXT: MARK 8:1-3

Key Verse: “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat” (Mark 8:2).

Passion and compassion are admirable qualities that can help a person accomplish great things in life. But without action, passion turns lame and compassion becomes feeble. Compassion and passion must lead to action before they can bear useful fruits. The Good Samaritan did not earn his reputation by merely nursing compassion but by the actions that backed his compassion (Luke 10:33-35).

In today’s text, Christ had compassion on the multitude of people that were with Him without food for three days. These were the common people who were hungry for the teaching of Christ and followed Him in the wilderness, listening to him. He was considerate about their situation because if He should dismiss them without food, “they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.” His compassion was not passive. He put action behind it even if it meant doing what was humanly impossible. He fed the four thousand people miraculously by multiplying the only available seven loaves of bread and handful of fish before dismissing the assembly.

Christ was concerned, not only for their spiritual welfare but also for their physical well-being. Often, in our bid to spiritually cater for the teeming multitudes of the unsaved people in our communities, we overlook the other aspects of their well-being. But Christ’s teaching and examples show that love, kindness, consideration and compassion go hand-in-hand with the gospel.

You may not multiply loaves of bread – it may not even be necessary to do so. But you can multiply the love and compassion of Christ. If He lives in you, do not hold back the compassion He desires you extend to the people around you. Back this noble feeling with concrete action.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 19 - 20

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You are not truly moved with compassion if it doesn’t move you into action.

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TOPIC: Words Of Peace And Truth

"Thursday, May 07, 2015"

*TEXT: ESTHER 9:29-32*

*"Key Verse: “And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth” (Esther 9:30)."*

Truth actually had the final word in the case of the Jews under the Persian Emperor, Ahasuerus. Powerful Haman, the archenemy of the Jews, had maliciously plotted their complete massacre for no just cause. He succeeded in getting the signature of the emperor on the wicked decree that he drafted and had it circulated throughout the land. Thousands of Jew-hating people were ready to execute the decree before the Jews, through divine intervention, had the decree overturned. The king ordered the execution of Haman on the same gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, the Jew. A new decree was written and circulated, empowering the Jews to defend themselves against their aggressors on the appointed date of the planned massacre. Thus did the Jews eliminate their enemies throughout the land.
The turn of events that led to the deliverance of the Jews also brought Mordecai to a dignified position in the government of Ahasuerus. In their official capacities, Queen Esther and Mordecai wrote yet another decree to confirm the observation of Purim among the Jews. Although this was an authoritative letter, it contained only words of peace and truth. The first decree that was issued by Haman based on falsehood and malice brought terror and hopelessness; this one based on truth, brought peace and joy.
The gospel, indeed, the whole Scripture, is about words of peace and truth. Satan, the enemy of our soul, would rather have us confined to eternal damnation; but Christ Jesus, the embodiment of truth came to set us free. Those who acknowledge and appropriate this truth are set free and enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 21 - 22*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If your ways please God, he turns your enemy’s decrease to your increase."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: God Will Take Control

"Friday, May 08, 2015"

*TEXT: ISAIAH 4:1-6*

"*Key Verse: “And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain” (Isaiah 4:6).*"
The Scripture affirms that this world with its filth and depravity will not last. God, Who created it will reclaim it and wash it clean for Himself and His people. It will start with the Church and later the whole world.
This is the focus of today’s meditation. For a long time, the women of Zion had walked their own way, away from the teachings of God. They were given to “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). They looked for immorality and thought only of their selfish interests, showing no concern for holiness or for the poor and the oppressed. They steeped themselves in the fashion of the day, spending heavily on the things that perish with no regard to their spiritual development. The ornaments they put on made an irritating noise in the ears of the Almighty.
But God said He would eventually step in through the Messiah, Who is referred to as the Branch in verse two: “In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel”.
God will uproot the evil in the world by washing “away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning” (verse 4).
He will create for Himself a Holy place fit for a holy God and His holy saints. The power of God would put an end to all defilement such that nothing unclean will dwell there. God’s glory will then hover above His people. It will be a place of impregnable refuge for all the saints of God.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 23 - 24*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is preparing an Eternal refuge for believers in Christ."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: The Compassionate Touch

"Saturday, May 09, 2015"

*TEXT: LUKE 5:12-16*

*"Key Verse: “And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean.” (Luke 5:12,13a)."*
A palm-wine tapper was witnessed to by a local pastor for years to no avail. He would not receive the gospel nor come to church. No, not even on the Lord’s day. He esteemed the gain from his infamous trade more highly than the souls of many promising young men now turned drunkards in the small village; no thanks to the cheap liquor that was his stock-in-trade. He fell off a tall palm-tree as he went up to collect the product one Sunday morning and came down with injury to his spine. Doctors pronounced his case to be hopeless. In hospital, he sent for the village pastor whose preaching he had spurned these many years. The pastor arrived immediately, prayed for him and rallied church members round him in an intense prayer meeting for his recovery. Three days later, doctors said he got better. About six weeks later, he was ready to go home. Christ had touched his soul and healed his pain not minding his shameful past.
The leper in our text must have heard of the ministry of Jesus for he knew He had power to heal him. However, he was not sure Jesus would be willing to touch him, probably because of his putrefying sores. He was ignorant of the intense love, mercy and compassion of Jesus. Being humbled by his hopeless situation, he pleaded and cried out to Jesus for help: “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make meclean.”
The response from Jesus is ever so reassuring – “I will”. That is Christ’s same answer to us whenever we turn to Him for help in our distressed, helpless state. He will never turn away those who penitently come to Him though they be untouchable sinners or diseased fellows. Jesus is a compassionate and loving God. When you are suffering, remember that He feels your pain with you.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 25 - 26*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Lord’s love and compassion are without parallel."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: Who Am I?

"Sunday, May 10, 2015"

*TEXT: EXODUS 3:11-22*

"*Key Verse: “And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).*"
Hudson Taylor was scheduled to speak at a large Presbyterian church in Melbourne, Australia. The moderator of the service introduced the missionary in eloquent and glowing terms. He told the congregation all that Taylor had accomplished in China, and then presented him as “our illustrious guest.” Taylor stood quietly for a moment, then opened his message by saying, “Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.”
There are times when we hesitate to do God’s will because of feelings of inadequacy. Moses, in today’s text, felt so inadequate to lead the children of Israel that he offered several excuses to God. He was such a humble man who saw himself not up to the task of bringing Israel out of Egypt. But God had found His man in Moses; therefore, He assured him and persuaded him to accept the task. God not only reminded Moses of His covenantal promise to Abraham, but used the name “I AM” to teach him about His unchanging nature. This is because a right concept of God is essential to serving Him with proper perspective. Moses was soon ready to undertake the task. The scepter of Egypt which he had stood to inherit was replaced with the staff of a simple shepherd. The self-appointed vigilante who had slain an Egyptian taskmaster had, over the space of four decades, become the meekest man on the face of the earth.
We may have at one time acted rashly and took laws into our hands in our zeal to carry out our self appointed tasks in the vineyard of God. Trying to do the work of God ourselves without His mandate is not a very practical plan and God is definitely not in it. But the Lord will qualify us for the task ahead if we truly and sincerely seek Him, with the mind-set to serve on His terms only.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 27 - 29*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: True servants of God are groomed in the furnace of affliction."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: Will The Lord Be Pleased?

"Monday, May 11, 2015

"*TEXT: LEVITICUS 10:12-20*

*"Key Verse: “And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD... and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?” (Leviticus 10:19)."*
When pleasing the Lord is our main motive in Christian service, then we would always be concerned with the way the Lord feels about our service. Many people do things without thinking of how the Lord feels about them. They do not seem to be bothered about how God views their actions and services. They feel okay if they are satisfied with their actions and have the supporting approval of others. But if we are conscious of the fact that the Lord takes interest in all that we do, we will render a more acceptable service to Him.
Moses in our text was surprised when he found out that Aaron, the high priest, did not eat the sin offering as it was his duty to do. The response of Aaron to this gives us a very challenging and instructive lesson. He did not just want to carry on with duty for the sake of it. He was concerned with rendering acceptable service before the Lord. At this point, he grieved over the death of his two sons whom God had brought instant judgment upon because they offered a strange fire before the Lord. Aaron’s action was not to protest the death of his sons. He just felt that with what had happened that day, carrying on with religious duty may not please the Lord.
The primary focus of Christian living and service should be to please the Lord. There is no point trying to carry on a spiritual duty when we sense that such service at such a time will not be acceptable before the Lord. If we realize that the state of our hearts disqualifies us from giving unto the Lord holy and acceptable service, it is better to suspend such a service and get our hearts right before the Lord. Don’t just carry on with duty because you want to satisfy yourself or those who have appointed you. Focus on pleasing the Lord alone.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 30 - 31*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Let pleasing the Lord be your daily desire."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: A Righteous Indignation

"Tuesday, May 12, 2015"

*TEXT: JOHN 2:17-25*

"*Key Verse: “And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17).*"
In the earlier portion of the chapter, we saw the extent to which the Lord went against those desecrating the holy temple of His Father. Christ had to take exception to such desecration as a mark of the extent of His pain to what the unbelieving Jews were doing. They left where they ought to sell doves and oxen, or the appropriate places to do their moneychanging business and invaded the temple of God. Of course, Jesus could not tolerate such excesses. He had to practically whip the dealers out of the place.
The seventeenth verse must be considered most instructive to all saints, for it reveals how a true believer in Christ can and should go to protect the sanctity of the true worship of God when it faces the threat of being profaned by unbelievers. We saw a similar zeal in the life of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, when he could not behold the evil of a fellow Israelite. While the whole congregation was weeping over the anger of God determined against them as a result of their whoredom, one of them brought in a Midianitish woman and still had the courage to wade through the crowd and went in to commit evil. Phinehas went after him and the woman and killed them both with a javelin. Commending Phinehas, God said: “He was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy” (Numbers 25:11).
Believers must not tolerate sin and must speak out against sin no matter who is involved. A believer who sits still when God’s name is being blasphemed is not a worthy ambassador.
Your action when unbelievers are taking the name of God in vain shows who you really are. And your attitude to iniquities being committed right under your nose truly declares how fluorescent your light is and how tasty your salt is.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 SAMUEL 1- 3*
"*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Stand-up for God in every situation and be on the side of righteousness.*"
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
*
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TOPIC: Refuse To Compromise

"Wednesday, April 13, 2015"

*TEXT: GENESIS 21:22-34*

*"Key Verse: “And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest” (Genesis 21:22)."*
Nearly ten years ago, it was estimated that 200 million Christians worldwide were being persecuted for their unflinching stand for Jesus Christ and Holiness. It was reported that they were denied their rights and entitlements as citizens for refusing to compromise with sin.
Why does the world hate us Christians when we love them and preach salvation and the love of God to them? Jesus told us the reason. “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light” (John 3:20). “...The world hateth them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).
But in midst of this hostility, God still protects and blesses those who are faithful to Him, those who decide that come what may, they would not give up their trust in Jesus Christ. As God shields His people and gives them the grace to remain steadfast in holiness and selfless service in the ministry, He opens the eyes of their adversaries to see the blessedness in the lives of the persecuted Christians.
It was the case with Abraham, the believer’s forerunner in faith. The patriarch had been subjected to maltreatment by the heathen king Abimelech and his servants in the land of Gerar (Genesis 20). They took his wife and his well. After these setbacks, however, Abraham began to enjoy a period of great divine visitation during which he got his wife, Sarah, back. She conceived in old age to give him the promised child, Isaac. He had also become prosperous suggesting that indeed God was behind his successes.
Christians should not fret when there is persecution. Instead, they should rest on God’s unchanging promises (Joshua 1:5).
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 SAMUEL 4 - 6*
*"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Trust His promise never to forsake the true believer."*
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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TOPIC: Wealth Without Christ

"Thursday, May 14, 2015"

*TEXT: PSALM 49:15-20*

"*Key Verse: “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me...” (Psalm 49:15).*"
He had everything going for him; wealth and riches as a result of enormous proceeds from his bountiful harvest. He thought of what to do and decided to pull down his subsisting barns to build a greater one that could house all his fruits and goods. Then he said, “I will say to my soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry.” He evidently had no thought for the God of the harvest. Little wonder “God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee...”.
Our text is one of the Psalms written, not to give praise, but rather to instruct and to lay bare the vanities of earthly riches. The rich and the poor have one thing in common: at death, they leave behind all they own here on earth. Many people today are engaged in the rat-race for wealth and some acquire it at the expense of their souls. At the time of death, many would wish they had invested less on earth and more in heaven.
Wealth invested here on earth would soon be corrupted by moth and rust; thieves and robbers would also break in and steal. It is futile to trust in riches that have a transitory nature. One whose life consists only of abundance of possessions, worldly pleasures and fame, has chosen to spend eternity in misery, weeping and utter damnation.
It becomes instructive then that as you read this, you will recognise the need to make up your mind to live for God, invest more in His kingdom and boast no more of your earthly riches. As believers, we are enjoined to rise above the ungodly pursuit of wealth and fret not at the prosperity of the wicked.
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 SAMUEL 7 - 8*
"*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We brought nothing into the world, we will take nothing out.*"
*Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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