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

*DATE:* FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* IN GOD ALONE!

*TEXT:* ISAIAH 46: 1-13

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

46:1. Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; Their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages [were] heavily loaded, A burden to the weary [beast.]
46:2. They stoop, they bow down together; They could not deliver the burden, But have themselves gone into captivity.
46:3. " Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, Who have been upheld [by Me] from birth, Who have been carried from the womb:
46:4. Even to [your] old age, I [am] He, And [even] to gray hairs I will carry [you!] I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver [you.]
46:5. " To whom will you liken Me, and make [Me] equal And compare Me, that we should be alike?
46:6. They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship.
46:7. They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though [one] cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble.
46:8. " Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors.
46:9. Remember the former things of old, For I [am] God, and [there is] no other; [I am] God, and [there is] none like Me,
46:10. Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times [things] that are not [yet] done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'
46:11. Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken [it;] I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed [it;] I will also do it.
46:12. " Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who [are] far from righteousness:
46:13. I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.

*MESSAGE:*

One of the-most fundamental desires in our hearts always is the desire for security. However, we choose to look at it physically, spiritually, materially, economically or emotionally. We always have this deep desire to always feel secured. Our passage today juxtaposes between two different communities of peoples: Bel and Nebo on one hand, and God's people on the other. Bel and Nebo tend to idolise and put their trust in things, such as their “beasts and livestock.” Beasts and livestock here represent the riches, achievements and successes the world could offer. Unfortunately for them, a time came, when they and their idols crumbled together and went into captivity (v.2).

Our human achievements can only afford us limited security, because they are not meant to guarantee security for us, only God can. God alone has the capacity to sustain us from the first to the last of our breath. When you put your trust in things or in people or in any form of spiritual powers, they will all disappoint you. God alone has the power to guarantee security for you from your conception to old age. The Scriptures say, _“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm"_ (Psalm 20:7-. Trust in the Lord!

*PRAYER:*
Lord, be my security and protect me from all evil. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will strengthen your inner being by the power of My Spirit."_ *Ephesians 3:16*

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

*DATE:* SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* GOD RESISTS THE PROUD

*TEXT:* ISAIAH 47: 1-15

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

47:1. "Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; Sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called Tender and delicate.
47:2. Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers.
47:3. Your unclothedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man."
47:4. [As for] our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts [is] His name, The Holy One of Israel.
47:5. " Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; For you shall no longer be called The Lady of Kingdoms.
47:6. I was angry with My people; I have profaned My inheritance, And given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy; On the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily.
47:7. And you said, 'I shall be a lady forever,' [So] that you did not take these [things] to heart, Nor remember the latter end of them.
47:8. " Therefore hear this now, [you who are] given to pleasures, Who dwell securely, Who say in your heart, 'I [am,] and [there is] no one else besides me; I shall not sit [as] a widow, Nor shall I know the loss of children';
47:9. But these two [things] shall come to you In a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness Because of the multitude of your sorceries, For the great abundance of your enchantments.
47:10. "For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, 'No one sees me'; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, 'I [am,] and [there is] no one else besides me.'
47:11. Therefore evil shall come upon you; You shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall upon you; You will not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, [Which] you shall not know.
47:12. " Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth -- Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail.
47:13. You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, [And] the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.
47:14. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; [It shall] not [be] a coal to be warmed by, [Nor] a fire to sit before!
47:15. Thus shall they be to you With whom you have labored, Your merchants from your youth; They shall wander each one to his quarter. No one shall save you.

MESSAGE:

Babylon has always stood as a symbol of wickedness, pride and arrogance. The Babylonian Empire had, at the time of Prophet Isaiah, attended an enviable height in many forms of human achievements. The people had become so successful that they began to feel they were “untouchable” and “unmovable.” They said to themselves: “I am, and there is no one besides me; I shall not sit as a widow or know the loss of children” (v.. They were a people full of themselves. They had no regard for God. They felt secured in their wickedness and in their much sorcery, and they felt on top of the world (v.10). Such people put their whole trust in themselves, their positions and possessions. They forgot that “... God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

God rewarded the proud, arrogant and wicked Babylon. God is able to strip the wicked of their false confidence and security. God said to the wicked, proud and arrogant Babylon, “These two things shall come upon you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood... in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments” (v.9). You need to trust in the Lord alone, with all your heart (Prov. 3:5-6), and God's security will be yours.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, establish me in Your humility and Righteousness. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"Cast your burdens on Me and I will look after you."_ *Psalm 55:22*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-24

🎯TOPIC: FEAR NOT!


✝️TEXT: Luke 2:1-14(NKJV)
2:1. And it came to pass in those days [that] a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2:2. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
2:3. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
2:4. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
2:5. to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
2:6. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
2:7. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
2:10. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
2:11. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
2:12. "And this [will be] the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
2:13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
2:14. "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

✝️🗒️ STUDY:There are two very important events ahead of us in the coming few days. The first is Christmas, which we will be celebrated tomorrow, if Christ tarries. Christmas symbolises the fact that God came to us in human form. This news is the greatest news the human ear has ever heard! What makes this news great is that God does not wait for us to come seeking for Him, rather He chose, in Jesus Christ, to come searching for us. This is the first reason why we do not need to be afraid, as the angels said to the shepherds in the field. Our fear rises when we are overwhelmed by the sins we commit and the guilt that bedevils us. In other words, we become afraid when we lose sight of the mercies and grace of God. But the news of Christmas is the news of God's grace: we do not need to be afraid! God has come, in Christ, to save us from our sins, if we come to Him in repentance and faith.
The second event is the coming new year, 2024, ahead of us. None of us knows what lies ahead. The unknown is capable of causing anxiety and fear. But we do not need to be afraid, because we serve a God who holds the coming year in his hand!

✝️🙏PRAYER: Lord, I entrust myself completely to You.

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-25
(Christmas Day)

🎯TOPIC: HIS LIFE GIVES LIGHT



✝️TEXT: John 1:1-14(NKJV)
1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1:2. He was in the beginning with God.
1:3. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
1:4. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
1:5. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
1:6. There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John.
1:7. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
1:8. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light.
1:9. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
1:10. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
1:11. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
1:12. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
1:13. who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1:14. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.


✝️🗒️ STUDY:There is a life that gives light to men, and that life can only be found in Jesus Christ. That life can never be found anywhere else or in anyone else. This also is the good news of Christmas: That Jesus came so that you can find the life that gives light: “... I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). When you have Jesus in your life, you have abundant life, but without Jesus, you can only exist. The life that is in Jesus gives direction and true purpose for living. It is only in Jesus that you get to know God's true plans and purposes for your life. In other words, the presence of Jesus in your life illuminates and gives you perfect understanding ofGod's will for your life.
Of equal importance is the fact that without Jesus, you lose your true identity, you lose that sense of who you really are and what your worth really is. It is only in Jesus that you gain back your identity and self-worth. To put it even clearer: Life in Christ puts you in your right place, as the son or daughter of God (v.12). That is why Jesus came: To put us back in our rightful place, with God as our Father! Merry Christmas!!!

✝️🙏PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life that we have in Jesus.

*THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA

_(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* TUESDAY 26TH DECEMBER, 2023 _*{St. Stephen's / Boxing Day}*_
*THEME:* COURAGE TO TESTIFY ABOUT CHRIST

*TEXT:* ACTS 7: 54-60

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

7:54. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with [their] teeth.
7:55. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
7:56. and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
7:57. Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;
7:58. and they cast [him] out of the city and stoned [him.] And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
7:59. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on [God] and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
7:60. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

*MESSAGE:*

Stephen was selected as a deacon together with others, to serve meals. He was described as _“a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”_ (Acts 6:5). In our passage today, he is still _“full of the Holy Spirit”_ (v.55). Through the influence of the Holy Spirit, Stephen found his true calling as he was faithfully and humbly serving and distributing food within the Christian community. His humble service soon became a powerful ministry.

When the Spirit of God is at work in your life, it will not matter where you are; the ministry of the gospel can still flourish through you. Though Deacon Stephen suffered, and died for his faith and witness, his death created ripple effects to the advantage of the gospel. Shortly after Stephen was killed, persecutions broke out which scattered the early
Christians in many directions, but this also worked to the advantage of the gospel (Acts 8:4). Shortly after (and also connected to Stephen's death), Saul found himself on the road to Damascus where he encountered Jesus, and Christianity never remained the same after that. The sufferings of God's saints never go in vain! Whatever you go through in life under the power of the Holy Spirit, God is able to turn it to the advantage of His kingdom. Trust in the Lord in all circumstances and be courageous!

*PRAYER:*
Holy Spirit, empower me to bear witness for Christ courageously. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"Nothing in all creation will ever separate you from My love."_ *Romans 8:35-39*

*THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA

_(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* FOCUSSED AND PURPOSEFUL

*TEXT:* JOHN 12: 20-33

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

12:20. Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.
12:21. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."
12:22. Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
12:23. But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.
12:24. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
12:25. "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
12:26. "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him [My] Father will honor.
12:27. " Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
12:28. "Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, [saying,] "I have both glorified [it] and will glorify [it] again."
12:29. Therefore the people who stood by and heard [it] said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him."
12:30. Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.
12:31. "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
12:32. "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all [peoples] to Myself."
12:33. This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

*MESSAGE:*

Today, Christianity comprises of almost two billion people in the world and this is only possible as a result of Jesus' life and ministry amongst men. If Jesus had failed in His ministry, Christianity would have been dead. The secret of Jesus' success was His sense of focus and purpose. First, Jesus knew exactly what He was on earth for: To obtain salvation for man. He was not confused about the purpose for His being. If He were, He would have diverted His attention to the pursuit of other things, such as fame, glory and wealth.

However, many Christians are thoroughly confused, lacking any kind of knowledge of who they are and why they are here. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” (Hosea 4:6). Knowledge is power! Moreover, Jesus was focused on pursuing what He knew He was here for. It was not easy but He did not allow the pain and the shame to deter Him. No wonder He became prosperous and highly rewarded (Phil. 2:9-11). His soul was troubled (v.27), yet He remained focused on doing the will of the Father and glorifying the Father alone. You must do whatever God entrusts to you with an utmost sense of purpose and focus. The two most needed ingredients for success in life is purpose and focus.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, show me Your purpose for my life and help me remain focused. _*Amen*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"My Son has made you to be a kingdom of priests to be with Me forever."_ *Revelation 1:5-6*

*THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL.* CHURCH OF NIGERIA

_(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)_

*DATE:* SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER, 2023 *THEME:* WHOEVER HAS THE SON

*TEXT:* JOHN 3: 31-36

*BIBLE READING* (NKJV)

3:31. "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
3:32. "And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.
3:33. "He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.
3:34. "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
3:35. "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
3:36. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

*MESSAGE:*

Many have said that the two most important questions God will ask each person on the Judgment Day are:
(1) What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?
(2) What did you do with the life I gave you to live on earth?
Whether or not God will eventually put His questions this way, we cannot know for sure until we finally stand before Him. What is absolutely clear from our reading today, however, is that there is an absolute connection between faith and belief in Jesus Christ and the issue of eternal life. John clearly says “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life...” (v.36). If you are not saved, then you must put your faith in Jesus Christ today, because He is the only Way to life (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).

The second issue to be settled is what you do with your life here on earth. When you have Christ in your life, you have life in abundance (John 10:10). This abundant life, is for you to enjoy right from now, because of God's grace. But it is also a life to extend to others around you. Permit people around you to come drink from the fountain of life that flows from you. Jesus paid the price to give you that life. You also must joyfully and willingly extend that life to others.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, may Your abundant life flow through me to others. _*Amen.*_

*QUOTE OF THE DAY:*
God says

_"I will guide you to the very end, for I will be your God forever."___ *Psalm 48:14*

✝️📗DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
Date: 2023-Dec-31
(First Sunday after Christmas)


🎯TOPIC: COSTLY ASSUMPTIONS


✝️TEXT: Luke 2:41-52(NKJV)
2:41. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
2:42. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
2:43. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know [it;]
2:44. but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among [their] relatives and acquaintances.
2:45. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
2:46. Now so it was [that] after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
2:47. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
2:48. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
2:49. And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
2:50. But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
2:51. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
2:52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

✝️🗒️ STUDY: It is always better to be sure than to assume! We can learn a lot of lessons from Mary and Joseph in today's passage. After the festival, they set out on the long journey back home without so much as making sure that Jesus was indeed with them in the journey. They only found out much later, after three whole days, that Jesus was missing from their lives. Their assumption cost them many days of delay, energy and resources as they went back looking for Jesus. Many in the Church today are in the same way living on assumptions. Many of us assume that because we are gifted and talented, we have Jesus.
Are you making such assumption because you can pray in tongues, or because you were born and raised as a Christian, or because you have been serving in Church leadership for many years? Assuming that you have Jesus in your life and vocation based only on any of these credentials, is indeed a costly assumption. Not all who profess the name of Jesus will enter the Kingdom of God, but only those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ and also spend their lives doing His will (see Matthew 7:21-23). As we enter the New Year tomorrow, do not just assume that you have Jesus. Make sure His presence is with you!

✝️🙏 PRAYER: Lord, please enable me to know Your will and to do it always.